Need Bolt gun advice

[Lexustech48]

So this will be my first "modern" bolt gun. I have a rather used Mosin that, while its not terribly accurate with me on the trigger, its fun to hear it go bang.

Id like to have in my collection a modern, decently accurate bolt gun in 308 that has a bull or varmint barrel. Realistically it will be an entry level model (Ruger American, Marlin X7, How 1500 etc). Id like to put quite a few rounds on target and not have my groups open up over a day at the range hence my desire for the heavy barrel option.

Im looking to spend around $600-ish. Included glass would be nice. Upgrade that over time as skills become better.

I had been leaning toward the Ruger American with Vortec Optic already installed, but it doesnt have a thick barrel. Been considering their American Predator .308, threaded barrel is a nice touch, would definitely add a brake to it.

Given what Im looking for, whats out there and what would you recommend?

[MongooseV8]

You can get a used 700 or savage for $500 or less and ad a Nikon Prostaff or equivalent scope for about $600 total. It will be a better choice in the long run.

[Lexustech48]

My only concern with the 700 is the safety issues. I typically dont keep my Mosin loaded, and Id probably continue that practice with my next bolt gun.

Can anyone shed some more light on it?

[MongooseV8]

They are just as safe as any other modern rifle.

[Trapper]

Issues with Remington factory 700 triggers have been resolved and most shooters will eventually upgrade to a Timney, Jewell or other aftermarket trigger.

[scotty99]

The 700 SPS can be had with a bull barrel, and is sometimes on sale for $499. It's a lot of gun for the money. As for glass, check out the Primary Arms 4-14 FFP model. If it's not the best deal on glass today, I don't know what is. It would still be a great buy at double the price.


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[TMB 1]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_62_974/products_id/78093

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_57_981/products_id/97344/Remington+783+WSCP+308+22+MAT

One of these would be a good start. They don't have heaviest barrels but not the lightest either. Maybe put a Nikon scope to start. Later you can get better stock, scope and heavier barrel.

[Cowboy T]

Nothing wrong with a Ruger American, since the OP mentioned it. But I wonder why Ruger switched from the Redfield Revolution scopes to the Vortex Crossfires recently. I have the American/Revolution package, and it does the job well.

Also nothing wrong with a Remingtin 700 ADL. You can get those on sale for the mid to high $400's with some careful shopping (that's new). Used, you can get 'em for about $400.

Savage makes a nice "Trophy Hunter XP" package. The Nikon ProStaff that comes with that package is certainly good enough to start shooting and should hold up nicely.

[kendog4570]

My only concern with the 700 is the safety issues. ....

Pure dung.
Don't point it at anything you are not willing to destroy, and it will be safe. Rule No 1 AKA "The Golden Rule" would have prevented 100% of the tragedies played out on the libtard news hit piece.
Every firearm is unsafe when a fool handles it.

As to which bolt gun, any you have mentioned will serve as a starting point. Get one and wear it's barrel out, by then you will have quite a bit more insight on what you need. The Remington is the most versatile and upgrade-able. Howa is underrated and priced less, but less flexible when customizing.

[NorCalFocus]

I've been using my X-Mark Pro trigger on my 700 for a couple of years now. No safety issues.

A Remington would be my first choice like others here have said. However, if you want to go a little cheaper, the Savage Axis II with a heavy barrel is the best cheap gun out there.

[thegamettt]

despite what a lot of people say the xmp trigger is not that bad. Its just after markets are a lot better. I vote for a used or new(ADL) r700.

[Divernhunter]

If you like the Ruger American then get it. It is an excellent rifle.
I have one in 30-06 and have shot others in different and same chambering. All have been great shooters. Honestly not sure why it does not sell for more. Not wanting them to raise the price.
I have custom rifles with timney triggers, premium grade barrels and such. My Ruger shoots like them....little cloverleaf groups. I also have Ruger M77 rifles that are good.
Honestly it outshoots the Rem rifles often.

My daughter got a Tikka T3 with Burris scope for $500 and that is an excellent rifle also. She mostly hunts. I have 2 more Tikka's and they are great. I shoot paper for fun and load work a lot and also hunt.

I own Rem rifles and would pass on them myself with that others are out there. RUN as fast as you can away from a Rem 710 or 770. I have not shot the new Rem 783 which is their cheap rifle.
The Win 70 does not fit me, I hate the safety and is overpriced. They are said to have a new entry level rifle out but I have not shot or seen one yet.

Savage makes very good rifles. I have shot a Marlin(bolt action) and it was very good also.
I have owned Howa and my son-in-law has one in 223 with the heavy barrel. It shoots. My Howa was a Vanguard and it shot well.

The bottom line is not to buy what others tell you but to buy what FITS you and YOU like........Except for Rem 710 or 770 do not even consider them!!
The same applies as to the chambering. Your choice of 308win is good as would be 223.
You do reduce your options with wanting a heavy barrel. But again that is your choice. Consider: the heavy barrel heats up more slowly but also cools down more slowly. There is a trade off. If only shooting paper then the heavier barrel is probably a good thing.
For a 1st rifle(modern bolt action) you may want to consider a thinner barrel "entry level" model. After some trigger time you will better know what YOU REALLY want in the paper punching rifle and then buy a more costly rifle. You will still have the other rifle to use while the new one is taking so long to cool at the range.
An example I will shoot a 5 shot group for load testing in my rifles(not bull barrel) then put it aside and use a different one for another 5 shot group. I rotate thru 3-5 rifles and by doing this they never get too hot and they are accurate a day long.
If you get a non-bull barrel rifle you might consider a 223. It will have less recoil so more fun to shoot. It will not heat up as fast so more shooting between cool downs. Ammo will cost less new or if you reload. It will make a good addition when you decide what you really want in a 308 bull barrel.

If you were near me you could shoot some of my rifles to help you decide what you like or dislike.

[Lexustech48]

Hi guys! Well, I got my hands on a few of the rifles that I had in mind and that many of you guys had mentioned.

The Ruger American and the Savage Axis were nice rifles, but there really was a quality difference that I noticed between them and the Remington 700 and the Savage 11/111. After handling both and shouldering the Ruger, I can say i am a fan of the 700. Plus, it has a ton of accessories.

I am going to get the Dicks sporting goods 700 ADL Varmint with scope. The damn thing was on sale for $450! Grrr..... will have my cash soon, but good thing I have some gift certificates coming too. Eventually I can see myself getting the Magpull Hunter 700 stock with ACIS mag system.

Appreciate all your help and definitely pics when I i get her!

[NorCalFocus]

Fantastic choice.

[MongooseV8]

Fantastic choice.

I agree!