Back to the OP's question - I was in your exact same place about 5 years ago. Here's what I started with - Savage 10T .308 ($500), 20 MOA EGW scope base ($35), Vortex HST 6-24 ($450), Seekins rings ($120) and my handloads (about $17 per box). Today the rifle is still seeing a lot of use, but I've replaced the factory Accutrigger with a Timney and the Vortex has been replaced by a Nightforce. I've also threaded the barrel and added a brake.

If I were starting out today, my rifle choices would be in order
Tikka CTR
Ruger RPR (if you don't mind a chassis style rifle)
Savage 10T-SR
Bergara HMR

First choice in caliber would be 6.5 CM, second .308, third .260 Rem but only if you handload.

Scope choice would be Nightforce. I've got an ATACR, NXS and SHV and all three perform flawlessly. I would recommend the NXS or ATACR if you're planning to go beyond 1000 yards.

I'm not trying to pick fights or cause drama. But since you posted up your arsenal and have some custom rifles, I think you would agree that an Academy special is not going to out shoot your custom rifles when you put each rifle through it's paces, especially based on a few rounds shot. There's a lot of smack talk the few weeks leading up to some of our local shooting matches. Guys talking about 1/2 moa groups and posting up, what I call "Internet groups". When you get in the field and start shooting, those 1/2 moa rifles become 2+ moa rifles real quick. I'm a precision shooter and I shoot and test hundreds of rifles per year. I see all kinds, factory, semi custom, and full custom builds. So, saying that an Academy special will out shoot a custom is "internet group" talk.

I don’t disagree with what your sayin at all, my point is when you can buy something straight out of the store and it shoots well out of the box it is a good starting place. I know that most factory guns won’t hang in there for strings of 10-15 in most cases. I know my custom guns only shoot these bug hole groups for about 15 shots before they need cleaned again. I’ve shot several matches in benchrest, 600 yard clays, and the poker chip matches out at Spanish fort everything I’ve shot in competition is been from a bench and between relays cleaned. I personally would like to do some of the prs shooting and plan on starting really soon I’ve been working on a load for the rifle I intend on shooting, but I’ll also say I’m a good $3500 into that rifle so far.

For a start a heavy barreled tika, Remington, Savage, bergera is a good start some of these are cheaper than others and for most people getting started when they see say $700 for a scope it lets the air out of their sails. To me or you anything under say $1,000 for a scope is budget stuff and some work well but in the end you get what you pay for.

I like to see people get hooked on it, and enjoy shooting and that’s what it’s about. I have no doubt that lots of people out there post a bunch of BS.. I’m not one of those guys, I intend on coming to some of these events that happen on this forum, unfortunately my work schedule hasn’t allowed for it. I hope to give you all a run for your money too! Which undoubtedly is gonna be a tough statement.

I apologize to the OP I was a tad under the weather yesterday and was feeling trolly.

My first statement is still what I think though a Tikka CTR in 6.5CM and nice glass and let it rip.

No worries lol was quite the entertainment 🤣😂 I'll be looking into those options I am leaning towards the tikka, and for a scope i wanna wait and see what the best glass I could get for my budget, or maybe financing or something so it doesnt hurt the wallet all at once idk might just wait and start a piggy bank for it 🤣 I understand why quality means alot with precision shooting but again hurts to let the money go, definitely not gonna get scared away by it tho, just might take some time to actually build the gun up

I did the CTR/decent glass setup and it rocks for what it is. If I were starting over, I'd look at the Tikka Varmint. You get a heavier barrel (albeit non-threaded) at the expense of only a 5 rd mag, but for a couple hundred $ less than a CTR. For glass, look at the Bushnell DMR 3.5-21. Several reticles to choose from and you can find them used for ~$800 or less. Complete package less than $1500 if you shop around and if you choose to sell you wouldn't lose much at all. There are also some used Bushnell Elite Tacticals, 6-24x50, selling for $450-650. I have one and while not a NF the glass is very good and the turrets have functioned well.

eddie4529, ask Jason to let you look through his scopes. He has one of the SWFA scopes like mine. You can get better scopes for sure but for the $, this scope is hard to beat. Checkout Samplelist, sometimes they have a demo for cheaper. They have lifetime warranty. I paid $850 for mine.

https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-hd-5-20x50-tactical-30mm-riflescope-3.html?___SID=U

Sounds like you already have some reloading equipment so you are ahead already but be prepared to look back 6-12 months from now and realize you have $3k in this. I'm not saying that's what you need to spend but it sure is easy to do. I wish you the best and recommend hooking up with FiremanJG for a class.

Are we going to see this at the next match? I've seen your fingers and if that's any indication as to shape of that toe, it's as wide as it is long. Does it get stuck in the trigger guard? Anywho, if you can hit a piece of plywood at 10 yards, I'll buy you a bottle of whatever you were drinking when you wrote this comment.

I like this...make that 2 bottles.

I will add a case of white claw...

Tikka CTR and a good scope. I would look at .
Leupold Mark 5 HD
Burris XTR ii or the new XTR iii
Or if you're budget is bigger than mine
Nightforce
Schmidt &Bender