Looking for something unique in .308

I'd never seen the FR-8 before. Very neat little carbine. I may have to track on of them down. Can anyone post pics of their FR-8? I'd love to see more.

Unique?

While not very, very unique two rifles I like are the Savage 99 and Winchester 88. My brother got himself a sweet Winchester 88 last year in my local gun shop for $600 out the door. As to military surplus? When we had the gun shop I must have sold a few hundred FR-8 rifles. Wish I had kept one.

Ron

Hastings said:

I'd never seen the FR-8 before. Very neat little carbine. I may have to track on of them down. Can anyone post pics of their FR-8? I'd love to see more.

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Post #18.

Yeah, back in the early 90s they were 10 for about 70 EA. through SOG (Southern Ohio Gun) dealer cost. The rifles look like they have a gas system when you look at the rifle below the front barrel. That is a cleaning kit compartment. Overall they are a sweet little bolt gun.

Plenty of pictures here.

Ron

I guess my primary question about the FR-8, and one that could possibly be answered by some specific photos, pertains to the bolt lever rotation.

It looks like, based on the general photos and a few Youtube videos, that in order to work the action and chamber a round you need to take your face away from the stock. This could just be the personal preference or habit of the people in the videos, but the bolt handle looks like it comes up to almost vertical when operated, and that would seem to make for an awkward situation if you were attempting to fire a string of shots rapidly while keeping your cheek-weld and sight picture.

Can anyone speak to this question? Better yet, can anyone provide a series of pictures or a short video in which they work the bolt thru a few cycles with while maintaining their firing position on the rifle?

Sorry if that's a lot to ask. If I could locate one for sale locally, I would simply give it a try myself.

Thanks
Hastings

You can always bend the bolt handle, or get a bolt with a bent handle installed and headspaced.

The bolt does come up vertical, but isnt really an issue in working it. You just lean your cheek slightly to the slide as you move the bolt rearward. Its about the same as anything else.

My buddy had his bolt cut off and a Remington bolt handle welded in its place, at the more accepted "bent" angle. He readily admits he regretted it almost instantly.

Ive always found the straight bolts to be much easier, and more positive to work, especially quickly. They also make carrying the gun at the balance easier, as the bolt handle acts like a stop, and rests against the back edge of your hand.

I guess I'll have to track one down locally before I decide whether I want one. Interesting little carbine, but I don't want to have to modify one to make it work for me. I appreciate the info and the suggestions, and I didn't mean to hijack the thread.

Winchester

My pick would be a Winchester Model 100 for a semi or the really neat lever Model 88. The 88 is about as unique as you will find.

Looking for something unique in .308
My wife bought me some .308 by accident.
* * * Anyway, I'm looking for something on the lower end of the scale, like under $600. I know that pretty much eliminates a lot of new rifles right off the bat, especially semi autos (other than maybe a Remington 740/742).

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Well, you can have "unique and cheap," which usually doesn't end well.

Typically, the result looks like a Bubba's-basement rendition of what was once a fine rifle.

How much 308 did she buy?

This is my most unique 308.

The Pachmyer dominator in 308 would be quite unique as well, I don't think I have seen more than two, not counting photos but you can find photos of Bigfoot.

Just as rare would be a Springfield S.A.S.S or a Thor.

Unique?

Unique... ish.

.308 Mini-G.

You could probably get a ruger American rifle and a redfield scope (made by Leupold) in your price range. If I'm off it's by $100. It will likely shoot 1 MOA or better. It's amazing what modern manufacturing has done for price points on a solid rifle. They kind of remind me of glocks in that they aren't necessarily very pretty but rather are something you won't worry about taking out and using. Not that I really need another rifle but should I get one, it's likely what I described above.

Not very unique but extremely accurate, my suggestion is a Savage 11VT.

Zastava M70 .308 Win. stainless synthetic -

A Remington 600 is a fun, somewhat unique bolt gun that can be found in your price range. They are extremely light and handy... even more so than the FR-8.


I also have an FR-8 and like it. I turned mine into a pretty slick little scout rifle for not much money... I think I had right around $400 in it all told with the XS mount and Fajen stock. The Aimpoint was another matter... but you can't skimp on optics.


Yes, it generally requires moving your head to retract the bolt to the rear, if you're in a proper turkey necked shooting position -- just like any long action bolt gun such as a 1903, SMLE, Mosin-Nagant, etc. Though the .308 fits in a short action, the FR-8 is built on a K98 action and was converted from the original 7.92x57, so it retains the long action bolt travel. It's not a problem -- just keep the rifle in your shoulder and keep your support elbow planted, and you will come right back to your NPOA after cycling. The straight bolt handle is not a problem in any way whatsoever, and I see no reason to change it. Bending the factory bolt handle gives you less leverage, and looks ugly.

A Remington 600 is a fun, somewhat unique bolt gun that can be found in your price range. They are extremely light and handy... even more so than the FR-8.

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Henschman: That's an awesome set of Rem. 600s. Very nice. I always wanted one of those.

Henschman, nice job on the FR-8! I keep saying I'm going to get one of those mounts for my FR-8--after seeing yours, maybe now I will.

4sixteen, Zastava makes a nice Mauser copy! How do you like your .308?

Here's exactly what you're looking for:

From www.gunsamerica.com

SAVAGE 99-E LEVER 308

SAVAGE 99E LEVER ACTION CARBINE IN 308 WITH A 20" BARREL.HAS A NIKON 3X9 PRO STAFF SCOPE.METAL 97% WOOD VERY GOOD BUT FINISH PEELING. (read more)


Gun #: 932112180

Seller: Keith Woods

$495.00

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I have a 99 Savage in .308 myself -- it's the ultimate "deer rifle," powerful, accurate, fast-shooting and easy to carry.

johnnydollar said:

4sixteen, Zastava makes a nice Mauser copy! How do you like your .308?

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Fantastic rifle for the money! It has controlled round feed and a pretty decent adjustable trigger.