308, which one

I know that you want what you want, but I feel compelled to question your logic. I just don't see the sense in getting a rifle that is more geared toward hunting, when you're going to be spending most of your time target shooting.

In any case, when I first got into bolt guns, I was in the same situation that you are. I wanted a target rifle that wouldn't be too much to deal with if I wanted to hunt with it. What I settled on was a Remington SPS Tactical with a 20" heavy barrel. It did very well on the range, but wasn't so big and heavy that taking it out in the field was out of the question.

If I was shopping for an over the counter rifle these days, I'd be looking at Remington, Savage and Tikka. Pick your poison.

The advantage that the Remington has is that there is a big aftermarket for them in terms of parts. Savages are also popular and the aftermarket is also pretty big. Tikkas are pretty well known for their out of the box refinement, but the aftermarket is lacking.

I wouldn't worry too much about accuracy. They all shoot well, unless you get one that has something wrong with it.

For what it's worth, now that some time has passed, my range rifle is now based on a Remington 700 action and wears a 26" heavy varmint profile barrel. I just picked up a cheap rifle to go hunting with. For me, you don't need much more than a Marlin 30/30 to hunt with.

What is your budget?

I'd be looking at the offerings from Winchester. I have the Extreme Weather in 308. Mine is a tack driver. I did replace the stock with a McMillan to lose 1/2 lb of weight, but it is not bad in the factory stock.

bolt or semi? Browning BAR/Winchester SX AR/FN AR all shoot about 1 MOA.

just about evrybody makes a rifle in .308, bolt action would be the best though the AR type is gathering a following. one of my favorite .308s is an M1A standard, aint cheap also an old model 788 that is a tackdriver. all depends on your budget and if you want money left over for optics. one the low price/quality would be Savage/Stevens or Weatherby Vanguard, mid range is so many like Ruger M77,Tikka, Winchester 70 and Remngton 700 to name a few on the high end, just depends on how deep your pockets are and how bad you want one. a decision you got to make.

I just bought a Bushmaster Optics Ready AR in .308, after reading several reviews of the rifle. I am primarily a hunter of Deer/Hog/Varmits, but do plink a lot on my backyard range. It's a very handy rifle and can put out some firepower if needed. For plinking I bought some .308 140 gr Soft Point Silver Bear, from Cheaper than Dirt, for $8.89 a box of 20. 500 rounds should last awhile, and they are ok to shoot at my steel targets too.

Savage 10 FCM Scout. Iron sights, can scope either scout or typical format. Detachable magazine as well if that's important. Can slay Bambi, Wile E Coyote or paper targets as need be.

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/models/ (look under Law Enforcement models)

Tho' Rugers new gunsite scout is an intriguing little beast as well. Flash hider is kinda... well, there it is.

I have a Ruger (old model - tang safety) 77 RSI in 308. It's one of my all time favorite rifles.

I've seen them for sale from time to time for ~$500. While that might seem a bit pricey, I believe it'd be worth ever cent and then some if I was looking for one.

I'd just get a Howa or Weatherby and a high end scope.

two options given your criteria

Jeepmor - for what you are wanting two rifles come to mind-particularly the wood stock variety.

A) is the CZ 550 and here is why. CZ actually laps the barrels (less break in- less fouling) and supplies rings for the rifle which are a cost savings. The advantage it has over, say a Ruger that also supplies rings, is it has a single set trigger. Click it forward with your thumb when target shooting and you get a hairweight target trigger. First time you shoot it the thing will shock you it went off- but by shot 3 or 4 you are wearing a big smile. This can really help your groups. Mine breaks nice and crisp and is about perfect for hunting when not in set mode as well -so a kind of nice two-in-one. They come with decelerator recoil pads which, along with traditional old school overall weight soaks up recoil very nicely. These are more pleasant to shoot than say a Tikka which is nice - but very light and completely different.

B) would be a nice Weatherby if you can find it in 308. I just put together a 270 Weatherby for a friend and its slender feel pleasantly surprised me. I discovered those stocks really, really, absorb recoil and found his to be an extremely attractive rifle - whereas before I was sort of...meh... really like 'em now.

308= lots of choices but given your description I thought these might fit the bill nicely especially for extended range shooting you do. Both have the added plus of barrels over 22" long ( 23.6" and 24" respectively). Not cumbersome and very nice at keeping muzzle blast, flash, and flip down. All adding up to more pleasant shooting.

For a keeper and something to prize, I would be looking for about a 30 year old Remington 700 BDL Varmint Special.

Dick's Sporting Goods has some that Remington made for them. They are 700 ADL Varmint, and on sale for $449 after rebate. I bought one, put in a Jewell trigger with safety, and a Choate stock.

It's hard to beat for the money, especially if you are planning on a new trigger and stock anyway. I prefer the blind magazine for hunting, and load one at a time on the range. The barrel is heavier than a standard, but on the light side of varmint barrels. It also came with a basic 4-12x40 scope - probably a rebadged Banner.

If you don't want to do upgrades, the CZ is a fine choice.

Since you're selling guns to fund this one, I would look for something that's reliable and economical instead of going all out. Then you won't have to sell as much.
Look at the new Ruger Americans. I've been drooling over one because they're so lightweight and they look great. Bud's has a great price on them.

those Ruger Americans have a high resemblance to the Finn made Tikkas.....almost identical, cant see anything too American there.

Saiga .308

SAKO!!!!

TexasPatriot.308 said:

those Ruger Americans have a high resemblance to the Finn made Tikkas.....almost identical, cant see anything too American there.

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They're uncomfortable too.

those Ruger Americans have a high resemblance to the Finn made Tikkas.....almost identical, cant see anything too American there.

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I was merely pointing out that it is a very reasonably priced rifle from an extremely reputable company. I didn't name the rifle.
I agree with you in post #7 about the Weatherby Vanguard being a good low cost/high quality rifle. I've got one and it was a hell of a bargain at $390 brand new.

They're uncomfortable too.

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That would be a matter of personal preference. I've never handled one myself, they may be uncomfortable to me too. I don't know yet.

Here is the basic rifle breakdown.
Savage: Highly accurate with worked up handloads and usualy shoot REALLY good with at leased one type of factory ammo, but not good with all, this is a well earned reputation I have seen myself over and over again. They are HIGHLY tweekable and often require no machining or gunsmith assistance.
Tikka/Sako: not nearly as tweekable as the Savages but are a little easier to work up loads for, and more types of factory ammo work exceptionally well. More refined then any other, silky smooth reliable action, crisp grit free adjustable trigger, and a quality fiber/matrix synthetic stock (not cheap mold injected like most others) Last trip to the range my bone stock Tikka T3 Stainless pulled a 1/12th MOA group at 100yds with an experimental handload, this is top shelf performance in a featherweight rifle.
Remington: AVOID the new ones especaly the 770, they are piss poor in my experence, an older 700 is a high quality rifle that is nearly as accurate and tweekable as a Savage but you should free float the barrel if you are going to do alot of back to back shooting otherwise you will likely get a little vertical stringing.
Browning: They don't get much internet hype but both their A-Bolt and X-Bolt are very accurate out of the box shooters, though they are not as tweekable as the Savage or Remington. I also like that they offer the A-Bolt for people who like a traditional sporter and the X-bolt for those who like an ultra modern rifle.
Weatherby: Strongest production action on the planet and accuracy to match sadly there is little aftermarket for them. Factory stock may feel a bit bulky for some.
Winchester: The "new" pre-64 style action is catching on more each day, I don't have any hands on with it (since I cannot find a Sporter model ANYWHERE) but range reports are good and overall owner reviews are A+. Aftermarket is still a bit soft but growing each day.
TC: Sub MOA guarantee, and lifetime warranty, nuf said While I have yet to see Savage/Tikka level groups I have seen many at 1/2 MOA with handloads which is more accurate then 99% of us shoot in the field, myself included.
Mossberg: I have been steering clear of these rifles, the synthetic stock is amonst the worst in the buisness, and accuracy while acceptable for hunting is sub-par for what I like to shoot at the range, still better then the 770 though.
Marlin: I bought one of the early XS-7s in 308 and it performed beautifully for a budget rifle grouping bulk steel case FMJs under an inch, and better loads noticeably tighter. My only issue with it was it felt really cheap and left me wanting more despite it's good overall performance. That was prior to CCM barf buying out Marlin so I cannot vouch for them now.
Hope that helps

I absolutely love stalking other people's questions and reading your answers!

Thanks Kachok for the breakdown.

Johnny, I've heard bad things about the Saiga: can't recall off the top of my head what they were, and since I've never shot one...but it seems there is a subculture built around them. Why do you like Saigas so much?

Arkansas Paul said:

I was merely pointing out that it is a very reasonably priced rifle from an extremely reputable company. I didn't name the rifle.
I agree with you in post #7 about the Weatherby Vanguard being a good low cost/high quality rifle. I've got one and it was a hell of a bargain at $390 brand new.




That would be a matter of personal preference. I've never handled one myself, they may be uncomfortable to me too. I don't know yet.

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Personal, yes. They are slick in all the wrong places too...not so personal.

ExAgoradzo said:

I absolutely love stalking other people's questions and reading your answers!

Thanks Kachok for the breakdown.

Johnny, I've heard bad things about the Saiga: can't recall off the top of my head what they were, and since I've never shot one...but it seems there is a subculture built around them. Why do you like Saigas so much?

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The only Saiga I've owned is a 7.62x39. It is great. I love it.