Rifle to start with?

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A light-ish precision rifle with backpacking in mind...possible folding stock in the future. If I'm looking for a rifle to start out and tweak as I go (if needed), does anyone have experience with all these 3 rifles? All in 308. They all have different prices with different features but I don't have enough experience to filter through the real world pros & cons of each model:

Remington 700 XCR Compact 20" $1600
1:12
Black TriNite PVD 416 Stainless Steel barrel
OD Green w/Black Webbing Bell & Carlson Stock

3rds
X-Mark Pro Adjustable Trigger (although I've read tht some models have the 40x trigger?)
Stats say 7.5lbs

Savage 10 FCP-SR 20" $900
Metal Finish: Matte Blued
Barrel: 20" Heavy Barrel 1-10 Twist Treaded for 5/8-24 Suppressor
Trigger: Adjustable Accu Trigger
Bolt Release: Front Of Trigger Guard
Stock: Black Synthetic Accustock, Beavertail Forend, (3) Swivel Studds,
Magazine: Detachable Box (4 rounds)
Bolt Handle: Tactical
Includes rail
stats say 8.5lbs

Savage 10 TR 20" $800
Metal Finish: Matte Blued
Barrel: 20" Heavy Barrel 1-10 Twist Treaded for 5/8-24 Suppressor
1 PieceTrigger: 2 1/2 LBS Accu Trigger
Locknut: Smooth
Bolt Release: Front Of Trigger Guard
Stock: Black Synthetic Accustock, Beavertail Forend, (3) Swivel Studds,
Magazine: Detachable Box (4 rounds)
Bolt Handle: Tactical
Includes rail
stats say 8.5lbs

I'm leaning towards the 700 XCR because it specs at 1 lb lighter, has a better stock from the factory and possibly has a better trigger if I can get the 40x? I am not planning on a muzzle brake so a threaded barrel is unnecessary. Is it worth the the extra money for those features plus the stainless barrel?
 
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You can't go wrong with the Remington if you plan to do add ons and upgrades as you grow with it....there is a huge market for aftermarket parts and add ons for a 700 as a lot of footprints are based off of the rem 700.
 
Why the decision to go with 20" barrels?

While they will be just fine, you do lose velocity. With 308WIN, added velocity is great.
 
Why the decision to go with 20" barrels?

While they will be just fine, you do lose velocity. With 308WIN, added velocity is great.

Well, I started a light weight backpacking rifle thread and 20" is one of the recommendations coming out of there. The reason I started a new thread was so that the ultra light weight discussion could continue even though I've pretty much chosen to start with a regular-ish rifle and maybe consider building an ultra light compact rifle in the future once I've done more shooting. I still want something I can pack fairly long distances so 20" is kinda what I've decided on. I'm hoping to shoot over 500m but in all likelyhood will never reach 1000m.
 
Pretty sure i recall that there have been a lot of tests with chronys and the 308 seems to lose very little with short barrels. Course they are not speed freaks to start, so game performance might be a issue.

Personally i am not a big savage fan, and then there is the Remington trigger issues. My vote would go to a Remington, that has had the trigger recall, or factor in a $200 aftermarket trigger.
 
What about a Tikka T3 varmint or super varmint in SS? They're about 8lbs factory with the plastic stock, nice trigger, super accurate, and about 1100$ full retail ($900 on the right sale).

-J.
 
What about a Tikka T3 varmint or super varmint in SS? They're about 8lbs factory with the plastic stock, nice trigger, super accurate, and about 1100$ full retail ($900 on the right sale).

-J.

If compact is the goal tikka isnt really the best option - they only come in a long action which will add weight and length. Good rifles, just not ideal for compact and light with a short action cartridge.
 
What about a Tikka T3 varmint or super varmint in SS? They're about 8lbs factory with the plastic stock, nice trigger, super accurate, and about 1100$ full retail ($900 on the right sale).

Not as many aftermarket options, but everything is available if you look.

-J.
 
If compact is the goal tikka isnt really the best option - they only come in a long action which will add weight and length. Good rifles, just not ideal for compact and light with a short action cartridge.

Long action yes, yet still lighter than both of the savages, and 500$ less than the Remington. $500 that could go toward the glass he'll need to play in precision.

-J.
 
Careful with Savage bottom release stocks as the options out there are as great as a top release.

You could add the Savage hog hunter in 308 to your list as it gives you a 20" barrel and weight is about 7.5lbs with top release or Tikka T3 lite adjustable -medium or medium mt in 308
 
correct me if i am wrong but I thought the Savage 10 FCP-SR and Savage 10 TR was same rifle ??? whats the diff ans the stats you state show the same except trigger, which need to confirm the trigger info.
 
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