Thinking of getting a .308 bolt action

So with hunting season getting closer I have started thinking about maybe investing in a .308 bolt action. I do not have a .308 rifle currently. So this would give me a reason to add another caliber to my collection which makes me smile.

I though about doing this last year as well but ended up not doing it for reasons I don’t quite remember.

I am thinking about a Remington 700 but have been hearing about QC issues with Remington products and wanted something that will last longer than me. I am also thinking about maybe a Winchester model 70. I think I want to stick with a walnut stock and a blued barrel. I am looking to stay in the sub $1000 range which may make the model 70 difficult.

I am looking for opinions. I am also wondering if anyone here has bought a Remington 700 in the past year or so and could speak to whether they have fixed the QC issues since the bankruptcy.

thanks in advance for the help and keeping the chat civil.

I know better than to ask you guys to talk me out of something but talking me into something is something you are all very talented at

 

Well, my only .308 bolt rifles are a Kimber 84M Hunter and a much-modified Mauser 98 Scout Rifle. I like the Kimber quite a bit, but then I'm an admitted Mauser snob. BTW, my third .308 is a Garand I had the CMP Custom Shop rebarrel for me.

The 700 is a smooth and accurate action. I'll admit that bolt manipulation is much easier than with Mauser-type actions, but I'm not a huge fan of riveted extractors -- of four friends with 700s or 721s, two have broken extractors that they've not yet found a local smith to fix.

Critical parts that are non-user replaceable are deal-breakers for me. I've seen a couple of broken Mauser-type claw extractors on other people's rifles, but I can swap out one of those on my own in a couple minutes. I did this once for a guy at a WWI reenactment using bare hands.

If you really prefer the 700, have you considered home-building a Remage rifle?

https://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/prod/27553

 

I personally wouldn't buy a Remington right now. Not only do you have the QC issues but the company recently went under and I don't know if they are fully back up and running yet.

I'd look hard at the Bergara and Tikka rifles.

 

It's been just about a year since they resumed operations at this point. That's why I asked if anyone had bought one recently and if they have fixed the QC issues they were having.

Um yes and no. I live in Washington DC so I really need to buy a complete rife to get it registered . I already double checked with my local FFL they confirmed I don't get to skip the trip to MPD for the extended background check and little plastic card just because its a bolt action. But once it's registered you can swap out any non-serialized parts. Wasteful? Yes it is, but that the world I live in unfortunately

Besides I think I want to go with a walnut stock and blued barrel for this one anyways. So not really an issue.

 

I am really happy with my Savage 10, and 11 Hog hunter. Tikka is a great rifle.

 

+1 on Tikka.

Also a fan of the Weatherby Vanguard/ Howa 1500.


The Ruger American series is a little rough around the edges, but is a perfectly good and accurate rifle on a budget. The Savage Axis is a solid budget choice too.

 

Go with it!

I have three but they have some problems that Savage is not addressing. So if I did a do-over right now I would go with the Ruger American.

 

If you want Walnut and Blue I would recommend a Tikka Forest Rifle . I would also recommend a Remington 700 ,internet banter and all .

https://choose.tikka.fi/usa/code/JRTXF616

 

Wouldn't touch a Remington with a 10' pole. It's not just QC, there are far, far better designs out there. If it's gotta be walnut/blue under $1000, this

Winchester 535200212 M70 Featherweight Bolt 243 Win 22" 5+1 Gr | 535200217 - Buds Gun Shop

Just be aware most wood stocked rifles today are NOT walnut, but cheap wood stained to look like walnut. If it ain't real walnut skip it for synthetic. Note that the description of the Tikka Forest says the stock is "wood", not walnut.

If you want a rifle that will shoot, buy a Tikka, but you can save money, and have a better rifle with synthetic.

Tikka T3 JRTXE382 T3x Lite Bolt 6.5 CRD 24.3 3+1 Synthetic Black Stock Blu | JRTXE382 - Buds Gun Shop

 

If you like the 700 check out the bergara b-14s. The are the least expensive 700 clones available and really nice guns.

 

Savage if the budget is tight. Tikka for a little more money is till a great value.

 

Do some research before you nitpick, it's WALNUT.

 

If you can find one, the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle comes in at about $1,000. That’s my go-to hunting rifle. I also have a Ruger American Ranch in 7.62x39 which is also a tack driver. It also comes in .308. The top rail is a little short and it’s not set up for iron sights, but it’s also half the price of the GSR. I’d be happy with either one for hunting!

 

As mentioned, I wouldn't bother with a new 700. However, if you write down
the serial numbers and do a look up before you buy, you could very well find a 700 Cdl ,Sf, Sp, or LR that's been on the shelf for a few years and made before the QC problems. You would probable still pay $800+ for it.
At that price I would probably just get a Tikka.
If you are gonna go more economical, I would definitely stay away from Rem 700adl and go with Savage or T/C or Ruger.

 

I've been shooting a 1970 Model 700 in 30.06 for 30 years and have no complaints. Many people tell me to get a trigger job, etc. My gun smith says "if it ain't broke, don't fix a problem that doesn't exist." If I ever decide to change, however, a Tikka T-3 synthetic would be my first choice.

 

I have a 700 CDL SF in 30-06 as well as a 300wm Long range, very pleased with both and wouldn't part with them, but wouldn't buy the new versions.

 

https://www.ganderoutdoors.com/ruger-m77-hawkeye-centerfire-rifle-.308-win.-212133.html Just going to leave this here...

If I were to shop for a Rem 700 or Win M70, I'd be looking on the used market for something manufactured pre-1990. Just seems they made them better then. You should find a good one in your price range.

 

What @Robert said. Winchester M70

 

I own am M70 and a Kimber 84M both in .308. I like the caliber and the action design but I cannot disparage other brands or calibers - they all do about the same thing. My experience with the M70 design is dependability and excellent accuracy; my experience with the caliber is the same. It always boils down to the same conclusion on this forum, lots of good experience and recommendations but then you ultimately should buy what you like.

 

If budget is an issue check out the Ruger American. I have one in 308 and it is amazingly accurate right out of the box. I bought it at Rural King on sale for a beat around truck gun and was surprised that its price does not reflect on it's performance.

 

Have you thought about buying a good quality rifle with an ugly plastic stock like a Ruger American and replacing the stock with a nice looking laminate one from Boyd's?

 

I have had two. A 788 that was cheap but very accurate (gone) and a Ruger Frontier compact that is loud (16"), kicks(light) but does group well. It is going to someone, somewhere who wants a scout type rifle. I've had several Remington 700s, never a problem. I hope they come back. My first choice now would be a Winchester or Savage.

 

I really like Remington 700's, over the years they have been good to me. But, I haven't bought a new 700 in many years...

Even through the years I hunted dangerous game, I hunted with a 700 and they never failed me!

IF, I was trying to save some money today, buying new, that's accurate and a decent rifle, I'd buy a Savage.

DM

 

I don't know if Ruger is still making this rifle or not but my Model 77MKII, RSI "International" chambered in .308, handles almost as well as my Winchester Model 94 .30-30 carbine in heavy cover and packs more punch and a flatter trajectory. I wanted a compact scope on this rifle (carbine?) and opted for a 1x4, Leupold Vari-XII. If I ever had to part with most of my firearms, the International would be one of the last to go.

If buying any .308 rifle, I would insist on getting one with a "short" action; otherwise I think a 30-06 might be a better option.