Semi Auto 308 Rifle

rutnut · January 24, 2017, 08:09 PM

Looking to add a semi in 308 to our hunting rifle collection. Would like one in wood stock variety. Need some help in looking for a quality rifle that doesn't break my budget. Would like to stay under 700 but willing to go 900 for right gun. Want one that's easy to maintain and hold up under hunt conditions ect.. All an any suggestions and any pics of your current set up much appreciated. Tks, Rutnut

Dragline45 · January 24, 2017, 08:19 PM

In that price range check out the Remington 742, no longer in production but can be had for fairly cheap.

The upgrade to that though is the Browning Bar, should be able to find one in your price range.

Also Windham Weaponry has 308 AR's with wood furniture, above your price range but they are super nice rifles.

Model12Win · January 24, 2017, 09:26 PM

LOVE LOVE LOVE that Windy!!

Grumpy_Bottom · January 24, 2017, 09:44 PM

You could also pick up a .308 Vepr in that range - should tick all the boxes...

ttarp · January 24, 2017, 09:52 PM

Something like this?

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...+10RD+WOOD+STK

If I didn't have an Hk SL-7(bank breaker), I'd probably get one of these. Still might one day...

dakota.potts · January 24, 2017, 10:21 PM

ttarp, I will happily buy you a VEPR and send it to you in trade for your SL-7. Just let me know when

rutnut · January 24, 2017, 11:03 PM

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/.../719012097.jpg
Wow, never knew or heard of this gun. LIKE it a lot! How is the accuracy? Barrel rifling ect..? Sharpe gun, Thanks ttarp, like the windam as well, but really like the FIME VEPR

CarJunkieLS1 · January 24, 2017, 11:07 PM

HOLY CRAP that wood stock VEPR just tickled my fancy...I'll have one as soon as I can get some spare cash.

CarJunkieLS1 · January 24, 2017, 11:12 PM

Another wood stocked .308 rifle that may be worth looking at and inside the OP's budget is the Winchester Model 100. Its a beautiful rifle and if it has had the firing pin recall done its a far better rifle than the mentioned Remington 742.

MagnumWill · January 25, 2017, 12:21 AM

VEPRs have good reputations, that would definitely fit your bill.

SDF880 · January 25, 2017, 01:31 AM

Check out Saiga 308!

Nate762 · January 25, 2017, 02:14 AM

Browning BAR

ttarp · January 25, 2017, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Wow, never knew or heard of this gun. LIKE it a lot! How is the accuracy? Barrel rifling ect..?

I just discovered it a few weeks ago, all the research I did seemed to come up with the .308 Super being 2moa on average, with rare exceptions(or owner exaggerations) being 1moa, or some at 3 or four moa. But thats all just second hand research, so take it for what its worth.

Quote:

ttarp, I will happily buy you a VEPR and send it to you in trade for your SL-7. Just let me know when

Ha ha, thanks for the offer, I'll let you know(don't hold your breath).

turkeestalker · January 25, 2017, 05:39 PM

Now mind you this particular VEPR is not in .308, but here is a pic of one with the short barrel along side of the Windham .308 Hunter.

Both are excellent quality rifles, but I'm betting that the Windham has around two pounds on the VEPR which would make a big difference when toting it around say hunting. That's not mentioning that the Windham cost me close to twice as much as the VEPR.

I own one of the Remington 742s in 6mm. If it were in .308 along with the VEPR and I were to choose one to hunt with, the Remington would be the one hands down. The Windham and VEPR are awesome fun toys though.

Model12Win · January 25, 2017, 06:21 PM

Don't forget the classic G3 (PTR-91):

You can get the base gun and a good wood stock set for under your budget. You won't find a more reliable or durable .308 semi. Great for hunting.

ejb69 · January 25, 2017, 06:51 PM

Browning BAR.

turkeestalker · January 25, 2017, 07:05 PM

The Browning BAR or the Winchester 100 mentioned would be good choices compared to the 742 due to the issues they had.

rutnut · January 27, 2017, 04:12 PM

Thanks guys Love the site. Learn a lot on here. Looking into the BAR, and the Winchester and the VEPR. Do kinda like the "traditional" auto rifles tho. Just seem to handle easier in stalk/hunt situations ect...IDK Really would like to shoot some before buying and trying to make contacts to do so in our area of SE IND, N KY and SW Ohio. Thanks for replies and input.

wachtelhund1 · February 2, 2017, 10:45 AM

Winchester 100

thallub · February 3, 2017, 07:20 PM

In the very back of my gun vault, next to a couple Winchester model 100s, is a Harrington & Richardson model 360 Ultra rifle in .308. When last fired about 10 years ago it grouped very well. Don't have a picture of my rifle so this one will suffice.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/617767447

jwise · February 5, 2017, 12:30 PM

I had a VEPR in .308. It worked, but could not handle sustained fire. It would string its first 20 rd mag of the day 12" vertically at 100yds.

I couldn't ever fix the problem, and refused to live with it, so I sold it.

Too bad, as I really liked it.

Wyosmith · February 5, 2017, 12:35 PM

If any of the readers are interested, I have a friend who owns an FNAR with several magazines and want's to sell it.

If you would like to know more PM me and I'll put you in touch with him.
I have fired the rifle and it's very accurate. With 150 grain Winchester White Box ammo it was shooting MOA, not just one time either. it does it every time.

bamaranger · February 6, 2017, 02:37 AM

My own experience is that any rifle with an extended box mag, bolt finger lever, and pistol grip does not carry all that well and I much prefer a traditional stock/flush mag arrangement. The advantage of a 20-30 rd box in a fighting rifle is an acceptable inconvience in a weapon/circumstance where you would stake your life on it, but that family is just too bulky and awkward in a hunter to suit me. The corners and sharp edges on the grips and box mag, bash your ribs, elbows and spine often when you carry it slinged, and there seems to be no convenient balance point to carry one without a sling in the crook of the arm or at the receiver in conventional one handed trail carry.

I toted an M1A (well acutally it was indeed an M14), a PSL, and an 870 with a pistol grip, on just enough hunts each, to decide that a traditional arrangement served much better in that role for me.

The Win 100 carrys better and points like a dream for many people, but it is long out of manufacture, and no real easy answer for a quest for parts if needed, and there is the recall/firing pin (?) issue. The Remington autos were much more widely produced, and Rem is still there (well, sort of) to aid with support. The BAR is popular in my neck of the woods, and a used example might be in your price range. The synthetic stock models, used, are usually more affordable. A BAR carbine in .308 has been one of those rifles that I've had an interest in for some time, but have not committed on any.

January 24, 2017, 08:09 PM	#1
rutnut Junior Member Join Date: January 17, 2017 Posts: 6	Semi Auto 308 Rifle Looking to add a semi in 308 to our hunting rifle collection. Would like one in wood stock variety. Need some help in looking for a quality rifle that doesn't break my budget. Would like to stay under 700 but willing to go 900 for right gun. Want one that's easy to maintain and hold up under hunt conditions ect.. All an any suggestions and any pics of your current set up much appreciated. Tks, Rutnut

January 24, 2017, 08:19 PM	#2
Dragline45 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2010 Posts: 3,513	In that price range check out the Remington 742, no longer in production but can be had for fairly cheap. The upgrade to that though is the Browning Bar, should be able to find one in your price range. Also Windham Weaponry has 308 AR's with wood furniture, above your price range but they are super nice rifles. Last edited by Dragline45; January 24, 2017 at 08:35 PM.

January 24, 2017, 10:21 PM	#6
dakota.potts Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2013 Location: Keystone Heights, Florida Posts: 3,084	ttarp, I will happily buy you a VEPR and send it to you in trade for your SL-7. Just let me know when __________________ Certified Gunsmith (On Hiatus) Certified Armorer - H&K and Glock Among Others You can find my writings at my website, pottsprecision.com.

January 25, 2017, 12:21 AM	#10
MagnumWill Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Location: Central Colorado Posts: 1,001	VEPRs have good reputations, that would definitely fit your bill. __________________ Those who hammer their swords into plow shares will plow for those who didn't...

January 25, 2017, 07:05 PM	#17
turkeestalker Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2015 Location: Cottleville, Missouri Posts: 1,115	The Browning BAR or the Winchester 100 mentioned would be good choices compared to the 742 due to the issues they had. __________________ Vegetarian... primitive word for lousy hunter!

January 24, 2017, 09:26 PM	#3
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	LOVE LOVE LOVE that Windy!!

January 24, 2017, 09:44 PM	#4
Grumpy_Bottom Member Join Date: January 30, 2014 Posts: 75	You could also pick up a .308 Vepr in that range - should tick all the boxes...

January 24, 2017, 09:52 PM	#5
ttarp Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2013 Posts: 888	Something like this? https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...+10RD+WOOD+STK If I didn't have an Hk SL-7(bank breaker), I'd probably get one of these. Still might one day...

January 24, 2017, 11:03 PM	#7
rutnut Junior Member Join Date: January 17, 2017 Posts: 6	https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/.../719012097.jpg Wow, never knew or heard of this gun. LIKE it a lot! How is the accuracy? Barrel rifling ect..? Sharpe gun, Thanks ttarp, like the windam as well, but really like the FIME VEPR

January 24, 2017, 11:07 PM	#8
CarJunkieLS1 Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2013 Posts: 686	HOLY CRAP that wood stock VEPR just tickled my fancy...I'll have one as soon as I can get some spare cash.

January 24, 2017, 11:12 PM	#9
CarJunkieLS1 Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2013 Posts: 686	Another wood stocked .308 rifle that may be worth looking at and inside the OP's budget is the Winchester Model 100. Its a beautiful rifle and if it has had the firing pin recall done its a far better rifle than the mentioned Remington 742.

January 25, 2017, 01:31 AM	#11
SDF880 Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 2009 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 390	Check out Saiga 308!

January 25, 2017, 02:14 AM	#12
Nate762 Junior Member Join Date: January 10, 2017 Posts: 11	Browning BAR

January 25, 2017, 06:21 PM	#15
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Don't forget the classic G3 (PTR-91): You can get the base gun and a good wood stock set for under your budget. You won't find a more reliable or durable .308 semi. Great for hunting.

January 25, 2017, 06:51 PM	#16
ejb69 Member Join Date: January 3, 2013 Posts: 49	Browning BAR.

January 27, 2017, 04:12 PM	#18
rutnut Junior Member Join Date: January 17, 2017 Posts: 6	Thanks guys Love the site. Learn a lot on here. Looking into the BAR, and the Winchester and the VEPR. Do kinda like the "traditional" auto rifles tho. Just seem to handle easier in stalk/hunt situations ect...IDK Really would like to shoot some before buying and trying to make contacts to do so in our area of SE IND, N KY and SW Ohio. Thanks for replies and input.

February 2, 2017, 10:45 AM	#19
wachtelhund1 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2007 Location: pelican lake, WI Posts: 414	Winchester 100

February 3, 2017, 07:20 PM	#20
thallub Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Location: South Western OK Posts: 3,112	In the very back of my gun vault, next to a couple Winchester model 100s, is a Harrington & Richardson model 360 Ultra rifle in .308. When last fired about 10 years ago it grouped very well. Don't have a picture of my rifle so this one will suffice. http://www.gunbroker.com/item/617767447

February 5, 2017, 12:30 PM	#21
jwise Senior Member Join Date: January 18, 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 677	I had a VEPR in .308. It worked, but could not handle sustained fire. It would string its first 20 rd mag of the day 12" vertically at 100yds. I couldn't ever fix the problem, and refused to live with it, so I sold it. Too bad, as I really liked it.

February 5, 2017, 12:35 PM	#22
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	If any of the readers are interested, I have a friend who owns an FNAR with several magazines and want's to sell it. If you would like to know more PM me and I'll put you in touch with him. I have fired the rifle and it's very accurate. With 150 grain Winchester White Box ammo it was shooting MOA, not just one time either. it does it every time.

February 6, 2017, 02:37 AM	#23
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	maybe it's just me, but.......... My own experience is that any rifle with an extended box mag, bolt finger lever, and pistol grip does not carry all that well and I much prefer a traditional stock/flush mag arrangement. The advantage of a 20-30 rd box in a fighting rifle is an acceptable inconvience in a weapon/circumstance where you would stake your life on it, but that family is just too bulky and awkward in a hunter to suit me. The corners and sharp edges on the grips and box mag, bash your ribs, elbows and spine often when you carry it slinged, and there seems to be no convenient balance point to carry one without a sling in the crook of the arm or at the receiver in conventional one handed trail carry. I toted an M1A (well acutally it was indeed an M14), a PSL, and an 870 with a pistol grip, on just enough hunts each, to decide that a traditional arrangement served much better in that role for me. The Win 100 carrys better and points like a dream for many people, but it is long out of manufacture, and no real easy answer for a quest for parts if needed, and there is the recall/firing pin (?) issue. The Remington autos were much more widely produced, and Rem is still there (well, sort of) to aid with support. The BAR is popular in my neck of the woods, and a used example might be in your price range. The synthetic stock models, used, are usually more affordable. A BAR carbine in .308 has been one of those rifles that I've had an interest in for some time, but have not committed on any.