Can anybody recommend a good 308?

[babernat]

I'm relatively new to long range shooting. I borrowed a coworker's 1903A3 Springfield and had a blast. My only major complaint was the length of the action required for a 30-06 round. So, after doing some reading and checking some ballistics charts, I think I've decided on the 308 round. Of course this leads me to my next issue, which gun should I get? I have a few things I'd like to see in the gun and am curious if anybody knows of any systems that meet a lot of these desires. First, I'd like the stock to be synthetic. I am not opposed to doing an aftermarket stock replacement. Second, I'd like the barrel to be blued. I've just never been a fan of the stainless look. Third, I'd like the gun to have a drop magazine. That's not absolutely necessary, it's just a nice to have.

Does anybody know of a system that meets these requirements? Thanks in advance.

 

[wi50]

I have had Winchester M70 Varmint, Rem 700 Varmint and never really liked them so I traded one on a Leupold 3.5-10 Mark 4 scope and used Savage 10 FP 308 win. with an accutrigger and turned it all the way down. She's no prom queen but the thing shoots better than ones that cost twice as much. I got tired of the tupperware stock and ordered one from Stockade, if you are a little handy you can finish it yourself and save a little $$. There are several features on a Savage that keep the cost down and make it easy to change calibers. Pick up a used one and shoot the crap out of it, save the money from the other brands and by good ammo and optics. I alwas thought they were cheep junk untill I tried one. After you realize how much you are learning and the fun you are having you can build it up from there. Check out some of the guns of the week on the front page.

 

[Travelor]

1+ on the Savage 10FP. Great guns for the money. Spend the extra money you are saving on a Super Sniper 10X scope and have a great time learning the long range game.

 

[babernat]

Thanks for the advice. What's the average cost for an entry level rifle in this category? I know that's a crazy question becuase there are so many options. The savages you all have suggested are msrp'd around $600 is that about normal? What kind of characteristics should I look for? I'm assuming a 24" barrel is preferrable, anything else?

 

[wi50]

The used accutrigger model 10 FP I picked up was $350. The same store has a 22-250 with accutrigger for the same money. They also have an older long action 7mm rem mag for $250 that I was going to get for a "project" gun. All of these are left handed models. Good thing I'm a lefty. Just go to a dumpy little gun store and they will be glad to sell you one. If you loose intrest you don't have much in it. If you really like it, well check out SHARPSHOOTER SUPPLY out of OHIO. Also check out savageshooters.com for more info on them.

 

[BountyHunter]

I would suggest go ahead and get the Savage 110 in 308 that has the McMillan A5 stock already on it. You can find it for $650-750 normally.

BH

 

[chuckw2]

Savage is the best game in town!!!!!

 

[jb1000br]

Remingtons are a little easier to custiomize later if you want to...and have more parts available.

You might consider a Rem 700 PSS or VS as well.

JB

 

[PJ]

BABERNAT,
I agree with JB a rem 700 is a good base to modify later. I would suggest the rem 700 vs. The stock is a lot more comfortable in the grip then the pss. If you go custom look at stiller predator actions. They have the same footprint as a rem 700. Cost is around 650 for the action. This way you don't have to worry about the action being out of spec.

 

[babernat]

Thanks all for your insight. This helps a lot.

 

[30378]

I have to agree with the Remington PSS. I have 2 in 308 and one in 223. They are all great rifles but have their own respective loads. Lots of "STUFF" out there to customize the Remingtons as you progress.

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

Remingtons are a little easier to custiomize later if you want to...and have more parts available.

You might consider a Rem 700 PSS or VS as well.

JB

Yep. Many more aftermarket upgrades for the 700 than any other action out there...