Annivery present

Kirkpatrick · October 31, 2012, 09:33 AM

It's been almost a year since I quit smoking and when I quit I started setting aside some the cigarette money to buy my self something as a reward in a years time. Well it almost here.

I'm looking to get a quality .308 bolt action. I'm not really much of a hunter and I'm looking for something that's good to go pretty much out of the box. I also want something that hopefully will outlast me.

For the rifle and scope what are my options and your recommendations for around $1350 inclusive?

gaseousclay · October 31, 2012, 09:51 AM

how about a Winchester Model 70?

Kirkpatrick · October 31, 2012, 01:06 PM

Also, my typical reloads are 168 grain HPBT.

aarondhgraham · October 31, 2012, 01:23 PM

I just wanted to congratulate you for quitting smoking.

I quit smoking three years ago,,,
Best money saving thing I ever did.

Whatever you decide to purchase,,,
Enjoy and shoot it like you stole it.

Aarond

.

allaroundhunter · October 31, 2012, 02:17 PM

I will agree that the Winchester Model 70 (made by FN) is a good choice, possibly topped with a Leupold VX series scope. How far are you going to be shooting it?

But the more important reason for this post, congratulations! I have witnessed firsthand the difficulties involved with quitting, and it takes a strong will to succeed!

kilotanker22 · October 31, 2012, 03:13 PM

To quit smoking is a great acomplishment. I also think that a fnh made model 70 is a good choice.

If I quit smoking I could save enough money to buy a new gun maybe twice a year. Good job man.

Joe Chicago · November 3, 2012, 02:13 PM

Congratulations on quitting smoking. Having lost a loved one who smoked for 50 years to lung cancer I applaud anyone who has the discipline to stop.

On a brighter note... there are lots of great rifles out there to consider. If I were in your shoes I would consider the following:

Winchester (FN) Model 70 - getting great reviews for build quality
Tikka T3 - smooth action, DM and sub MOA guarantee
TC Icon or Venture - DM, sub MOA guarantee and the Venture is $450
Weatherby Vanguard S2 - great two stage trigger and sub MOA guarantee
Savage 11/111 - accurate, affordable and great Accutrigger

There are many inexpensive bolt action rifles available today that out-shoot expensive custom rifles of not long ago, and have sub MOA guarantees. Buying a rifle today is like being a kid in a candy shop.

45YearsShooting · November 3, 2012, 07:20 PM

I'm not sure what price Cooper Arms rifles are going for now, but I'd take a look at their model 54. I've seen some at Sportsman's Warehouse and at Sheels for about a grand several years ago. Custom quality and accuracy.

ripnbst · November 3, 2012, 09:32 PM

If I was building a target .308, which is what it sounds like, I'd probably build or buy a semi custom built Rem 700. With your budget it's extremely possible.

I bought a box stock Rem 700 today in .308 for under $400. It will be built over time. I really would have liked to have bought a Win Mod 70 but the price difference just didn't justify it for me.

October 31, 2012, 09:33 AM	#1
Kirkpatrick Member Join Date: October 15, 2011 Location: Alabama Posts: 23	Annivery present It's been almost a year since I quit smoking and when I quit I started setting aside some the cigarette money to buy my self something as a reward in a years time. Well it almost here. I'm looking to get a quality .308 bolt action. I'm not really much of a hunter and I'm looking for something that's good to go pretty much out of the box. I also want something that hopefully will outlast me. For the rifle and scope what are my options and your recommendations for around $1350 inclusive?

October 31, 2012, 01:23 PM	#4
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 6,358	I have no recommendation for you,,, I just wanted to congratulate you for quitting smoking. I quit smoking three years ago,,, Best money saving thing I ever did. Whatever you decide to purchase,,, Enjoy and shoot it like you stole it. Aarond . __________________ Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Combat: "A Silent Cry" Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

November 3, 2012, 02:13 PM	#7
Joe Chicago Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2011 Location: Chicago area Posts: 277	Congratulations on quitting smoking. Having lost a loved one who smoked for 50 years to lung cancer I applaud anyone who has the discipline to stop. On a brighter note... there are lots of great rifles out there to consider. If I were in your shoes I would consider the following: Winchester (FN) Model 70 - getting great reviews for build quality Tikka T3 - smooth action, DM and sub MOA guarantee TC Icon or Venture - DM, sub MOA guarantee and the Venture is $450 Weatherby Vanguard S2 - great two stage trigger and sub MOA guarantee Savage 11/111 - accurate, affordable and great Accutrigger There are many inexpensive bolt action rifles available today that out-shoot expensive custom rifles of not long ago, and have sub MOA guarantees. Buying a rifle today is like being a kid in a candy shop.

October 31, 2012, 09:51 AM	#2
gaseousclay Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2010 Location: Frozen Tundra Posts: 774	how about a Winchester Model 70?

October 31, 2012, 01:06 PM	#3
Kirkpatrick Member Join Date: October 15, 2011 Location: Alabama Posts: 23	Also, my typical reloads are 168 grain HPBT.

October 31, 2012, 02:17 PM	#5
allaroundhunter Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2012 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 923	I will agree that the Winchester Model 70 (made by FN) is a good choice, possibly topped with a Leupold VX series scope. How far are you going to be shooting it? But the more important reason for this post, congratulations! I have witnessed firsthand the difficulties involved with quitting, and it takes a strong will to succeed!

October 31, 2012, 03:13 PM	#6
kilotanker22 Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2012 Posts: 193	To quit smoking is a great acomplishment. I also think that a fnh made model 70 is a good choice. If I quit smoking I could save enough money to buy a new gun maybe twice a year. Good job man.

November 3, 2012, 07:20 PM	#8
45YearsShooting Member Join Date: September 9, 2012 Location: Colorado Posts: 94	I'm not sure what price Cooper Arms rifles are going for now, but I'd take a look at their model 54. I've seen some at Sportsman's Warehouse and at Sheels for about a grand several years ago. Custom quality and accuracy.

November 3, 2012, 09:32 PM	#9
ripnbst Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2010 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,038	If I was building a target .308, which is what it sounds like, I'd probably build or buy a semi custom built Rem 700. With your budget it's extremely possible. I bought a box stock Rem 700 today in .308 for under $400. It will be built over time. I really would have liked to have bought a Win Mod 70 but the price difference just didn't justify it for me.