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If you could pick a .308

3K views 30 replies 20 participants last post by  ltcfb 
#1 ·
If you could pick a .308 rifle for hunting and potential long range(6-800 yards) shooting, excluding Remington 700's and Savage 10's, what would it be?

I may or may not have a reason to buy another .308, so I want to make sure to cover my bases on selection. I would prefer a bolt gun and would like to stay at about $1000 for the rifle.
 
#2 ·
Really need more information. Some folks drive to w/i a 100 yards of where they will be shooting from and others do some serious hiking. Shooting from the trunk so to speak w/ a bull barrel is fine there but hiking the hills may not be for some and want a Tikka super light for instance. Shooting from a bench long range w/ a thin barreled, light rifle works as long as you manage the heat and the shoulder thumps. I wouldn't want to buy a long range target rifle unless it promises under moa. There are rifles that don't promise under moa that shoot stellar under moa. I have a few of those. Roll the dice more or less. Budget plays a big part. I really like Browning rifles but I don't own any. I really like Dillon, but haven't bought one. To each their own, but that's my oopinion from my knot hole.
 
#8 ·
Simply because I have researched Remingtons and Savages and want new ideas. I like the remingtons, if I am going to change out the stock and do other mods. I like the savage 10's out of the box, but accuracy is what it is for that gun usually. Most are good, some are great, and some stink. Limited mods for them to be able to really push performance, comparatively.
 
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#9 ·
I've heard great things about the ruger American... Haven't tried one out myself, but the price isn't bad.
 
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#10 ·
As mentioned, it's a tough call not knowing if this is a bench rest project, hunting rifle or "tactical." If modifications are going to be made regardless, I'd say model 70 Winchester, Remington 700 or even a sporter 98 Mauser. More options made for these rifles than most others. If it's straight from the box I'd say Weatherby or Browning. My other two choices were eliminated.
 
#16 ·
#18 ·
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#20 ·
I like the idea of detachable magazines for the Tikka, for sure, but dont know about that stock and plastic mags.

The detachable mags was one of the reasons I went with the savage 10 FCP-SR that I got. Not sure that I would buy one again, since they discontinued the law enforcement line and made them cheaper.
 
#22 ·
Hence my decision would be the Mossberg MVP, because it accepts the metal M14 20 round magazines. Those can be found fairly cheap and, with them, the MVP can become a distance support weapon. So it can serve multiple roles. Scout tool, hunting and survival tool, and long range suppressive weapon capable of accurate volleys of fire with moderate ammo availability.
 
#24 ·
For hunting and potential long range shooting, something with a round action. Round action's I can bed and for what you want I'd say bedding is in your future. It would also need a min 22" barrel. I wouldn't turn down a 24". 24" make's it a bit unhandy hunting in cover but helps a bit on long range shooting.
 
#25 ·
Robar will make you a custom 308 from any rifle or pistol you want at different prices. They built me a SR 21 with a tac 21 chassis from a Remington 700. They guarantee 0.5 moa or better. I have about 6 K in mine with a Nightforce scope, but you don't have to go that high. If you want a good gun, spend a little and get something you will like and keep. Sam and I sighted mine in about a month ago. It's a keeper. I'll have it at the BBQ if you would like to shoot it.
 
#26 ·
Even considering the $3k Nightforce scope I was looking at, that is a bit out of my price range. I will have to look them up for future reference though. That is a pretty good guarantee.
 
#27 ·
All the new rifles are wonderful & ones that accept mags are a lot of fun. But I thought this is for hunting. Why would you need a ten round mag for hunting unless you are trying to take the whole herd ?? What you need is a Mosin Nagant 91/30 PU sniper then you would have a history piece & a great hunting rifle. I own one & they are as accurate as any expensive hunting rifle, the guys at the range get pissed when I out shoot there high priced competition rifles. If it were legal where I live I would be hunting with mine. I can out shoot the guys at the range with factory rounds & if you reload you can improve the accuracy 2x to 3x. I never thought that an old rifle could shoot that good.
 
#28 ·
If I can't pick the Remington 700 (first choice) or the Savage 10 (second), then something from the Howa 1500 line would be the third choice. Fourth would be a build--probably from a Mauser action--but it would be way too easy to blow past that budget.

After those 4, I would forget about bolt actions and look at an FAL.
 
#30 ·
Pretty much what I have anymore are Rem mod 700's. I have a Win mod 70 Featherweight and if it wasn't for the fluted bolt and barrel I'd sure give the new Mossberg a shot. I don't care for the fluting and I got no use at all for stainless! Years ago Rem made the 700 in 264 win mag and blackened ti barrel somehow. I could live with that. There's a lot of choice's out there just depends on you. My brother has a Howa he bought years ago and it is a nice rifle and lot's of guy's speakhighly of the Tikkia's. There is simply no what to know what you want without you going and looking for yourself! I doubt there is a bad rifle on the market, just depends on your taste!
 
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