Decent ~18" barrel .308 Hunting Rifle

[Intheheartofit]

I'm getting away from 6.5x55 and going to .308 for hunting and need a new rifle. I have an old Parker Hale with way too long a barrel vs the Swede I used to hunt with. I've had my eye on the EE for a while, but not really seeing anything. Is there much out there with a barrel around 18 or should I be looking for something around 20? I'd love stainless, but not necessary as the length is the most important to me for my blind and stand and also walking through the bush. Even in the truck the longer Parker Hale barrel is annoying. Don't want anything too expensive as it is a hunting gun. Ideas for rifles available in Canada at a decent price point?

 

[wannabe]

Cascade

 

[Bare]

The cascade is a decent price and looks good.

I’m kinda looking for a .308 in a 18-20” barrel and may buy a tikka stainless and just chop the barrel back.

 

[Butcherbill]

Stainless Ruger Scout, 18.7” barrel. Box mag, great iron sights. Couple different options for mounting an optic.

 

[keith mokry]

Believe tikka makes a 20” brl model
Bergara might make 18” or 20” brl
Winchester m70 compact
Ruger m77
Remington model seven
To name a few models

 

[guntech]

I wouldn't go shorter than 20 inches and would prefer 22.

 

[bunny]

Get a tikka and cut the barrel to 19”, I did this with my 7-08 ended up with the perfect rifle.

 

[I Dont Care About You]

I wouldn't go shorter than 20 inches and would prefer 22.

I have a 20" Savage Precision Carbine and it has been a fantastic performer. It is accurate and reliable and I've shot it out to 1200 yds. I don't have a desire to go shorter but based on my experience with the Savage, I'd think 18" would be fine for most uses.

 

[156821]

Weatherby vanguard compact model comes in a 20” barrel. That or a tikka would be my choice.

 

[DeadShot519]

Ruger American. The 16” ranch in 308. I switched to a 16” 308 few years back and don’t think I could ever tote a 24”+ bbl through the bush again.

 

[mayes]

Winchester xpr compact

 

[nagol]

Ill throw the tikka Battue into the mix. 20" but carries and shoulders better than my gunsite 16.1"

 

[kamlooky]

Savage 99.

 

[coyote1664]

Tikka battue, my go to hunting rifle for the woods

 

[Jahnj0584]

Ruger American Predator, sub moa at 100 for me and it cost me $500

 

[Intheheartofit]

Right on, there's some I definitely that I hadn't looked into. The Cascade SB looks interesting though one review said it's heavier than 6.8lbs. Had Tikkas and Ruger in my awareness and like those as well. Winchester XPR Compact can't seem to find anything short enough in Canadian stores. Have thought about cutting the Parker Hale, but there's things I don't really love about it, worth keeping in mind if a deal pops up on the EE for another action though. Thanks for the suggestions, I'll see what I end up getting, need something though as the barrel poking out of my blind was too much this year.

 

[dan belisle]

Remington 600/660. Right barrel length, compact, not terribly expensive. - dan

 

[The Kurgan]

CZ 557 Lux. 20 inch barrel, short action, and you can source a 10-round Range mag if that's your cup of tea. Just as accurate as any of my Tikka's. As noted above, the Tikka T3 Battue is another great option, and you can find them in walnut too.

I much prefer back-up irons, and only own one rifle without them. Ruger, CZ, Sako and Tikka are all good options as far as my experience.

 

[LawrenceN]

I'm an old fart with tired bones and all the aches and pains that come from using the old body hard over a lot of years. That said, I picked up a Ruger American withe the short barrel and the Ruger muzzle brake. OMG!!! Colour me happy! Recoil is minimal and accuracy is excellent. The group shown is Sierra 165 gr. on top of IMR 4064 at 100 yds. (1" squares). Ignore the flyer, that's my eyes, but the other 4 shots tell the tale.

 

[WhelanLad]

marlin 336 scoped...... lol why didnt anyone mention this--- 30-30 country