Author Topic: Opinions and suggestions for a .308 please (Read 1774 times)

jackD · « **on:** August 07, 2009, 09:18:46 AM »

Decided I am getting another .308, I have one Browing with a boss, and have really come to find the boss system a pain. Anyway, I have always been a Remington and Browning fan, but with all these new guns I am a little unsure. I can't believe Remington doesn't make the CDL anymore, and not really sold on the X-bolt. So I am considering the Kimber longmaster, I really like the weight and barrel length, Just not sure about their reputation, I have heard alot of both sides. I also am trying to figure out if I like the REmington VTR. Same weight as the Kimber and I like Remingtons, just not completely sold on the barrel and stock and question the muzzle brake as well. Those are my two main choices, but looked at the Tikka as well. Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated!!

teddy12b · « **Reply #1 on:** August 07, 2009, 09:22:43 AM »

I wouldn't try to talk you out of any of the rifle brands you mentioned. I would try to talk to you about one of the brands you didn't mention, Savage. Savage makes a great selection of rifles to choose from for any purpose. Most people are usually very impressed, once they have seen what a savage can do out of the box. Just another brand to consider.

Skunk · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2009, 09:26:30 AM »

That would be an easy decision for me. My choices would be between a M70 Extreme Weather SS or a M70 Featherweight. You can get both in .308.

Skunk · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2009, 09:31:27 AM »

Also, the Remington Model Seven CDL in .308 sure wouldn't be the worse choice either:

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2009, 10:40:01 AM »

Ruger M-77 Hawkeye , Its alot of gun for the money and the ones i have/have owned/shot were good shooters and trouble free

Swampman · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2009, 01:36:16 PM »

I'd find a Remington you'll never regret it.

1sourdough · « **Reply #6 on:** August 08, 2009, 04:01:43 AM »

1st off, can you put a 'CR' sleeve on your bossed A-Bolt. That would give it conventional recoil & noise. It may keep it a but fugly though. I have 3 308s, great round. You could get a regular A-Bolt in 308. It is was me I wouldn't go shorter than 20" with a 308 barrel, depending some on how/where you hunt/shoot. If you have some coin to spend a Sako would be nice. No matter what you get I would get the trigger in the 3 or so lb neighborhood via adjustment or replacement. The A-Bolt is easy to re-spring. I know it adjusts, but usually bottoms out at the 4lb level without the Timney spring.

Cheesehead · « **Reply #7 on:** August 08, 2009, 05:23:18 AM »

I am also a 308 fan, have a couple of them. I am also a Browning fan. So in my opinion, the Browning TI in 308 would be the ultimate bolt rifle.

Cheese

Skunk · « **Reply #8 on:** August 08, 2009, 07:07:47 AM »

Speaking of Brownings and .308s, a BLR 81 or a BAR Safari in .308 would be pretty darn awesome.

charles p · « **Reply #9 on:** August 08, 2009, 03:25:27 PM »

Model Seven Remington seems perfect for me.

nomosendero · « **Reply #10 on:** August 08, 2009, 05:17:42 PM »

Jack, I would visit the Rem & Sav sites & view the specs of all the models. Howa's are good, if you want VTR like specs. without the break (same here), you may want to look at the Weatherby Vangard Sub MOA Varmit, it has all of those specs in a nice, affordable package.

foto · « **Reply #11 on:** August 12, 2009, 03:10:29 PM »

Do you really want two 308 rifles that fit the same niche? Consider getting something other than a 308 and spend 60 bucks( what my GS charged me to cut down a barrel) and have your gunsmith cut the boss off your abolt and recrown the barrel. It'll be like a new gun and my abolts are accurate and do just fine without the BOSS system. You probably have a 22 or 24 inch barrel so a inch or two shouldn't matter. Doubt it will affect the value at all as I haven't seen any premium on BOSS equipped rifles and in fact think of them as actually detracting from the value of a gun. Then you can get a completely different gun in another caliber or keep the money in your pocket. Just another option.

Skunk · « **Reply #12 on:** August 12, 2009, 03:33:54 PM »

Quote from: nomosendero on August 08, 2009, 05:17:42 PM

Jack, I would visit the Rem & Sav sites & view the specs of all the models.

Yep, a Savage would be a great choice too. I have a .308 FCP with the HS-Precision stock & varmint barrel and she's a tack driver. For a hunting rifle I'd say a Model 14 American Classic would be a big hit.

deerandduck · « **Reply #13 on:** August 13, 2009, 02:29:38 AM »

Might I suggest a Remington 700 SPS Tactical. I got one (in 308) and it's real nice. It has the 20" bull barrel, a little heavy but overall great balance. It shoots great, currently 1" groups at 100 yds, but am refining my reloads. Already showing promise for 1/2" groups, but still working on it. It has the X-Mark trigger that is easy to adjust, the R3 recoil pad, and the pillar bedded Hogue stock. Overall, just a great gun to hunt with.
Deerandduck

hunt-m-up · « **Reply #14 on:** August 13, 2009, 12:08:47 PM »

Another vote for Weatherby Vanguard, just bought one in .308 compact version, little heavy, but a shooter out of the box. Will probably add an aftermarket trigger though.

VTR's are nice,but unless you're really recoil shy that muzzle break is not good at all. Shot with a guy who has one in 22-250, might be able to get that one cheap after this season. Why did they think the 223 and 22-250 needed brakes...

mrbigtexan · « **Reply #15 on:** August 15, 2009, 12:27:20 PM »

think about the remington 798. its a mauser design.

Bigeasy · « **Reply #16 on:** August 15, 2009, 10:34:37 PM »

Jack -

A lot of fine rifles out there, but I would consider the Kimber. Light weight, great trigger, controled round feed Mauser type action, accurate, very well made. I have several, and am more then happy with them The attached photo is of a Kimber #84 in 308 with a Leupold 2x7 scope in quick detach Warne rings. It shoots between 1/2 and 3/4 inch with ammo it likes. A real classy rifle for a few hundred more then the typical Rem or Savage.

Larry

Savage .250 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 16, 2009, 02:11:11 AM »

Quote from: teddy12b on August 07, 2009, 09:22:43 AM

I wouldn't try to talk you out of any of the rifle brands you mentioned. I would try to talk to you about one of the brands you didn't mention, Savage. Savage makes a great selection of rifles to choose from for any purpose. Most people are usually very impressed, once they have seen what a savage can do out of the box. Just another brand to consider.

+1

mannyrock · « **Reply #18 on:** August 16, 2009, 06:56:52 AM »

I strongly second the vote to take your existing rifle to a gunsmith, and spend between $60 to $100 to have the one feature that you don't like (the BOSS) removed, by shortening and recrowning the barrel. This stuff of blowing $400 to $800 at the drop of a hat on something "new", every time we have a little itch, has got to stop somewhere. Let it be here. Put that $400 to $800 in an IRA, where it will grow into something other than just another used rifle. As with the use of new automobiles, the second you pull the trigger on your new rifle, it will be worth 30% less in resale value.

Even if you have to trim the barrel of your existing rifle down to 20 inches, you should do it and try it. You will find that you have a super handy rifle. And, even if you end up not liking it, you will find that there is a fairly big demand for quality .308 rifles with 20 inch barrels, so you would be able to trade or sell it readily towards a different new or quality used rifle in .308.

The concept of ending up with TWO bolt action rifles in .308, with a 98% overlap in quality and performance, and one being with a BOSS that you hate, just seems to me to make no sense whatsoever.

As for a new or high-quality used rifle, you just can't go wrong with a Savage 110, or a Remington 700 ADL. They are all you will ever need, they have legendary accuracy, and there are lots of aftermarket accessories (stocks, triggers, etc.) that you may gradually add over time if you want to upgrade it as a hobby.

Just my thoughts.

Regards,

Mannyrock

nomosendero · « **Reply #19 on:** August 16, 2009, 05:49:20 PM »

Or sell the Browning, alot of choices.

Hank08 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 18, 2009, 05:10:17 AM »

Check out the "Kimber Montana" It's a beauty and only 6 lbs. It'll be love at first sight.
Sell the Browning.
H08

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #21 on:** August 18, 2009, 05:21:53 AM »

mannyrock, was your wife looking over your shoulder ?

Swampman · « **Reply #22 on:** August 18, 2009, 06:18:20 AM »

I find firearms to be great investments.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #23 on:** August 18, 2009, 06:35:43 AM »

Quote from: SHOOTALL on August 18, 2009, 05:21:53 AM

mannyrock, was your wife looking over your shoulder ?

pochis · « **Reply #24 on:** September 17, 2009, 12:25:02 PM »

i am surprised no one mentioed the tikka t-3 for around 500 and accurate.

kansas45 · « **Reply #25 on:** September 20, 2009, 04:42:50 AM »

I have had good luck with my Tikka Varmint .308. I have the same rifle in.223. I am looking at the Savage & Remington .308's now.