Best of the Budget Bolt 308's?

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BigBL87

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So, my sister in law was up here for her wedding (she lives in Arkansas), and while she was up here one of her employees was taking care of her animals. When he stopped by, he found three feral hogs attacking her dogs. He shot one, other two got away, thankfully dogs are fine.

With that happening, she asked if I'd be interested in doing some hog hunting the next time we head down there, and of course I'm happy to oblige especially if it gives me an excuse to buy another rifle.

I was originally planning on using my AR and .223, but from what I've read that might be a little on the light side for some of the larger hogs. Not wanting to be undergunned, a .308 seems like a good option.

So, I'm looking to get the best value for my dollar and not spend too awful much (Under $300 ideally). Accuracy is always great of course, and most of the budget rifles I've looked at tend to be at least MOA accurate when reviewed by online reviewers. This is going to be a hunting rifle through and through, not looking to shoot bench rest or long range precision any time soon.

So all that said, here's the ones I've looked at...

T/C Compass - The 1:12 twist is my main qualm, as from what I've read 1:10 is more flexible bullet weight wise. That being said, not sure I'd have a reason to use heavier bullets so not sure if I should worry about that. One of the least expensive options.

Remington 783 - I don't like the molded in sling studs, I'd probably put a metal stud in myself for use of a bipod if I wanted to use one. I've read complaints about the finish being prone to rust as well, but let's be real any gun can rust if not maintained well. One of the least expensive options.

Savage Axis II - More expensive than the other 2 and over my $300 budget, thanks in part to the fact that it only comes as a scoped combo as far as I can find. If I go with an Axis I want the Accutrigger (have one on my Mk II), so that's why I'm skipping the "regular" Axis. I'd want to replace the scope, so paying extra for the combo is kind of a waste.

Ruger American - Like the Axis, over budget but that's the only down side I've read so far. Pretty glowing reviews otherwise.

Mossberg Patriot/ATR - Haven't read much on these, what I have read hasn't been as glowing as the others but not terrible. Price is good though.

Sorry for the long post, but would like some input on the rifles above, or some other suggestions if I've missed one. I'm working on saving up the money (gun budget is tapped out after my recent 1911 purchase) so I won't be buying immediately.
 
Not sure if you want sights or not, but the Savage Hog Hunter is a nice set up for (last I looked) around $400. Worth a look at least. May be over budget but you don't have to buy a scope unless you want/need one with it.
 
Save your pennies a little longer and at the minimum buy the Ruger Predator that takes Accuracy International style magazines.

I paid $350+tax for mine. They are closer to $400 now, but enough better than the others to be worth the money. That is about the bottom rung that I'd call acceptable. The Savage 10 or 11 would be another good option, but they run a little more.

https://ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/26974.html

This Ruger comes with a 3 round magazine and 5 and 10 round mags are available at the same price as the rotary mags used on the standard model. The Predator comes with a slightly heavier barrel, rail, and is threaded if you decide to ever use a suppressor. It is very little more money than the standard rifle and the AI mags are enough better alone to justify the price.

https://www.savagearms.com/firearms/centerfire/trophy/11-trophy-hunter-xp

The Savage 11 can often be found for around $400 on sale.

You can always look at used rifles too.
 
Depends how much you need to walk around, honestly. The Savage Model 10s are heavy but I haven't seen anything in that sub-$500 range that shoots better.

If you are planning to carry the rifle around, I'd go with something like the Axis or the American just for the weight.
 
I know there is a slight budget concern here but, if you can buy a 1911 you can afford to save and buy the better budget rifle. After all, the OP isnt buying the rifle tomorrow.

IMO the ruger American is the clear choice. It out savages the Savage at every turn. Though the Savage Axis combo would suit the purpose very well I think the ruger stock is a wee bit better. Personally I dont like rugers rotary mag but I've never had one fail. I have seen the savage mags act up.

Then again, I wouldn't hesitate to pop porky with a 223 AR if that's what I had.
 
2nd the 5.56 use if that is what you have. Or, a 7.62-39 upper for your AR maybe? 300BLK upper could also be a cheap option if that interest you. Not .308 power but should take most hogs fine if loaded right and the shots are good.
 
I just bought a stainless Savage Axis II .308 for $296(scope less)---they also had the blued models for $269----AND there is a $60 rebate on these going on now.

Spent like $7 for Weaver scope bases---------and had scopes and rings at home already

This was at Walmart---might want to check there if you have the option.

They had the wood stocked (scoped) models for $348 too.
 
I just bought a stainless Savage Axis II .308 for $296(scope less)---they also had the blued models for $269----AND there is a $60 rebate on these going on now.

Spent like $7 for Weaver scope bases---------and had scopes and rings at home already

This was at Walmart---might want to check there if you have the option.

They had the wood stocked (scoped) models for $348 too.

I'll have to check the Wal Marts around here, all I can find online is scoped models. I've honestly never paid attention to their stock of firearms.
 
Wally Mart doesn't even sell firearms near me or I'd be all over a deal like that! :(

Stay safe!
 
IMO anyone in the market for a good hunting rifle that would pass on a stainless Axis II with an accutrigger for $239 needs to have their head checked. If I didn't already own three great hunting rifles... LOL
Wally Mart doesn't even sell firearms near me or I'd be all over a deal like that! :(

Stay safe!
It's almost enough to make me try the 6.5 CM that rifle was chambered in. ;)
 
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By all means, buy another rifle if you want one, but there isn't a pig alive that you can't kill with a properly-placed round of good 5.56 ammo.
 
Out of these I have only owned a Compass and I really do like it.
I think a person would be happy with a Compass, American, 783 or a Patriot.
The Savage would be my last pick, and I do not care for rotary or plastic latching mags. Steel for me if possible.
 
I grabbed a .308 camo stocked axis with a scope last week for 140.00 after a 60.00 rebate... the 80.00 axis .223 after a 60.00 rebate was too tempting not to get.... either would work for hog :D

BTW the regular non accutrigger is a fairly easy n cheap fix also... if ya are at least a lil handy...
 
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My local Academy Sports is clearancing the Savage Hog Hunter at $350. Usually Academy will clearance an item in all their stores at the same time. If you have one around you it might be worth the look or phone call. The accustock on the Hog Hunter should be better than most budget rifles.
 
IMO anyone in the market for a good hunting rifle that would pass on a stainless Axis II with an accutrigger for $239 needs to have their head checked.
I was about to suggest Tikka T3x but for the price that's so much better value that it isn't even funny anymore. A smoking deal.
 
TC Venture .308 1in10 twist available in weathershied which I own several. You will not be disappointed.
My 7mm-08 TC Venture target at 150 yds 1 3/4 high to be dead on at 300:thumbup::thumbup:
TC 7mm-08.jpg
 
I have tested several of the economy rifles and for your price range I would probably go for the Mossberg Patriot or T/C Compass. The Patriot that I tested was a 308 synthetic and would shoot Sub-MOA with handloads I have a 3 shot target that measures .85" Not too shabby for a $300 rifle. My only gripe is the sloppy play in the bolt when open, but I could live with it. If you wanted to up the price a little, the Ruger American in 6.5 CM was one of the most accurate rifles that I have had in the $400 range.
 
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