[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Help Choosing Handy .308 Bolt Gun (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 10/6/2015 4:48:28 PM EDT
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I'm approaching retirement age and am downsizing my collection. I have a .300 mag (26" bbl) and a little 30-30 carbine I'm trying to roll into one. The .300 I got for long range hunting and my days of packing across tundra and over mountains on a horse are long over. The 30-30 is a 100 yard brush gun for hogs and deer.
I figure a short and handy .308 will combine the benefits of both these rifles. It will probably never get used past 500 yards, with probably 95% of shots fired occuring at 100 yards. It'll be a paper puncher mostly I'd say, used for hunting now and again. I'm leaning toward .308 strongly because I have a really nice scope calibrated for .308 out to however-many yards...and .308 ammo/components are easy enough to find compared to some other calibers, probably second only to 5.56. That said I'm not opposed to other calibers but nothing exotic. I'm looking at something in the 20" barrel range to emphasize handiness. I'd maybe consider up to 24" but I think I'd want to keep it at 22 or below. Not looking for a broomstick to get caught on brush or something that weighs umpteen pounds that I have to lug. The Savage 10 FCP-SR caught my eye initially. The detachable mag and threaded barrel I can take or leave but everything else seems in line. Poking around it looks like Ruger makes something similar, but I don't know how their rifles are. The hornet we have from them is kinda lukewarm. Not really sure who else makes in this category. Like I've alluded to looking more for a handy (short) brush gun/paper puncher that can reach out when required...the tactical features I can take or leave. Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your time. |
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I know this isn't the recommendation your looking for, but have you considered a lightweight semi auto like the DPMS GenII Hunter? Any time you drop weight you increase recoil. By going to a semi auto you can really cut down on the recoil you experience while still having a very handy, light weight, general purpose rifle. If were restricting it to a bolt gun, I would probably look at the Sako bolt guns. |
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Sako, yes, forgot about them. Will have to take a look.
Recoil isn't too much of an issue in .308 for me, and I'll only be shooting ten or so rounds in a sitting. That said not necessarily looking for an ultralite, just not a boat anchor or something that'll easily get hung up. I'm quite fond of some of the .308 semis I've seen but this will eventually be a handmedown to the sons and I'm pretty sure some of the locales they hunt in are no-semi. At any rate the .300 is my last bolt gun and once I dump it I'll want a bolt to replace it. We all need at least one, methinks. |
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Ruger American:
Model Number: 6907 | Caliber: 308 Win Stock: Black Composite Capacity: 4 Material: Alloy Steel Finish: Matte Black Barrel Length: 18" Overall Length: 36.75" Sights: None-Bases Supplied Weight: 6 lbs. Twist: 1:10" RH Grooves: 6 Length of Pull: 12.5" Suggested Retail: $459.00 Features: •Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ Trigger offers a crisp release with a pull weight that is adjustable between 3 and 5 pounds, allowing shooters to make that perfect shot. •Ergonomic, lightweight stock (designed for quick, easy handling) blends a classic look with modern forend contouring and grip serrations. •Soft rubber recoil pad is crafted for maximum recoil reduction. •Three-Lug 70 degree bolt provides ample scope clearance, and utilizes a full diameter bolt body and dual cocking cams for smooth, easy cycling from the shoulder. •Power Bedding® is an integral bedding block system that positively locates the receiver and free-floats the barrel for outstanding accuracy. •Hammer-Forged Barrel, resulting in ultra-precise rifling that provides exceptional accuracy, longevity and easy cleaning. •Features an easy-to-actuate tang safety that provides instant security, visibility and accessibility. •Rotary magazine fits flush with the stock and offers the smooth feed that has become the hallmark of Ruger® rotary magazines. •Also features a drilled and tapped receiver for mounting the included scope bases, sling swivel studs. Or Winchester Featherweight: SATIN FINISH WALNUT STOCK WITH SHORTER LENGTH OF PULL, CLASSIC FEATHERWEIGHT CUT CHECKERING AND SCHNABEL FOREARM create the iconic Featherweight look • POLISHED METAL SURFACES add style and elegance • ALLOY ONE-PIECE BOTTOM METAL adds rigidity for better accuracy • FORGED STEEL SHORT ACTION RECEIVER WITH INTEGRAL RECOIL LUG IS BEDDED FRONT AND REAR to eliminate shifts in zero for exceptional long-range accuracy • PRE-’64 STYLE CONTROLLED ROUND FEED WITH CLAW EXTRACTOR fully controls cartridge from magazine, to chamber, to ejection • Three-Position Safety shows safety status at a glance • 20" COLD HAMMER-FORGED FREE-FLOATING FEATHERWEIGHT PROFILE BARREL for years of pinpoint accuracy • RECESSED TARGET CROWN enhances accuracy and protects the rifling • M.O.A. Trigger SYSTEM with zero take-up, zero creep and zero overtravel gives you outstanding accuracy • Blade-Type Ejector for full control of ejection force • PACHMAYR® DECELERATOR® RECOIL PAD for optimal protection against felt recoil The Featherweight Compact carries on the Model 70® Featherweight heritage in a deluxe, refined model that is an excellent choice for smaller-framed shooters, ladies, young people or hunters who prefer a compact, light mountain rifle. Its comfortable, smaller platform instills confidence in shooters because it fits them better than a full-sized rifle. The Compact Model 70 action has Pre-’64 Controlled Round Feeding, the easy-to-use Three-Position Safety and a jeweled bolt body with knurled bolt handle. The M.O.A.™ Trigger System is easily adjustable and has no take-up, creep or overtravel. The Featherweight Compact with its 20" barrel and fast, flat-shooting calibers starts young shooters off right with a rifle possessing all the deluxe features of the Featherweight. It’s a rifle to train with, hunt with, have fun with and pass down to the next generation. The Featherweight Compact is sized to let younger and smaller-statured shooters requiring a shorter length of pull to experience the Winchester® mystique for themselves. Item # Caliber Magazine Capacity Barrel Length Overall Length Length of Pull Drop at Comb Drop at Heel Nom. Weight Rate of Twist MSRP 535201220 308 Win 5 20" 39 1/2" 13" 1/2" 3/4" 6 lbs 8 oz 12" $939.99 I have both, but have just a few rounds through the Ruger, without a doubt the Winchester is the best looking of the two and I think it feels a little better in my hands. That may be because it has been in my safe for over 25 years, the Ruger I have only had a year and half or so. I think either one would suit your needs. I copied the information for the compact featherweight, I don't have that just the featherweight. It is well worth looking at. Check it out on line or better yet in a store. |
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I'd go with a Savage, probably one of their 16-series. I have a model 12 that I rebarrelled to essentially be a 16 and I love that rifle. Anyone know how much difference the accustock makes on a .308? Looking at three of their models, two with accustock and one without. Thanks everyone else for the recs as well, looking in directions I hadn't considered. |
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Anyone know how much difference the accustock makes on a .308? Looking at three of their models, two with accustock and one without. Thanks everyone else for the recs as well, looking in directions I hadn't considered. Quoted:
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I'd go with a Savage, probably one of their 16-series. I have a model 12 that I rebarrelled to essentially be a 16 and I love that rifle. Anyone know how much difference the accustock makes on a .308? Looking at three of their models, two with accustock and one without. Thanks everyone else for the recs as well, looking in directions I hadn't considered. No personal experience as mine was pre-accustock and I put the Hogue on it but I've heard it's a good factory offering and worth getting over the non-accustock variants. Stiffer and much less prone to twisting |
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Tikka CTR  I'm liking the CTR. Comes in stainless and with adjustable cheek piece, and I think it has the Sako 1 moa gurantee. Anyone know if it'll take the flush fit T3 mags for hunting? Also is the finish on the black model something akin to melonite, or is it standard blue? Read somewhere on a forum a guy who bought one seems to think it has more in common with tennifer than standard blue (slick, even, etc). |
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I'm liking the CTR. Comes in stainless and with adjustable cheek piece, and I think it has the Sako 1 moa gurantee. Anyone know if it'll take the flush fit T3 mags for hunting? Also is the finish on the black model something akin to melonite, or is it standard blue? Read somewhere on a forum a guy who bought one seems to think it has more in common with tennifer than standard blue (slick, even, etc). Quoted:
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Tikka CTR I'm liking the CTR. Comes in stainless and with adjustable cheek piece, and I think it has the Sako 1 moa gurantee. Anyone know if it'll take the flush fit T3 mags for hunting? Also is the finish on the black model something akin to melonite, or is it standard blue? Read somewhere on a forum a guy who bought one seems to think it has more in common with tennifer than standard blue (slick, even, etc). Standard T3 and CTR have different bottom metal so I don't think the mags interchange. |
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Tikka T3 Lite Stainless. 22" barrel, light enough to carry but enough mass to shoot well when it matters.
Limbsaver recoil pad, replace the aluminum lug in the stock with a steel one, tighten the action screws to 55 inch/pounds, a set of Talley Xlow mount/rings and a Leupold Vari-X 3 2.5-8x36mm. You also need Forster Benchrest .308 dies, a Forster Co-Ax press, a way of turning/reaming necks, a case and bullet concentricity gage and a selection of Nosler Accubond bullets. Other than that I have no strong feelings on the matter. 
ETA: Oh, the total weight should be just shy of 7lbs. |
| Would recommend a Savage 10T. I have the 10 round mag and works without issues. 5R rifling, 1:10 twist. But if a 24 inch barrel is to much, the new ruger PRP would be my next recommendation if you want to spend the bucks. Just wait until the hype is down so you don't get reamed on cost. |
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This little guy looks sweet. If they made it in south-paw, well, I'd have bought one already. |
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Pure hunting rifle I would go Kimber Montana if you want light weight portability. Otherwise Ruger Hawkeye. I have savages, Rems, and a Howa Ranch Rifle. I like the Howa but the ergot need refining, like ditching the Hogue stock for something trimmer. My Ruger Hawkeye in 223 is nice and balances well with a 2-7 Nikon Monarch on it, also have a MarkII in 260rem.these 2 are very accurate and jot picky on ammo.
If I was starting over I would go Kimber Montana in 308 or 7-08. |
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My friend has a savage 111 and his mage works fine. The gun is less than desirable and the ejector doesn't work now. Only about 2 years old now. Quoted:
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Savage detachable mags suck... Just so you know. My friend has a savage 111 and his mage works fine. The gun is less than desirable and the ejector doesn't work now. Only about 2 years old now. The flush mags are fine. I have a friend with 2 of the 10 rounders and they don't work very well. Follower binds and sticks in both. |
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Consider a CZ527 Carbine in 7.62x39. Growing up hunting in PA, it's the perfect size, weight, and caliber for hunting back east... Hornady and a few other companies make good AMAX loads that shoot great out of these little guys if you don't reload. I finally bought one after years of drooling over them (even through I'm no longer in PA) and love it. Great trigger....either in set mode or not, and a slick little detachable 5 rnd mag and extras are cheap. I'll probably add a picatinny rail and Aimpoint to it at some point to keep it light. And cheap Wolf steel cases ammo is accurate enough for casual plinking so you'll shoot it a lot more...therefore shoot it well. A 300 yd shot with a magnified optic would be easy as well.
ETA: For $600 they're pretty good shooters. 1.5 MOA average with maybe one in four groups dipping below 1 MOA. Not bad for what you get quality wise. Oh...and pics.... 
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Depending on your budget. Tikkas are nice with the exception of the crappy magazines and the fact that you cannot top load. Check out the Sako grey wolf ($1450) or Winchester M70 for half what you will pay for a grey wolf Sako. The magazines are stupid expensive. Maybe you need only one or two, but still their price is stupid. |
I have been looking at the Ruger American Rifle Predator (in .308) as a possibility for a budget general purpose rifle. http://www.ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/models.html ETA Short, Heavy, threaded barrel Scope base included Removable magazine Not too heavy, not too light I like the tang safety Trigger is decent Stock is not great, but seem good enough for the price Rifle is about $430 Add a scope and rings. I'm looking at these: Scope Rings: Burris Tactical Xtreme, 1 inch low. $60 Scope. Weaver Grand Slam Tactical, 3-10x 40mm, mil/mil. $300 So under $800 for a basic target (and maybe hunting) bolt action rifle, that would also be a good suppressor host. |
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I highly recommend a Sako 85 Bavarian. It's worth the cost of admission and you won't find a better rifle.
They will easily shoot .5 MOA at 100 yds.  |
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I highly recommend a Sako 85 Bavarian. It's worth the cost of admission and you won't find a better rifle. They will easily shoot .5 MOA at 100 yds. <a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/user/glenn1221/media/Rifles/IMG_9340_zpsb645a129.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/glenn1221/Rifles/IMG_9340_zpsb645a129.jpg</a> http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=518938958 Of all the above mentioned, I'd go with this. I have a Sauer 202, Mauser , Blaser R8, and I'd be happy to add this to the collection. 
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I highly recommend a Sako 85 Bavarian. It's worth the cost of admission and you won't find a better rifle. They will easily shoot .5 MOA at 100 yds. <a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/user/glenn1221/media/Rifles/IMG_9340_zpsb645a129.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/glenn1221/Rifles/IMG_9340_zpsb645a129.jpg</a> http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=518938958 CZ has a .308 rifle that looks almost as nice as this. |
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Stay away from remington, ruger, browning, and especially savage rifles.
Sako are nice rifles, but give up little to nothing to a T3 basic rifle. The only difference is the 5 shot MOA vs 3 Shot MOA guarantee. Better off spending the money on a nice stock/optics. Winchester / FN , Tikka, Sako, CZ, AI, Howa, Blazer and some of the custom shops are the only places worth looking. |
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CZ has a .308 rifle that looks almost as nice as this. Quoted:
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I highly recommend a Sako 85 Bavarian. It's worth the cost of admission and you won't find a better rifle. They will easily shoot .5 MOA at 100 yds. <a href="http://s38.photobucket.com/user/glenn1221/media/Rifles/IMG_9340_zpsb645a129.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/glenn1221/Rifles/IMG_9340_zpsb645a129.jpg</a> I shot a Sako 85 at our local range , and found it very difficult to change the mag. Not sure if this is normal or not , but it was very awkward and required 2 hands http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=518938958 CZ has a .308 rifle that looks almost as nice as this. |
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I was in a very similar situation and after owning silky smooth Tikka/Sako rifles I could not count them out of the running regardless of the expense. I ended up purchasing a Sako A7 Roughtech and I'm pleased to report that the results it produced are commensurate with it's look and features. Factory and hand loads all perform well in the rifle and it's a comfortable long range carry rifle. Yes, they are selling at $1k but many other competitive rifles will require a restock. This is an out of the box package with an adjustable trigger and one of the smoothest actions on the market. I would also consider a Tikka T3 lite for similar features, lightweight carry and about $300 less than the A7 series Sakos. For your consideration.
Sako A7 Roughtech 
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Ruger RSI International. Manlicher stock, short barrel, classic design. The gun has iron sights, so set it up with QD rings and a 2-7 scope and you'll have a handy and versatile rig. http://www.chuckhawks.com/ruger_M77RSI_firearm_fun.htm |