[45R]

I had to opportunity this weekend to shoot one of the forum member's 308 rifles. The guys felt that I did well, 1" group at 100 yards out of 3 shots. I had so much fun shooting the rifle I want one of my own now. I am a regular to pistols and know nothing about rifles.

Criterea:
Bolt action
Accurate out to 500 yards. (that way it gives me a platform to build on)
Easy maintenace
Aftermarket parts


Which 308 should I get an why. Remember this rifle will be for a newbie.

TIA

45R

[Gordon]

Well I normally reccomend Remington 700 or model 7 as both will do to 500 yds bedded and tuned trigger with 3x9 burris or Leupold scope. HOWEVER the local gun shop is selling Tikka's with black stock for $399 with 2 mags and I dont think the triggers need anything that you cant do and they look bedded allready and MAN are they smooth and fit (me ) well. I havent seen an inaccurate scandinavian made gun yet. Good luck.:)

[Art Eatman]

Almost any modern bolt-action will get to one MOA for three shots. If not, very little "tweaking" is needed to make it so.

The most important thing is the fit of the stock. You should be able to mount the rifle to your shoulder with your eyes closed, and when you open them, the sights are aligned. (Either iron or scope.) After that, it's all aesthetics--your notions of "good looks", not mine. :)

My personal opinion is that a rifle should generally follow the KISS Principle.

By and large, I'd recommend the Leupold scopes. So far, my experience shows me they're good for 30 or 40 years...Most quality scopes are, as well. Weaver and Kollmorgen come to mind, also.

:), Art

[Kahr carrier]

I would get a Remington 700 PSS in 308. I noticed you also reside in the PRK if you are in the SF Bay Area Trader Sports run these on sale for $699.00 quite often.:)

[twoblink]

What kind of budget are we talking about? I mean, a Sako or Weatherby fits that nicely, but will burn a hole so big in your wallet it's not funny. If course, if we are talking a "small 30 year loan" then a Blazer R93.

Otherwise, I have a Mauser 98 in .308, which I love. I don't know if it's quite MOA, as I'm not.. but in Runt's hands, it's very accurate..

[Rick R]

Do you want it to be man portable or crew served? Seriously, the rifles like the Remington PSS will be more accurate than you are for a long time, but there are light weight hunting style rifles that are capable of shooting very well. Heavier rifles recoil less but they're not fun to carry afield.

Decide what YOU want to do with your rifle and what you like the looks of. I'm more apt to buy a Ruger bolt gun due to personal taste, knowing that they're often not as accurate as the Remington and that aftermarket support is much less.

I do like the fact that my Ruger 77 International in .308 works exactly like my 77/22 in .22 lr., which works exactly like my 77 VTR in 7mm-08 (and they all kinda sorta work like my Winchester 70 FWT in 7mm-08).

I second Art's suggestion for the Leupold scopes, buying one now is a lifetime investment as opposed to all the grief you'll get with a string of bargain scope purchases that'll cost more than the good scope in the long run.

YMMV

Rick

[HSMITH]

Savage heavy barreled rifle, either a tactical model or one of the varmint types. With the savings you can buy some glass worthy of the rifle. You may get one as good, but you are going to look long and hard to beat one in the accuracy department.

[Marshall]

What brand of rifle was the Forum members you shot and enjoyed so much?

[45R]

It was a Savage Model :) Just doing the research to see what else is out there.


45R

[Zak Smith]

Here are some suggestions:

CZ 550 American
Sig-Sauer 202 (alsoa lightweight version available)
Kimber 84M
Sako Hunter
Sako Finnlight (lightweight)

-z

[Shalako]

I'd have to agree with Art's comments about the feel of the stock. I've had some experience with the rifle 45R tried out (:cool: ) and it was not as comfy until I added the Sharp Shooter Supply varmint stock. The thing that came with my 10fp could scarcely be called a stock (flimsy action holder at best). The SSS stock has a beefy palm swell and nice beavertail fore end. But, at an added $250, you might be best off going with the Rem PSS and the HS Precision stock it comes with for about the same price as my set up.

I went with Savage because the initial startup cost was more in my price range.


-Shalako

[Marshall]

I am with Zac on the Kimber 84M! That hand rubbed oil finish in a classic design is downright beautiful IMO. At sub-6lbs and available chambered in .308, it will be my next bolt action rifle! Too bad it's not one of those $500.00 and under rifles. Oh well, good things take longer but, they eventually do come.

Kimber 84M (http://www.kimberamerica.com/model84m.htm)

[diyj98]

Don't forget Tikka. I've got a .308 Tikka that's a tack driver.

[45R]

Okay I have my sights set on a Remington 700 PSS now :)

Thanks for all the advice!!!


Shalako its all your fault!!!! :cuss: Now I have a new addition. If it wasnt you, I have a feeling that Sactown would have done it anyways!!! Thanks for letting me shot your toys! We are going to plan another shot in about 2-3 weeks. Let me know if you want to go. :)

45R

[WalkerTexasRanger]

If liking the Rem, take a look for the 700 VS as well. Little less expensive, same action as the PSS, but with a HS precision stock instead. 1 MOA even with me behind the scope.

I have one with a Leupold M1 scope, its a nice rig...

Probably as many aftermarket parts out there for Rem as any other manuf.

[Shalako]

Count me in 45R!

I just need to track down some more 175gr Sierra Matchkings and I'm set. Ol Sactown's probably got some nifty rifles as well.
See ya,

Shalako

[Gewehr98]

There's also the 700LTR, with a shorter fluted barrel and slimmed-down stock. Still an outstanding shooter for a box-stock gun!;)

[clarkins]

try the new model 700 vtr this gun is unreal, it is extremely accurate. picked mine up for $674.19

[Zak Smith]

Everyone look at the dates please.

[Bazooka Joe71]

Ha, I'm guessing he has made his decision by now.:p

[clarkins]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the 22/250 AI, if so what types of powder have you found that work well?

[ReadyontheRight]

Be sure to check out the CZ 550 varmint. It has a set trigger, heavy barrel, mauser-style extracter and a great overall feel.

[ReadyontheRight]

Everyone look at the dates please.

HA!

Well - still a good question and good answers. Maybe he'll give us a range report.