.308, Semi or bolt? 10fp or Saiga??

[Ari]

Hello All,
Lurker coming out of the shadows here. I've been following this board since the transition from the ol' TFL. After reading suggestions of getting into the long gun by buying a .22 rifle I've put 4 boxes of the 550 box specail at walmart and am getting board with the rim fire. I've been stacking some cheese to get into a centerfire. I'm on a somewhat budget and don't forsee getting another rifle soon, which means, I'll want something that will quench my thirst for sometime. After a couple of sleepless nights reading archives over at the TFL and here, I've decided, because of the cost of bullets, to go with a .308 and I've narrowed it down to two rifles and I want some more input. My two choices are :

Saiga .308 w/ scope

or a

Savage .308 w/ scope

My primary use: Just puching holes, no need for SDW or hunting, but I may be interested in that sometime down the future. Thanks in advance!

Ari-

 

[swingset]

If it were my dollar, I'd go with the 10FP (come to think of it, I just bought a 12FV).

Reasons? Better accuracy, better trigger, simpler, easier to clean.

I like the Saiga, don't get me wrong it's neat as heck, but the elegance, accuracy and simplicity of the bolt gun is always better than the "neato" factor of a semi auto, in the long run IMHO. If you're a new shooter, or this is your first high power, even more reason to go with the bolt gun. It'll definately make you a better shooter.

Now, if I could own both, that's even better. Come to think of it, I do! (well, an L1A1 anyway).

 

[Slick]

I've been doing the same mental gymnastics for the last month or two, and I think a bolt gun is the way to go also.
Just my .02,
Slick

 

[GW45]

For the first center fire rifle - I'd go with the Savage.

The Savage I'd go with is the 10FP Tactical - I think that's what it's called - the one with the heavy 24" barrel.

Stock isn't great - but it is a real good shooter.

Just a thought....

I have both the Savage and the Saiga - love them both. Saiga trigger is hellous, though.

GW45

 

[enichols]

I bought my first centerfire rifle 9 months ago... my Savage 110 .30-06. I'm very, very happy with the gun, and I'm glad I went bolt for my first centerfire.
Next centerfire will be the semi-auto... I've had my eye on those Yugo SKSs.
Anyway, go with the 10FP first. You won't be disappointed.

 

[Pheonix]

I have the savage 112 in .308. Love it! Reload for it! Spend most of my range time with it! The only thing wrong with it is with the large scope, bypod, and HEAVY barrel it is not a good one to throw on your sholder and stomp through the wood all day or to fire free-hand. That is where the model 12 would work better. Price $399 in my corner of the world.

 

[Quack]

just bought my 1st centerfire a few weeks back...it's a Savage 10FP tactical and i put on a big bolt handle. couldn't be happier with the purchase. i just put an order in for a Choate varmint stock after much thought...

 

[Ari]

Awesome!

You guys have solidified my decision. My .22 is a auto, and after awhile it does get boring. It makes just blasting away more easier, but I want to get down to where I'm concentrating more on each shot and working on a tighter group. And I think the bolt will allow me to do that. Next question, are there any real big benifits to buying online monetary wise? And if so, where?? Thanks again guys!

 

[fish2xs]

Ammo price

I too am looking for a first centerfire rifle. Will you be hunting with this rifle? If not, wouldn't .223 ammo be cheaper?

If you are going hunting with this, then disregard.

good luck,
-Phil

 

[Quack]

.223 may be cheaper in some aspects, but there is plenty of .308 surplus ammo out there that is in-expensive. i picked up some ammo mfg by Maine Cartridge Co. (168gr BTHP Match) for $6/20 and shoot 1/2 MOA.