.308 choices

Rorik · April 15, 2013, 10:52 PM

Have done a lot of research but I figured I would get some opinions on here as well. I really want to get a .308 as my next rifle. I have a Mosin and love bolt actions, also have an AR-15 and love that platform, but then I also love the look and feel of the M1A (which I do not have).

So, here's the dilemma, what rifle to go with: The M1A, AR-10, or a Remington 700 with this stock: http://www.mysticprecision.com/wp/12...or-rem-700-sa/

Would love to hear some input as to experiences with the rifles, pros and cons. I'm looking for something light weight that won't be a bitch to lug around while hunting. They all have their pros and cons in my mind. The AR and Remington 700 would be about the same when it comes to customizations after I fit that AR style stock on it. I like the AR, but then already have an AR-15 so idk if I want another AR platform. Decisions decisions.

Thanks for the feedback
Cheers

bacardisteve · April 15, 2013, 11:21 PM

What is your idea of "lightweight". Reason I ask is because a Rem700 with a hvy bbl and decent scope is gonna be over 10lbs easy even with a 20" barrell. It will probably weigh even more with a chasis system like in your link. MY springfield loaded m1a weighs in at 10.2lbs unloaded. The springfield scout model probably saves a few lbs so you may want to look there. Most Ar10s are in the 10lb range as well. My friend has a dpms with a 16 bbl and its pretty heavy and obnoxiously loud even with ear plugs. The big question is what do you plan to really do with rifle. If its mainly going to be used for hunting from a stand the ar10 or Rem 700 will be easier to put glass on. If you do a lot of stalking up and down mountains I wouldn't want anything over 8lbs in a dedicated hunting rifle.

Rustle in the Bushes · April 18, 2013, 02:19 AM

Im in exactly the same boat man-wanting something to hunt with and also have a riot with at the range. though Im in Canada so I cant choose the ar10 which is practical, light and optics ready unlike the m1a.

I LOVE 18-20" barrel 308s. So much power in a tiny package- they retain the accuracy(and most of the power) of the cartridge but become far handier/lighter for say hunting/actually using your gun not just putting it on a bipod/bench.

so....

I bought an m1a scout model with the 18" bbl. . I think it comes out to 10lbs scoped but Id have to check. It aint light but its doable....but I second guessed myself not sure if I REALLY want to hunt with it.....It seems more suited to climbing atop a church/local walmart with a crate of ammo to engage the zombie horde from a distance.....

so I bought a remington 700 LTR. Forget the chassis you mentioned if you want a lighter tactical style bolt rifle...well it IS called the light tactical rifle....LTR...HS precision stock(not a throwaway), heavy 20" bbbl and fluted for a total weight of 7.5lbs. Fit the bill for me perfectly as a tactical but not too heavy handy 308

madcratebuilder · April 18, 2013, 07:23 AM

A 7.62 AR pattern or the M14 pattern would be the most "fun". Both are accurate with the edge going to the AR pattern rifle. I have dozens of mil-surp bolt guns and as much as I enjoy them, they are not as stimulating as the semi's.

Eppie · April 18, 2013, 07:37 AM

I had a similar dilemma, I wanted the ergonomics and magazine of an AR with the accuracy of a bolt action.

What I ended up doing is buying a Savage 10 FCP-K chambered in .308 and then replacing the stock with an XLR chassis. I'm a decent shooter and with Federal GMM ammo I can easily get 2-3" groups at 300 yards. This is the one I use if I only need one shot.

With a Swarovski Z-6 scope it isn't a cheap rifle, but I like it a lot. When I sort out my handloading issues I plan on using the 1,000 yard range at my gun club.

For pig hunting, I use my POF 308 with a 20" barrel

mapsjanhere · April 18, 2013, 07:39 AM

My preferred carry-around hunting rifle is a Tikka T3 in 308. Stainless, plastic stock - doesn't care about weather, and the weight balances perfectly with the recoil. And at $600 pretty affordable.

Rorik · April 19, 2013, 09:31 PM

Thanks for the replies, sorry, haven't had a chance to come online since making the post. Definitely gives me some stuff to think about. The reason I wanted something light was due to where I plan to hunt - I can drive out, but have to hike about 3 -4 miles or so out to where I usually camp. 10lbs isn't too bad, especially with a sling. I usually have a pack with me full of gear and camping stuff, so I just wanted to limit the amount of added weight with the rifle, but then 2 extra pounds shouldn't be a big deal. AR-10's are cool, but I think since I already have an AR platform rifle, I will go with a bolt action or the M1A.

A buddy of mine said I should just buy everything separate and build my own bolt action with high grade parts, rather than buy a Remington 700 or a Savage and then changing out the stock and such. Will have to look into nice barrels, triggers, and receivers and see what I can put together.

What stocks do you all prefer? Have looked at quite a few. While the one I posted a link to is cool, it is definitely going to add weight and bulk. I just like the idea of being able to use Magpul accessories and having all those pieces of rail available.

Any good recommendations for websites that have bolt action parts (barrels, receivers, etc.) that I can drool over?

@Eppie: Those are definitely nice. May go hog hunting in Texas, but I may just use my AR for that. Just need to figure out how to get the meat back to Oregon or Colorado, depending on where I'm living.

bacardisteve · April 20, 2013, 01:03 AM

You should really look at a rem700 or the savage that come with the hs precision stock. Your going to have to buy an action anyway and this way you Will be getting a nice stock to go with it. Either of those rifles will be a great base that you can add things too as you see fit.

mxsailor803 · April 20, 2013, 02:05 AM

My vote is for the 700 ADL. Even with large optics, its under 10lbs. Reasonable size optics and you are in the 8-9lbs range.

Eppie · April 20, 2013, 08:00 AM

If you are determined to build your own custom rifle around a Remington 700 you are basically going down the tube gun path. Just google "tube gun".

Gary Eliseo makes a kit that you can attach the action and barrel of your choice and four around $2,500 you come out with a custom tube gun.

http://www.accurateshooter.com/stock...tubegun-stock/

stubbicatt · April 22, 2013, 08:28 AM

The Remington 700 action is highly thought of for these uses.

There are others patterned on that action like Surgeon.

Good luck in your endeavour.

Bart B. · April 22, 2013, 09:17 AM

The most accurate .308's based on a conventional box magazine bolt action rifle I know of have all been built around a Winchester 70 action but used an aftermarket barrel. Too bad the Winchester factory barrels are not all that great for precision accuracy.

The modern tube guns are probably the best buy for an over the counter super accurate rifle these days.

kraigwy · April 22, 2013, 11:31 AM

I'm with Bart, its hard to beat a Model 70 Winchester.

I've got several 308s, MA1 Supper Match, FAL, Remington 700, and Winchesters, though my Supper Match is plenty accurate enough it doesn't beat my Model 70.

Bart B. · April 22, 2013, 12:40 PM

Kraig, I had one of those Win 70 .308 match rifles like yours. Someone on a ship I was stationed on in 1975 had ordered it through Special Services, but ended up not being able to pay for it. So it sat in the ship's small arms magazine for a year or so. The Ships Store OIC said I could have it for $50; I bought it.

It shot the old WCC 197-gr. BTHP match bullets (from WCC60 match ammo) under 1 MOA at 1000 yards. It's barrel had a .3084" groove diameter and the .3082" diameter Sierra HPMK's didn't shoot too well. But those .3088" diameter WCC 197's did great. Even won a Palma match shooting them in it.

Sold that rifle to someone a few years later for a big wad of greenbacks.

'88Scrat · April 22, 2013, 11:40 PM

I prefer an M1A personally but you might also want to look into an old FN FAL variant like an L1A1. I've heard good things about 'em.

trg42wraglefragle · April 23, 2013, 03:33 AM

Blaser R93 Tac2 if you want something to drool over

PatientWolf · April 23, 2013, 05:00 AM

I'll throw out one more suggestion if you want to keep the load relatively light. Look at a Savage model 10 Precision Carbine. With a scope, you should be just over 9 lbs.

Certainly I don't want to detract from your other options. They are all great rifles and certainly capable.

DATL · April 23, 2013, 11:15 PM

M1a all the way. Love em.

Ben Dover · April 25, 2013, 11:31 AM

I am very well pleased with my short, light, DPMS LR308-AP4.

the 16 inch barrel and telescoping stock make it as quicdk and easy to handle as an AR-15, M-4.

It is only 12 oz heavier than the same rifle in 5.56X45mm.

April 15, 2013, 10:52 PM	#1
Rorik Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Posts: 30	.308 choices Have done a lot of research but I figured I would get some opinions on here as well. I really want to get a .308 as my next rifle. I have a Mosin and love bolt actions, also have an AR-15 and love that platform, but then I also love the look and feel of the M1A (which I do not have). So, here's the dilemma, what rifle to go with: The M1A, AR-10, or a Remington 700 with this stock: http://www.mysticprecision.com/wp/12...or-rem-700-sa/ Would love to hear some input as to experiences with the rifles, pros and cons. I'm looking for something light weight that won't be a bitch to lug around while hunting. They all have their pros and cons in my mind. The AR and Remington 700 would be about the same when it comes to customizations after I fit that AR style stock on it. I like the AR, but then already have an AR-15 so idk if I want another AR platform. Decisions decisions. Thanks for the feedback Cheers

April 15, 2013, 11:21 PM	#2
bacardisteve Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2006 Location: West virginia Posts: 653	What is your idea of "lightweight". Reason I ask is because a Rem700 with a hvy bbl and decent scope is gonna be over 10lbs easy even with a 20" barrell. It will probably weigh even more with a chasis system like in your link. MY springfield loaded m1a weighs in at 10.2lbs unloaded. The springfield scout model probably saves a few lbs so you may want to look there. Most Ar10s are in the 10lb range as well. My friend has a dpms with a 16 bbl and its pretty heavy and obnoxiously loud even with ear plugs. The big question is what do you plan to really do with rifle. If its mainly going to be used for hunting from a stand the ar10 or Rem 700 will be easier to put glass on. If you do a lot of stalking up and down mountains I wouldn't want anything over 8lbs in a dedicated hunting rifle. __________________ Kill em all and let God sort em out! USAF

April 18, 2013, 07:37 AM	#5
Eppie Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 802	I had a similar dilemma, I wanted the ergonomics and magazine of an AR with the accuracy of a bolt action. What I ended up doing is buying a Savage 10 FCP-K chambered in .308 and then replacing the stock with an XLR chassis. I'm a decent shooter and with Federal GMM ammo I can easily get 2-3" groups at 300 yards. This is the one I use if I only need one shot. With a Swarovski Z-6 scope it isn't a cheap rifle, but I like it a lot. When I sort out my handloading issues I plan on using the 1,000 yard range at my gun club. For pig hunting, I use my POF 308 with a 20" barrel __________________ "Socialized Medicine is the Keystone to the Arch of the Socialist State.” -Vladimir Lenin "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Thomas Jefferson (An early warning to Obama care) Last edited by Eppie; April 18, 2013 at 10:17 AM.

April 18, 2013, 07:39 AM	#6
mapsjanhere Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 2,832	My preferred carry-around hunting rifle is a Tikka T3 in 308. Stainless, plastic stock - doesn't care about weather, and the weight balances perfectly with the recoil. And at $600 pretty affordable. __________________ I used to love being able to hit hard at 1000 yards. As I get older I find hitting a mini ram at 200 yards with the 22 oddly more satisfying.

April 19, 2013, 09:31 PM	#7
Rorik Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Posts: 30	Thanks for the replies, sorry, haven't had a chance to come online since making the post. Definitely gives me some stuff to think about. The reason I wanted something light was due to where I plan to hunt - I can drive out, but have to hike about 3 -4 miles or so out to where I usually camp. 10lbs isn't too bad, especially with a sling. I usually have a pack with me full of gear and camping stuff, so I just wanted to limit the amount of added weight with the rifle, but then 2 extra pounds shouldn't be a big deal. AR-10's are cool, but I think since I already have an AR platform rifle, I will go with a bolt action or the M1A. A buddy of mine said I should just buy everything separate and build my own bolt action with high grade parts, rather than buy a Remington 700 or a Savage and then changing out the stock and such. Will have to look into nice barrels, triggers, and receivers and see what I can put together. What stocks do you all prefer? Have looked at quite a few. While the one I posted a link to is cool, it is definitely going to add weight and bulk. I just like the idea of being able to use Magpul accessories and having all those pieces of rail available. Any good recommendations for websites that have bolt action parts (barrels, receivers, etc.) that I can drool over? @Eppie: Those are definitely nice. May go hog hunting in Texas, but I may just use my AR for that. Just need to figure out how to get the meat back to Oregon or Colorado, depending on where I'm living. Last edited by Rorik; April 19, 2013 at 09:37 PM.

April 18, 2013, 02:19 AM	#3
Rustle in the Bushes Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2011 Location: Canada- West Posts: 175	Im in exactly the same boat man-wanting something to hunt with and also have a riot with at the range. though Im in Canada so I cant choose the ar10 which is practical, light and optics ready unlike the m1a. I LOVE 18-20" barrel 308s. So much power in a tiny package- they retain the accuracy(and most of the power) of the cartridge but become far handier/lighter for say hunting/actually using your gun not just putting it on a bipod/bench. so.... I bought an m1a scout model with the 18" bbl. . I think it comes out to 10lbs scoped but Id have to check. It aint light but its doable....but I second guessed myself not sure if I REALLY want to hunt with it.....It seems more suited to climbing atop a church/local walmart with a crate of ammo to engage the zombie horde from a distance..... so I bought a remington 700 LTR. Forget the chassis you mentioned if you want a lighter tactical style bolt rifle...well it IS called the light tactical rifle....LTR...HS precision stock(not a throwaway), heavy 20" bbbl and fluted for a total weight of 7.5lbs. Fit the bill for me perfectly as a tactical but not too heavy handy 308

April 18, 2013, 07:23 AM	#4
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 4,923	A 7.62 AR pattern or the M14 pattern would be the most "fun". Both are accurate with the edge going to the AR pattern rifle. I have dozens of mil-surp bolt guns and as much as I enjoy them, they are not as stimulating as the semi's.

April 20, 2013, 01:03 AM	#8
bacardisteve Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2006 Location: West virginia Posts: 653	You should really look at a rem700 or the savage that come with the hs precision stock. Your going to have to buy an action anyway and this way you Will be getting a nice stock to go with it. Either of those rifles will be a great base that you can add things too as you see fit. __________________ Kill em all and let God sort em out! USAF

April 20, 2013, 02:05 AM	#9
mxsailor803 Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2010 Location: SC Posts: 1,344	My vote is for the 700 ADL. Even with large optics, its under 10lbs. Reasonable size optics and you are in the 8-9lbs range.

April 20, 2013, 08:00 AM	#10
Eppie Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 802	If you are determined to build your own custom rifle around a Remington 700 you are basically going down the tube gun path. Just google "tube gun". Gary Eliseo makes a kit that you can attach the action and barrel of your choice and four around $2,500 you come out with a custom tube gun. http://www.accurateshooter.com/stock...tubegun-stock/ __________________ "Socialized Medicine is the Keystone to the Arch of the Socialist State.” -Vladimir Lenin "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Thomas Jefferson (An early warning to Obama care)

April 22, 2013, 08:28 AM	#11
stubbicatt Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2007 Posts: 1,707	The Remington 700 action is highly thought of for these uses. There are others patterned on that action like Surgeon. Good luck in your endeavour.

April 22, 2013, 09:17 AM	#12
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	The most accurate .308's based on a conventional box magazine bolt action rifle I know of have all been built around a Winchester 70 action but used an aftermarket barrel. Too bad the Winchester factory barrels are not all that great for precision accuracy. The modern tube guns are probably the best buy for an over the counter super accurate rifle these days.

April 22, 2013, 11:31 AM	#13
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	I'm with Bart, its hard to beat a Model 70 Winchester. I've got several 308s, MA1 Supper Match, FAL, Remington 700, and Winchesters, though my Supper Match is plenty accurate enough it doesn't beat my Model 70. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

April 22, 2013, 12:40 PM	#14
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	Kraig, I had one of those Win 70 .308 match rifles like yours. Someone on a ship I was stationed on in 1975 had ordered it through Special Services, but ended up not being able to pay for it. So it sat in the ship's small arms magazine for a year or so. The Ships Store OIC said I could have it for $50; I bought it. It shot the old WCC 197-gr. BTHP match bullets (from WCC60 match ammo) under 1 MOA at 1000 yards. It's barrel had a .3084" groove diameter and the .3082" diameter Sierra HPMK's didn't shoot too well. But those .3088" diameter WCC 197's did great. Even won a Palma match shooting them in it. Sold that rifle to someone a few years later for a big wad of greenbacks.

April 22, 2013, 11:40 PM	#15
'88Scrat Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 549	I prefer an M1A personally but you might also want to look into an old FN FAL variant like an L1A1. I've heard good things about 'em. __________________ BOOM

April 23, 2013, 03:33 AM	#16
trg42wraglefragle Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2008 Location: new zealand Posts: 856	Blaser R93 Tac2 if you want something to drool over

April 23, 2013, 05:00 AM	#17
PatientWolf Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Location: NC Posts: 946	I'll throw out one more suggestion if you want to keep the load relatively light. Look at a Savage model 10 Precision Carbine. With a scope, you should be just over 9 lbs. Certainly I don't want to detract from your other options. They are all great rifles and certainly capable.

April 23, 2013, 11:15 PM	#18
DATL Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2012 Posts: 113	.308 choices M1a all the way. Love em.

April 25, 2013, 11:31 AM	#19
Ben Dover Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2013 Location: High up in the Rocky Moun Posts: 665	I am very well pleased with my short, light, DPMS LR308-AP4. the 16 inch barrel and telescoping stock make it as quicdk and easy to handle as an AR-15, M-4. It is only 12 oz heavier than the same rifle in 5.56X45mm. __________________ The soldier's pack is not so heavy a burden as the prisoner's chains. Dwight Eisenhower It is very important what a man stands for. But it is far more important what a man refuses to stand for.