suggestions for quality .308 bolt under $700

[tostada]

I'm looking for a good .308. I would probably just go for the cheapest Savage as far as just getting the best value and accuracy, but I'd like to get something relatively nice that will retain value, which probably means a real walnut stock. I'd probably be putting a Nikon 4-12x50 on it. I'm not looking for a strictly target or hunting rifle, just something all-around good.

I'm not sure about rate of twist. I'd like to be able to shoot a variety of ammo, from milsurp to Federal HE. I was surprised to see the variation from Savage's 1:10" twist to Tikka's 1:11" twist to Browning and CZ's 1:12" twist.

Things I'm looking at so far:

Savage 11G: It's a good deal, coming in $200 under budget. "Walnut finished hardwood" stock, though.

Savage 14 American Classic: Better stock, better finish, but it's still a Savage, so maybe I'd be better off just going with the model 11.

Browning A-Bolt Hunter: Don't know much about these, but thought they looked nice. I do like the tang safety like on the Savage. I get the feeling that these would retain value well compared to the others, but that's just a guess.

CZ 550 American: These look great, but they're 3" longer than the other already long rifles, and the barrel is only 2" longer, so I guess that means the pull is pretty long ... might get uncomfortable wearing a coat.

 

[cmidkiff]

Savage. They're very 'customizable', even the barrel can be changed by the owner with the right wrench and a little effort. The accu-triggers are excellent, for a factory trigger. If you don't like the 'walnut colored hardwood' you might just get one on their el-cheapo plastic stock, and plan to purchase a nice stock for it. I kinda like the factory laminate stocks, but they're only available with the heavy 'varmint' profile barrels. A little heavy for field use, perhaps.

 

[Smitty in CT]

Take a look at the Moosberg 100ATR in .308 with a walnut stock, it's in their latest catalog as p/n: 26010. The gun can be had at Wal-Mart for $315 (if your Wal-Mart still carries guns..) The Mossbergs have been getting great reviews and they're MADE IN THE USA.

 

[Browning]

The Stevens model 200 on .308 Win is pretty good.

They go for about $290, that will leave you plenty of money for rings, mounts and a scope.

 

[dmftoy1]

Well mine's not pretty, but my savage 10 FLP just shot a .666 (outside-outside) group at 100 yards on Sunday and followed it up today in 10-15mph winds with a .806 and a .815 and I'm a poor shot. For the budget you have I'd probably pick up the cheapest Model 10 you can find and then use the leftover money to pick up a nice boyds stock for it and pay them to finish it for you. (after fitting it to the rifle).

I think you can get into Remington Model 700 in that price range with a bit of shopping but I bet it won't be quite as accurate as the Savage.

Just my .02

Regards,
Dave

 

[tostada]

Wow. Even the guy who goes by "Browning" is recommending the Savage over the A-Bolt?

 

[aspade]

The CZ stock isn't any longer, the extra inch is in the action - it's a standard length blocked off to take short action calibers.

I have a pre-Accutrigger Savage 10FP in .308 and other than the POS plastic stock it came with, which would feel at home on a $79 air rifle, it's a good gun.

I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[dakotasin]

pretty tough to beat a remington 700 cdl, or a winchester 70 featherweight...


there are definitely less expensive ways to get into a gun than either of my 2 picks, but there's not a classier way to do it for the money...

'course... another $300 gets you a cooper - a choice that is beyond reproach.

 

[tostada]

Well, I really couldn't justify spending more than $700. Even if I could, I'd feel silly using the Nikon scope so I'd have to upgrade that. Then I'd feel silly spending so much when I really don't have much of an actual need for a .308.

Besides, the 700 CDL isn't even available in .308.

The Model Seven CDL is nice, and it's available in .308 ... Hmm ... Still as much as the 700, though.

It looks like the Model 70 was just discontinued, and not many of them were available in .308. I do like the look of the Model 70 Featherweight if I could find one, but I haven't really heard much about them.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

My 2 choices would be either a Savage because of the AccuTrigger or a Remington 700 SPS because the Remington 700 Action is probably the best on the market in that price range.

 

[Browning]

Wow. Even the guy who goes by "Browning" is recommending the Savage over the A-bolt.

That was actually based on a pistol choice (BHP).

When it comes to rifles, I should actually change my handle to Remington or Savage.

 

[Davo]

Get a Savage, and if your not happy with the stock upgrade it for about 100 bucks. That will give you a great all around rifle.

 

[4Truck]

You should buy my Ruger 77 with Leupold scope in the WTS section, sounds like it would fit the bill just fine.

John