Best current production bolt-action .308 under $1200?

P

philthygeezer

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
200   0   0
Location
Canada
What's the best-made, field-weight (say 7 -7.5 pounds), current production short action bolt rifle (eg .308) under say $1200? (ideally looking for under a grand but will stretch if need be).

Workmanship and accuracy are key, with impeccable feeding and handling after that. Soda-straw barrels need not apply. No heavy barrels either.
 
Last edited:
Rem. 700 in whatever guise you prefer, more accurate then most from the factory and more aftermarket parts avail. then all the rest combined. With any money that you save on the 700, you can spend on good optics.
 
Sako A7....you get a very good 3 lug bolt & receiver,...space-age polymer detachable mag with steel feed rails, same trigger as the Sako 85,an extractor that's good enough to find it's way into a lot of Rem 700 bolts.........and they don't have soda straw barrels...

I owned an Icon and wasn't impressed....I found the action rather clunky, not really smooth and way too heavy for a short action, standard cartridge rifle....and the trigger on mine wouldn't go below 3-1/4 pounds....they might be a good target action but for a hunting rifle I think they are rather over built....
 
Ever owned an Anschutz rimfire? How would you compare the Sako trigger with an Annie 64 or 54 action?

I like the construction of the T/C but never handled one in the flesh. A 6.5 pound .308 can thrash enough to destroy the windage ears on a rear Leupold ring, so I'm not fussed about an extra pound or so. I make it up with a sensible scope.
 
Winchester Model 70 Featherweight. A real steal at 750-775 bucks can be found.
The new models I have handled are very good quality. Crisp Triggers and smooth actions. Bluing is as nice as Weatherby IMO
 
Model 70 Featherweight if you want something with wood. Such a slick looking/handling rifle. They are just under 7 pounds, they appear to be extremely well made, the new trigger is decent, and they're apparently quite accurate. Next on my list.

If you were looking for a stainless/synthetic style rifle, I have to agree the A7 is pretty good in a proper short action. Sako makes a great barrel and unlike the Tikka it's not a long action chambered for a short action.

If you want a bit bigger gun with an accuracy guarantee, there's also the Vanguard Sub-MOA which I own and rather like. Oil it up and work the action often and hard and it's as smooth and positive as anything.
 
mikeyb said:
Model 70 Featherweight if you want something with wood. Such a slick looking/handling rifle. They are just under 7 pounds, they appear to be extremely well made, the new trigger is decent, and they're apparently quite accurate. Next on my list.

If you were looking for a stainless/synthetic style rifle, I have to agree the A7 is pretty good in a proper short action. Sako makes a great barrel and unlike the Tikka it's not a long action chambered for a short action.

If you want a bit bigger gun with an accuracy guarantee, there's also the Vanguard Sub-MOA which I own and rather like. Oil it up and work the action often and hard and it's as smooth and positive as anything.
Click to expand...

Leaning stainless/synth, but I am a sucker for nice walnut. :D Does the synthetic Vanguard come with a nicer stock than the A7s?

I like the idea of the important parts of pre-64 Winchester 70s coming home to roost. Is FN doing a good job with production quality? I'm done with variable expectations.
 
philthygeezer said:
Leaning stainless/synth, but I am a sucker for nice walnut. :D Does the synthetic Vanguard come with a nicer stock than the A7s?

I like the idea of the important parts of pre-64 Winchester 70s coming home to roost. Is FN doing a good job with production quality? I'm done with variable expectations.
Click to expand...

The synthetic Vanguard stocks are more solid-feeling than the A7, but not amazing. The Sub-MOA models however have pillar-bedded composite stocks instead of injection molded plastic and anicer overall finish - definitely a nice stock.

I don't know about the overall production quality aside from heresay on the M70 - everyone seems to be pleased and an acquaintance with the M70 has let me fondle it, and I adore it! Although I'm a sucker for walnut too.
 
mikeyb said:
Not really, IMO. They're a sporter contour unless my eyes deceive me. Maybe they've got a tad more taper, but they aren't really very featherweight guns
Click to expand...

img_138911_9588a2991d519cba5f6db683aaf123a1.jpg


They've got a sharp taper right at the front of the receiver. It's kind of deceptive.

winchester_-model-70.jpg


They make an 'extreme weather SS' version as well. I'll set aside my opinions on the overuse of the word 'extreme' and just ask if these rifles have been shot and reviewed anywhere?
 
Find a used Rem 788 and spend the same on glass and mts [Leupold] pocket the other money...............Harold
 
I'll add my two cents worth here... I have a T/C Venture in .30-06... I'm very pleased with it. It may not be THE fanciest bolt action under $1200, but it falls well under your $1200 mark, is MOA guaranteed, and weighs about 7.5 lbs.
There aren't many gun stores around here, so the shop I got mine from can pretty much name their price...no competition to deal with... I got mine for $665 tax included, and spent a couple hundred $$$ on a Bushnell Elite 3200. With the money you save on the gun, you could get yourself a much better scope than I did.
 
I like the Savage American Classic. I've got a 114 in .270 Win but there's also the Model 14 American Classic in .308.

7lbs and well under your price limit.

Worth a look.

w w w.savagearms.com/firearms/models/
 
Last edited:
mbogo3 said:
Find a used Rem 788 and spend the same on glass and mts [Leupold] pocket the other money...............Harold
Click to expand...
I agree with Ben.
I would almost agree with you mbogo, as I have two 788s w/Leupolds, but our fine 788s are out of production since 1985 or so.
IMHO, I would have to say the great little 788 takes a back seat to the 700.
For reason one, one can hot-rod just about any Remington 700, that would/could seize a 788 shut. ( I do not recommend this )
For reason two, the rear locking lugs are not as strong as front locking lugs.
Reason three, hardly anyone rebarrels the 788, with the other, it's common practice.

It pains me to say these truths, but I think I'm not too far off the mark.

That being said, my 222 has slain, coyotes, foxes, beaver, a wolf, countless jackrabbits, snowshoehares and inumerable gophers.
(almost all, handloads)
The 308 (again a 788) I have harvested about three dozen deer in Saskatchewan easily. (99% factory ammo)
 
At 1200 I would take the CZ555 or a Steyr Mountain Pro hunter. Great Quality and features unlike the run of the mill 700's or M70's. At lower prices would consider Tikka, T/C, Vanguard. If you still want a 700 get the Milspec 5R.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom