on the market for a bolt action .308 for $300-$800

[krese]

looking to buy a bolt action but want something i won't need to mod too much (free floating barrel and bedded if possible). i want something that will last and won't cost over $1k.

i was looking at a remington 700 SPS but the barrel isn't free floating so i dunno on that. the other one i am going to check out is a savage model 16/116 FSS.

any suggestions??

[jad628]

I can tell you the Savage 12 BVSS is a great rifle. I have the pre-Accutrigger version in .308 and it is a shooter. A bit heavy with the laminated stock and target SS barrel (even if it is fluted), but it has the features you want and rivals many other makes in accuracy. Here is the link for the current model with the Accutrigger (MSRP is still less than $1K) Savage Arms > Firearms > Browse Models

I have shot a lot of different makes of bolt-actions and I always seem to come back to Savage. I have a standard barrel Savage 110 (I think) in 7mm Rem Mag which was my first Savage bolt-action, and I bought it convinced the button-cut rifling and nut-tightened action/barrel were accuracy advantages. The rifle was less than $300 (back then), and was a very basic package - even had just a hardwood stock (not walnut). With no bedding work, Leupold base and rings holding a Tasco World Class 3-9X40, it fired 1.1" five shot groups with Federal loads. I used that same brass and loaded Speer bullets of weights from 115 - 175 grains, all using IMR4350 powder. The 115 grainer was approaching 4000fps, while the 145 gr SPBT was the load I figured for deer-sized game at less velocity. Even the 175 Grand Slam was fairly fast. All of these loads had two important attributes to the rifle, they all shot sub-MOA and they varied only a little in group location fired from 100 yards. There was no need to adjust the scope for the specific load, so I sighted in 1.5" high at 100 yards, which meant a center hold on most any sized game to 350 yards would score a vitals hit. The best load of the bunch was capable of .72" 5-shot groups, consistently. That really impressed me with the Savage 7mm RM.
I haven't shot the Model 12 near as much, but it is obviously a great shooter. The Accutrigger gets good feedback, so that's an added plus. These models are nothing to turn a nose up at. With the right scope and load work, they are impressive performers.

One last consideration would be the newer Axis, formerly "Edge", series. They are shorter barreled (20-22", I think), hunter carry-weight models w/o the Accutrigger, but they are also great buys (less than $330 in the stores for most models), with some good features and options (camo/detachable mag). I haven't fired one, but I have read some reviews that they will put the bullet on the mark with regularity. Buy that model, top it with say a Redfield Revolution 3-9X40 Accurange reticle ($160), good bases and rings, and you would still be under $600 for the full rig. I just bought the same scope for a Ruger M77 in 7mm Rem Mag and the clarity of the glass is surprising (Redfield is affiliated with Leupold and made in Oregon, USA). Not a bad set up for an all-purpose rifle, but I completely understand if you are looking for target-grade and willing to spend more.

Anyway, I recommend you look at Savage's product line. Lots of value for your dollar.

[jad628]

Monday I picked up a "used" Savage Edge in .223 for $275. It was the camo stock with a generic 3-9x40 scope mounted in basic Weaver-style rings and steel bases. It didn't look like it had been fired. The stock is very minimal at the fore end but the barrel is free-floated. Heavy trigger, but no creep or grit to speak of. I've already looked into the trigger and it is easily lightened by cutting off a bit of a coil spring that dictates the resistance to trigger release.

So far I haven't heard of anyone with one who doesn't get MOA accuracy with them in various calibers, .308 being one. Not the prettiest rig, but I bought it as a toss-around gun for coyote. It still has the button-cut rifling and barrel nut configuration that makes Savage rifles so consistently accurate. I just thought I'd mention it if your funds are tighter than expected. Definitely not a dedicated target rifle, but a perfect 6.5 pound rig for carrying with good accuracy and a great price.

[krese]

thank you very much for your input!

i have been going back and forth on getting the rifle or getting my pistol permit and picking up a handgun of some sort. i'm not sure what my next step will be at this point.

[tremiles]

I've got a R700 SPS Tactical with the 20" heavy barrel. The Hogue stock it comes with is a little flexy up front, but I wanted to learn how to shoot a "precision" rifle before looking at a Manners or other high end stock. EGW 20 MOA rail Burris XTR low 30mm rings with a SS 3-9x scope. I've got about $1500 in it overall. My best 5 shot 100y group with factory BH 155gr AMAX was .89" off bags.

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[jad628]

thank you very much for your input!

i have been going back and forth on getting the rifle or getting my pistol permit and picking up a handgun of some sort. i'm not sure what my next step will be at this point.

Very welcome. It sounds like if you have $1000 you could possibly pull off an entry-level rifle like the Savage Edge/Axis AND a pistol for that amount. I'm the first to say don't skimp on funding for a target rig, but depending on your needs, there ain't nothing wrong with being frugal. High price doesn't guarantee high performance, and there are lower prices Savage/Remington/Winchester/etc. rifles that, when tuned in, rival the accuracy of some bench rest guns.

[jad628]

I've got a R700 SPS Tactical with the 20" heavy barrel. The Hogue stock it comes with is a little flexy up front, but I wanted to learn how to shoot a "precision" rifle before looking at a Manners or other high end stock. EGW 20 MOA rail Burris XTR low 30mm rings with a SS 3-9x scope. I've got about $1500 in it overall. My best 5 shot 100y group with factory BH 155gr AMAX was .89" off bags.

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Very respectable group. I have a Remington Sendero Special in .300 Win Mag topped with a Leupold Vari-X III 6.5-20 x40 that fires about the same size group with some factory loads. Hand loads tightened that up a bit, as I'm sure it would with your rifle. My biggest success with improved accuracy was seating the bullet where it just kissed the rifling (smoke the projectile on some powder and primer-less loads and work the seating die until it barely smears when the round is chambered). That particular Remington did not care for ammo that had a loaded length where the bullet didn't touch the rifling when chambered. It shot okay (right at MOA or a bit tighter with most good quality stuff), but the "bullet touching lands" technique seemed to improve every load I tried.

[tremiles]

Rolling your own is definitely the way to go for ultimate accuracy.

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[az gt eater]

Savage 112 bvss . I got it in 22-250. 3 shot group at 100 first weekend. .375 Hard to beat that. In 308 it would do the same, I am sure. Accutrigger. And you can get a thumbhole stock for it that is factory pillar bedded front and rear. $200 for the stock.

[Willfully Armed]

I'm pretty partial to my CZ550 varmint 308. 26" free float bull barrel, removable 4 round box magazine, laminate stock, set trigger. I've got my trigger set to just a few ounces. I put a Leupold VXII 6-18x40 on it in the proprietary CZ rings.

Easily shot 1" groups at 100 yards off the bipod with Lake City 7.62 linked M60 rounds. Especially well considering rose rounds typically only give 2-3moa groups. I haven't gotten a chance to put it on bags and group my 168 smk loads.

I've got just under $1100 in it including scope and rings.