.308 Bolt Action Rifle. (Best synthetic .308)

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sprice

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I want to begin by asking what your personal favorite .308 bolt action rifle is. Now I want to know what one you think I should get based on the following information I'm about to give you: I want a synthetic (I'm gonna put paint on it) .308 bolt action rifle ranging from $500-$1000 dollars (preferably ~$800, all prices without scope), I want to use it for 1. varmint shooting, 2. big game, 3. targets, and 4. whatever may come my way. I'm looking to squeeze the most accuracy out of this rifle while keeping it cheap, light weight, and comfortable. I want the stock to be comfortable; I like the feel of the new winchester 70 ultimate shaddows. I may want to carry this rifle and my ak plinker at the same time so I want it to be as light weight and as handy as possible- I don't think I can stress this point enough!!! My idea of accurate is about 1'' MOA btw. I want to be able to reach out to 800-1,000 yards. I'd also appreciate a smoothly functioning bolt.

The rifles I have been considering are (in this order): 1. Remington 700 vtr, 2. New Winchester ultimate shadow, and maybe 3. Thompson/Center ICON. I don't particularly like detachable magazines either so please keep that in mind when giving me ideas. So tell me what you think and all of your information is most appreciated :) Thanks again -sprice
 
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I'd look at the Savage 10 Precision Carbine. Medium contour, free floating barrel. Weighs 7.0lbs. 20" barrels are plenty long to allow a full powder burn in the .308. You'll lose a little velocity, but a shorter barrel doesn't have to be nearly as thick as a longer barrel to remain stiff and accurate. That's the best way I can think of to have something light enough to hunt with, but accurate enough to do target and varmint with. The barrel twist rate on savages is also well suited to heavier bullets.
http://www.savagearms.com/10pc.htm
 
I would go with the Remington LTR. It is on the high end of your price scale, but worth every penny. I have a .223 and it is scary accurate.

The Savage PC would be a great choice as well.

I would try and find a store that had both and see which fits you better.

Good Luck,

Matt
 
i just bought a Remmy 700 SPS Varmint in .308 so if it were me, i'd go with the VTR. the 700 is not only an excellent gun from the get go, but it's upgradable and easily accessorized, accurized, etc etc.

Bobby
 
Lets see......I was just in this same boat. I bought a Rem 700 ADL Varmint at Dicks. Out of the box with the crappy scope I got .69moa. Not to shabby.
 
I do not own it, but want to buy one--the Remington SPS Tactical --houge stock, 20 inch bull barrel.
 
I second the Remington 700 sps tactical, I do own one and its sweet! Another good option would be the sps varmint, longer barrel, but a lower quality stock. The hogue overmold on my sps tactical is really nice.
 
The most accurate rifle you'll find that's synthetic and in .308 for under $1000, is probably the Savage Model 10 FCP. Accutrigger plus Accustock = sub-MOA accuracy out of the box. 24" fluted barrel keeps the weight down, and muzzle brake keeps the recoil manageable. What's not to like? For you, the only downside is it does have a detachable box magazine.
 
Check out the Howa/Axiom. Fits your price range, weight, comfort, etc. I've been looking at one, seems to fit the bill perfectly. (except I would rebarrel mine, but that's another issue.)

However...keep in mind that the .308 or 7.62x51mm round becomes extremely unstable at 800yds. Now, a good shooter can take one past that, but it is difficult. I'm not familiar with your shooting skill, but for shots past a grand, you may need to look for something a little larger. YMMV.
 
True enough, you can get very stable loads when you handload your rounds. And I do not claim to be a marksman of National Match caliber, I simply remember being trained that attempted shots with a 7.62x51mm at or exceeding 800 yards should only be taken with the utmost caution, because of inherent instability at that range.
 
my .308

I have a tikka varminter in .308. The stock could be better, only if someone like hs precision made one for it. Considering I put 4 shots within 3/4 in. @ 200 yrds with it. I don't think it really needs another stock. My loads are hornady match brass, 44.5 gr 4064 with 165gr. hornady sst @ 2.825oal. Smooth function,,,,,,best stock trigger I've ever used. An attractive peace of machinery, at least to me. Some remington shooters might not agree, but there triggers suck, so I don't care.
 
I have a tikka varminter in .308. The stock could be better, only if someone like hs precision made one for it. Considering I put 4 shots within 3/4 in. @ 200 yrds with it. I don't think it really needs another stock. My loads are hornady match brass, 44.5 gr 4064 with 165gr. hornady sst @ 2.825oal. Smooth function,,,,,,best stock trigger I've ever used. An attractive peace of machinery, at least to me. Some remington shooters might not agree, but there triggers suck, so I don't care.
Click to expand...

LOL, Yeah they suck but my spsv can/did/will put 5 shots under a half inch at a little more than 200 yds.
200Y463grVarget.jpg
 
I am thinking/looking for a light weight 308 also-
One that hasn't been mentioned is the Kimber Model 84- 6.5 lbs got my attention-
The Winchester Extreme with the over molded stock looks nice but I have not handled one yet. I think its a bit heavier.
Right now I have a Remington PSS I bought years ago. With its 26" barrel its just too heavy to carry in the field anymore for me. Other than its HS stock it is the same rifle as the VS. The VS ought to be a heck of a rifle for anyone.
 
Personally if I had the requirements you have I'd get a Savage Model 10. Or is it 110 for the .308's? I think it's a Model 10 though. Seems to meet all your requirements and is quite a bit cheaper than what you want to spend.
 
Savage's and Remmy's are both very good guns. Personally I would go with a remmy, but I'm biased. I'd just pick the 700 that has the features I like best if I were you.
 
I'm a little confused for 2 of your requirements your going to need a Gun Bearier because of weight bull and varment barrels are heavy if your using for general hunting. for the money you can spend you can actually buy 2 guns without compromising any requirment. BTW has anyone noticed that quality target/snipers scopes cost more than the guns and another buck and a half for 20 min scope base with rings so a $1000 Tactical rig is all up for about $2500-$3000.
I seldom look at guns at gun shows any more, I try for deals on optics.
 
I'm a little confused for 2 of your requirements your going to need a Gun Bearier because of weight bull and varment barrels are heavy if your using for general hunting.
Click to expand...

Hence my post about the Winchester 70 Extreme Weather SS. Fluted barrel, not too skinny, but easy to carry. Free-floated in a B&C fiberglass stock with full aluminum bedding.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/detail.asp?family=001C&mid=535110

Another option would be the Coyote Light, about a pound heavier, also fluted stainless barrel, but with a heavier contour than the EWSS. It's a pretty good hybrid of target and hunting rifles, when you get it in .308. The new Model 70 trigger is EXCELLENT, and doesn't need work.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/detail.asp?family=001C&mid=535115

Neither are cheap, but both of these rifles would be good to go right out of the box.
 
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