Suggestions for a .308?
- Thread starter Spats McGee
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Spats McGee
Administrator
Oh, that's a beauty, timelinex! The more I look at those Savages, and the more I compare the features, the more I like them.
Clifford L. Hughes
New member
Spats McGee:
After I retired from the Marine Corps I sold guns for twenty or so years. I sold a lot of M-70 Winchesters to my customes at my suggestion. However, I laid off the post 1964 and the pre XTRs. I never had a customer complain with their
M70. I must admit that in the last ten or so years the Remingtons, the Savages and the Rugers have given the M70 a run for its money. There are modles that I have not mentioned that are just as good. Visit several sporting goods stores and handle several models and choose the one that appeals to you.
Gunnery sergeant
Clifford L. Hughes
USMC Retired
After I retired from the Marine Corps I sold guns for twenty or so years. I sold a lot of M-70 Winchesters to my customes at my suggestion. However, I laid off the post 1964 and the pre XTRs. I never had a customer complain with their
M70. I must admit that in the last ten or so years the Remingtons, the Savages and the Rugers have given the M70 a run for its money. There are modles that I have not mentioned that are just as good. Visit several sporting goods stores and handle several models and choose the one that appeals to you.
Gunnery sergeant
Clifford L. Hughes
USMC Retired
Thanks. Yea I just bought it a couple months ago. I think 'precisionshooter' was the one that got me onto savage's in the first place too haha. Anyways, I was looking for similar criteria as you, and after looking at savage's everything was an absolute win win situation. I don't know any other rifle thats under 800 and come's with a free-floating barrel and bedded stock, very nice trigger, threaded + muzzle brake, and shoots <MOA all day.
The best group I have had with it is both me and my gf got under .4moa with it, but otherwise it average's around .7 with 175 fgmm. I'm pretty confident that it would do better and the limit is me and not the rifle. I haven't shot it past 200 yards, but should be going to a 500 yard meet this week.
The best group I have had with it is both me and my gf got under .4moa with it, but otherwise it average's around .7 with 175 fgmm. I'm pretty confident that it would do better and the limit is me and not the rifle. I haven't shot it past 200 yards, but should be going to a 500 yard meet this week.
Spats McGee
Administrator
Now I'm in trouble!
I've gone and opened a GunBroker account to help me track prices . . . I saw some guns on there that looked like they might just fit the bill. I may or may not wind up buying from there, but it seems like a pretty good way to get a handle on prices. (I would prefer to support my LGS, if I can make the numbers come close.) I've got a collection of Savages, Rugers, Winchesters, and maybe a Howa or two on my watch list. The Savages just seem to have an excellent combination of features and price.
I have visited a couple of stores and will hit a few more. Guns are like shoes -- you need to try them on before you buy them, then break 'em in afterwards.
I've gone and opened a GunBroker account to help me track prices . . . I saw some guns on there that looked like they might just fit the bill. I may or may not wind up buying from there, but it seems like a pretty good way to get a handle on prices. (I would prefer to support my LGS, if I can make the numbers come close.) I've got a collection of Savages, Rugers, Winchesters, and maybe a Howa or two on my watch list. The Savages just seem to have an excellent combination of features and price.
I have visited a couple of stores and will hit a few more. Guns are like shoes -- you need to try them on before you buy them, then break 'em in afterwards.
Mannlicher
New member
almost any brand of bolt rifle will fill the needs of the OP. All are reasonably accurate, sturdy, and reliable.
I'd look for the best deal, and not sweat the small details.
I'd look for the best deal, and not sweat the small details.
This thread sent me back to the Savage website looking for a 308 myself. I'm already a savage man but when I found the 10 FCP-SR I am sold. It's the one for me.
Check it out here:
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/M10FCP10
Check it out here:
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/M10FCP10
I love my T/C Venture in 30-06 and I'm sure it would be great in 308.
They guarantee 1 moa out of the box at 100 yds and their trigger is fantastic. With your budget, it would also leave you a substantial amount for the optics of your choice.
Now, I also have a Win Model 70 in .243. I picked it up used and it has been a great rifle.
They guarantee 1 moa out of the box at 100 yds and their trigger is fantastic. With your budget, it would also leave you a substantial amount for the optics of your choice.
Now, I also have a Win Model 70 in .243. I picked it up used and it has been a great rifle.
Spats McGee
Administrator
Yet another update
Well, . . . I looked long and hard at the T/C Venture, Weatherby Vanguard, the Mossberg ATR, the Remington 700, and more Savages.
I decided that I didn't want to go with a scout model. I just can't get used to the idea of having the scope that far from my eye. I think I'd rather just use iron sights than deal with a scope that far away. (I say that knowing good and well that I've never tried to use a scope on a scout model.) And as much as I liked the idea of a detachable box magazine, the scout models still came in at ~7 lbs.
So I thought I had finally settled on a Savage: http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/11FXP3. Internal box magazine, 4+1 capacity, synthetic stock, Accutrigger and weighing a mere 6.5 lbs. MSRP of $678 for the .308, so that's acceptable.
Then I found an older Savage Model 11 for sale, used, at a good price. I haven't seen it in person yet, but at the price that's being requested, I can live without the Accutrigger.
Well, . . . I looked long and hard at the T/C Venture, Weatherby Vanguard, the Mossberg ATR, the Remington 700, and more Savages.
I decided that I didn't want to go with a scout model. I just can't get used to the idea of having the scope that far from my eye. I think I'd rather just use iron sights than deal with a scope that far away. (I say that knowing good and well that I've never tried to use a scope on a scout model.) And as much as I liked the idea of a detachable box magazine, the scout models still came in at ~7 lbs.
So I thought I had finally settled on a Savage: http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/11FXP3. Internal box magazine, 4+1 capacity, synthetic stock, Accutrigger and weighing a mere 6.5 lbs. MSRP of $678 for the .308, so that's acceptable.
Then I found an older Savage Model 11 for sale, used, at a good price. I haven't seen it in person yet, but at the price that's being requested, I can live without the Accutrigger.
4runnerman
New member
Savage all the way. Accurate as can be and very durable. Not the prettiest rifle,but that was not one of your needs. All other catigories it is in first place.
Beentown71
New member
Warning mild (very mild), graphic photo 
This year I picked up a Howa 1500 Target/Varmint from CDNN http://www.cdnninvestments.com/. $399 and it is a tack driver. No BS, under .75" gun (.66 actually last time) with FGM. With this kind of price you can upgrade the scope and buy more ammo which in turn makes you a better shooter.
211 yard head shot...
384 yard poke...proud of this one. In Ohio I don't get the chance to use my rifle on game much!
Beentown
This year I picked up a Howa 1500 Target/Varmint from CDNN http://www.cdnninvestments.com/. $399 and it is a tack driver. No BS, under .75" gun (.66 actually last time) with FGM. With this kind of price you can upgrade the scope and buy more ammo which in turn makes you a better shooter.
211 yard head shot...
384 yard poke...proud of this one. In Ohio I don't get the chance to use my rifle on game much!
Beentown
Microgunner
New member
Mighty fine shooting Beentown71.
Spats McGee
Administrator
4runnerman -- You're right. Pretty isn't what I'm looking for, at least not in the "polished-walnut-and-scrollwork" sense. I'm good with matte black and synthetic. It's the new black, don'tcha know?
Beentown, that is some nice shooting. Well done! I looked at the Howa 1500, and they look good. Clearly, they'll do their part if you do yours!
Beentown, that is some nice shooting. Well done! I looked at the Howa 1500, and they look good. Clearly, they'll do their part if you do yours!
The Savage you selected is fine, but does not feature the Accustock.
You say you're interested in long range, that kind of precision requires at minimum a quality trigger and stock.
The model you selected does not feature the Accustock (some love it, some not so much, so do your research). Without the Accustock as a minimum, you'll need to eventually upgrade to an aftermarket stock featuring integral aluminum bedding blocks, or one that you can properly bed the receiver and install pillars.
A quality trigger is essential to accuracy. It does not improve the inherent accuracy of the weapon- but does improve the accuracy of the shooter.
The Accutrigger is one of (if not the) best factory trigger I've used. All of our other rifles have been upgraded to Timneys.
Keep in mind that if long range is your ultimate goal, ability to customize is important to consider. The Remington 700 is best for this in terms of aftermarket parts and accessories, and smiths that are used to working/trueing the actions. The popularity of the new Savages in recent years (and I'm a BIG fan) has expanded their market dramatically as well. You just can't go wrong with an out-of-the-box Savage.
Good luck!
You say you're interested in long range, that kind of precision requires at minimum a quality trigger and stock.
The model you selected does not feature the Accustock (some love it, some not so much, so do your research). Without the Accustock as a minimum, you'll need to eventually upgrade to an aftermarket stock featuring integral aluminum bedding blocks, or one that you can properly bed the receiver and install pillars.
A quality trigger is essential to accuracy. It does not improve the inherent accuracy of the weapon- but does improve the accuracy of the shooter.
The Accutrigger is one of (if not the) best factory trigger I've used. All of our other rifles have been upgraded to Timneys.
Keep in mind that if long range is your ultimate goal, ability to customize is important to consider. The Remington 700 is best for this in terms of aftermarket parts and accessories, and smiths that are used to working/trueing the actions. The popularity of the new Savages in recent years (and I'm a BIG fan) has expanded their market dramatically as well. You just can't go wrong with an out-of-the-box Savage.
Good luck!
cw308
Look into the Remington LE 700 LTR 308 Cal. 20" brl. I have been shooting this weapon for years . 200 yards with stock barrel,only changed the trigger to a jewell BRV. Reload my own 168 gr sierra MK. IMR 4064 42.0 Grains OAL 2.800. Remington barrels have a lot of free bore,there still a tack driver with the trigger adjusted or change. Good luck,safe shooting.
Look into the Remington LE 700 LTR 308 Cal. 20" brl. I have been shooting this weapon for years . 200 yards with stock barrel,only changed the trigger to a jewell BRV. Reload my own 168 gr sierra MK. IMR 4064 42.0 Grains OAL 2.800. Remington barrels have a lot of free bore,there still a tack driver with the trigger adjusted or change. Good luck,safe shooting.
Spats McGee
Administrator
I have absolutely no doubt that I would like both the Accutrigger and the Accustock. I've been through the Savage Gun Finder on their website more times than I care to think about in the last few days, trying to find The Perfect Gun. (It's been great fun, too ). I am equally certain that both of the Accugoodies improve the performance of the rifle, and I certainly would have been glad to have one or both. The local deal that I found, though, will allow me a good gun, a decent scope, and ammunition, for less than the price of that Savage Precision Carbine I was eyeballing.
Many of the models mentioned would certainly have met my needs, and I am grateful to everyone for their input. Once I get comfortable at 200-300 yards (which is about as far as I can reallistically expect to shoot game in this area), then I'll worry about moving the targets out further. At that point, I'll think about picking up a Choate stock and some better optics.
). I am equally certain that both of the Accugoodies improve the performance of the rifle, and I certainly would have been glad to have one or both. The local deal that I found, though, will allow me a good gun, a decent scope, and ammunition, for less than the price of that Savage Precision Carbine I was eyeballing.Many of the models mentioned would certainly have met my needs, and I am grateful to everyone for their input. Once I get comfortable at 200-300 yards (which is about as far as I can reallistically expect to shoot game in this area), then I'll worry about moving the targets out further. At that point, I'll think about picking up a Choate stock and some better optics.
Good for you, Spats. I think you'll like your rifle.
The stock that you've chosen comes pillar bedded, so that shouldn't be a concern. However, the front of the stock is not completely rigid. Actually, it's flimsy enough that we call them Tupperware stocks. Not a problem, though, as long as you understand that.
When you get to the bench, put the front sandbag under the chamber of the barrel. That will keep the stock from touching the barrel during firing. I was out shooting mine this morning and had no problem at all hitting a 300 yard gong. I haven't done any load development for this rifle, depending on my home-brewed version of Federal Gold Medal ammo.
I load this ammo for four rifles in the family and it's as generic as it comes. 43.0 grains of Reloder 15, the 168 Sierra Matchking and a Winchester Large Rifle primer in brass that's been trimmed and full-length resized. It runs out of our rifles at 2610 fps and is very accurate in my son's Model 10 FLP, on the neighborhood of 3/8ths inch at 100 yards. He's not a target shooter, and neither am I.
The stock that you've chosen comes pillar bedded, so that shouldn't be a concern. However, the front of the stock is not completely rigid. Actually, it's flimsy enough that we call them Tupperware stocks. Not a problem, though, as long as you understand that.
When you get to the bench, put the front sandbag under the chamber of the barrel. That will keep the stock from touching the barrel during firing. I was out shooting mine this morning and had no problem at all hitting a 300 yard gong. I haven't done any load development for this rifle, depending on my home-brewed version of Federal Gold Medal ammo.
I load this ammo for four rifles in the family and it's as generic as it comes. 43.0 grains of Reloder 15, the 168 Sierra Matchking and a Winchester Large Rifle primer in brass that's been trimmed and full-length resized. It runs out of our rifles at 2610 fps and is very accurate in my son's Model 10 FLP, on the neighborhood of 3/8ths inch at 100 yards. He's not a target shooter, and neither am I.
arizona98tj
New member
Spats....congrats on your purchase. From the sounds of it, you did your research and I'm sure you will enjoy your Savage.
I picked up a Savage 10 FCP HS-Precision earlier this year and absolutely love it. We will have to disagree in regards to the Accutrigger. I am soooooo glad mine has it. When I look at what the optics cost, trips to the training facility, ammunition, etc. will be over the years of my owning this rifle, a few extra $$ up front will be the smallest portion of what I will have spent.
Best of luck on your new quest for making small groups at long ranges.
I picked up a Savage 10 FCP HS-Precision earlier this year and absolutely love it. We will have to disagree in regards to the Accutrigger. I am soooooo glad mine has it.
When I look at what the optics cost, trips to the training facility, ammunition, etc. will be over the years of my owning this rifle, a few extra $$ up front will be the smallest portion of what I will have spent.Best of luck on your new quest for making small groups at long ranges.
4runnerman
New member
Small foot note here--I believe ALL Savages are pillar bedded.