New medium contour rifle options?

[Mn Fats]

I'm looking to buy a new bolt action 308 win. Hunting and target purposes. I own a few bolts in .30 cal already but I'd like to have a 308 win with medium contour barrel.

So far in my search I'm finding 20" heavy to 22" pencil to 26" varmint back down to 24" pencil.

Can anyone suggest any new rifles in a happy medium contour? I have nothing against thin barrels or heavy barrels. Just like the looks of a medium. Thanks.

 

[Peakbagger46]

Sako A7

 

[Skylerbone]

Bergara offers models with a .920” and .812” which in my mind translate to Varmint and Light Varmint contour. The .812” is fluted I believe.

 

[Mn Fats]

Bergara offers models with a .920” and .812” which in my mind translate to Varmint and Light Varmint contour. The .812” is fluted I believe.

Never really thought to look into Bergara as a rifle manufacturer. I've only heard good things about their barrels. Thanks, I'll have to browse thier website.

 

[LoonWulf]

The Bergara Ridge has a fast taper on its 24" tube, I find it a little odd looking, but its about as "medium" as I've seen

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Without looking, my first thought it Howa.

They have various complete rifles and barreled actions of all flavors

 

[jmr40]

As a combo hunting/target rifle I like the Tikka CTR. The 308 comes with a 20" or 24" medium contour barrel. The 20" version weighs 8 lbs naked. Unless you go really heavy with the scope it'll weigh around 9.5 lbs scoped and ready to hunt. Mine is extremely accurate.

https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/code/JRTXC316

 

[rayatphonix]

I have A7’s and Bergaras. Both are fine rifles and have barrel contours to suit. I think you’d be happy with either.

 

[Mn Fats]

The Model 70 Sporter seems to have a medium contour. On thier website they list it as a "sporter" contour. While thier featherweight is listed as a "featherweight" contour. Is that what "sporter" means nowadays? I always thought that meant shorter.

But alas, the model 70 WINCHESTER isn't chambered in .308 WINCHESTER lol.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

 

[jmr40]

A Sporter barrel is simply a standard diameter barrel. Each manufacturer will be slightly different as will custom barrel makers. Here is a good link where you can compare. Barrels diameters are usually numbered with higher numbers being thicker

http://www.shilen.com/contours.html

While Winchester factory barrels may not be the exact dimensions the Featherweight is closer to a #1 on the above chart. The Sporter is close to a #3. Mine measures .625" at the muzzle. I don't have a Featherweight to compare, but my Kimber with a similar barrel measures .560". The Barrel on my Tikka CTR measures .860" at the muzzle which would be a Light Varmint contour.

But alas, the model 70 WINCHESTER isn't chambered in .308 WINCHESTER lol.

The Sporter isn't. That is because it is a big, heavy hunting rifle more suited for larger cartridges. But the 308 is offered in several other model 70's including the Extreme Weather which might come close to what you want.

https://www.winchesterguns.com/prod...ent-Products/model-70-extreme-weather-ss.html

 

[Weflyfast]

www.shawcustombarrels.com

 

[js8588]

Ruger American Predator. Done.

 

[LoonWulf]

Ruger American Predator. Done.

I'd call the preds, rams, and other non-standard Americans a heavy sporter weight wise.
Tho again, really depends on what one considers a "medium" weight barrel.

The brake on my .300s about .8" the rams barrel about .745, and it tappers hard early, then goes almost straight at the end.
I'll say accuracy has never been an issue with my Americans tho, no matter what barrel they carry.