I'm looking to buy a rifle in 308. I really want an ar 10 but they are so expensive I've been thinking about a bolt action instead. Figured I'd come here and get some thoughts about it. Which would you chose. Requirements are it must have a detachable mag with at least a 5 rd capacity, must be easy to mount optics, light weight as this rifle with be a shtf type setup ( I don't own stuff I wouldn't use in a fight), must be easy to clean, and must be able to get extra parts. I know that's a lot of musts but if I'm spending the money I want something I won't find reasons to dislike. I've been looking at the Remington 700's. I'm not extremely knowledgable in bolt actions. I'm also interested in semi autos like the m1 with an ebr stock if the price is cheap enough. If I'm going to spend 2500 dollars I'll buy the ar 10.
Need help buying a 308 rifle
- Thread starter G.barnes
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W L Johnson
Member
You can get decent AR-10 type rifles for half that.
LAGS
Member
@ G.barnes
Look at the Savage 10 and 110 with the detachable magazines.
Look at the Savage 10 and 110 with the detachable magazines.
Poper
Member
Here's one you may want to consider. Street price is generally $700 to $800.
Currently on Gunbroker: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=384316000
Hope this helps.
Poper
henschman
Member
I would look at the Spanish FR-8. It is basically a K98 that has been factory re-barreled to 7.62 NATO. I got one and turned it into the below posted setup.
It takes stripper clips, which I greatly prefer to detachable mags for this type of rifle. They are much cheaper and take up less weight in your gear, but are just about as fast to reload from. Think about how many detachable 5 or 10 round mags you would have to carry in order to have a full combat load, and how much weight and bulk that would involve. If you are going to go with a bolt gun, it is a lot easier to carry it on stripper clips... which would be why just about every bolt action battle rifle ever fielded used them.
For the optics mount, I put an XS Scout mount on it. It is pictured with an Aimpoint mounted. I really like this setup -- it is fast, reliable, and co-witnessed with the irons. The stock is an aftermarket Fajen... I wanted synthetic so it would be weatherproof and so I could hack and drill on it for my sling mounts and whatnot without messing up the factory wood. I put the whole thing together for under $400, not including the optic.
As far as easy to clean goes... hell, it's a K98... As far as parts go... see my previous answer.
It takes stripper clips, which I greatly prefer to detachable mags for this type of rifle. They are much cheaper and take up less weight in your gear, but are just about as fast to reload from. Think about how many detachable 5 or 10 round mags you would have to carry in order to have a full combat load, and how much weight and bulk that would involve. If you are going to go with a bolt gun, it is a lot easier to carry it on stripper clips... which would be why just about every bolt action battle rifle ever fielded used them.
For the optics mount, I put an XS Scout mount on it. It is pictured with an Aimpoint mounted. I really like this setup -- it is fast, reliable, and co-witnessed with the irons. The stock is an aftermarket Fajen... I wanted synthetic so it would be weatherproof and so I could hack and drill on it for my sling mounts and whatnot without messing up the factory wood. I put the whole thing together for under $400, not including the optic.
As far as easy to clean goes... hell, it's a K98... As far as parts go... see my previous answer.
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billymarr
Member
Saiga 308 is a nice rifle too.
jakk280rem
Member
New M&P10 for $1200?
I was in the same boat as you, with the exception that I have a few M14/M1A types already.
I started out looking at bolt action rifles like the Ruger GSR, but ended up going with their SR762 instead.
It utilizes a 2 stage adjustable piston gas system, and I'm happy with it so far.
The GSR costs roughly half as much as the SR762, but I prefer semiautomatics over bolt actions for use as an all around rifle.
The SR762 weighs in at 8.6 lbs with an OAL of 34.75 inches out to 38 inches depending on where you like to adjust the 6 position adjustable stock. ( Not too bad considering that it sports a med weight fluted bbl.)
The GSR weighs out at around 1 lbs less in weight, and has an adjustable spacer type laminate stock.
While both have 1-10 twist 16in tubes with threaded muzzles, the SR762 barrel is chrome lined, as well as the piston, chamber and BCG.
I also preferred the iron sights that came with the SR, and the rifle sold with 3 20rd mags, front sight adjustment tool, Houge pistol grip, 2 sections of rail, 3 rubber hg grip covers, and a decent little soft case.
The SR sports a monolithic flat top upper, so optics mounting is easy, versatile, and wont interfere with the rear sight assembly, as it folds down out of the way along with the front sight assembly. ( I don't have a need for rails at the 3/6/9 0clock position, and like the design of the handguard. The 2 sections of rail that come with it is a nice feature if one does have the need however.)
The SR762 is super simple and easy to clean. ( I wont go back to a DGI system again.....lol) Then again, the GSR aint all that complicated to maintain either.
Things I don't much care for:
The flash hider is about useless, and it's only nice feature is that it protects the rifle's threads as well as the crown from possible damage. It appears that the GSR utilizes the same type.
It's black. (Not a big fan of the E.B.R. club)
The trigger could have been a tad better out of the box, but it is getting better now that I have used it. ( 220rds along with dry fire drills.)
Unlike my M14's, this one may be hard to get certain spare parts for.
Just like M14 spare parts, I typically turn them into "spare" rifles..... so if this rifle turns out to be a keeper, I'll most likely buy another...... or in this case......another complete upper when Ruger gets around to selling them as they did with their SR556.
The lower receiver uses commonly found components as far as I can tell at this time.
FWIW......... I don't plan on getting into gun fights with any personally owned firearms, but if no other alternative presented itself...... I would much rather have a magazine fed semiautomatic rifle over any other type out there.
Another FWIW here, but if you really want an AR10 type, then get one. I tried to settle for less in the past, but it just aint worth it. Get what you really want the first time.
Mine(SR762) ran quite a bit less than $2500 NIB, so you should have around 750 bucks left over to spend on optics, rings, a sling, and a decent muzzle brake or flash hider.
http://www.ruger.com/products/sr762/features.html#
I started out looking at bolt action rifles like the Ruger GSR, but ended up going with their SR762 instead.
It utilizes a 2 stage adjustable piston gas system, and I'm happy with it so far.
The GSR costs roughly half as much as the SR762, but I prefer semiautomatics over bolt actions for use as an all around rifle.
The SR762 weighs in at 8.6 lbs with an OAL of 34.75 inches out to 38 inches depending on where you like to adjust the 6 position adjustable stock. ( Not too bad considering that it sports a med weight fluted bbl.)
The GSR weighs out at around 1 lbs less in weight, and has an adjustable spacer type laminate stock.
While both have 1-10 twist 16in tubes with threaded muzzles, the SR762 barrel is chrome lined, as well as the piston, chamber and BCG.
I also preferred the iron sights that came with the SR, and the rifle sold with 3 20rd mags, front sight adjustment tool, Houge pistol grip, 2 sections of rail, 3 rubber hg grip covers, and a decent little soft case.
The SR sports a monolithic flat top upper, so optics mounting is easy, versatile, and wont interfere with the rear sight assembly, as it folds down out of the way along with the front sight assembly. ( I don't have a need for rails at the 3/6/9 0clock position, and like the design of the handguard. The 2 sections of rail that come with it is a nice feature if one does have the need however.)
The SR762 is super simple and easy to clean. ( I wont go back to a DGI system again.....lol) Then again, the GSR aint all that complicated to maintain either.
Things I don't much care for:
The flash hider is about useless, and it's only nice feature is that it protects the rifle's threads as well as the crown from possible damage. It appears that the GSR utilizes the same type.
It's black. (Not a big fan of the E.B.R. club)
The trigger could have been a tad better out of the box, but it is getting better now that I have used it. ( 220rds along with dry fire drills.)
Unlike my M14's, this one may be hard to get certain spare parts for.
Just like M14 spare parts, I typically turn them into "spare" rifles..... so if this rifle turns out to be a keeper, I'll most likely buy another...... or in this case......another complete upper when Ruger gets around to selling them as they did with their SR556.
The lower receiver uses commonly found components as far as I can tell at this time.
FWIW......... I don't plan on getting into gun fights with any personally owned firearms, but if no other alternative presented itself...... I would much rather have a magazine fed semiautomatic rifle over any other type out there.
Another FWIW here, but if you really want an AR10 type, then get one. I tried to settle for less in the past, but it just aint worth it. Get what you really want the first time.
Mine(SR762) ran quite a bit less than $2500 NIB, so you should have around 750 bucks left over to spend on optics, rings, a sling, and a decent muzzle brake or flash hider.
http://www.ruger.com/products/sr762/features.html#
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First need to narrow it down to semi auto or bolt. Seems like you want a semi auto more of defensive firearm.
The SW is about the best price going for a quality gun and great customer service.
Heck even Jeff likes it (he likes everything but is really great guy
)
I never read one of his articles were he said it was the "best" he ever tested.
http://www.gunblast.com/SW-MP10.htm
I kinda like the Ruger for the stuff included but the trigger is a bit heavy (per Jeff)
http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-SR762.htm
The SW is about the best price going for a quality gun and great customer service.
Heck even Jeff likes it (he likes everything but is really great guy
)I never read one of his articles were he said it was the "best" he ever tested.
http://www.gunblast.com/SW-MP10.htm
I kinda like the Ruger for the stuff included but the trigger is a bit heavy (per Jeff)
http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-SR762.htm
I have an ar 15 for close defensive reasons. So it's not extremely important if its semi or bolt. I'm looking for something that reaches out. I was looking at a sig 716 or ruger sr7.62. The cheaper the rifle the more I have for an optic thats why I was considering a remington 700. I wasn't going to pay 2500 for an ar 10 I was just using that as an example. I don't want to buy a thousand dollar gun and then buy an 800 dollar chassis to put it in. Thank you guys for the great answers.
Acera
Member
Remember that you are also talking about two different calibers. The .308 is not the same as a 7.62 NATO round. The civilian round is a higher pressure round and head-spaces differently. Generally you can safely fire a 7.62 in a .308 just not the other way around.
Some semi-auto makers make and market their rifles to fire both. Something to consider when looking.
Some semi-auto makers make and market their rifles to fire both. Something to consider when looking.
Sock Puppet
Member
I suggest taking a hard look at the FNAR. Great rifle!
G.barnes:
If your referring to the M14 EBR ( Enhanced battle rifle) chassis, then I would agree with you.
They are ridiculous in cost and are over rated for the amount that they sell for IMO.
Especially when one can achieve the same accuracy via the use of a 40 dollar M14 GI synthetic stock.
I haven't put any glass on mine as of yet. (SR762)
Having too much fun with the rifle's Samson iron sights as of now.
After handling an HK 416 patrol, it came down to the little things for me, as the 416 compared to the SR762 was a very close toss up.
The Ruger just "felt" a tad better in my mitts..... and it felt a bit better balanced in hand. I don't need a lot of rails, and preferred the SR's handguard.
If your referring to the M14 EBR ( Enhanced battle rifle) chassis, then I would agree with you.
They are ridiculous in cost and are over rated for the amount that they sell for IMO.
Especially when one can achieve the same accuracy via the use of a 40 dollar M14 GI synthetic stock.
I haven't put any glass on mine as of yet. (SR762)
Having too much fun with the rifle's Samson iron sights as of now.
After handling an HK 416 patrol, it came down to the little things for me, as the 416 compared to the SR762 was a very close toss up.
The Ruger just "felt" a tad better in my mitts..... and it felt a bit better balanced in hand. I don't need a lot of rails, and preferred the SR's handguard.
NCdrummer
Member
Tikka
Tikka T3 Lite. Best value around in bolt action hunting rifles. Very accurate, very light, very well made, and not expensive.
Tikka T3 Lite. Best value around in bolt action hunting rifles. Very accurate, very light, very well made, and not expensive.
W L Johnson
Member
Right on the head space, which in 99.99999% of rifles is a none issue, wrong on the pressure, they're the same. There are tons of threads on the 308 vs 7.62x51 pressure myth and how it came about on this very forum.
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TimboKhan
Member
I really like my Ruger Gunsite Scout, but I will say that people either love them or hate them. I have forsaken every other hunting rifle I owned for it, so there is that, lol.
I will admit that the argument can be made that if you don't want to use it as a dedicated scout rifle (and I do not), then there are other options available. I will also admit that the argument can be made that it is a solution to a problem no one has. But, for me it, those arguments fail as subjective. I like it because: I like iron sights on my rifles even if I never need them, I like the detachable magazine, I like that it is a carbine, I like that the comb is adjustable, and frankly (but perhaps least importantly) I like the way it looks.
Hey, I like it enough that once I get all my new reloading stuff set up, it is one of the three calibers I plan on reloading for to start off with! (357, .38 special and .308)
I will admit that the argument can be made that if you don't want to use it as a dedicated scout rifle (and I do not), then there are other options available. I will also admit that the argument can be made that it is a solution to a problem no one has. But, for me it, those arguments fail as subjective. I like it because: I like iron sights on my rifles even if I never need them, I like the detachable magazine, I like that it is a carbine, I like that the comb is adjustable, and frankly (but perhaps least importantly) I like the way it looks.
Hey, I like it enough that once I get all my new reloading stuff set up, it is one of the three calibers I plan on reloading for to start off with! (357, .38 special and .308)
Are there any rifles that you've handled that you like?
One of the first things on my list when looking for a new rifle is the smoothness of the bolt. Some bolts need excessive force to open and makes you wonder whether they will smoothen up over time (as salesmen promise). Me? I don't want to take a risk that it doesn't, nor have to spend days on the sofa, repeatedly cycling the action For hobby shooting at targets, you can get away with the stiffness. But if you're going to need to use the rifle under any sort of stress situation, the last thing you need is to have to struggle with a sticky bolt.
Next focus would be the smoothness of the action. I like a bolt that moves smoothly forwards and backwards, without grating, scraping or stiffness. It should strip a round of the mag smoothly in one smooth movement.
These two criteria are best judged by visiting a gunshop or friendly range and trying out a range of manufacturers offerings.
Most modern bolt actions seem to have reasonable accuracy, but for me the quality shows through in the actions.
What would I choose? Probably a Tikka (or Sako85 you finances allow).
I haven't been keen on Remington since I saw a video of a blocked barrel exploding. We shouldn't believe everything we see on the internet, but this left an impression on me.
One of the first things on my list when looking for a new rifle is the smoothness of the bolt. Some bolts need excessive force to open and makes you wonder whether they will smoothen up over time (as salesmen promise). Me? I don't want to take a risk that it doesn't, nor have to spend days on the sofa, repeatedly cycling the action
For hobby shooting at targets, you can get away with the stiffness. But if you're going to need to use the rifle under any sort of stress situation, the last thing you need is to have to struggle with a sticky bolt.Next focus would be the smoothness of the action. I like a bolt that moves smoothly forwards and backwards, without grating, scraping or stiffness. It should strip a round of the mag smoothly in one smooth movement.
These two criteria are best judged by visiting a gunshop or friendly range and trying out a range of manufacturers offerings.
Most modern bolt actions seem to have reasonable accuracy, but for me the quality shows through in the actions.
What would I choose? Probably a Tikka (or Sako85 you finances allow).
I haven't been keen on Remington since I saw a video of a blocked barrel exploding. We shouldn't believe everything we see on the internet, but this left an impression on me.
Dude, if you just want something that'll hammer 308 rounds downrange with "minute of bad guy" accuracy at 300 meters, get a CETME. 20 round capacity, ultra-reliable (when it starts running sluggish pour a little 10W30 on the bolt assembly, lol).
They're several hundred dollars cheaper than an AR-10 platform. They USED to be much cheaper but seem to be going for about $800 now. (They were under $600 when I bought mine, which was about 1/3 of what Ar-10's were going for back then).
Century also has some L1A1 sporters on the market for the 700-800 range. Several no-reserve auctions on Gunbroker right now.
http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=Century+R1A1
One is at $150 with no reserve: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=384200316
Another is at $305 with no reserve: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=384200000
Another cheap route is a Saiga in 308.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=383414643
Or PTR-91's.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=383333880
Somewhat more expensive but under $1k and VERY damned accurate is the FN-Ar. 20 round capacity and guaranteed to shoot sub 1 MOA.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=383790105
They're several hundred dollars cheaper than an AR-10 platform. They USED to be much cheaper but seem to be going for about $800 now. (They were under $600 when I bought mine, which was about 1/3 of what Ar-10's were going for back then).
Century also has some L1A1 sporters on the market for the 700-800 range. Several no-reserve auctions on Gunbroker right now.
http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=Century+R1A1
One is at $150 with no reserve: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=384200316
Another is at $305 with no reserve: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=384200000
Another cheap route is a Saiga in 308.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=383414643
Or PTR-91's.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=383333880
Somewhat more expensive but under $1k and VERY damned accurate is the FN-Ar. 20 round capacity and guaranteed to shoot sub 1 MOA.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=383790105
Agreed.
My FN-AR is the most accurate out of the box semi-auto rifle I own, period. And I own a lot of semi-auto rifles.
The ergonomics are a bit different and less "tacticool" but good grief, that thing will hit what you aim at.
Once upon a time I almost bought an H&K PSG-1 down at Knob Creek. I had cash to cover the asking price, the seller changed his mind and kept it.
I ended up getting the essentially same thing for 1/10th the cost.
The major downside to the FNAR is cleaning. Taking it down and getting the bolt out is not trivial.
I've never had a malfunction but the thought of taking it fully down in the field scares the bejeezus out of me due to all the small parts that must come out.
My vote for "reliable low cost battle rifle" still has to be a CETME. Low cost, high reliability, and decent precision. (2 to 3 MOA or so seems to be normal)
I've never had a malfunction but the thought of taking it fully down in the field scares the bejeezus out of me due to all the small parts that must come out.
My vote for "reliable low cost battle rifle" still has to be a CETME. Low cost, high reliability, and decent precision. (2 to 3 MOA or so seems to be normal)
horsemen61
Member
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- Oct 20, 2011
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If you want an AR 10 and are willing to call around I know that several Walmart's carry the dpms AR 10
Thank you guys. I know about the fnar but it had completely slipped my mind as well as the ptr. I've been to my local store and handled the ruger gun site scout, a couple of savages, the Remington and one or two others. The nice thing about asking opinions on here is getting the first hand knowledge of how thing s have worked and held up not just what the guy at the store says. As far as any ar 10 I won't own anything made by dpms, bushmaster or any or sub par company. I had a bushmaster I had to use a hammer and plastic punch to take it a part, after that I only buy quality. That's the point of this thread. I'm going to look up some things you guys have suggested and see what I like.
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