.308 choices

R

Rorik

New member
Have done a lot of research but I figured I would get some opinions on here as well. I really want to get a .308 as my next rifle. I have a Mosin and love bolt actions, also have an AR-15 and love that platform, but then I also love the look and feel of the M1A (which I do not have).

So, here's the dilemma, what rifle to go with: The M1A, AR-10, or a Remington 700 with this stock: http://www.mysticprecision.com/wp/1272/mdt-tac-21-chassis-for-rem-700-sa/

Would love to hear some input as to experiences with the rifles, pros and cons. I'm looking for something light weight that won't be a bitch to lug around while hunting. They all have their pros and cons in my mind. The AR and Remington 700 would be about the same when it comes to customizations after I fit that AR style stock on it. I like the AR, but then already have an AR-15 so idk if I want another AR platform. Decisions decisions.

Thanks for the feedback
Cheers
 
What is your idea of "lightweight". Reason I ask is because a Rem700 with a hvy bbl and decent scope is gonna be over 10lbs easy even with a 20" barrell. It will probably weigh even more with a chasis system like in your link. MY springfield loaded m1a weighs in at 10.2lbs unloaded. The springfield scout model probably saves a few lbs so you may want to look there. Most Ar10s are in the 10lb range as well. My friend has a dpms with a 16 bbl and its pretty heavy and obnoxiously loud even with ear plugs. The big question is what do you plan to really do with rifle. If its mainly going to be used for hunting from a stand the ar10 or Rem 700 will be easier to put glass on. If you do a lot of stalking up and down mountains I wouldn't want anything over 8lbs in a dedicated hunting rifle.
 
Im in exactly the same boat man-wanting something to hunt with and also have a riot with at the range. though Im in Canada so I cant choose the ar10 which is practical, light and optics ready unlike the m1a.


I LOVE 18-20" barrel 308s. So much power in a tiny package- they retain the accuracy(and most of the power) of the cartridge but become far handier/lighter for say hunting/actually using your gun not just putting it on a bipod/bench.

so....


I bought an m1a scout model with the 18" bbl. . I think it comes out to 10lbs scoped but Id have to check. It aint light but its doable....but I second guessed myself not sure if I REALLY want to hunt with it.....It seems more suited to climbing atop a church/local walmart with a crate of ammo to engage the zombie horde from a distance.....

so I bought a remington 700 LTR. Forget the chassis you mentioned if you want a lighter tactical style bolt rifle...well it IS called the light tactical rifle....LTR...HS precision stock(not a throwaway), heavy 20" bbbl and fluted for a total weight of 7.5lbs. Fit the bill for me perfectly as a tactical but not too heavy handy 308
 
A 7.62 AR pattern or the M14 pattern would be the most "fun". Both are accurate with the edge going to the AR pattern rifle. I have dozens of mil-surp bolt guns and as much as I enjoy them, they are not as stimulating as the semi's.
 
I had a similar dilemma, I wanted the ergonomics and magazine of an AR with the accuracy of a bolt action.

What I ended up doing is buying a Savage 10 FCP-K chambered in .308 and then replacing the stock with an XLR chassis. I'm a decent shooter and with Federal GMM ammo I can easily get 2-3" groups at 300 yards. This is the one I use if I only need one shot.

With a Swarovski Z-6 scope it isn't a cheap rifle, but I like it a lot. When I sort out my handloading issues I plan on using the 1,000 yard range at my gun club.

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For pig hunting, I use my POF 308 with a 20" barrel

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My preferred carry-around hunting rifle is a Tikka T3 in 308. Stainless, plastic stock - doesn't care about weather, and the weight balances perfectly with the recoil. And at $600 pretty affordable.
 
Thanks for the replies, sorry, haven't had a chance to come online since making the post. Definitely gives me some stuff to think about. The reason I wanted something light was due to where I plan to hunt - I can drive out, but have to hike about 3 -4 miles or so out to where I usually camp. 10lbs isn't too bad, especially with a sling. I usually have a pack with me full of gear and camping stuff, so I just wanted to limit the amount of added weight with the rifle, but then 2 extra pounds shouldn't be a big deal. AR-10's are cool, but I think since I already have an AR platform rifle, I will go with a bolt action or the M1A.

A buddy of mine said I should just buy everything separate and build my own bolt action with high grade parts, rather than buy a Remington 700 or a Savage and then changing out the stock and such. Will have to look into nice barrels, triggers, and receivers and see what I can put together.

What stocks do you all prefer? Have looked at quite a few. While the one I posted a link to is cool, it is definitely going to add weight and bulk. I just like the idea of being able to use Magpul accessories and having all those pieces of rail available.

Any good recommendations for websites that have bolt action parts (barrels, receivers, etc.) that I can drool over?

@Eppie: Those are definitely nice. May go hog hunting in Texas, but I may just use my AR for that. Just need to figure out how to get the meat back to Oregon or Colorado, depending on where I'm living.
 
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You should really look at a rem700 or the savage that come with the hs precision stock. Your going to have to buy an action anyway and this way you Will be getting a nice stock to go with it. Either of those rifles will be a great base that you can add things too as you see fit.
 
My vote is for the 700 ADL. Even with large optics, its under 10lbs. Reasonable size optics and you are in the 8-9lbs range.
 
The Remington 700 action is highly thought of for these uses.

There are others patterned on that action like Surgeon.

Good luck in your endeavour.
 
The most accurate .308's based on a conventional box magazine bolt action rifle I know of have all been built around a Winchester 70 action but used an aftermarket barrel. Too bad the Winchester factory barrels are not all that great for precision accuracy.

The modern tube guns are probably the best buy for an over the counter super accurate rifle these days.
 
I'm with Bart, its hard to beat a Model 70 Winchester.

I've got several 308s, MA1 Supper Match, FAL, Remington 700, and Winchesters, though my Supper Match is plenty accurate enough it doesn't beat my Model 70.

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Kraig, I had one of those Win 70 .308 match rifles like yours. Someone on a ship I was stationed on in 1975 had ordered it through Special Services, but ended up not being able to pay for it. So it sat in the ship's small arms magazine for a year or so. The Ships Store OIC said I could have it for $50; I bought it.

It shot the old WCC 197-gr. BTHP match bullets (from WCC60 match ammo) under 1 MOA at 1000 yards. It's barrel had a .3084" groove diameter and the .3082" diameter Sierra HPMK's didn't shoot too well. But those .3088" diameter WCC 197's did great. Even won a Palma match shooting them in it.

Sold that rifle to someone a few years later for a big wad of greenbacks.
 
I prefer an M1A personally but you might also want to look into an old FN FAL variant like an L1A1. I've heard good things about 'em.
 
I'll throw out one more suggestion if you want to keep the load relatively light. Look at a Savage model 10 Precision Carbine. With a scope, you should be just over 9 lbs.

Certainly I don't want to detract from your other options. They are all great rifles and certainly capable.
 
I am very well pleased with my short, light, DPMS LR308-AP4.

the 16 inch barrel and telescoping stock make it as quicdk and easy to handle as an AR-15, M-4.

It is only 12 oz heavier than the same rifle in 5.56X45mm.
 
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