Inexpensive 308 Hunting/Bench Build

[USAFRet]

I am looking at doing an inexpensive (not cheap) 308 build. I like to have two of every caliber rifle. Usually a standard style hunting rifle and then something in a chassis, still light enough to hunt with, but heavy enough to be a bench gun. I am buying an MDT Field Stock, but hung up on the action. The following are what I am looking at. Thoughts on the good and bad of each?

1) Brownell's HOWA 20" heavy barreled action $519
2) Savage 110 Trail Hunter $452
3) Ruger American Gen II $540

 

[msalm]

I’ve had excellent results with the Howa barreled actions. Typically the factory barrels shoot as well as I hope they will.

 

[STOMP442]

Savage gives you the ability for multiple barrels and chamberings at ease. That being said I would do kind of a hybrid build, spring a little extra coin for a Origin action and still run the savage prefits with the compatibility of a Rem 700 foot print for stocks and triggers. My opinion is you will end up with a much nicer rifle in the end and money saved in the long run if you ever decided to do something different.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

What actions will fit in the stock your buying?

 

[USAFRet]

What actions will fit in the stock your buying?

All of the ones listed.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

semi relevant, the older 308 heavy barrel, pre accutrigger, flat top shoot exceedingly well. could be a good solution to put it in your stock. most folks will not brag on your rifle, but it will outshoot most factory 308s on the line.

 

[qec]

I also recommend the Savage. Barrel swapping is so easy with the minimum of tools. You could pick up a 26" or longer bull barrel for bench work and something shorter with a lighter weight profile for hunting. You can find lighter weight take-offs for sale for cheap. Plus there is a reasonable aftermarket for Savage guns. Not as good as Remington but better then Ruger.
I have both current generation (7mm-08, 223) and older pre accutrigger in 308. All 3 are great shooters.

 

[USAFRet]

What I was waiting for happened. I caught the HOWA barreled actions on sale and then had a 15% discount code. So, I got a 20" heavy barreled action for $425. That will put my total build at about $700, without glass (I already have several scopes on hand, just needing a rifle). Thanks all.

Oh, and got an MDT Field Stock with my military discount.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

I hear and read great things about Howa Action.

 

[Bill K]

I have both Savage and Howa actions, among others. Both are very good to work with, however the Savage does give the added advantage of any number of pre-fit barrels, which allow you to exchange for yourself in DIY project.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I hear and read great things about Howa Action.

Barreled action are on sale at Brownell’s right now plus a 15% off Memorial Day promo code.

 

[cmillard]

Howa!

 

[USAFRet]

Barreled action are on sale at Brownell’s right now plus a 15% off Memorial Day promo code.

BINGO!! The objective was a budget build and that is about as budget as it comes.

 

[USAFRet]

Howa!

Yep!!

 

[boltfluter]

The fit, finish and machine work on the Howa actions is first class in every way. Sounds like you are off to a great start and thanks for your service. Enjoy your rifle or rifles and keep us posted.
Paul

 

[afret]

SOLUS Barreled Actions | Aero Precision

www.aeroprecisionusa.com

 

[USAFRet]

HOWA 308 20" heavy barrel barreled action from Brownell's, MDT Field Chassis, Riton 1 Conquer 6-24x50

$850 total

 

[USAFRet]

Norma Whitetail 150


Federal Blue Box 150

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Great project, Congrats, and it is your own.

 

[USAFRet]

Great project, Congrats, and it is your own.

Thanks. Inexpensive does not mean inaccurate. Right?