308 based action for lighter, shorter, hunting rifle?

Jahnj0584

Jahnj0584

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Looking at getting into something a bit fancier then my Ruger American Predator in the coming months. I love everything about it outside of the lame plastic stock-based magazine!

I'd like to get something over the winter with the same accuracy, barrel length, weight (or better), accuracy (sub moa 3shot) that I could either get an adjustable synth stock for or carve my own walnut stock!

I have a T1x so maybe a used t3 action? They seem hard to find!



As it sits now, with a Leupold American Marksman in 3-9 (bought for its low weight)


My T1x


My last walnut stock from last xmas
 
Sounds like you’ve answered your own question with the T3/T3x comment. There’s a couple of others that could fit the bill equally like Rem 700 (AAC-SD), Rem Mod 7s’
 
You might want to check actual weight numbers - 308 Win typically 2.8" long; 30-06 typically 3.3 inches long - total of 0.5" length or less difference - many rifles have excess length for what it is chambered in. Results in maybe a few ounces difference in action weight at most - is important to some people - does not matter, a bit, to others.
 
Tikka is long action.

Stay Ruger, Hawkeye Hunter in 308 is 20”. Read every Hawkeye Hunter review you can. Find the thread here Hawkeye vs model 70 and read that collective. Walnut, red recoil pad, stainless, 20”, threaded (future proofing), crf/trigger/safety/hinge release...short action. I guess model 70 makes the list...meh ;)

Sako 90 peak or adventure would be on my list for a 308 on a scaled action but pricy. Tikka sure but IMO is a project to get most of the way there, it can’t ever get all the way there as it’s a short action stuck in a long action, it will shoot and cycle like greased lightning and have the aftermarket but still can’t get all the way there. Ruger or Sako imo if accuracy reputation needs to be there, kimbers seemed to be a lottery that way. Pride of ownership likely highest with the Hawkeye or Sako imo.

If new I mean. No idea about browning as I’m not a bmw guy and is Remington actually a thing? I wrote them off ages ago. Used I bet there’s lots. A friend had a cooper lightweight walnut blued sporter classic that was a peach. Maybe a different euro? Have not looked into these new cz’s but no stainless?...I’m out, maybe not a deal breaker for you, I see they have a new 600 American now so maybe? Buy once cry once...is a little different for everyone, I do that every year it seems.
 
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blakeyboy said:
Tikka is long action.
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Well theyre all the same length, you just get a longer bolt stop to make it a short action. But that being said whats wrong with that? Like stated above, the difference between a long and short action is a few oz's, most people wont be able to tell the difference.

I truly believe that, with the exception of the stock "quality", a Tikka T3X blued/synthetic, is the best factory rifle money can buy right now for around that $1000 mark in terms of accuracy and weight. A site sponsor just had them on sale and said n done shipped they came out under $900..I ordered 2 just because. I guess it really boils down to how much you wanna spend. You could buy a nice T3X stainless, flute the bolt and flute the barrel, that would shave off a few probably 6-8oz's. But at what cost? You throw a wood stock on a tikka and your heavier than a Ruger American. The fact is wood stocks are heavy, you want light weight, you gotta go synthetic.
 
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hunter-4-life said:
Well theyre all the same length, you just get a longer bolt stop to make it a short action. But that being said whats wrong with that? Like stated above, the difference between a long and short action is a few oz's, most people wont be able to tell the difference.

I truly believe that, with the exception of the stock "quality", a Tikka T3X blued/synthetic, is the best factory rifle money can buy right now for around that $1000 mark in terms of accuracy and weight. A site sponsor just had them on sale and said n done shipped they came out under $900..I ordered 2 just because. I guess it really boils down to how much you wanna spend. You could buy a nice T3X stainless, flute the bolt and flute the barrel, that would shave off a few probably 6-8oz's. But at what cost? You throw a wood stock on a tikka and your heavier than a Ruger American. The fact is wood stocks are heavy, you want light weight, you gotta go synthetic.
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I’m building a Tikka stainless 308 now. I have already listed the differences from it to a Sako 90 peak 308 in another thread. Tikkas are great but there are levels in this game. Functionally they rock, still a cookie cutter one size fits all and leave lots on table subjectively. Op seems to be looking for a bit more than what tikka has to offer, just pointing him to alternatives as I’m into similar thing right now.
 
blakeyboy said:
I’m building a Tikka stainless 308 now. I have already listed the differences from it to a Sako 90 peak 308 in another thread. Tikkas are great but there are levels in this game. Functionally they rock, still a cookie cutter one size fits all and leave lots on table subjectively. Op seems to be looking for a bit more than what tikka has to offer, just pointing him to alternatives as I’m into similar thing right now.
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Im a little confused by your statement about levels. If you think a Tikka is below a Ruger American, you should probably start asking some questions.....I'm well aware about said "levels" i've owned, hunted with and carried almost every brand of rifle from full custom Defiance's, KS Arms to Fierce, Gunwerks, Christensen Arms, Kimber Mountain Ascent, Weatherby Mark V Backcountry, numerous Sako 85's, Tikka's, Browning's, Remingtons and Savages, I can keep going....The OP isn't exactly clear on what he wants, what his budget is, etc and imo it doesn't take much to beat a Ruger American. They're VERY entry level rifles. Can you do them up and make them nice? Sure. But for what you'll spend on them they aren't worth it. Ive had 2, both shot good but the actions felt like you were running sandpaper between the bolt and action. If he wants something a little nicer, same weight range and honestly not much more $$ than an american, a Tikka fits his bill, minus the adjustable stock. But the T3X's you can somewhat customize LOP and your grips, cheek height you cant on most models. But as he stated, he can build his own stock or you can buy a decent B&C for a few hundred bucks, or a nice AG Composites for $1300. There are more and more options for them, and they're becoming more and more available for Tikka because people are finally realizing the potential they have. Slick action, stupid accurate (if you cant get a tikka to shoot, you're the problem) fantastic triggers for factory, and they're moderately light weight when you have one in a synthetic stock. Even my Tikka T3X Laminate Stainless, scoped is only 8lbs. My Tikka T3 synthetic stainless in 300 wsm, scoped is 6 3/4lbs. Both wear Leupold VX1 3-9x40.

If money is no object then he should build a full custom on a Defiance Anti, AG stock, Carbon IBI barrel etc etc and get exactly what he wants fit for him, but it'll cost north of $5000 to do it.

Id honestly keep tabs on the EE here, the odd Kimber Mountain Ascent, Fierce Carbon Rival, Rouge, Edge etc. pops up, they're extremely light. My Fierce Twisted Rival is very accurate AND if you don't like it, they hold their resale value, chances are you wont lose a lot of money on it. That could be said about any higher end used rifle. Fierce, Christensen etc all pop up regularly for decent prices.
 
To people who only look at spec sheets, the long/short action difference seems minor by the numbers. But when you handle guns you’ll see the difference can be quite significant. Barrel length and profile makes even more difference though.
 
If you like everything about your Ruger American Predator, except the stock/magazine why not just replace the stock. Magpul makes a hunter stock for the American that will then let you use AI style magazines. Best of both worlds, you keep a rifle that you like and are comfortable with, with good accuracy, and simply upgrade the things you don't like.
 
Some good options coming up and comments around handling etc.

Op wants a scaled 308 action nicer than Ruger American. Although he didn’t say it he probably doesn’t like the Ruger American doesn’t lock bolt down on safe. The nicer stuff will. Tang safety’s suck in chassis also.

Hunt-4-life, pretty sure we are on same page about most things. Tikka is a level above Ruger American but still some levels above it for a scaled 308 action that rules the tikka out actually but you can still mess with tikka and make a heckuva personalized project. I’m doing that very thing. Mine came at 6 lb 2.5 oz out of the box. Now it’s had barrel shortened, I added an area 419 rail after having it skimmed to 0 moa, I’ve swapped out the bottoms plastic for High Desert aluminum bottom metal, swapped the 3 round mag for the 5 round mag and it sits at 40” oal and 6 lb 4.5 oz now. Still have to mount scope and ammo test it to see what it likes. I’m a fan, and you can chassis these, great aftermarket support.

But if op is looking for scaled 308 then he will never truly be happy with tikka, as I won’t as my primary, and why I did a Sako 90 peak at same time as the tikka will be a backup, loaner (kids) etc. I like multiples of things. I will likely build the Ruger Hawkeye also and it will be another level over the tikka as well. But maybe the rem and browning listed along with used Kimbers will also be options for the OP to watch for and look at.
 
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If looking for a truly lightweight short action hunting rifle, any factory option isn't going to be inexpensive, but they are out there...Kimber, NULA, etc.
The new Seekins Element Slam is less than 5 lbs and runs over $5000 USD for the carbon stocked model, while the other version starts at $3595 USD.
Then there is the semi custom or full custom routes all ready mentioned, and sky's the limit based on the OPs budget.
The Rem 700 can be pared down and stocked with very lightweight stocks and short, light contour barrels or the new slim profile carbon fibre barrels for lightweight rifles. The benefit of the Rem 700 is the plethora of after market accessories to build what is desired.
Many are customizing the Tikka T3 Light...but here again is a rifle with a tupperware type stock in its factory form. (And as mentioned, is not a SA.)

Lightweight rifles have their benefits, but many are not easy to hold steady and shoot when excited or having an elevated heart rate or breathing heavy from exertion and/or excitement. And depending on chambering, can make felt recoil an issue for some of the more powerful sa cartridges e.g., 223 Rem vs 300 WSM
Just a thought to consider, if balancing performance and accuracy is important to the OP.
 
woodlotowner said:
The Model 7 in .308 Win, with the 16.5" barrel, best fits your requirements IMO. And with sub MOA accuracy at 100 yards, you won't find a better option.
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And where do I get one of these? And how much?


burnsy56 said:
Browning X Bolt Speed SR 18"
https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/x-bolt/x-bolt-speed-sr.html
item number 035559218
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This kinda feels like double my budget!

KePet said:
If you like everything about your Ruger American Predator, except the stock/magazine why not just replace the stock. Magpul makes a hunter stock for the American that will then let you use AI style magazines. Best of both worlds, you keep a rifle that you like and are comfortable with, with good accuracy, and simply upgrade the things you don't like.
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I could, but then I'm already around $400+ USD for a stock or chassis to my liking, and at that point I'd be halfway to just buying a new action! I feel like since I can make my own stocks, I really should. The Magpul looks great if I just shot at a range for 400y, but it seems out of place for the deer camp and carrying through the woods.




blakeyboy said:
Op wants a scaled 308 action nicer than Ruger American. Although he didn’t say it he probably doesn’t like the Ruger American doesn’t lock bolt down on safe. The nicer stuff will.
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Not sure I follow. My rifle can cycle the bolt with the safety engaged....



I'm not after alpine levels of lightweight, I just don't want to get into anything that's going to be over 6.5 lbs. The RA P is allegedly 6.2 stock. I probably have a few oz's of extra epoxy in the forend too. The amount of felt recoil isnt a huge factor for me, Im too frugal to shoot more than 10rds of centerfire unless the gun is new to me lol. Then, 1 shot before deer season to confirm and 1 through the heart before it goes back on the rack.
 
Jahnj0584 said:
And where do I get one of these? And how much?




This kinda feels like double my budget!



I could, but then I'm already around $400+ USD for a stock or chassis to my liking, and at that point I'd be halfway to just buying a new action! I feel like since I can make my own stocks, I really should. The Magpul looks great if I just shot at a range for 400y, but it seems out of place for the deer camp and carrying through the woods.






Not sure I follow. My rifle can cycle the bolt with the safety engaged....



I'm not after alpine levels of lightweight, I just don't want to get into anything that's going to be over 6.5 lbs. The RA P is allegedly 6.2 stock. I probably have a few oz's of extra epoxy in the forend too. The amount of felt recoil isnt a huge factor for me, Im too frugal to shoot more than 10rds of centerfire unless the gun is new to me lol. Then, 1 shot before deer season to confirm and 1 through the heart before it goes back on the rack.
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Rem 7's are in the EE fairly regularly. Cost will vary on condition and accessories. - dan
 
A Remington 7 or 600 fits the bill. Have to watch for a pre-owned one.
The one on the top started as a barreled receiver from an auction. Bolt is a Model 7 from the tickle trunk, along with the magazine assembly and trigger guard. Stock from the EE. Compact scope. Shoots very well, although recoil is noticeable.
The lower 600 is a bitser. Action I salvaged. Barrel is a take-off .308 from a 700, heavier 16 1/2" shorty. Stock is from an auction; it was altered with cheeks having being added to the forend and the channel opened out for a heavy barrel. Aftermarket steel trigger guard. Brake installed on factory threads. Accurate, comfortable to shoot. Weaver vintage T-series target scope.

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Jahnj0584 said:
This kinda feels like double my budget!

I could, but then I'm already around $400+ USD for a stock or chassis to my liking, and at that point I'd be halfway to just buying a new action! I feel like since I can make my own stocks, I really should. The Magpul looks great if I just shot at a range for 400y, but it seems out of place for the deer camp and carrying through the woods.

I’m not after alpine levels of lightweight, I just don't want to get into anything that's going to be over 6.5 lbs. The RA P is allegedly 6.2 stock. I probably have a few oz's of extra epoxy in the forend too. The amount of felt recoil isnt a huge factor for me, Im too frugal to shoot more than 10rds of centerfire unless the gun is new to me lol. Then, 1 shot before deer season to confirm and 1 through the heart before it goes back on the rack.
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Sounds like your at a bit of a stalemate, your looking for certain essentials (no mag, better stock and 6.5lbs) which are usually listed well above your budget even used.

You might want to consider selling or trading in the RAP and opening up your budget for something more along the lines your looking for…
 
ShrtRnd said:
Sounds like your at a bit of a stalemate, your looking for certain essentials (no mag, better stock and 6.5lbs) which are usually listed well above your budget even used.

You might want to consider selling or trading in the RAP and opening up your budget for something more along the lines your looking for…
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well, my budget idea was to spend around 800 for just a used action, which AFAIK is what a RAP retails for these days. The deduction of stock and being used would "cover" the upgrade of it having a magwell.

Obviously once this one is setup, the Ruger could be sold off, it just has the sentimental value of my first centerfire, first deer, first bear on it. I wish they'd let me buy the magwell adaptor kit, or better flush mags!
 
Well...I doubt you wanna go the spendy option, but you might find the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Compact in .308 to your liking. It has a 16.5" pencil barrel, and slightly shorter walnut stock (12.5" length of Pull), so that the OAL is 35.5" and it weighs a bit less than 6 lbs. Add a compact scope and you're still less than 7.5 lbs. Not sure if there are any aftermarket removable mag options to fit this model. They are unfortunately around $1700 new. I think I saw one for sale on Wolverine's web site. I've personally put fingerprints on one in 7-08 and can honestly say, they are extremely well made and finished. With a compact scope, you'd have as light a hunting rig as anybody.
 
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