Inexpensive 308 bolt gun

stickman61

Shakiest gun in the West
Charter Life Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Joined
Dec 17, 2016
Messages
672
Location
Burke County
Rating - 100%
18   0   0
What is my best option on an inexpensive 308 bolt gun? I want something pretty accurate with factory ammo but don't want to break the bank. I'm thinking Remington 700 ADL but wanted your opinions since I don't have any experience with them. It will most likely be used for punching holes in paper. I'm not a particularly good shot but if I put it in somebody else's hands it would be nice if it would perform.
 
When you say not to break the bank, what does that mean, to you? Do you want a stock rifle to which you do nothing? Or a rifle with decent action and barrel from which to build?
 
I don't plan to do anything to it but I want a decent shooter. I probably won't go past 200 yards. I figure a 700 ADL, a Ruger American or a base Savage of some sort will be within my budget.
 
My experience with Savage rifles has been outstanding. I don't like their 'accustock', but otherwise they are terrific values.
 
Accustock is nothing special. Better to buy precision stocks if you want to invest in one later. Accu trigger is a solid out of the box upgrade though. Make it a point to pick a model that has it unless you plan on upgrading the trigger right away anyway.
 
I only know that my Ruger American in .243 is good up to 80yds shooting off the top of an empty barrel.

I expect my unfired Ruger American in .308 to be as good to 200yds shooting from a bench.

Maybe one day I'll find out.

Until then, Howa.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
 
Like others mentioned above savage, and remington solid only other one I haven’t seen mentioned for inexpensive that gets over looked is the howa’s
 
Sure I’ll pile on... Savage!

I was in the market for best bang for the buck a few years ago and found a smoking deal on the Savage 10FP threaded, accutrigger, accustock, 5R barrel. Granted that deal is no longer around, you can still get similar models for like $600 all day.
Pretty sure most guys trust Savage quality over Rem these days.
 
I only know that my Ruger American in .243 is good up to 80yds shooting off the top of an empty barrel.

I expect my unfired Ruger American in .308 to be as good to 200yds shooting from a bench.

Maybe one day I'll find out.

Until then, Howa.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Great reply...youa wild rascal...………….referring to last sentence.
 
Another option, Mossberg Patriot. I favor the traditional American cut stock over the Savage.
Feature-packed for the money. Great trigger. Their wood models are especially appealing, and you can get a Vortex scope combo if you want for under $600.
I have a synthetic model in 30-06. All I did was plop a 3x9-40 scope on it. It shoots the 4" steel at 100 yards all day, boringly so.
https://www.mossberg.com/product/mossberg-patriot-walnut-27861/
 
Last edited:
I have a savage Axis that is pretty good for the price.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
It looks like there are quite a few good options. I still like the idea of a 700 (I have a BDL in 30 06) but I think the guns you've mentioned make more sense. If I expand my budget a bit I have the option of a Ruger American with a Magpul stock or an FN patrol rifle (both are used) I'm not planning on buying new and I'm not in a big hurry so I might still find an older Remington for a good price if I decide to hold out for one.
 
My Mossberg MVP is ridiculously accurate. Uses Magpul AR .308 mags like the MVP 5.56 uses AR15 mags.

IM2rxuy.jpg


Loaded up with my 150gr Barnes TTSX deer hammers:

TcVl5id.jpg


It shoots 168gr BTHPs just as well; the 150gr TTSX bullets are very long and the driving band matches that of the 168gr Sierra Match King pretty closely
 
My Mossberg MVP is ridiculously accurate. Uses Magpul AR .308 mags like the MVP 5.56 uses AR15 mags.

IM2rxuy.jpg


Loaded up with my 150gr Barnes TTSX deer hammers:

TcVl5id.jpg


It shoots 168gr BTHPs just as well; the 150gr TTSX bullets are very long and the driving band matches that of the 168gr Sierra Match King pretty closely

You answered a question I forgot to ask! I was thinking about options that took Pmags the other day, your post tips the scale in that direction. It might be harder to find a used one though.
 
And of course this as to be asked, but any reason you want 308 over 6.5cm? I use a 308 for deer, but if you are just looking at range then I would give 6.5 a look in the same rifles. I shot my savage 11 at 300 yards with 308 side by side with a buddy's savage 10 in 6.5 and I was shocked at how much harder the 6.5 hit the steel. It made me really want to get one but can't justify it since I already have a good hunting rifle.
 
You answered a question I forgot to ask! I was thinking about options that took Pmags the other day, your post tips the scale in that direction. It might be harder to find a used one though.

Found mine on Armslist !

It’s a great rifle. The bolt isn’t as snug as a Rem 700 or Savage but it’s not terrible. The barrel is a medium contour with flutes and it’s threaded from the factory

I got the TALO edition that had the vertical style grip. I could do with a laminate stock versus the rubberized one but it is all weather and I’m not trying to win a beauty contest considering I use it in all types of conditions
 
My Mossberg MVP is ridiculously accurate. Uses Magpul AR .308 mags like the MVP 5.56 uses AR15 mags.

IM2rxuy.jpg


Loaded up with my 150gr Barnes TTSX deer hammers:

TcVl5id.jpg


It shoots 168gr BTHPs just as well; the 150gr TTSX bullets are very long and the driving band matches that of the 168gr Sierra Match King pretty closely

I was forgetting these. I have handled enough Mossberg rifles to know that they reek of quality, and the SR25 mag pattern makes a 'tacticool' 16" .308 a viable option under $500
 
Savage or ruger American. BUT I will say the Remington 783 I have ( 16.5 inch barrel in 6.5) is very accurate and light weight. It will be my hunting rifle this year.
 
Thanks! I've contacted him about it so we'll see what I can get it for.
 
And of course this as to be asked, but any reason you want 308 over 6.5cm? I use a 308 for deer, but if you are just looking at range then I would give 6.5 a look in the same rifles. I shot my savage 11 at 300 yards with 308 side by side with a buddy's savage 10 in 6.5 and I was shocked at how much harder the 6.5 hit the steel. It made me really want to get one but can't justify it since I already have a good hunting rifle.

I don't really want to add another caliber because I don't have any sense when it comes to buying ammo. It would cost too much.
 
The MVP Scout seems to be the most affordable.
https://www.mossberg.com/category/series/mvp-series/mvp-scout/

I'm not ruling out any other manufacturer, this one just seems to be a better fit for me.

Here's the gun.deals list of online retailer prices and availability. It's not comprehensive of every site but saves a lot of time and gives you a good idea of what prices to look for.

Mossberg MVP
https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/27778

Mossberg MVP with Vortex scope (look like mostly out of stock)
https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/27793

I still think Savage is your best bet not only because I love how they come out of the box with the accu trigger but because of the 10% rebate they have going. Here's something along the lines of what I would recommend looking for lower prices.

Savage 11 trophy hunter XP (XP models mean it comes with scope)
https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/19684

Savage 10 probably has the most aftermarket of rifles in your price range. The Axis II is an even cheaper model. Just make sure if you go savage to get the accu-trigger. Don't bother with the accu-stock. You can look over a manufacturer's website, then copy and paste the MPN into gun.deals to do these searches.
 
Last edited:
Depending on how fast you want to get this done, you may.want to wait until after deer season is over.

Check pawn shops and classified ads after the season is over and you may bump into a deal. Some folks buy a gun for hunting season and then get in a bind with Christmas shopping bills and the gun gets sold so kids can have Christmas.

Take your time and the right deal will drop in your lap.

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk
 
I ended up going another direction and picked up the FN PBR that was in the classifieds.
I've blown my budget to bits with the CMR30 that I also got. :eek:
Now I've got to figure out if I can get the PBR to take Pmags. Any ideas?
 
I don’t think you can get the pbr to take pmags but they are awesome rifles. I had one a while back and loved it. I sold it for something else that caught my eye unfortunately.
 
I have a PBR and like it, but one drawback to it (other than how heavy it is) is the magazine. The magazine on mine will not accept cartridges over 2.800 COAL. As a reloader I find this limiting in that one of the advantages a handloader has is in seating bullets out further than factory if the rifle has room. Seating bullets very close to the lands, but not touching, usually results in improved accuracy.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom