what 308...help!

[xmikex]

hey guys/gals,

i have been looking around and want to get a bolt rifle in 308 and have been looking at two different companies. i will be using the rifle for plinking and range trips but i would also like to be able to use the rifle for hunting. most likely hogs and small game. i have been looking at the rem 700 and tikka light/tactical

I can get the a rem 700 sps tac for 456, reviews for this rifle seems to be good everyone seems to be happy with it and only complaints are crappy stock and trigger. the other rifle that i was looking at was rem 700 police (short action) for 799. everything i have read about this rifle seems like its a solid well built rifle and a good upgrade from the sps tac. i can also get and have been looking at the rem 700P LTR for 861. im not to sure the difference between this 700P and the other 700P, but seems like it would be a god choice.

the tikka light has been getting awesome reviews and everyone seems to love them and no complaints about them. im not sure about the price i have seen a couple different prices but it seems like its around 400-600?

i havent seen any tikka tacticals for sale but i am sure i could hunt one down and im not sure about the price but the reviews i have read compare them to the 700P.

any help would be awesome guys, im not worrying about if this is the best hunting load or to start a 308 vs xxx argument. i just want to know about pricing vs quality wise

[OldShooter32]

Savage or Ruger make great entry-level(+) rifles. And .308 is very versatile and flexible.

[xmikex]

havent heard to much about ruger or savage rifles, mainly because it seems like rem 700 is the rifle everyone wants for some reason. what rifles should i look at from them?

[toby]

Howa, Vanguard, Winchester 70, Tikka, Ruger hawkeye, Savage

[baih777]

I don't think you would want to carry a 700 P hunting.
Bench shooting would be great.

[TMB 1]

Ruger http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/72433
Savage http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/78093

[AeroEngi]

I have a 700P and it's a great rifle but I wouldn't consider it ideal for hunting.

[Divernhunter]

Tikka T-3 Lite and put on the Limbsaver direct replacement recoil pad. All you need a screwdriver and 5 min. I have 2
Ruger American is cheap but an excellent shooter. I have one.
Savage makes excellent and under hyped rifles. I have one. They also make other models in the M77. I have about 7.
Varguard by Weatherby is an excellent rifle which is made by Howa which is also excellent.

Rem --- Overhyped, QC is hit or miss as is accuracy. Was a great company and still ha many people who shout out how great they are due to the past. Nothing wrong with most of the rifles just often overpriced and overhyped usually by people who have not used the above brands. I own several older ones.
Win-- Good rifles, usually way overpriced for what you get. Way overhyped by those that like them. I have used one but it did not fit me and I just hate the safety as well as the safety on the newer Ruger M77 MK II rifles and it IS A PERSONAL thing.

You do not say where you are at but you would be welcome to try out different brands(not all 308win) if you are near me. I am very close to Modesto.

MY suggestion is to find the rifles you are interested in and try them to see if you like the fit. That is most important. Try to see if you like them in a store. They do not need to be in 308 for the trial fit in the store.

One last thing a rifle most comfortable on the bench will be a pain in the rear to carry hunting. A good hunting rifle will work from the bench but make extended shooting not as enjoyable. A PAST recoil pad you wear on your shoulder will be a big help for extended bench shooting with either but mostly with a lighter hunting rifle.

You next problem will be a scope. Do yourself a favor since you state you will hunt. Get a Leupold 3X9X40 with a duplex reticle or a 3.5X10X40 with the same reticle. Mount it low and sight in 2.75" high at 100 yards and hold on the animal and you will have meat in the freezer. If shooting 500+ yards you will need to adjust your hold. Get the Leupold in a non-AO and you will be set for life.

The best carry sling I have found is the Claw sling. It stays on my shoulder while others slide off.

I probably missed a few manufactures but I believe I have most of the major players covered.

[Guardian Mode]

Yeah, that's a good price for the Savage.
Only downside for some is the blind magazine.
Stock is cheap, but super lightweight and does the job after some blue loctite.
I talk a lot about my Savage Hog Hunter in 308 that I suggest to everyone.
And since I finally got around to uploading a pic.
I'll breakdown what I paid.

$490 Got it local, so $440 online plus transfer fee is similar.
$230 Primary Arms 4-14 FFP
$8 cheap 2-piece scope mounts
$24 UTG rings qd rings
$32 UTG bipod
$36 adjustable cheek rest
$58 Scar 17 Compensator
There's optional crap like the cattail and the 2rd holder that doesn't matter, point it, this is like under $900.
I pull the scope off, drop the cheek rest down, and shoot pmc's for fun, then reload and then remount scope/adjust cheek rest and shoot Hornady 168 bthp's in that 0.7-0.9" range at 100yds.

[1859sharps]

I have had good luck with my R700s so far. I can't argue with the dip in consistency of final assembly...but I seem to have gotten good samples.

If I buy another rifle, I am leaning towards the Weatherby Vanguard series 2 rifle, simply to try out another type action.

I am leaning to Weatherby vs Howa simply because it is my understanding Weathery has them built to their standards and then give it a once over them self, then provide a accuracy guarantee. Reviews on this rifle are very favorable.

[North86]

I am a little ahead of you on the 308 bolt gun thing, and here's what I've done:

Savage Axis Heavy Barrel .308 - ~$300 with tax, dros and $50 mail-in rebate.
Trigger job (see you tube) down to 3.5 pounds, $0
Scope - CCC (cheap chinese crap) had it already - $0
Rail - $15
Caldwell Tilt Bi-pod ~$40

Current total ~$355

Pending:
Boyd's Stock ~$110
Better glass $TBD
Glades Bolt Lever ~$70

This guy is using the Axis heavy barrel, and did a write up. https://www.preciseshooter.com/blog/SavageAXISHB.aspx

I've shot mine once, and need a lot more practice.

Good luck!

[SDCutter]

The right scope for your rifle

You next problem will be a scope. Do yourself a favor since you state you will hunt. Get a Leupold 3X9X40 with a duplex reticle or a 3.5X10X40 with the same reticle. Mount it low and sight in 2.75" high at 100 yards and hold on the animal and you will have meat in the freezer. If shooting 500+ yards you will need to adjust your hold. Get the Leupold in a non-AO and you will be set for life.

Or a Leupold 2.5x8x36. All three are great scopes for hunting. Like Divernhunter said, get the Leupold in a non-AO and you're set for life.

[Divernhunter]

My brother has a 2.5X8X36 and I have a 2X7X?? Leupold. "I" find I prefer a 3X9X40 but if someone likes the other Leupold scopes I am not going to try and twist their arm about my choice.

My brother put his 2.5X8X33 on a secondary rifle and put a new 3.5X10X40 on that rifle.

I am taking my 2X7 off my custom compact and light 308win and putting a 3X9X40 on it. It may not look as balanced when I am done but "I" will like it better..........I hope. Then I will sell the 2X7 since I believe that has been the main reason the rifle has been a safe queen for many years.

It is just a personal choice and all 4 are good choices depending on the person and the rifle size/use.

[glocked7]

check out weatherby. they make great rifles!

[riftol]

any help would be awesome guys

I have a Ruger American and a Savage chambered for the 308 Winchester.

I like and recommend both; each has its safety on the tang where I like them to be.