SPS Tactical 308 as a hunting rig?

[learningman]

I did a search here and found some good info on this rifle but was wondering what the rest of you thought about the SPS Tactical as a hunting rig as well as a good paper puncher and varmit gun. Kind of an all around shooting tool if you will. I'm not really all that concerned about the weight although I see it only weighs about 7.5 lbs w/o a scope. The gun I use now is about 9.5 lbs as a total package. I like the shorter barrel even though I will lose velocity, but I don't really plan to shoot past 500 yrds. Out to maybe 300 yrds for hunting situation's and further just for fun. The short barrel would be nice for getting around the timber. So what do you think of this gun for hunting. I would be using this for elk sized game and down. I shoot a 300wm now and the ammo price is killing me. The 308 is much more reasonable as far as price is concerned. And I think it looks cool to. Ok thanks in advance for all your opionions.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

It'll work just fine if you have the muscles to drag it around and the stamina to fight through the weeds & brush with the long barrel. What kinda shape you in? Sure, it's a good all-purpose gun. Not the best, but good.

P.S. .270 Win and .30-06 factory ammo is cheaper still than .308.

 

[esmith]

PremiumSauces, the SPS tactical has a 20 inch barrel, it is the shortest barrel on all 700s i believe.

 

[learningman]

Yes the SPS Tactical does have a 20 inch barrel. And yes I am very certain I can pack this rifle around with ease. I currently use a rifle with a 26 inch barrel and as I stated it weighs 9.5 lbs. So again weight isn't the issue I would like to visit here. Only what people think about the useabliity of this rifle as a hunting rig. It has a "Tactical" label on it but that doesn't mean it couldn't be used for other use's. So weight aside what do you think about this rifle. Thanks again to all.

 

[esmith]

Learningman, i too really want this rifle. Like really badly. Once i get one it will really only be used for some target shooting, i might try hunting with it at some point but its doubtful. A lot of people don't like the hogue overmolded stock but i think i have held a stock similar to this and i have no problem with it. It features the x-mark pro trigger on it, which can be adjusted to whoever's liking. However, many people have found the factory tuning is perfect for what they want. The foregrip can flex a little bit to the point where it breaks free floating and will touch the barrel, however most people do not notice a decrease in accuracy. Aluminum pillar bedding on it as well.

Theres a write-up of it on snipercentral.com that has groups at .318 MOA 100 yards i believe so accuracy is good. Like you said, the 20 inch barrel won't be able to get out to really long ranges so if you can deal with that then this rifle is pretty good.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

I'd get it.

The 20 inch bbls are accurate for what you want to do, if you expected less than 300 yards you should be just fine. The "tactical" label has a lot of marketing in it. However, it's a good lighter rifle to deal with. I've got an LTR in 223 I really like, shoots well.

I used to deer hunt with a Steyr tactical 308, I have since sold. What better rifle to hunt with than one you can achieve 1/2 groups?

 

[Strongbad]

Short answer. Yes, that gun would work just fine for most anything in North America. Pick the right bullet and put it in the right place. Simple as that.

 

[ArmedBear]

BTW if you want a gun that's extremely similar, in the same stock, with a better safety for field use, a tad lighter, and for a better price AFAIK, check this one out:

Howas are accurate, extremely well made, durable rifles.

http://www.legacysports.com/products/howa/howa_ranchland.html

 

[Der Verge]

I think the SPS tactical with a 20" barrel would be great as a hunting rig. It weighs the same as my 7Rem Vanguard, so you are on par with a standard type hunting rifle, in the weight department anyway. Go for it.

 

[BAT1]

It will do fine. Great round.

 

[rrflyer]

I'm buying one and it will be my hunting/target rig.

The .308 out of 20" barrell should be good out to 1,000 yards for target shooting and as far as I know the .308 should be good enough to kill anything in North America.