Looking for a decent brush .308

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

Not that I do a lot of hunting any more, but my go-to for that use would be my Ruger Scout .308. I have no direct experience with them, but I'd bet that the Savage Scout would do just fine. I have owned a Mossberg MVP but in .223; a very accurate rifle but the bolt on mine was finicky to work quickly which could be an issue if a quick followup shot in brushy terrain is needed. There are a couple of Handi-Rifles in my safe but for hunting in the brush I want a quicker followup shot in case it's needed. That's my two cents but if a particular rifle works better for you, I'd say go with it.

[sigstroker]

You don't have to have a stainless rifle to avoid corrosion. People have been using traditional blued carbon-steel rifles for a very, very long time without corrosion issues, in all sorts of weather. As long as you clean your gun after use, like you should be doing with *any* gun anyway, you'll be fine.

I've got Mosin Nagant rifles of various types, both Soviet and Finnish, that are OLD. They saw war use. They don't have rust problems, and yes, I do take them out for exercise.

Therefore, to answer your question....

I think a Ruger American in .308 Win would be excellent for what you're looking to do. This is a lightweight rifle, that shoots well, with a 22" barrel, and is under $500. It's one of the better rifles, I think, for the money.

As for a scope, just put any decent Leupold VX-Freedom on top of it, or a used VX-1 or Redfield Revolution, and you'll be all set.

Eh, maybe. I've seen and heard of guns that were rusty before they got home when it was wet outside.

[bigbossman]

Eh, maybe. I've seen and heard of guns that were rusty before they got home when it was wet outside.

It's not a scout type gun, but I have a Remington 870 Express that will rust before your eyes out in the duck ponds.

[Cowboy T]

Eh, maybe. I've seen and heard of guns that were rusty before they got home when it was wet outside.

No "maybe", but "definitely". If you've seen that, then whoever the owner was wasn't taking decent care of his/her gun in the first place, or they were shooting corrosive ammo through it and not pouring a bit of water or window cleaner down the barrel after shooting.

Other than that, I've never seen a non-rusty gun get all rusted up even before getting home, including when it was wet outside. I've shot plenty of times in the rain and never have had any such problems.

[kayaker]

I've got an old Ruger M-77 in .308 with a 20" barrel. It's lightweight at under 6 lbs. without the scope. I've got an old Redfield Widefield 2-7 scope on it. Blue steel with wood furniture. It's pretty little thing. It's been on many deer hunting trips and still looks great. I bought it for my Dad in 1993.

[1859sharps]

Ruger Gunsite Scout.

https://ruger.com/products/scoutRifle/specSheets/6829.html

I would encourage exploring this advice.

as for your budget, you are only limited by your patience to wait and save for a little bit more if you find that your current limit turns out to be impractical or not enough for something you end up wanting and is more than you planned for.

As for the debate on rusting... it is hard to compare "old world built military rifles" and their bluing and modern commercial guns built to make a price point. I would FULLY expect a good quality example of a old military rifle to have MUCH better bluing and be more durable in the elements vs the finish being provided on budget rifles these days.

[200Apples]

I've got an old Ruger M-77 in .308 with a 20" barrel. It's lightweight at under 6 lbs. without the scope.

Have you actually weighed this rifle? I find this claim hard to believe. It's very close, however. I have a blued M77 Scout in a composite stock, 17.25" barrel. It's close to 7 lbs, unloaded, no optic.

I've got an old Redfield Widefield 2-7 scope on it. Blue steel with wood furniture. It's pretty little thing. It's been on many deer hunting trips and still looks great. I bought it for my Dad in 1993.

These are still terrific rifles. Yours sounds like a peach! and it's history priceless. Post a picture sometime?

[pennstater]

I have, well, older son has it now, a Ruger M-77 RSI in .308. With a compact Redfield 4x scope it weights in at 7.4 lb. No scope, 6.9 lb., 18" barrel. Damn thing is a shooter.

MLC

[newbutold]

So...I've never hunted before. I'm in the market for a 4x4 four wheeler to go hunting with. I assume the rifle will encounter extreme weather. I probably won't go after anything bigger then deer, but I might in the future hence the .308.

I've used 4x4 quads for hunting since 1987. Standard rifles with synthetic stocks worked just fine in rain and snow covering 5 states. Some states require the rifle is empty on the quad. An easily removable magazine is helpful. Have fun.

[sigstroker]

Have you actually weighed this rifle? I find this claim hard to believe. It's very close, however. I have a blued M77 Scout in a composite stock, 17.25" barrel. It's close to 7 lbs, unloaded, no optic.

Cast steel is more porous, and therefore lighter than, forged steel.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Quote
I'd like to spend around $500 ---
Can you tell us how you will use this bush gun?
Ranges you will shoot?
What you will shoot?
Will you keep it in a vehicle or hike 5-25 miles a day?
How long will it be in the rain? etc?

All good points which send you directly to a Ruger American Rifle in .308. It will do everything you want at a price you can afford. No need to look farther.

#6907 https://ruger.com/products/americanR...dels.html?n=ov

Randy

[200Apples]

Cast steel is more porous, and therefore lighter than, forged steel.

Ah. Yes, indeed. Thanks.

[sghart]

As I posted earlier I own a Ruger American Predator in .308. It is a terrific rifle for the money. Very accurate. But if you want a stainless gun here is one that will serve you well. And it is in stock.

https://grabagun.com/firearms/rifles/bolt-action-rifles/savage-axis-308win-ss-syn-22-pkg.html

[BradleyAbrams]

I was thinking stainless/synthetic as ill likely be in the snow and rain. I'd like to spend around $500 but have a max of $1000. At the $1000 point I'd have to include a scope. Adjustable trigger would also be nice. Any I should look at? I was looking at the savage axis 2 but they don't have stainless apparently. The gun shop guy was trying to lean me towards cheracote(sp)? But I think if it got dropped or it snagged on something then I'd have corrosion issues. Thoughts?

Savage 10PC ( .308 )





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[theduracellbigd]

Get a Winchester model 70 featherweight and never look back.