I am looking for my first long range rifle. I would like to eventually be able to shoot targets in the 1000 to 1200 meter range, but for now the longest range that I have access to is 600 meters. I am going through the Sniper101 series. I am currently at episode 65. I have severe arthritis, so I have selected the 7mm-08 cartridge to take advantage of the light recoil. I would like to start with a budget friendly rifle - $800 to $1,200 range for just the rifle. Most of the high ballistic coefficient bullets in the 160 gr to 168 gr range state the optimal twist rate as 1:9 or faster, or 1:8.5 or faster, or 1:8 or faster. Most of the rifles in my price range come with 22” barrels with 1:9.5 twist. Remington has a couple 700’s with 24” barrels with 1:9.25 twist. Kimber has a couple of rifles with 22” barrels with 1:9 twist. Ruger Americans are all 22” and 1:9.5 twist except on a dealer exclusive model that has a 1:8 twist. I have not been able to locate one of the dealer exclusive models yet. So my question is will any of these off-the-shelf rifles work well enough? From a price and availability standpoint, the Remington 700 looks good. Is the 1:9.25 twist rate good enough?
