Ruger American Predator .308, or...

[Bimmer]

Hi all,

I'm think of buying a Ruger American Predator .308, but I wanted to check in here, first...

Purpose: General target shooting, perhaps some deer hunting. I'm not anticipating doing real "precision" shooting, but I'm hoping for something that groups better than my M14-type.

Background: I started with semi-autos (M1 Carbine, M14-type, now an AR), but now one of my favorite guns is a $50 Marlin 25 (.22 bolt action), which I originally bought for my daughter. After several modifications it's a tack driver. Now I'm looking for something that hits harder and shoots further than the .22, and all the "budget" centerfire bolt-actions out there have my attention.


Requirements:

1. .308

2. Threaded muzzle. The hoplophobes here won't let me have a suppressor, but I can imagine I'll want a muzzle brake.

3. 18"-20" barrel. I don't need/want longer, and I want something handy.

4. Decent trigger.

5. Some kind of bedded stock/free floated barrel.

6. Optics mount.

7. $500-600 budget (not including the old Nikon Monarch and rings that I'll use).


So far, I think the best/only rifle that fits the bill is the Ruger American Predator .308... I know I can buy/fit scope mounts to other rifles, or buy/install a new trigger, or buy/bed a new stock, or even have a barrel cut down and threaded, but I'd rather have everything I want out of the box.

Questions:

1. Alternatives?

2. Is a $500 rifle worth buying at all? Honestly, if the answer is that there's no way to buy/build a decent bolt gun for less than $1,000, then I probably just won't do it.


Thanks in advance...

[MBtech]

I went with a Rem 700 AAC SD for this role. 20" threaded barrel chambered in 308, Makes a great plinker and hunting rifle, however I wouldn't overlook Savage and Tikka for your application in that price range.

[Bimmer]

Damn, it's a pound heavier and costs $200-$250 more, but you're right about the Remington checking all the boxes...

I was looking at Tikka T3 Lite Adjustables, which are s'posed to be available with threaded muzzles, but they seem hard to find.

I like Savage, too (I ultimately bought my daughter a Cub), but none of them really fit the bill. Am I missing something?

[MBtech]

For $1000 you can do everything you are asking for IMO.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9hVDu1EARBc

[Bimmer]

OK, MBtech, now I'm looking at Savage 10 FCP-SRs...

I can see that it's 2.5 lbs heavier and costs $300 more, but it's worth it, right?

[MBtech]

I was just giving my opinion on the last 2 questions. Alternatives, and if a $1000 is worth bothering or not. Not trying to sway you in any way, I think for a Grand you'll be able to get what you're wanting.

[Bimmer]

I really do appreciate the guidance. I was oblivious to the Remington and Savage models you pointed out, and though they cost more, they're tempting...

[MBtech]

Here's another option that cost less with a 20" threaded barrel. I'm just speaking from experience on the ones I have mentioned for your budget/requirements. I have no experience with the Ruger so don't think I'm trying to change your mind. Hopefully someone else will chime in with Ruger Predator experience, curious myself.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/3-0136108

[Bimmer]

I saw the Savage Axis line, which is why I initially dismissed Savage (and the "gun finder" function on their website is buggy). Even the Axis II doesn't have the bedded "Accu-Stock," and if I'm going to bed/replace the stock later, then I'd might as well pay up front for a 10 FCP-SR.

Also, I'm coming to the realization that a heavier barrel would be better for the kind of shooting I usually do... String after string off the bench. I'm more and more inclined towards the Rem 700 AAC or the Savage 10 FCP-SR.

[Enoch]

I don't have any personal experience with the Savage .308 but I owned a Savage .270 and the action was so sticky that it aggravated me enough to sell it soon after I bought it.