If you actually want to compete, you have to figure out which class your going to compete in since there are weight and caliber restrictions. On a budget of 1500, your basically looking at a stock gun with a minimal scope unless you buy used. A 1500 budget isnt much at all in this world even for a used rifle without a scope. Figure that at a minimum you need to buy the following. rifle scope scope rings scope base You could always try and find someone with an old rem 700 for dirt cheap and buy it for the action only, then take the action to a quality gunsmith, pick what caliber you want to shoot, and have them put on an krieger,hart, lija, broughton, etc barrel, and true the action/bolt. You also have to make sure that your within your weight limits and caliber restrictions for the class you want to compete in. Honestly from what youve said, I would say go grab a Rem700 308, Savage 308, or a .260 and just go learn and you will figure it out. If you actually want to be competitive up front, I think youre going to have a tough time with a 1500 budget. Just remember a rifle that shoots .5MOA groups at 100 yards doesnt mean it will shoot .5MOA groups at 600 yards. Thats the big difference between stock and custom rigs. Ive shot them all and luckily get to shoot with the world record holder for best 5 shot group at 1000 yards. (He owns the range I shoot long range at - cool guy)