.308 autos - AR15.COM

Posted: 5/23/2003 7:34:57 PM EDT

Currently looking for a .308 rifle for deer hunting. I am curious about the remmington semi autos, mod 742 I think. Will they handle slightly lower power reloads and function correctly? Also, will they handle the military surplus ammo without self-destructing?

Winchester also had a semi, mod.100 I think. any info on this gun?? Thanks... fullcliip

Posted: 5/23/2003 10:32:52 PM EDT

[#1]

Military weapons deliver greater accuracy, durability, and ease of cleaning. The Re,mington semi is a POS, they literally batter themselves apart.

Posted: 5/24/2003 10:41:07 AM EDT

[#2]

At least take a look at an ArmaLite AR-10A4 carbine in .308. My youngest brother still hunts and lives in South Alabama and that's what he now uses - a hunting rifle when needed and a pretty good paper puncher at other times. (He now has a separate rifle upper to complete the ensemble.) And I oughta know cause I'm his oldest brother and got to pay for the thing !!

If you want to go the more conventional route there's still nothing wrong with the Browning BAR rifles. Bro had his thinking down to these two rifles and finally opted to go the AR-10 route for more versatility.

Posted: 5/24/2003 12:49:52 PM EDT

[#3]

Would love to go the AR-10 route, but the expense is a little much right now. Didn't think of the Browning. Thanks for the tip. Will have to look into that one... fullclip

Posted: 5/24/2003 5:47:35 PM EDT

[#4]

Don't by a Remington 742.

Ever.

They keep me in business before and during deer season (I repiar guns for my livelyhood).

I'm pretty impressed with the Browning BAR. If that's too much money, and you know of an old Winchester 100, they were pretty good guns too. Look at the extractor and make sure it's still in the gun and is not cracked.

Balming

Posted: 5/24/2003 6:31:43 PM EDT

[#5]

You should look into a FAL. They can be very accurate, can be had for the same or less as an AR10, and magazines are cheaper.

Posted: 5/24/2003 11:05:28 PM EDT

[#6]

The Remington 7400 will do quite nicely for DEER HUNTING.
Keep it clean, shoot good factory loaded fresh ammuniton, and it will be fine for what you have in mind.
Using 150-gr. ammo will also help keep it from 'battering itself' vs. using the heavier bullets.
Don't rapid fire the hell out of it or expect it to be a military gun. It isn't.
I've got a 7400 Carbine Synthetic that is accurate and dependable and I've only shot 180's & 220's through it so far. I'm thinking about switching to the 150-gr. exclusively to enhance the life of the gun as the lighter bullets will be easier on it (of course).

The earlier 740 and 742 really will keep the gunfixers in business. Earlier versions were not as durable or reliable as the 7400.
If you get a 7400 in .308, you'll probably have a nice deer gun on your hands.

Balming was correct in his statement about the earlier models of the Remington autoloaders and also about how NICE the BAR is.
If you can get a BAR MkII in .308, do that!
Good Luck.

Posted: 5/26/2003 6:57:43 AM EDT

[#7]

Take a look at the Saiga in .308. It's a Russian made AK (using an RPK receiver) so they are as durable and reliable as you can imagine. They are also very accurate. They handle quite well and have a conventional layout, being no pistol grip, etc. Just a normal sporting type stock. No wierd thumbhole, and looks like a hunting rifle.

The best part about them is they are dirt cheap. The assault rifle community doesn't buy enough of them to drive the price up because of the civillian layout. Seems that if you have a pistol grip on the same gun, it should cost a couple hundred more. The gun sells for just over $200, and they are the best buy out there in a .308 semi.

This is one of those guns that will be, "those used to only go for....back in the good ole days"

Take a look at it. I think I'd go that way for a hunting semi.

Ross

Posted: 5/26/2003 7:18:06 AM EDT

[#8]

The Remington gets a bad rap because of the earlier models, 740 and 742. The rails on the inside of the receiver that the bolt traveled on wore out. I had a 742 and it lasted over 20 years. During that time I shot 200+ rounds each year and killed over 40 deer. I think that was good service from a gun that cost $160.00 dollars in 1976. A few years ago Remington had a trade in program. I sent in my 742 and $250.00 some odd dollars and got a brand new 7400. Still shooting 200 rounds a year killed one hog and 5+ deer. Not bad. You can get a brand new Remington for under $500.00. MIKE.

Posted: 5/26/2003 7:28:50 AM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
Take a look at the Saiga in .308. It's a Russian made AK (using an RPK receiver) so they are as durable and reliable as you can imagine. They are also very accurate. They handle quite well and have a conventional layout, being no pistol grip, etc. Just a normal sporting type stock. No wierd thumbhole, and looks like a hunting rifle.

The best part about them is they are dirt cheap. The assault rifle community doesn't buy enough of them to drive the price up because of the civillian layout. Seems that if you have a pistol grip on the same gun, it should cost a couple hundred more. The gun sells for just over $200, and they are the best buy out there in a .308 semi.

This is one of those guns that will be, "those used to only go for....back in the good ole days"

Take a look at it. I think I'd go that way for a hunting semi.

Ross

Ross is right to bring in the Saiga. Excellent rifle period and most excellent for the money. Also very inexpensive to scope if you want to go that route.

You might use the Saiga for your floor (re dollars) and the Browning BAR as your celiling and see if there's anything between that you like better.

Posted: 5/26/2003 1:19:26 PM EDT

[#10]

I hope I am not hijacking the thread.
You guys have me interested. Where can I learn
more about the Saiga? I have some recent books,
one being the "2003 Catalog of Firearms" and
find nothing. Who is building/importing it?
Should I see it in Shotgun News?

Thanks, I need another inexpensive .308 or two.

DanM

Posted: 5/26/2003 1:49:13 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
I hope I am not hijacking the thread.
You guys have me interested. Where can I learn
more about the Saiga? I have some recent books,
one being the "2003 Catalog of Firearms" and
find nothing. Who is building/importing it?
Should I see it in Shotgun News?

Thanks, I need another inexpensive .308 or two.

DanM

Dan, maybe a month ago I deceided it was time to learn something about the AK world. (The first thing I learned is there's a ton of value in that world !!)

I would suggest you head over to the AK Forum and read bunches of the existing posts and then ask questions when you feel ready. Very nice, helpful informed group of AR15.com users over there.

Posted: 5/26/2003 2:31:11 PM EDT

[#12]

If you want an accurate-as-hell .308 semiauto, get one of these:

Posted: 5/26/2003 6:18:27 PM EDT

[#13]

Some great info so far, thanks guys. Seems like the early Remmingtons are out.

Ross, thanks for the Sagia tip. Will investigate a little more.

Sharkman, would love one, just can't afford it yet.

Will lower power reloads work in these guns? wanting a thirteen year old boy to deer hunt with it... fullclip

Posted: 5/26/2003 6:42:18 PM EDT

[#14]

Fullclip, Two good choices in semi-auto for a teenager, the Ruger Deerfield .44 mag carbine or the Ruger Mini-30 in 7.62X39mm. Both are light, fast handling carbines, light recoil, and will kill a deer at medium range. Both about $500.00 dollars. I have no personal experience with the Mini-30 but I have a original Ruger .44 mag carbine and it does the job at close range. My oldest son will be using it again next year. Last year he missed a doe with it, a little buck fever. The .308 might be a bit much unless he is a big kid. MIKE.

Posted: 5/27/2003 6:29:58 AM EDT

[#15]

If you're thinking about a reduced loading, then a lower power round may be worth thinking about. The mini-30 is a good recommendation, and the Saiga also comes in 7.62x39 (it is a civillian version of an AK after all). It has better reported accuracy than normal AKs, and it's even handier and lighter than the .308. They're even cheaper than the .308 by about $50-100.

Ross

Posted: 5/28/2003 4:08:11 PM EDT

[#16]

I also suggest an FAL.

Visit www.falfiles.com

Mags and parts are cheap. Adjustable gas system, etc.

Posted: 5/28/2003 4:39:29 PM EDT

[#17]

Have him handle a BAR first. I always thought it was kind of an awkward, somewhat heavy gun, though pretty neat. My personal experience with my (now sold) Mini-30 was not good and I am glad to be rid of it as it was inaccurate and the charging handle was noisy in the woods. Part of my prejudice might have been the crappy Remington ammo I had wish I had known this at the time: www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=4&f=54&t=56018&w=searchPop

Depending on the ranges involved, those Ruger .44 mag autos look pretty neat.

Posted: 5/28/2003 5:24:16 PM EDT

[#18]

I've has a 742 for hunting for 34 years. Never any problems. .308. Always shot 150 or 180 grain.

Posted: 5/30/2003 1:53:00 PM EDT

[#19]

How about the Springfield M1A or even a Garand in .30-06? If it has to be .308 the Garand can be re-barreled with ease.

I can't see hunting deer with an FAL or an AR-10

not that it couldn't/shouldn't be done.

Posted: 6/1/2003 4:46:28 AM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
How about the Springfield M1A or even a Garand in .30-06? If it has to be .308 the Garand can be re-barreled with ease.

I can't see hunting deer with an FAL or an AR-10 not that it couldn't/shouldn't be done.

The CA is leaking out of you my friend, can I call you my friend?

Posted: 6/1/2003 10:14:12 AM EDT

[#21]

I got a Rem. 740, one of the first ones. My Granddad said he got it ordered to his door from sears in 1955. It took a lot of deer, and he wasn't exactly babying it. It's still around and accurate as heck. I just don't like the idea that if the extractor ever wore out I'd have to pull the barrel to get it. They're not the handiest to fieldstrip. My friends BAR seemed a little heavy for a .308, bout the same weight as the .300 mag ones I've handled. If you can find one, I'd have to say go with the model 100 (if you can find one) I got an 88 but always wanted a 100
_______________________________________________

Incoherent ranting brought to you in part by:
Rabid

Posted: 6/1/2003 11:20:44 AM EDT

[#22]

Dude whats wrong with hunting deers with EBRs.

You socialist/commie/pinko/democrat/wuss. :)

The Garand is a good idea though. I love .30-06.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - .308 autos

Armory » General Firearm Discussion

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us