Which "Average" .308 Bolt Gun??

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strange246

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I'm not sure why other than I dont have a modern bolt action high power rifle, I'd use it for range duty, long-ish range plinking (up to 600 yds) maybe hunting one day if I needed to survive on wild game (Sorry not a hunter, not against it in any way, just dont care for the taste of game) Open to other calibers, maybe 30-06? I dont mind synthetic stocks, thinking a Ruger Gunsite Scout or Savage Axis or??
Suggestions? Thanks

Ryan
 
I have the Savage Axis XP in .308 and couldn't be happier with it especially only having paid $329 brand new at cabelas with the camo stock. Shot 1" at 100 yards out of the box.
 
How much do you want to spend?

I'd get either a .308 or .30-06, since those two calibers are very common, and can do what you want done.

I have a .243, Savage 11, and really like it. Same gun is available in .308, and similar in long action calibers like .30-06 and similar.

But really ... for just range duty and 600yd plinking, if you can get one in .223, you'll shoot it more, once the crazyness of the current market panic goes down and you can get ammo reasonably. If you don't hunt at all and would only do so in an emergency, you should probably just get a .223. More economical to shoot, reload for, more pleasant to spend a long day shooting, wife and kids will enjoy it more, etc...
 
I would say look at the Savage "Axis", American Classic or Ruger M77 all range from $350-$700 all have chamberings in .308 Win.
 
When I gather the money, I'm getting a Savage Axis in .30-06, left handed. It's a decent, well built gun. The downside to the Axis is the lack of aftermarket stuff. As the Axis uses the same long stroke action for all offered calibers, I'd suggest either .30-06.

I thought about .308, until I went to find some at the store. Just like .223, .308 is gone. .30-06 was packed. There must have been sixty boxes of various loads, weights, FMJ, hollow point, polymer tips, you name it. The over abundance of .30-06 is what sold me on the caliber choice.
 
Yes, in that price range, Savage is a leader. I had a 243; ugly as sin, but did shoot well. It was fun for a couple of years until I upgraded to a CZ in the same caliber, but I'm a sucker for pretty furniture. You won't regret a Savage.
 
I thought about .308, until I went to find some at the store. Just like .223, .308 is gone. .30-06 was packed. There must have been sixty boxes of various loads, weights, FMJ, hollow point, polymer tips, you name it. The over abundance of .30-06 is what sold me on the caliber choice.
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A word to the wise -- get a handloading outfit and lay in a stock of powder, primer and bullets.
 
Savage model 11 is a great gun especially when you consider the price. Bought one about six months ago and it is a very accurate rifle. The total cost was $525 including tax and a Nikon prostaff 3-9x40 scope. Very satisfied with it.
 
In my opinion, two of the most under respected rifles "average" rifles on the market right now are the Howa 1500 and the Weatherby Vanguard. Either in a .308 would serve the purposes you put forth. I have owned a Vanguard in this caliber, and regret selling it now. Worth a look before you buy, anyway.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=326276857

Found one on GB right now for under $500.
 
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I've got a Savage Hog Hunter in .308 that is darn accurate.

Shot this group while working up some loads. Nosler Ballistic Tip 165gr over 46gr of Varget. 0.63" group!

th_01-08-13Varget46gr.gif
 
I would skip the Savage Axis's Move up to the Hunter or Trophy Hunter.
The Savage 111 Trophy can be had on Bud's and locally for under $500 and it comes with a very good scope out of the box.
Also, don't be afraid to "step" down to the 270 winchester. The 270 is a long action and will generally have a flatter trajectory over the 308. AND the 270 is generally sufficient for most anything you will be hunting unless you plan to go after moose or Bear.
 
I thought about .308, until I went to find some at the store. Just like .223, .308 is gone. .30-06 was packed. There must have been sixty boxes of various loads, weights, FMJ, hollow point, polymer tips, you name it. The over abundance of .30-06 is what sold me on the caliber choice.
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Yep, same as 223 and 9mm! hence why 270 or 30-06 is better.
 
For this use a 308 is a better choice than 270 or 30-06. As a strictly hunting round they have a slight edge on larger game. But as primarily a target gun the 308 is a better choice.

The way to deal with ammo shortages is to keep enough on hand to get you buy for at least 6 months and to reload.
 
Out of the Ruger American, Marlin XS7 or XL7 and the Savage Axis, if they were all the same price, I'd take the Marlin.

This from a Savage nut.
 
Lever guns, yes.

Now if you increase your price range a little, I'll take the Savage Model 11 FCNS with Accutrigger and Accustock
 
I'd browse the used racks - hunting season is over and there is usually a few nice guns already set up with a decent scope and rings and shot less than 50 rounds for very reasonable prices.

I am left handed and I've recently picked up a very early Savage 110L in .30-06 with a Weaver K2.5 scope for $250. The gun is practically in new condition, even though it is probably 40 years old. For <$500, there are usually several right handed guns to chose from.
 
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