Need help in selecting a .308

[HK&1911]

Hi:

I'm looking for some opinions/advice from owners and users as to which would be an optimal choice for me. I'm looking for a .308 to use for target (200yds+) & occasional hunting.

The items that are important are:
1.Accuracy
2.Workmanship
3.Resale value

I'll probably be using it: 90% Range; 10% Hunting. So far, I've narrowed it down to:

1.Savage 10FP (20” or 24”)
2.Remington 700 VTR
3.???

Pros/Cons of each? Are there any others I should be looking at?

Thanks!

HK&1911

 

[telecaster1981]

I'd go with the Savage. They're great out of the box, and if you choose to do so, you can build as you go. Swapping barrels is a breeze too!

 

[skinewmexico]

What telecaster1981 said. Love to swap those barrels. I'm not sold on the VTR barrel, it's more of a marketing deal. Can't hold a candle to the 5R.

 

[Rmac58]

I have not owned a CZ long arm, yet their handguns are good values.

 

[woof]

cz 550

 

[chriso]

Remington 700 SPS varmint I know two people who own VTR's and say they suck.

 

[TIMC]

I love my FN PBR rifle in .308. This rifle is a tack driver and if I ever want to sell it I know resale value will be decent.

I'm not to excited about the Remington VTR, if I was going with a Remington I would look more at the SPS or VLS. I have a VLS in 22-250 and it is a sweet rifle.
The Savage while they have a good reputation for accuracy the resale value may not be there.

 

[Hunter0924]

Another vote for Savage.

 

[jerkface11]

Savage if you get bored you can make it something other than .308 in just a few minutes.

 

[Coal Dragger]

I'll chime in for the Steyr SSG 69. Mine is a wonderful shooter.

 

[marsche]

I have to go with what TMIC said. The FN PBR is close to a Winchester model 70 and it is made by FNH in the United States. I have a FN PBR-XP in .308 with a 24 inch fluted barrel and use it in F/TR competitions out to 600 yards. It might shoot further but I have not done it. I saw a brand new PBR-XP tonight on Auctionarms.com for $800. That is a good deal for a $1,200 rifle.

 

[Z-Michigan]

CDNN is currently selling FN PBR's starting at $599, new...

 

[rangerruck]

the new savage 12 or 12 varmint, or a cz 550.

 

[rangerruck]

other than that , your savage 10 is good.

 

[NWCP]

CZ 550. You won't want to sell it. If money isn't an issue the CZ 750 would be an excellent distance shooter, a little heavy for hunting though. I've been lusting over a 750.

 

[HK&1911]

Thanks for all your help! What about barrel length?

20" or 24"? At what range will a I notice a drop/change in accuracy with the shorter barrel?

If I am going to carry into the field, is a 20" barrel more manageable than 24"?

I seem to have noticed the following "trade-offs"--
Heavier profile barrels come in 20", 24" and longer
Medium/hunting barrels come in 22", 24" and longer

I like the heavier profile barrels-- logic would indicate they heat up slower and flex less with follow-on shots.

Trying to balance: tack-driving accuracy and manageability in the field.

HK&1911

 

[FITASC666]

SPLITTING HAIR
HK&1911
I have a CZ 550 Varmint .308 with a Nightforce scope and this rifle has fallen in love with 168gr HPBT at 2700 fps. If I’m up to the task this rifle gives me regular .20 MOA at 200 m (222yds). I submit this is exceptional with factory ammo. This rifle is also quite heavy and unpleasant to carry around at next to 13lbs. Given the 90% range time, I suggest this rifle for splitting the breeze and paper or for tactical style hunts. Get another light rifle for stalking the woods.

Regards

 

[skinewmexico]

A 20" barrel was developed for close shots in urban environments. If you're going to carry it, I'd get the 20. If you ever start shooting medium range targets, it will probably still work. Long range, you're gonna wish you had 26"+.

I think I could live with .2 MOA with factory ammo, FITASC666.

 

[gentleman987]

I have a Tikka t3 lite that shoots .85 inch groups and only cost about $600. Its a great gun i would check one out

 

[HK&1911]

Thanks again for all your help!

I'll take a look at the CZ 550 American; the Varmint might be a little heavy to lug through the woods

 

[Reid73]

The items that are important are:
1.Accuracy
2.Workmanship
3.Resale value

Obviously you are free to choose your own criteria, but I suggest that item 3 shouldn't be terribly important.

The vast majority of firearms are like cars: pretty rapid depreciation the minute they're out of the store. If resale value is a significant concern, you're probably better off trying to borrow a rifle. Otherwise, you're well-advised to accept that you're not going to make money on this transaction; leaving you free to pursue your own ideas of what makes a rifle desireable, without worrying about the presumed likes and dislikes of strangers.

So, instead of "resale value", I'd substitute "value for money". Admittedly this can be a somewhat subjective issue, but no more so than "workmanship".

"Reliability" is another possible criterion, although obviously you're considering bolt actions so it shouldn't be too much of an issue. That said, IMO a controlled-feed, Mauser-style action with non-rotating large claw extractor and standing ejector is almost always a desireable feature, though not a 'deal-breaker'.

 

[bang_bang]

I vote for the Savage. Maybe you should look into the Steven Model 300 for a nice shooting rifle for $300.

 

[mattrobbins]

Stay away from the VTR. If you like rem go with the 700vssf they are tack drivers.

 

[fireman 9731]

I have a VTR and have been very impressed. the breaking system is kinda loud but there is absolutely zero muzzle jump and very little recoil. It sounds like what you are looking for in barrel fits the VTR to a t. you get the rigidity of a heavier barrel with a fraction of the weight.