New Rifle in 308?

[learningman]

Ok I've been looking at getting a new rifle chambered in a 308. I am currently looking at a Savage 12FV and also a Remington SPS Varmit. The Savage and the Remington both have heavy barrels and are pretty close to price. I am looking to use this rifle for target and varmint applications. I have never owned a 308 or a Remington rifle for that matter. I just recently purchased my first Savage and so far I like it. So I'm looking at some comparisons on the two rifles. The other question I have is about barrel length. I saw on Remingtons website that they have a new rifle for 2008. Its a Model 700 VTR, Varmit-Tactical Rifle. It comes in a 22 inch barrel where as both of the other two rifles I mentioned come with 26 inch barrels. How much difference will the 4 inch shorter barrel make. The new model 700 looks like a neat little shooter, and the Savage I have has the 22 inch barrel and I am kind of liking the short barrel thing. I may be spliting haire here but am interested in other opinions on both rifles and the barrel length qeustion. Thanks for all your help and suggestions

 

[mule157]

i bought a new rem 700vsf in 308 and i am very happy with the way it shoots although the stock is a little light shooting from the bench. but i am also in the process of building a savage lrpv action, i love being able to change calibers with out the use of a gunsmith. easy answer no modifications rem is the choice, if you are going to customize go with the savage.

 

[browningguy]

I like the Savage a lot, the SPS is the new entry level Remmy, so you lose the main advantage of getting a better stock. The advantage of a longer barrel will really only show up at long range, more velocity to start means it stays supersonic longer, slightly less wind drift etc. etc. giving better accuracy. However out to 600 yards I really don't think the advantage is much to worry about. If I knew my shooting would all be at 600 yards or less I would probably go with the Savage 10 FP with a 20" heavy barrel.

The two main advantages to the Savage are the Accutrigger, and the ability to change barrels (calibers) in 10 minutes at home. I shoot a 12FV in .243 for my long range shooting, and I'm going to order a 28" Shilen barrel for F-TR class shooting.

 

[W.E.G.]

New rifle in .308?

I take it you already have your FAL?

 

[stubbicatt]

Between those two rifles the better choice for accuracy is the Savage. Ergonomics are also important, so if you can pick them up at the gunshop and handle them some before making a decision, that would be a good idea.

After all is said and done with those two, you might look at the CZ line. Excellent rifles, and my personal favorites.

 

[dagger dog]

can't go wrong with either rifle they're both quality shooters but don't count out Rugers KM77VT MKII in .308 Win. but if your leaning toward the shorter bbl. the MKII's is 26" i have one(MKII) and it shoots <1moa, with handloads.

some where back in this thing that i call a brain i remember reading 1" bbl. length = + - 20 feet per second in velocity. now don't hold my feet to the fire on this as i usually have problems remembering my first name at times!

have fun always

dagger dog