View Full Version : General Purpose 18 in 308 bolt gun
Sorry if this has been discussed before. I am looking for a general purpose, quick handling 308 bolt gun. Precision accuracy is not needed, "Minute of deer/hog" will do. Purpose is an all around hunting/plinking rifle. Would like one that has detachable box type magazines, feeds well and not pricey, $700 range without optic. Looking to stay in the 308 caliber as I have accumulated lots of 308 ammo. Any reviews or experiences welcome.
Thanks
Steve
diving dave
07-07-17, 09:09
Ruger Scout is not a bad option.
you could also do an american with magpul stock.
Ruger Scout is not a bad option.
I have the 16" and so far, a solid choice for the $. Only complaint is the action could be smoother, but people say it smooths out over time. I assume the loss of velocity between 16" and 18" is minimal. I wanted compact vs accuracy or "Minute of deer/hog" as OP said.
leaning towards the ruger in polymer, done some research and found that magul pmag 7.62 AC should fit.
leaning towards the ruger in polymer, done some research and found that magul pmag 7.62 AC should fit.
They do and they work well. No issues with them. I really like the feel and the look of the wood laminate, but can see the value in the polymer, which is a few $ less too.
Will,
How is the Ruger doing, any issues that I need to be aware of?
The polymer for me is good as I hate to scratch up my wooden guns. The Polymer Scout is supposed to have some sort of new Muzzle device on it.
Thanks]
Steve
Will,
How is the Ruger doing, any issues that I need to be aware of?
The polymer for me is good as I hate to scratch up my wooden guns. The Polymer Scout is supposed to have some sort of new Muzzle device on it.
Thanks]
Steve
Per above, only complaint I have so far is I wish the action was smoother, but I guess that's reflective of the cost of the gun. I don't have a high rnd count through the gun, approx 500 nrds of range ammo. I don't have any experience with the polymer. People seem happy with it.
How about a 16.25" Mossberg MVP Patrol? I have one in 5.56 and like it.
https://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/gun-review-mossbergs-mvp-patrol-7-62mm-308/
Tikka T3, Lite hard to beat for $520! Stainless for $100 more! 1 MOA light and smooth.
alcante262
07-09-17, 23:09
Ive had great time with my Mossberg MVP Patrol in 308
Tikka T3, Lite hard to beat for $520! Stainless for $100 more! 1 MOA light and smooth.
This. Plus you can find them on sale for another $100 off of those prices now and again.
Okie John
alcante262
07-14-17, 22:30
Yes granted its not Bolt gun with all the bells & whistles for instance Ive worked the bolt several hundred times and it becomes smoother and smoother.Just a good general purpose bolt gun .Quite handy.
Averageman
07-19-17, 11:37
I've got a Savage I picked up gently used for $275. The intent was to have a lesson expensive field gun for deer and hogs.
It's actually rather accurate and I like the trigger. I would guess it had less than fifty rounds through it when I bought it.
aclawrence
11-25-17, 22:13
Another vote for Tikka. I have the Tikka T3 compact in .308. I believe it’s has a 20” barrel and a shorter lop stock. It’s fits me great bc I’m shorter and it is handy for carrying through the woods. I’ve been considering getting the barrel cut down to 16 or 18”. From what I’ve learned it won’t make much difference ballistically for the ranges I will be using it for. The new models are T3X. You can find good deals on the T3’s. Tikka almost always shoot moa also.
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Another vote for the Tikka T3. For a bit more, you could get the T3 CTR with a 10rd detachable magazine:
http://cdn1.tikka.fi/sites/default/files/tikka_t3_compact_tactical_rifle.png
But if you’re willing to go with .260 you can fin them under $700. Here’s one in for $675:
https://www.gunsmidwest.com/tikka-t3-ctr-260-rem-20-hb.html
Otherwise the best price I have found on a 308 CTR is around $875.
If I had the money, I would go with the Arctic:
http://cdn1.tikka.fi/sites/default/files/Tikka_T3x_Arctic.png
The Ruger Scout rifle is pretty darn good out of the box, although the muzzle brake is extremely loud and unnecessary on a .308. The synthetic stocked 16" Scout was my favorite of the bunch; very fast handling.
Another vote for the Tikka T3. For a bit more, you could get the T3 CTR with a 10rd detachable magazine:
http://cdn1.tikka.fi/sites/default/files/tikka_t3_compact_tactical_rifle.png
But if you’re willing to go with .260 you can fin them under $700. Here’s one in for $675:
https://www.gunsmidwest.com/tikka-t3-ctr-260-rem-20-hb.html
Otherwise the best price I have found on a 308 CTR is around $875.
If I had the money, I would go with the Arctic:
http://cdn1.tikka.fi/sites/default/files/Tikka_T3x_Arctic.png
Or better yet, a Tikka CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor for $702.99
https://gun.deals/product/tikka-t3x-ctr-65-creedmoor-jrtxc382-84699?mobile=true
Hard to beat the Tikka for that price, if you don't need iron sights.
The Ruger Scout rifle is pretty darn good out of the box, although the muzzle brake is extremely loud and unnecessary on a .308. The synthetic stocked 16" Scout was my favorite of the bunch; very fast handling.
It's not a muzzle brake as much as a basic A2 type flash suppressor no?
crusader377
11-30-17, 09:50
Another option is the Howa .308 Scout which run for around $700. Savage also makes a .308 scout as well. If you can live with another 2" of barrel length and no detachable magazine, I would also look at a CZ 550FS.
voiceofreason
03-14-18, 10:00
You will need a scope mount for it.
https://www.eurooptic.com/Tikka-T3-Lite-308-Win.aspx
Bayoublaster
04-02-18, 16:36
Another vote for the Tikka. I think they're the best buy below $1000. We sell a ton of them here. Though I do have a soft spot for Ruger Scout.
Another vote for the Tikka. I think they're the best buy below $1000. We sell a ton of them here. Though I do have a soft spot for Ruger Scout.
I really wanted a scout rifle and the Ruger ticked all the boxes for me. I wish the action was a tad tighter fit and smoother, but for that $, not as deal breaker. I'm far from a precision shooter, and for my needs, a winner. Does not hurt it's such a good looking rifle in a utilitarian sort of way.
Bayoublaster
04-03-18, 16:29
I want a Scout rifle at some point but don't have a need for one at the moment. One day I hope to have one just because.
I have a Ruger Gunsite Scout, one of the originals with a 17.12" barrel and laminate stock. It's not my favorite gun, I've had issues with a few different magazines I've tried in it, including Ruger's own polymer mags, and I don't find it to be especially handy or accurate. I do really like the Ruger Americans for the price though, and can't wait until Magpul FINALLY releases the Hunter American stock for them. An American Predator .308 in a Hunter chassis will be a really sweet package for field work.
have a ruger GSR great gun and handy, also have a Tikka T3X compact also very handy. the Tikka is lighter than the ruger and the action is much smoother but enjoy both
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