Search for a Rifle

[Bobson]

Looking for a rifle to fill the only rifle role for the next couple years while I finish school. It'll be used for hunting at under 300 yards, and plinking at the same distance or closer. I know I want it to be a bolt action .308 with a synthetic stock, but aside from that, I don't have any absolutely critical requirements. Don't really care whether push-feed or CRF, don't care about where the safety is mounted or if it's a 2-position vs 3-position. Don't care whether blind box mag, drop free mag, etc. I would prefer a stainless action and barrel, but but I could settle for cerakoting the whole thing down the road for increased moisture resistance.

I'd really like to keep it under $600, but I could possibly stretch it up to $700 for the right gun. So for clarity, looking for a bolt action .308 with a synthetic stock. Prefer stainless action/barrel, but not absolutely necessary. Budget for the rifle w/o glass is $600-$700, max.

FWIW, here's where I'm at currently. Sorta leaning toward a Rem 700 ADL (~$400). Figure I'll drop in a Timney 510 (~$140), if necessary I'll glass bed the crappy stock it comes with (~$50), and come in just under the low end of my budget. Then after saving a bit, I can replace the stock with a B&C Medalist or something similar and be good to go. If it shoots well enough without glass bedding the first stock, I'll just wait on that and put that 50 bucks toward the Medalist.

What do you guys think? What others rifles should I be considering?

 

[Tophernj]

CDNN has synthetic stocked Rugers that may fit your bill for 499. Just a thought. Good luck in your search.

C

 

[Robert]

I am a big fan of Winchester.
http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/detail.asp?family=001c&mid=535210
The MSRP is higher than your budget but I can't remember the last time I paid MSRP. The last one I bought was about $200 under MSRP.

 

[Bobson]

That ultimate shadow does fit in the budget at $652 from Bud's. Thanks, Robert.

I'll look into that Ruger, Tophernj.

 

[Robert]

My Winchester had a few issues when it came from the SC factory. I never gave them the chance to fix it as I needed it done now for hunting season. The bedding, which may not be an issue on the Ultimate Shadow, was like silly putty on my Safari Express. A poorly bedded medium bore rifle patterns like a shotgun. That coupled with a out of spec crown was causing horrible groups.

Quick trip to the local smith and she shoots more accurate than me. The overall fit and finish were good as was the wood. The issues I had were not something you would have been able to see by just looking at it, and I have not heard of anyone else having those problems. I'd have no problem buying another Winchester.

 

[jmr40]

The Ultimate Shadow would be a good place to start. They come with a pretty decent stock. I have one of the Extreme Weather model 70's in 308 I bought used several years ago. The only difference is the stock and barrel fluting. And about $300-$400.

I actually prefer the stock from the factory on the Ultimate Shadow. I replaced my EW stock with a McMillan Edge and would do the same if I had bought the Ultimate Shadow. The $400 savings will get you over 1/2 way into the McMillan or pay for a B&C with money left over. That could be done later after you finish school

The EW comes with the B&C stock so you'd basically have the same rifle without fluting. I didn't care for the ergonomcs on the B&C stock or the extra 1/2 lb of weight, but some do. The fluting I can live with or without. Wouldn't pay extra for it.

Ruger has discontinued their SS/Synthetic All Weather Hawkeye. That would actually be a close 2nd place finisher behind the Winchester. If you want one, better get it now. Not as many options for it aftermarket. There are virtually no options for true lightweight synthetic stocks for the Ruger.

If you just want something to shoot for a couple of years with no concern for aesthetics there are some very good options at about 1/2 your budget. I've been playing around with a couple of the Ruger Americans. They are shooters right out of the box. Ugly as sin, but they shoot and are about $350-$400. Hands down my top pick for a beginner, beater, or cheap truck gun. My 308 Predator is scary accurate. Actually, better than anything in my safe.

http://ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/6974.html

 

[Bobson]

So CDNN does indeed have a Ruger M77 All Weather (which I understand has been discontinued, at least temporarily) listed for $500, on sale from $550. Seems like a very reasonable deal.

Then I noticed they have an M77 Stainless Laminate for $579. The only difference is the black laminate stock instead of the composite on the All Weather.

I'm wondering if the composite that comes on the Ruger is decent quality, or if I would just want to junk it and put something better on anyway. If that's the case, maybe the laminate is a much better option.

Anyone have experience with Ruger's composite stocks?

 

[Bobson]

I'm wondering if the composite that comes on the Ruger is decent quality, or if I would just want to junk it and put something better on anyway. If that's the case, maybe the laminate is a much better option.

Anyone have experience with Ruger's composite stocks?

Bump

 

[IWAC]

Remington has a variety of rifles that will meet your specifications.