All Purpose .308

[Varg Vikernes]

Tikka T3 Lite with a Vortex Diamondback HP.

[ar15barrels]

I have nothing against the 700 Series, in fact I did mention it as an example of the type I'm looking for. "Moderately priced rifle (Trophy Hunter XP/Vanguard II/700/etc.)"



The 5R looks very nice but to be honest with a 24" heavy barrel if I was going to go that route I'd keep the 10FCP-K with the 24" heavy barrel.

Your 800yd effective range puts you into 24" barreled "target" rifles.
If you were to scale that back to a more realistic 400yds, then you could be looking at lighter weight "sporter" rifles.

[joemoia]

I have a Ruger M77 compact magnum in 308. 308 cal is currently not in production by Ruger but I've seen them for sale used. I really like it.

http://www.realguns.com/archives/168.htm

[classicbronco]

CZ550 Varmint, will run you about $800. It has an adjustable set trigger, and you can choose from laminated, kevlar, or walnut stock (I got the walnut, really nice figured stock with lots of burl). With good handloads or match ammo should get .5" @ 100yards. A real controlled feed, well built action, with fit and finish way better than an entry level Remington (not counting Sendaro). If you want a lighter rifle, the non-heavy/varmint barrel rifles are very nice, as well.

http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-550-varmint/

Factory target .31" (@ 50m)

[Californio]

I agree my 1970's Rem 700 BDL with 22" barrel is an ideal all day carry and works to 400 yards with its 2x7 Vari II scope that I think has a 33mm objective.

Your 800yd effective range puts you into 24" barreled "target" rifles.
If you were to scale that back to a more realistic 400yds, then you could be looking at lighter weight "sporter" rifles.

[Mojaveman]

How about a Savage FCNS in .308? Accu-trigger, synthetic accu-stock, floated barrel, detachable magazine, etc. Reasonably priced too.

[Subotai]

Savage Trophy Hunter and Howa are nice.

[HUTCH 7.62]

http://www.gaprecision.net/ga-precision-2014-custom-rifles/ga-precision-rock.html

Looked at buying a Remington 700 varmiter, but in the end I found that having a rifle built was the cheaper route. Versus buying a factory rifle then paying for trigger job, action truing, etc. etc. down the road

[Brave Sir Robin]

CZ550 Varmint, will run you about $800. It has an adjustable set trigger, and you can choose from laminated, kevlar, or walnut stock (I got the walnut, really nice figured stock with lots of burl). With good handloads or match ammo should get .5" @ 100yards. A real controlled feed, well built action, with fit and finish way better than an entry level Remington (not counting Sendaro). If you want a lighter rifle, the non-heavy/varmint barrel rifles are very nice, as well.

http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-550-varmint/

Factory target .31" (@ 50m)

What he said...it's been on my dream list for about 5 years now. Absolutely blows anything Remington makes out of the water. They use to run about $800, but due to demand and popularity they have gone up a bit.

[SteveS]

Sako, the older, the better...

$$$ tho

[B!ngo]

If the primary use is at the range, then I would again select a Tikka but focus on the Sporter model. Heavy barrel, laminated stock, same quality action, comfortable shooting the .308 off of a bench (8-9 lbs). And it's quite beautiful as well. I bought mine at EuroOptic (with whom I have no connection other than buying two rifles from them).
On second though, if you are looking for an all-purpose gun, you also might want to look at a semi-auto FNAR in .308. Very accurate, not an AR looking gun/style at all (why they use the term 'AR' in the model name I do not understand). Just a solid and very accurate gun.
B

[The Right to Bear Arms]

Op: Thanks for the thread. If I'm adhering to your pre-requisites correctly then you're looking for simplicity, portability, and you don't want any cost overruns. 800 yds and an all purpose bolt action, right?

Well.... how about the Remington 700 SPS Tactical w/ 20" barrel. I believe it's right on the money for you're looking for. Moreover, you know enough to get a head start on accessorizing. So you can prepare the foundation to build on it going forward until that point in time when your mission parameters change. haha.

Best of luck to you !

RBA

[Bruce]

Steyr Scout.

[Kestryll]

First off, thanks to everyone who offered opinions and insights, it's been an educational thread, even though it made my choice that much harder for all the nice rifles suggested.

In the end I decided to stick with what I know and last night I DROS'ed a Savage Trophy Hunter XP in .308. At a price of $509 it was just too hard to pass up.

Since I already have the 10FCP-K, a 24" fluted bull barreled monster, I opted for something lighter and with the same manual of arms as the 10. In theory any familiarity or skill gained on one should translate to the other an each will have a different purpose to it accessorizing.
The 10FCP-K is built to sit in a static position on it's bipod and monopod.
The Trophy Hunter XP will likely never wear a bipod after being zero'd, instead it will wear a proper sling.

Again thanks for the input!

[desert dog]

Look at the Remington 700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD:

Decent price.

Short varmint contour barrel for light weight and easy handling, but very rigid.

Threaded muzzle for any devise you choose to run.

1 in 10 twist rate to stabilize heavier bullets for distance shots out of the shorter barrel.

Huge aftermarket with limitless possibilities to customize when budget allows.