308 Survivor barrel question and advice on 308 vs 30-06

[smittty]

First question:

1. Is the barrel on the 308 Survivor a true bull barrel or does the scope mount cantilever about an inch like on the other barrels?

Next question:

2. Which would you choose, 308 Survivor or 30-06 Synthetic handi if:
      a)  You already had a bunch of 30-06 CMP ammo
      b)  You already have a New 308 cal Lee Classic Loader and bunch (+250) of once-fired 308 brass, and you've never reloaded

and,
Are there any other reasons why you choose one of these calibers/rifles over the other?

Last question:

One other bit of information, regardless which rifle/caliber, I'd like to add a 357 mag barrel that has iron sights.  The Survivor stock looks the same for the 308, 223 and the 410/45 LC so I assume it works for use with or without a scope. 

3.  Do the monte carlo stocks work with iron sights or do you need the regular stock to see the irons sights?

I'm getting closer to picking "that, one handi rifle" and appreciate your help and wisdom.

Thanks,
Smitty

[whiteoper]

I am not the pro here but is not "That One Handi" also known as the "The next Handi I want to add."

Roscoe

[Mac11700]

First question:

1. Is the barrel on the 308 Survivor a true bull barrel or does the scope mount cantilever about an inch like on the other barrels?

Next question:

2. Which would you choose, 308 Survivor or 30-06 Synthetic handi if:
      a)  You already had a bunch of 30-06 CMP ammo
      b)  You already have a New 308 cal Lee Classic Loader and bunch (+250) of once-fired 308 brass, and you've never reloaded

and,
Are there any other reasons why you choose one of these calibers/rifles over the other?

Last question:

One other bit of information, regardless which rifle/caliber, I'd like to add a 357 mag barrel that has iron sights.  The Survivor stock looks the same for the 308, 223 and the 410/45 LC so I assume it works for use with or without a scope. 

3.  Do the monte carlo stocks work with iron sights or do you need the regular stock to see the irons sights?

I'm getting closer to picking "that, one handi rifle" and appreciate your help and wisdom.

Thanks,
Smitty

1) Yes...depending on which scope rail ...the standard rail is shorter and won't have as much gap under it...not that either makes a real difference in this regard...

2) I like both and it really doesn't matter about the CMP ammo...since I believe it's Mil-spec'd...and not advisable to use mil-spec ammo in the Handi's...Also...I don't use lee dies (except 1 factory crimp die) nor their presses...The 308 bull barrels are very nice and shoot good...so do most 30-06 barrels...you just gotta decide on which you want...

3) most folks will need a lower comb height for the iron sites

Mac

[LaOtto222]

Barrel diameter between a regular barrel and a Bull barrel is not a lot. My 223 bull barrel still has a "gap" between the mount and the barrel. I started with a Lee classic die set for 22 Hornet I then added one for 222 Rem. I soon found out that it was too slow and I wanted some thing better. I bought a RCBS Rock Chucker that I am still using. Start out with your Lee Classic loader since you have one already. You will soon find out if reloading is for you and then you can decide if you want to grow your experience or just drop it all together. If you decide to grow your reloading experience, get a O-Frame cast iron press. I do not think that brand makes a whole lot of difference, just make sure it is a cast iron press. Let features, and cost be your guide as to which one you get. There is not a whole lot of difference between the 308 and 30-06. In a Handi rifle; length means nothing. The 30-06 maybe a little more versatile and I think it handles the heavier (180 grain+) bullets a little better. If you really must shoot 200 or 220 grain bullets I would go with the 30-06 if you are looking at 150 - 180 then get a 308 since you have the Lee Classic loader already and brass for it. Good Luck to you.

[toyfj40]

I have the .308 with the Survival-Stock and bull-barrel.
I  *do not* like the survival-stock, the .308 is a firm-recoil
and the  "buttpad" is a narrow/hard plastic  "cap" for the
small-storage-space inside the hollow-stock.

I use an additional Butt-Cushion (yes, I'm a wimp),
otherwise my shoulder takes too much impact.
I am looking to replace the stock with the Choate Varmint

[myarmor]

I have used Mil.Spec ammo in my Handis before, and I don't really recommend it. I have found pressures vary a lot and the -06 is no exception. With that said most -06 Handis shoot very well (all mine have)  and many of the 308 Bull Barrels do too. Unless using 180+gr bullets the difference is not very much in a single shot I don't believe. Take your pick.
Though as toyfj40 mentioned the survivor stock isn't the most recoil friendly, but it should be fine for your 357 as the check weld is low on it.




-Aaron

[fanner50]

This rifle started life as a .308 Survivor

Handi Stinger Mannlicher is ready to go. Pictures  see this post

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,126663.msg1098453305.html#msg1098453305

[smittty]

You pretty much answered all my questions and some.

I will get the 308 Survivor and add a 357 mag barrel. 

I've been taking my time to figure out which rifle to buy because I hope to not keep trading/buying/selling them.  I'm also at the point were I realize that I like target shooting a whole lot more than hunting.   

The take-down capability of the handi is very appealing to me.  I can take it apart and stuff it in a duffel bag to carry it to the range on my motorcycle.   

Also, seeing all the posts and photos here shows me I can probably keep tinkering with one of these rifles for a long time and never run out of options.

I have two scopes to use with the Survivor.  One is a Weaver V3 and the other is a 10x42 Super Sniper and both have Leupold QD Weaver rings.  I plan to use both scopes with the 308 barrel.

I will most likely be looking for new stocks and if anyone has any other ideas for this rifle please feel free to share your ideas.

I'm totaly sold on these rifles now and wonder why I never looked at them before.

Thanks for yoru help,
Smitty

[quickdtoo]

I bought a used Survivor 308 barrel from another member, fitted it to a late model frame in camo laminated stock set, topped it with a Leupold 3-9x40 VX1 in medium Burris Signature Zees, shoots real good with the 168gr TSX Bt and Varget.

Tim