Advice on getting into 308 bolt actions

[MudRhino]

So I'd like to get into the 308 bolt action game. This would be strictly for target shooting, not hunting (at least not in the near future).

Rifle-wise, I mostly shoot my 16" AR and converted Saiga 5.45 and have recently had a ton of fun experimenting with 223 handloads and shooting my AR from a bipod while seated (I'm getting better, but can still only pull around 2 inches on average at 50 yards running a Spikes mid-length with stock spikes trigger and vortex strikefire with 2x magnifier).

Generally a fan of the adage "buy once, cry once" but I'm not looking to spend a fortune right now on a setup; a 1 MOA rifle and "decent" optic would be more than adequate especially considering I currently shoot at a range with max 50 yard lanes.

This is what I am considering right now at my price point:

1. Stevens Model 200
2. Howa Targetmaster package (comes with a Nikko Stirling 4-16)
3. Ruger American Rifle

I'm really leaning toward the Stevens as from the research I've done, it seems to just be a Savage Model 10 in a different stock so I'd have alot of room to upgrade should I desire it down the road. For the price, looks like it'll be an awesome shooter that'll take me a while to catch-up with! What do you guys think?

Am I missing any other comparable 308s in this price range that any of you would strongly consider? (I left the 700 of the list because its pricepoint is a bit higher).

Thanks in advance.

 

[Yoshi]

What is your price point? Not knowing that, I would look at the Savage and 700's. Some can be had in the $500-$600 range. My Savage PC shoots sub-MOA and I consider that my "budget" rifle. Don't have any experience with the 700s, but lots of peeps shoot them. Both are highly costumizable, more so the 700, so you can grow into them. The scope... Well, that's another story. In any case, I was shooting for less than $1000 on my Savage to include rifle, scope, bipod, and stock pack.

 

[MDMOUNTAINEER]

http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=93225&highlight=hog+hunter

.308 is my favorite caliber. The 110-HH is my favorite rifle. I have others. Many are MUCH more expensive. The Hog Hunter gets used the most.

 

[armed ferret]

spend at least as much on optics as you do the rifle. AT LEAST.

package deals never have good optics. nikko sterlings are okay for hunting over a feeder during daylight hours, when you've parked the truck a couple hundred yards away behind some trees. that's about it.

the savage trophy hunter packages come with a decent-for-hunting nikon bdc scope, but they're not target shooting rifles.

if $1000-$1200 is out of your price range for rifle/optics right now, just keep saving up. you'll just be disappointed if you cheap out on either/both.

 

[fireup]

If you don't want a gun with a ton of upgrades and aftermarket parts, stay away from the 700's!!! I just fell into that hole hook line and sinker...
Remington 700aac-sd + nightforce base&rings + vortex viper 6-24 ffp + Harris bipod + B&C stock + upgraded bolt handle = $0 left of my pitiful paycheck.
And the sad thing is I keep thinking of more things I want to do with it. Freakin money pit.

Anyways... You should definitely look at the 700

 

[SevernBob]

I got the Ruger American in .308 about a week ago ($350). I just wanted a cheap, but accurate bolt in that cal since I have plenty of that ammo. I haven't been able to shoot it yet. I already have a scope for it that cost about as much as the rifle. It is very light and feels, well, plasticy and unsubstantial. I liked the floating barrel and adjustable trigger. If you're looking for a more traditional rifle with a heavier barrel and all the aesthetics such as a wood stock, don't go with this one. Otherwise, and without having tried it yet, the Ruger seems like an excellent value.

 

[huesmann]

Most manufacturers have a mid-plus line of rifles and an entry-level line. Rough figures, $600-700 vs. $200-300. Examples: Savage has the Axis and Remington has the 770, as entry-level lines.

 

[Russ D]

If you can't afford at least a Remington 700 or Savage then you can't afford the ammo right now. Keep saving until you can buy a good gun that will serve you for many years to come.

 

[byf43]

Remington 700 or Savage bolt rifle.

Accuracy out-of-the-box is verrrrrrry good.


Buy once. Cry once. (Until you buy another tack-driver!)

 

[highwayheat]

I wanted a Ruger Ametican in .308 but they were on extreme back order at the time. I settled with a 30-06 and can't beat the rifle for the money.

 

[Bolts Rock]

Can't go wrong with a Rem 700 SPS Varmint to start. Add a 20MOA rail and a decent scope to be good to go. H-S and B&C make drop in stocks for upgrade later if you so choose. As for glass, you aren't a professional sniper so spending stupid money on glass isn't going to buy you much as a casual user. Vortex makes some nice tactical glass in the $400-$600 range. When Midway runs a special the Millett TRS-1 is a decent value, last time I saw them on special they were about $200, Bushnell does the warranty work.

 

[Celtic159]

I decided to buy once, cry once. I got a 700 5R threaded barrel and Nightforce optics from 2A. It was horrifically expensive, but I'll never want for another bolt-action.

 

[armed ferret]

but I'll never want for another bolt-action.

Yes you will.

 

[Celtic159]

Yes you will.

Shhhhhhh, don't ruin it, my wife believes that!

 

[Redcobra]

Savage 110FCP-K .308 with Nikon Monarch Scope and Harris Bipod.
Incredibly accurate.

 

[Sonomer]

I saw a Ruger American in .308 at the North East Wal-Mart over the weekend on my trip up there to head to Elk Neck. It might be still there for anyone interested. Great bang for the buck on that rifle. As an owner of a 700 and a Model Seven, I can't say enough about the 700 platform. However, if I could do it all over again, a Savage 10 series would be first on my list.

 

[MudRhino]

Well, now I'm even more undecided! But seriously, thanks for all the info.

I plan to reload, but yes, ammo will be a concern as I have zero 308 brass (not to mention I can't find 308 dies in stock anywhere).

Maybe my plan'll be to watch the classifieds for a nice package. I'm pretty much with Severnbob: I just want a cheap bolt action 308 to play around with. I don't even know if I'll really like the caliber. If I was planning on dropping $2000, I'd just man up and go the AR10 route (technically I already have a DPMS LR-308 upper on backorder from Brownells but they don't even have an estimate on potential ship dates).

 

[INMY01TA]

Remington 700 SPS Tactical .308
Harris bipod
EGW 20 moa base
Burris XTR low rings
Millett TRS-1
Badger bolt knob
About $1,300 so far I think.

 

[MudRhino]

Celtic159, Redcobra, and INMY01TA, those are some gorgeous setups! What distance do y'all shoot at (and where)?

 

[Redcobra]

Celtic159, Redcobra, and INMY01TA, those are some gorgeous setups! What distance do y'all shoot at (and where)?

I shoot primarily at the AGC which is limited to 200 yds. Hard to find longer ranges in close proximity to me. It's one of the reasons I shoot Iron Sight Military weapons like the M1 and M1 Carbine, and am considering selling the Savage. It's legs are too long for the ranges near me. At 200 yards hitting the bull with the Savage is no challenge.