i'm sure it is an excellent piece but my bolt gun experience is limited to my M48 Yugo-Mauser, that shoots better than i do...
Posted on 02/22/2012 6:49:19 PM PST by DTogo
In the market for a quality yet reasonably priced rifle to scope and use for target and hunting (mostly white tail) beyond 100m: considering the new Ruger American Rifle in .308. Yes, the ballistic performance is less than a .30-06, it's not a Springfield M1A or a Gunsite Scout, but .308 ammo is cheaper and compatible with other hardware in the event of an "in-the-field" switch.
FReeper input welcome!
I’ve already got “dog collars” for that function, comrade! ;^)
Excellent review, thanks!
If it’s good eniugh for US Army and Marine snipers, it’s goid enough. I have twi: one in 30/06 and one in .300 win. mag. Got a AR-10t for 7.62 nato.
Remington 770... not bad, thanks!
Brit 303, ammo cost don ‘t matter once you sight it in, proven hit each and every time! No loft, just straight like an arrow.Reloading is your friend.
The .30-06 was developed at a time when a requirement for the standard infantry rifle was the ability to drop a cavalry mount. This was essentially the round used from WWI up to, and through Korea. By the mid-50's when the Army was looking to replace the Garand, advances in powder technology allowed for similar performance in a smaller case, with horse-killing ability no longer so much of a consideration. The 7.62 / .308 was designed to replicate the performance of the .30-06 with older powders. Certainly, with more modern powders, the .30-06 has a performance edge based solely on its larger case volume, but in actuality, the .308 gives up very little. What you gain with the .308, especially in a bolt action rifle, is a shorter bolt throw and a shorter overall action, which reduces the weight you'll be lugging around on those hunting trips.
Unless you're completely sold on a bolt, I'd recommend you at least take a look at the Browning BLR (lever gun). Of the others mentioned, the Marlin rifles will probably give you the best value for the money. As others have said here, try a few of them on for size and see what "feels" best.
Also, keep in mind that with a .308, you'll want to hang some decent optics on the rifle to fully take advantage of the cartridge, so take that into consideration when you're evaluating the balance, eye relief, stock comb etc.
Good luck and let us all know what you pick!
Note: Due to advances in computer driven milling machines, Remington and all the other major manufactures of rifles can now turn out a very high quality barrel at a cost that is far less than 40 years ago when adjusted for inflation. It is good stuff!
Same here but the .308 ammo is cheaper in bulk and will still do the job at a distance. And yep, if it's good enough for our snipers, excluding the multi-km experts, .308 is good enough for me.
Okay, time for the funniest reply I've ever read on a gun thread...
Dude, no, you misunderstand. After the first half-dozen posts, you are out of the discussion and your needs are no longer being discussed. It becomes all about the other posters and what they like and what their experiences have been. Soon it will deteriorate into a pissing contest about who has done the most hunting and has the biggest hardest gun. Then there will be insults, then some posters will sanctimoniously offer to pray for each other, then there will be accusations that the other guys are not real conservatives, probably liberal trolls, because they don’t like the same thing. Some lady or limp-wristed man will post that they don’t see why it’s necessary to kill the pretty animals because they have feelings too, and there will be a 100-post tangent on that. It’s great fun if it goes the right way. ~~ Freeper ottbmare 12-17-11~~
CDNN seems to have Ruger and FN bolt action rifles in 308.
I went with 30-06 in my last setup as I have plenty of 308’s.
Springfield 770. Bolt action sucks and that version was suppose to improve over the 700. I’m sending it to a world class gunsmith who will not only make it smooth and purdier.
Others feel their 770 is just fine.
I don’t mind spending a little extra money to improve it. I just got lucky on all my other guns out of the box.
Might even install a cheek weld.
Shoot’s .5” @ 100yrds and I ain’t that great. Probably does better if I could get the range more than 6 or 7 times a year but, that would make me a professional. LOL
Go for it.
i'm sure it is an excellent piece but my bolt gun experience is limited to my M48 Yugo-Mauser, that shoots better than i do...
For that reason alone, I like a good ol’ Savage 99E lever gun in .308
Easier to maintain sight picture while cycling multiple shots than any bolt action.
Lighter than any autoloader by a couple of pounds.
Stylish furniture, and can be had for under $500
Yes the foreigners make great rifles too, but unlike handguns they are not DOMINANT.
When I buy a rifle now days I buy Winchester, Browning, Marlin and Remington.
For assault weapons, Ruger, Colt and Bushmaster.
For pistols Sig, Beretta and HK.
Everyone makes a good shotgun:)
OK, now that online mag at CDNN is difficult to stop flipping through!
Pithy! :)
At the range cycling the bolt action is actually quite fun!
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