Thinking about a .308

[CZ52GUY]

I've been sort of pursuing a "caliber progression" over the past couple of years with my long guns...22lr, 9mm, 7.62x39, .303 British.

Thinking about a .308. Comparatively cheap. Lots of platforms to choose from.

This will be primarily for 100-yd shooting at my club (no longer distances available).

I don't hunt (I support the rights of those who do).

I don't reload (I'd rather be shooting ).

Probably want to keep acquisition costs in the $500-$600 range to leave some room for optics (maybe even a bi-pod).

I'm having trouble deciding between a "poor man's battle rifle" (e.g. Cetme, Used G3, Saiga .308, etc.) or a "poor man's 'precision rifle' " (e.g. Remington 700 ADL, Winchester Model 70, etc.).

I'm interested in thoughts on the versatility of the round and affordable platforms to launch it from.

Thanks in advance,

CZ52'

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

Let me be the first of many people to suggest a quality bolt action, like a Tikka T3 ($408 at Wally World) or a Savage with Accutrigger. I would recommend getting a high-quality rifle first, then playing around with interesting guns like the Saiga and CETME. With a simple, reliable, accurate, high-powered rifle you can work on honing your marksmanship instead of honing the gun. And if, God forbid, the S-H-I-I-T-E hammer comes down, a simple, reliable, accurate high-powered rifle could prove quite useful.

 

[CZ52GUY]

Thanks

If solid waste collides with rotating blades, I'm comfortable with the options in my safe.

I'm more interested in developing some proficiency with a round that "has some legs" to it. I appreciate your suggestions.

Safe shooting!

CZ52'

 

[Dave P]

I'm more interested in developing some proficiency with a round that "has some legs" to it.

It has to be a bolt gun then

Rem 700's are always nice, but they say the savage with the new trigger also has great accuracy for less $.

 

[Mikul]

v

Your interest is obviously military, so go with a battle rifle. A little hunting could net you an FAL in that price range.

 

[CZ52GUY]

Your interest is obviously military, so go with a battle rifle. A little hunting could net you an FAL in that price range.

I saw that AIM is selling the Century FAL for $529 so finding it for $600 OTD seems feasible.

I'm actually a little torn between the two options.

A FAL w/20-rd Mag's is going to chew up .308 pretty rapidly (and very expensive).

I enjoy a stick shift (my .303 British is a SMLE I inherited and did some minor personalizing to). I'm not really hung up on a "battle rifle" but I don't want to dismiss it out of hand either.

A Saiga .308 might be a good compromise (8-rd autoloader, AK' design I'm quite familiar with...Wood furniture is quite attractive...Russian optics would be readily available...price is tempting also).

HOWEVER, I've liked the looks of the Remington 700's...I find the detachable mag' convenient...probably a bit more accurate than the best "battle rifle" in my price range...similar price point for acquisition as the Saiga.

Safe shooting,

CZ52'