What Model Rifle in .308

[RodneyKSig]

Gentleman and Ladies,

I am looking at getting a hunting/ target rifle but I would like to get it in .308 caliber. I have a budget of about 1K including glass. I don't need a precision custom rifle but I would like a decently accurate and cost effective rifle as I am currently saving up for an engagement ring. Let me know what your thoughts are on this matter. Brand is not really important so long as it is quality.

Thank-you.

 

[Geno]

You will be hard-pressed to find a better deal than a Remington 700 SPS Tactical ($599ish) or 700 SPS Varmint ($525ish).

 

[P.B.Walsh]

You will be hard-pressed to find a better deal than a Remington 700 SPS Tactical ($599ish) or 700 SPS Varmint ($525ish).

Yes, one of these. I have an SPS Varmit .308 and it's great, although I did replace the stock, and for that reason, I recomend the SPS Tactical because it has a way better stock.

 

[Hesenwine]

You might consider Savage. They seem to make some of the most accurate out of the box rifles. Plus, they now offer their new Accustock and Accutrigger both of which are getting good reviews.

 

[TRguy]

$565 308 10FP

http://www.savagearms.com/10fp.htm

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=140654996

As a owner and shooter of both Remington 700 series and the Savage Model 10 series

Both actions are good platforms but my preference out of the box or modified is Savage. But I prefer any 6mm platform to the 7.62mm.

.243, 6Br, etc....

My Savage Rig;

 

[jester_s1]

The Savage will leave you more room for good glass, but not by much. The Thompson Center Venture is out now too. It's cheaper than the Savage and has a 1 MOA guarantee. You could put a Zeiss scope on and still be under 1k if you shop right.

 

[5Rfanatic]

I would recommend a Remington 700 5R milspec. I got one a few years ago and it is more accurate than anything else I've shot. It will be a little over budget seeing as it runs between 900-1000 for the gun and then your glass but it took me a while to get mine fitted out ( about a year). Definitely worth it though seeing as i got 6 inch groups at 1000 yards this summer with some handloads that weren't fully developed. I feel that it is money well spent.

 

[MovedWest]

I've heard great things about the Tikka T3's. They chamber a good share of their models in .308. My only .308 right now is a semiauto, but when I have funds for a bolt action Tikka is where I'm putting my $$$.

The scope I picked for by semiauto BTW is a Mueller Tac II 3-10x44mm. I'm really impressed with the clarity and quality. I would definitely opt for the same model for a hunting rifle. It can't be beat for $279.

-MW

 

[kis2]

remington 700. forever and always. on a 1k budget, i'd go for an sps. and when you get the budget, it'd be an easy rifle to upgrade. tons of aftermarket support.

 

[bpl]

Will it be primarily for hunting or target shooting? Target shooting at what distance? Do you hunt from a stand or blind, or do you hike a lot?

 

[RodneyKSig]

First off thanks to all who have replied.

To answer your question BPL, it will primarily be used for hunting but with some target shooting out to about 500 yards. I don't think a rifle in that price range would be accurate enough to realistically shoot further than that without some custom work done. Given my relative newness to that side of shooting I would not feel confident enough to attempt shots out to that distance. I hunt from all three types of scenarios. It just depends on the situation. As it is most of my hunting will take place at 100-300 yards. I just am unsure if it would be better to find a dedicated hunting rifle and have a separate build for target shooting versus having one rifle try to do both well

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Weatherby Vangaurd. Best on the market for the money IMO. And that'll leave about $600 for the glass.

 

[Legionnaire]

For what you're looking for, I'd look for a second-hand Remington 700 BDL or ADL. There are plenty out there that were purchased and not shot much. I bought an unfired 700 BDL in .30-06 a couple of years ago that came with a nice 3-9X Redfield scope for $450. I subsequently replaced the scope with a second-hand Leupold VariX-III 3.5-10X (put the Redfield on another rifle). Even with replacing the scope using a better base and rings the whole rig cost under $750. And it shoots right at MOA with 165-grain Remington Core-Lokts. What's not to like?

 

[Dallas Jack]

I second the Weatherby Vanguard. $399 for the standard synthetic. 1.5 MOA guarantee. Nice gun and shoots great.
Dallas Jack

 

[mljdeckard]

+1 to Legoinnaire and Geno. I always start with a Remington 700 and then decide if there's a reason to use something else. There usually isn't. (For me, at least.) Also look at the 700 VS in .308.

 

[stubbicatt]

I like my CZ550 with the detachable magazine. The 10 rounders for the 750 sniper rifle snap right in also.

Accurate, and if you like wood stocks, you can't beat CZ.

 

[OzarkGuns]

Tikka is by far our #1 selling rifle.

Here are a couple you might not otherwise consider:

Manufacturer HOWA FIREARMS [Website]
Man. Number HWK97101+
Title AXIOM 308WIN 24"HVY BLK SYN
Description HOWA/AXIOM VARMINTER 1500 BOLT ACTION CENTERFIRE RIFLE 308 WIN, 24" HEAVY BLUE BBL, BLACK SYNTHETIC STOCK, 3 POSITION SAFETY, 4+1 RND MAGAZINE CAPACITY


Manufacturer SAVAGE ARMS
Man. Number 18512
Title SAVAGE 11BTH 308WIN 22" HFP

WIN 70 COYOTE LIGHT 308 WIN 22 NS
WIN M70 ULT SHDW 308WIN SYN
WIN M70 FWT 308WIN 22"

WBY VGUARD S-MOA VARM 308WIN
REM 700VLS 308 BEAVERTAIL 26"
REM 700VTR DESERT 308 22" MB --- lets face it guys that triangle barrel is SMOOTH!

Amy

 

[gearheadpyro]

Rem 700

I would (and did) go with a Rem 700 SPS Varmint. Very good gun right out of the box. You can adjust the trigger yourself down to whatever weight you like, and once you have the gun and a few more dollars you can do whatever in the world you want with it. I love mine, shoots .5 moa easily as long as I do my job. I have done a substantial amount of work to mine though, it started out at just a tad over 1".