Stainless/synthetic bolt action .308

[H1500308]

Looking to buy a stainless/synthetic bolt .308 with a 22" barrel. Right now, I'm leaning towards the Ruger Hawkeye and maybe the Savage 16.

Anyone have any ideas, thoughts, reviews they'd like to share. This would primarily be used as a deer rifle.

 

[leatherneck448]

look at a remington 700 XCR, or a 700 sps stainless. theyre both on remingtons website if you want to check 'em out.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Get the Savage, unless you feel like spending 3x more for one of the stainless Winchesters.

I generally like Ruger but their bolt-action rifles don't get good reviews for accuracy or triggers.

I owned a Remington 700, and while there was nothing wrong with it, nothing really impressed me about it. The trigger was too stiff, the stock (polymer) was too flexible, and it just felt like a price-point consumer gun. The Savage does to some extent also, but it costs less and will likely be more accurate.

I've since gone to an FN PBR (almost the same as a Winchester model 70) and it's just a much nicer gun in almost every way.

The other reasonably priced rifle I would look at is the Howa 1500. Quality, cost and accuracy will all compare well to the Savage or Remington. But it's harder to find and made in Japan vs. the USA, so there isn't necessarily much reason to prefer it over the Savage.

 

[leatherneck448]

I have a savage 111 in .243 i use for varmint hunting, and I love it. Even with factory ammo it shoots at most 2 MOA.
If you are interested in 700's, michigan is right about the older 700 triggers, although I really like the new X-mark triggers they put on them today. Much crisper break, and its adjustable.

Also, Michigan, hows the PBR treating you? i was considering buying one to make into a long range rifle.

 

[MCMXI]

Stainless/synthetic bolt action .308
Looking to buy a stainless/synthetic bolt .308 with a 22" barrel. Right now, I'm leaning towards the Ruger Hawkeye and maybe the Savage 16.

Anyone have any ideas, thoughts, reviews they'd like to share. This would primarily be used as a deer rifle.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but as an owner of three Remington 700s and a Savage Weather Warrior 16 FCSS chambered in 7mm-08, I'd suggest a Savage Weather Warrior in .308 Win. Even though my Savage came with a ridiculously slow twist rate and I ended up ordering a McGowen barrel for $280 plus the cost of a barrel wrench, barrel nut and go/no-go gauges, I'd still recommend the Savage. The .308 Win version has a 1:10 twist which is PERFECT and it has a 22" barrel. The AccuTrigger is very good, the AccuStock is ok, but it comes in all stainless steel with a detachable magazine. This is a no brainer particularly since you can order one online for around $700. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better hunting rifle for the money. The fact that barrel swaps can be done at home with minimal tools makes the Savage even more appealing. Don't get me wrong, I really like my three Remingtons which in stock form were/are superior to the Savage in terms of fit and finish and all three in stock form were/are easily sub-moa rifles out to at least 300 yards. However, I put a lot of money into them to get them to where I wanted them to be in terms of the bolts and triggers. The Savage bolt and trigger is already where it needs to be. Just my opinion, so if you don't agree don't get all bent out of shape, we're all free to buy what we want.

http://www.savage-rifles.com/item/53887_Savage_Arms_Rifles_Shotguns_SAV_16FCSS_308WIN_22_SS_S.aspx

 

[ironhead7544]

I have the Ruger M77 MKII in 308. Very accurate but put in a Timney trigger. I like the Mauser style action. I set it up as a scout rifle many years ago and it makes a handy deer rifle. Today Id just get the Savage Scout Rifle. It has a nice trigger and stock bedding. 9 round mags are available. If you are worried about rust, then have it Cera coated. Just my .02.

 

[joed]

I have to agree with 1858 having owned more then a few Remingtons. They are nice rifles but not accurate as they come from the factory, at least the ones I've owned.

My latest was an SPS Varmint. Paid $480 for a heavy barreled gun that shoots groups of 1.5", that doesn't happen with a Savage. My last Savage was the same price and shoots 1/2" groups.

The Remingtons are nicer but to make my SPS VS shoot it took another stock and trigger, something the Savage didn't need.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Also, Michigan, hows the PBR treating you? i was considering buying one to make into a long range rifle.

It's an excellent factory bolt rifle. My only tiny complaint is that I don't like the 3-piece bolt design, although I'm 99.99999% certain it is perfectly strong and durable. Otherwise I have no complaints. Accuracy, trigger, fit and finish are all great.

I think you would want either a stripped action or an SPR for long-range, as the PBR models were typically shorter barreled. Although if you can find a PBR with a 20+ inch barrel, that should be fine.

 

[unwise11]

Howa 1500 stainless 22" sporter .308 is running 625.00 in a hougue stock
and my second choice would be the remington 700 sps stainless.

 

[viking499]

I think a Tikka would fit that criteria.

 

[heeler]

All that have been mentioned are good rifles especially the Tikka.
My only stainless synthetic is a very rare Remington 700 LVSF in extremely hard to find 308.
Would not part with it for twice what I paid for it.

 

[70extreme]

I would look at the new Model 70s. In my opinion, they are the best bolt action guns on the market.

 

[jmr40]

The Winchester is the best factory rifle being made at this time. But it is more expensive than the Ruger. The older Rugers earned a reputation for heavy triggers and mediocre accuracy. The new Hawkeye's with the new LC -6 trigger are as good as anything on the market.

Can't like the Savage, especially in stainless. Their package guns and Stevens line are bargains for the price, but you will pay as much or more for a stainless Savage as a Ruger. Since the Ruger comes with scope mounts you will certainly come out ahead in price.