Need .308 recommendations for hunting rifle
- Thread starter daddy-o
- Start date
- Status
1Deernut
Member
Just my opinion, but Remington 700s and Savage arms are hard to beat for out-of-the-box accuracy, price considered. Tikka is ok, but save a few more bucks and get a Sako (no plastic magazine, trigger guard etc.) if that is what you want.
Wolfgang2000
Member
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2007
- Messages
- 376
I'm partial to my BLR in 308. It's handy, and fast in woods. Personally I find levers faster than bolts, but being a lefty may have something to do with that.
A very good choice, indeed, would be Tikka T3 made by Sako. You have options of either wood or synthetic and practically all the nutters that I know to have it report under 1.0 MOA of accuracy. Now, for a lightweight refile, without a bull barrel and beefed up action, that is a very good score. Ath $650 it is not going to break the bank either. The best thing about it is that it is really light, and one can carry it around a whole day, without getting tired. After Tikka T3, my second choice would be Savage.
I have used my Tikka T3 lite stainless as my primary deer rifle for 8 years or so, and have never been disappointed. I wasn't disappointed with my old Rem 700 ADL in 6mm either, but my 80s vintage Win featherweight 7x57 had accuracy challenges. Prettiest of the lot by far, and accounted for a couple dozen deer, but not confidence inspiring. The Tikka is highly recommended, but I got mine for $460 back then. Beware that the plastic wisp of a magazine lists north of $75 due to Beretta's pricing. I have had no trouble with the factory scope mounts that were included, but have read that the screws in those mounts are softer than they should be.
If I were looking for a low cost field gun now, I would check out the Marlin XS 7s. I am all for a good deal if the basics are solid. Forget about package scopes, as they are added only to give the appearance of a good deal. Stevens 200, Howa/Weatherby Vanguard, and TCs may be good, but the Mossbergs have been the subject of some controversy re bolt construction.
If I were looking for a low cost field gun now, I would check out the Marlin XS 7s. I am all for a good deal if the basics are solid. Forget about package scopes, as they are added only to give the appearance of a good deal. Stevens 200, Howa/Weatherby Vanguard, and TCs may be good, but the Mossbergs have been the subject of some controversy re bolt construction.
Skylerbone said:
I agree with this, particularly if you reload. My AR308 made by POF with a 20" barrel and a gas piston rattling around will shoot sub moa and that's from the magazine with factory ammunition and with five shots in less than a minute and a half. There are so many more important things to consider these days so I'd suggest that you forget about accuracy differences and focus on what's really important ... and then buy the Savage. When you decide that you want a .260 Rem or 7mm-08 Rem you'll be pleased you did.
Welding Rod
Member
I'll be the odd man and suggest a Ruger Hawkeye. I have one in .308 and it is one of my favorite rifles. I traded in a Tikka T3 for it and have been happy I did. However I would never buy a Ruger (or most other guns) without a close hands on inspection first. Rugers can be a great value, but their QC is completely undependable. As long as the sample is one the shop hands didn't let out the door screwed up, they are really nice for the money... just need to be given a real close look before buying.
Additionally, I would consider topping it with a 1.5 x 5 Nitrex on blow out from Natchez for $130.
Additionally, I would consider topping it with a 1.5 x 5 Nitrex on blow out from Natchez for $130.
Skylerbone
Member
One last thing, depending on what you choose to shoot, the Savage Weather Warrior and T/C Venture (again, there may be others) both have a 1:10 twist rate to stabilize heavier bullets, good for hard to kill hogs.
grubbylabs
Member
Another vote for the Marlin, I bought my 308 and Vortex scope for 510.00 and it shoots very nice. I don't think mine kicks all that hard at all. It is way softer than the 7 mag I had at one time. Over all I could not be happier with my Marlin 308.
Don357
Member
I know that there are much better rifles around, but I really love my Stevens Model 200 in .308. Even though it dosen't have the "Accu-trigger", it's still an easy shoot. Of course I'm still used to the "military triggers" on my CETME (also a .308) and my M-48 Yugo Mauser.
RangerHAAF
Member
I would also recommend a Ruger M-77. I own 3 of them and they are all very accurate but the one that I like the most is the Frontier; it started out as a "scout rifle" concept that didn't really take off for some reason but it still had integral scope mounts in the same configuration as the standard M-77 plus it is light and the barrel is 16.5 inches. I love this gun and it's as accurate as the other M-77s with longer barrels.
Ruger is introducing another scout rifle with a detachable magazine. I don't like how it looks but that's me.
http://ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/models.html
Ruger is introducing another scout rifle with a detachable magazine. I don't like how it looks but that's me.
http://ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/models.html
scchokedaddy
Member
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2006
- Messages
- 216
308
Just a thought, look around and find a 788 carbine. Great handling in woods and all I have seen are very accurite. New costs are not allways better. These rifles will never win a beauty contest, but beauty is not what its all about. Good Luck and Happy shooting
Just a thought, look around and find a 788 carbine. Great handling in woods and all I have seen are very accurite. New costs are not allways better. These rifles will never win a beauty contest, but beauty is not what its all about. Good Luck and Happy shooting
IdahoLT1
Member
I'd recommend the Tikka T3 and Sako A7. They're by far the best rifles under $1000 IMO. They have better fit and finish than savages and Remington
You're mistaken. T/C and Weatherby vanguard have a 3- shot 1 moa guarantee. Sako and Tikka have a 5-shot 1 moa guarantee. No other manufacturer(besides custom built) has a better guarantee.
Skylerbone said:
You're mistaken. T/C and Weatherby vanguard have a 3- shot 1 moa guarantee. Sako and Tikka have a 5-shot 1 moa guarantee. No other manufacturer(besides custom built) has a better guarantee.
Skylerbone
Member
I stand corrected, Idaho. I'll stand by my suggestion however as the price of the Sako leaves little money for anything to top it with. Not knocking your choice as the Finns do make a fine rifle but the OP seems to be on more of a Chevy budget.
Pic from my $319, approx. 17 yr. old (but new to me) Win. 70 Sporter with a nothing special tapered barrel and molded plastic (read flimsy junk) stock on its first outing to sight in the scope I nabbed off my muzzleloader (3-9 X)
It's smooth, has an adjustable trigger (takes minutes), three position safety and parts/aftermarket are readily available. It's a back up 30-06 to my 700 (also -06) and wasn't fussy about shooting it's cousin's ammo. Like I said, there aren't a lot of losers out there these days, at least among the suggestions so far.
Pic from my $319, approx. 17 yr. old (but new to me) Win. 70 Sporter with a nothing special tapered barrel and molded plastic (read flimsy junk) stock on its first outing to sight in the scope I nabbed off my muzzleloader (3-9 X)
It's smooth, has an adjustable trigger (takes minutes), three position safety and parts/aftermarket are readily available. It's a back up 30-06 to my 700 (also -06) and wasn't fussy about shooting it's cousin's ammo. Like I said, there aren't a lot of losers out there these days, at least among the suggestions so far.
brandon_mcg
Member
what distances are you going to be shooting? ive found that most rifles are accurate enough for most hunting distances 300 yards or less. i went with a middle of the road remington 700 so i could put the rest of the money towards better optics.
have fun shopping!
have fun shopping!
unwise11
Member
Howa has a 3 position safety aswell, I do love my Howa, the only downside it the barrel has been fouling on me recently, I'm about to fire lapp it, so no issue.
I shot with a fellow who had a Tikka, in .308, the light model, the gun jumped 6" off the bags every shot.
He was frustrated because I hold my rifle pretty tight, and get very little jump, and .308 in free recoil mode will fly off the bags.
I like Remington 700's alot though, very nice.
I shot with a fellow who had a Tikka, in .308, the light model, the gun jumped 6" off the bags every shot.
He was frustrated because I hold my rifle pretty tight, and get very little jump, and .308 in free recoil mode will fly off the bags.
I like Remington 700's alot though, very nice.
1stmarine
Member
That tika is a sweet rifle. Also the suggested howa. These are great too. Both print nice groups. If you do not mind a bit of extra weight but want more accuracy then look into the Remington 700 SPS tac or the Savage TAC. They both are 7lbs and shoot .5MOA and better out of the box!!
Since they have a 1:10 twist of rate will stabilize .30 bullets up to 220gr.
I have other hunting rifles and the above and end up taking the above since they are extremely accurate.
I found these links....
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/10 PRECISION CARBINE
http://remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-700/model-700-sps-tactical-aac-sd.aspx
They are swat/police rifles for departments on a budget but they do the job same of better than rifles x5 their price tag. Great for hunting and baselines for building too.
I am a big guy but I don't think a 7lbs rifle is huge for most folks carrying into the woods.
Cheers,
E.
Since they have a 1:10 twist of rate will stabilize .30 bullets up to 220gr.
I have other hunting rifles and the above and end up taking the above since they are extremely accurate.
I found these links....
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/10 PRECISION CARBINE
http://remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-700/model-700-sps-tactical-aac-sd.aspx
They are swat/police rifles for departments on a budget but they do the job same of better than rifles x5 their price tag. Great for hunting and baselines for building too.
I am a big guy but I don't think a 7lbs rifle is huge for most folks carrying into the woods.
Cheers,
E.
Last edited:
GuysModel94
Member
Take a look at the new Winchester Model 70 Sporter by FNH. 24" barrel and adustable trigger, they also have a synthetic verison. They have video on the web site of range shooting reviews. The MSRP is $749.00, this will certainly be my next purchase, i own a post 64 (30-06) and it will stay in the family for a long time!!
Tikka is the way to go. It's the best value for your money. The only rifle that has been mentioned so far that compares is the Sako A7 but it's a little more money. I've had the Tikka T3 Hunter for about two years now. It's sub-MOA out of the box, has an adjustable trigger (2-4 lbs.), the smoothest bolt action of them all and completely dependable. The Hunter model is a little less than 7 lbs. and the Lite model is about 6 lbs.
All good suggestions here as usual.
Personally I'd get a Tikka or a Howa - they are $400-500 and my two (.308 and 7mm Mag) are sub-MOA, which is good enough for hunting and they are both very well made.
Spend the rest of your money on a quality scope with good rings - Leupolds and Nikons should fit your budget.
Personally I'd get a Tikka or a Howa - they are $400-500 and my two (.308 and 7mm Mag) are sub-MOA, which is good enough for hunting and they are both very well made.
Spend the rest of your money on a quality scope with good rings - Leupolds and Nikons should fit your budget.
BrocLuno
Member
I think there is some brand loyalty going on here, and that's OK - but all these rifles shoot well enough to make your quals
To me, it would be about stock fit and "come to shoulder". Some rifles fit some anatomies better than others. Be out trying to shoulder some of these and see what feels better
To me, it would be about stock fit and "come to shoulder". Some rifles fit some anatomies better than others. Be out trying to shoulder some of these and see what feels better
Sheepdog1968
Member
I've shot newer Rem 700s and like them and can easily reccomend them as a good solid rifle. I don't think you would be disappointed. I just saw a few days ago (mentioned in post and link of one I'm replying to) about the Ruger Scout Rifle (in conjunction with Gunsite). I haven't shot one but I will purchase one for sure. If you are a beliver in the Scout Rifle concept as discussed by Jeff Cooper, then this would be a good rifle at or under $1,000.
The only other suggestion would be a Browning lever action in 308. Not sure how much they go for (new or used). I really like lever actions a lot. Doesn't mean I shoot other stuff. If there were a fire and I had to grab one weapon, it would be a Marlin 336 lever action in 30-30 that has the forward mounted scope and is set up like a scout rifle.
1stmarine
Member
Good recommendations here. GET THEM ALL!!!! LOL!!!
Among many other rifles I got the newer model of this....
http://www.snipercentral.com/spstactical.htm
7.5 empty. Less than an original AK47.
I don't have any pictures of mine but when I get some time I will send you the targets. Pretty consistent performance and the new one comes already threaded. The factory stock has been improved and it is fully floating so you do not have to touch anything if you do not want.
Get a Mark4 and Nightforce or even the Vortex are becoming very popular with LEOs on a budget and top hunters.
You will love to see all your shots hidden under a dime.
Cheers.
E.
Among many other rifles I got the newer model of this....
http://www.snipercentral.com/spstactical.htm
7.5 empty. Less than an original AK47.
I don't have any pictures of mine but when I get some time I will send you the targets. Pretty consistent performance and the new one comes already threaded. The factory stock has been improved and it is fully floating so you do not have to touch anything if you do not want.
Get a Mark4 and Nightforce or even the Vortex are becoming very popular with LEOs on a budget and top hunters.
You will love to see all your shots hidden under a dime.
Cheers.
E.
- Status
