New to rifles-want a 308 bolt action..

[dwenslen]

I am new to rifles, been shooting handguns a long time. Want to start deer hunting on family land next season (shots within 250m). I want a 308 bolt action rifle. have always heard good things about the remington 700 series. especially the LTR's and Police rifles. a but pricey, probably more than i need, but cool.
also looked at the savage rifles...appear to offer a good bit for the money.

anyone out there with experience/guidence with these two rifles?

cheers,
Derek

 

[The Sensei]

.308 Bolt action rifle...?

I have the Rem 700 LTR and absolutely love it. Put a Weaver V16 on it and a Timney trigger and am shooting less than 1/2MOA (meaning less than 1/2" groups at 100 yards).

Probably overkill for normal hunting but I really like the precision this rifle affords. My vote is to get a Rem 700 although you will get a number of responses on this board in favor of the Savage. Both are excellent rifles and you won't go wrong with either. Savage does offer a lot for the $$.

S.

 

[Bacchus]

Remington 700 all the way--the adl has a fixed magazine while the bdl has a removeable one.

 

[308win]

I have a 700BDL with the 5R barrel. It is a shooter but it isn't a rifle you want to lug around in the woods all day unless you are Charles Atlas.

Get a BDL with a 20-22" sporter barrel and you will have all the gun you need. If your shots are all under 250 yds get yourself a 4X weaver and you will be set for not a lot of money.

 

[seeker_two]

Now that deer season is over in most areas, you can find great deals on used .308 rifles like Remington 700's, Winchester 70's, Savage's, & other good rifles (some with scopes already mounted.)

Find one in good condition that you like & try it out. Lot less expensive than going new, and it'll make a good trade later down the road...

 

[Dave R]

I have the budget 700 ADL. And it shoots MOA out of the box. Occasional cloverleafs. What's not to like?

OTOH, I've got the jones for a Tikka T3. Check 'em out.

There are many good options--Win, Ruger, Savage, Howa, CZ, etc. I've always liked Art's advice. Buy the one that fits you best.

 

[dakotasin]

i'd advise you to stay away from heavy barrel guns for hunting purposes - you will know what i mean after you've been lugging the beast around all day, even if you are on family land and always close to the truck, toting a heavy gun gets old. that is why there is such a market for light guns (rem mountain rifle, rem ti, etc etc etc).

highly reccomend you go w/ one flavor or another of the rem 700 - price dictating what you wind up w/. then, put a quality scope on it. don't overlook the rem model 7, either.

 

[Art Eatman]

If a rifle fits: You can mount it to your shoulder with your eyes closed; when you open your eyes you should be looking through the sights or scope. If you have to move your head to get a proper sight picture, the stock isn't right for you. (Same deal holds for shotguns, where the fit is even more important.)

A "sporter weight" package (rifle, sling, scope and ammo) oughta total out around 8 to 8.5 pounds. After age 60, my 9.5-lb "Pet Rifle" started to become ever more fatiguing by the end of a day's walking-hunting.

For typical deer hunting and within 250 yards, a 4X scope is quite adequate. I happen to like the Leupold line of scopes; my overall preference is the 3x9x40. Personally, I'd go with the VX-1. In a blind, the 5X to 9X settings can be helpful. Sneaky-snaking around, the 3X setting is best.

The common trajectory for 150-grain bullets works well if you sight in for 2" high at 100 yards; this puts you pretty much dead on at 200 and 6" low at 300. For "close" range and on out to 250 yards, just "Point it and pull."

Art

 

[badgerrr]

If you are going to be actually killing things, in the field, with this rifle....I recommend the Savage over the Remington. If for no other reason - Safety position.

Field conditions often create split second situations. A quick, accurate, smooth, mount&fire of the weapon is paramount. The tang safety of the Savage bolt action family is a natural. It's quick. The Remington safety position has always struck me as awkward. It can cost you a second or two, exactly at the time, when a second or two can cost you the shot.

Yup.....I recommend Savage.

 

[Art Eatman]

badgerrr, I guess it's all in what you're used to. I rarely use any safety; I walk with the bolt-handle up. That's never caused me any problems in a "snap shoot" situation. It's just all one motion, closing the bolt as I bring the rifle to my shoulder.

 

[Lee F]

Listen to Art, the fit of the rifle is the most important feature. I have two Remingtons and two Savages and either of them will make fine deer rifles.

Now if you think you will ever want to "grow" with this rifle into other shooting sports go with the Remington. Savage is coming on strong but the accessories and after market options for the Remington outnumber the Savage 10 to 1 (ratio is based on opinion).

 

[dakotasin]

art- your philosophy on the safety reflects my own - i don't use the safety. i posted that publically once, and boy, was i ripped from one end to the other, back again, and then started in on the other side!

my feeling is, why trust sometheing mechanical (and therefore prone to failure) to do something as important as prevent a gun from discharging? if the bolt handle is up, all accidental discharges have been stopped cold. but, like i said, i've posted that before and was publically tarred and feathered...

 

[dadman]

Savage.
If hunting and/or doing a lot of walking, get the light barrel. The 1110FP's have the heavy barrel. I suppose the heavy barrel would be ok if shooting from a rest or stand. Also consider getting a heavy barrel fluted.

 

[badgerrr]

Bolt up, you say? Interesting suggestion. I'll have to experiment with this carry style. This could prove VERY handy for me when Elk Hunting with my Mark X Alaskan. It has a Remington style safety - I've been cussing it for years.

Do you carry bolt-up most ALL the time in the field? Or do you lock down the bolt and engage the safety when slung over the back or when negotiating brushy area?

 

[dbshabo]

Do yourself a favor and find a Tikka dealer near you. The Whitetail Hunter model, and it's replacement, the T3 I think it is are very, very nice hunting rifles. Trigger as good as the Savage AccuTrigger, a buttery smooth action, and quite accurate with good ammo.

Shabo