[SoDFW Jason]

I'm am considering putting together a mid to long range "tackdriver" in .308. Anyone have any suggestions what platform to start with in the $400-$500 range?

[Steve Smith]

Wallyworld Weatherby

Savage short action

Tikka

Used Rem 700 or good old 40X

[Smoke]

I'd suggest the Remington. Lots of things can be done as needed. You don't have to buy the high end Remingtons if you're just looking for a platform to expand on.

[cratz2]

With a $500 budget for a heave barrel rifle, you're probably either going to get a new Savage or a used something else.

The Savages are good, accurate rifles. Junky stocks unless you ante up for the laminated wood stock but I think the stock Savages are bulky. The synthetic is good enough to get you started, you can always replace it later as funds allow. Old triggers range from crappy to not to bad. Some can be cleaned up easily by a prudent tinkerer, some still end up crappy. You can replace that too and the new ones are supposed to be excellent but I have not tried them so I can't comment.

I've had about seven heavy barrel Savages and they were all very accurate, certainly accurate enough to start out with. There is a large aftermarket for Savages such as triggers, stocks, drop in barrels etc...

On the other hand, for a little more cash up front, you could try to find a used Remington 700 VS, Winchester Stealth, Winchester HVB. $40 for a trigger job and you should be all set.

[Quintin Likely]

Savage 10FP. Yes, the trigger is kinda heavy, but that can be fixed, yes, the original stock sucks, but otherwise its a fine weapon for the price. McMillian makes several nice synthetic stocks for the Savage short action, Choate makes a couple too. A new 10FP with the Accu-Trigger shouldn't run you anymore than $450-500.