308 bolt rifle and scope package under 650

[Covelo-NdN]

Hello High Roaders,

Looking for a scoped rifle package for a nephew. He's 16 and will be joining the marines when he turns 18. I'm get him a bolt gun. He swears by the 308 caliber, so that's what I'll be getting. I own a savage axis with a ac u trigger however wasn't convinced he like it, said it kindA shot funny. Ideas anyone Price point will not pass 650. Primary use will be hunting so weight is a factor. Scope might not need to be the best I might buy him a nice one for Christmas

 

[2ndtimer]

A couple options at Cabela's, if you have one nearby:http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoo...-rifles/_/N-1114860/Ns-CATEGORY_SEQ_105523380
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoo...-rifles/_/N-1114860/Ns-CATEGORY_SEQ_105523380
The Trophy has the better scope and removable magazine and accutrigger. The Remington ha a 24 inch barrel, and in the opinion of many, a more attractive appearance.
Both come in well under your budget and should work well.

 

[jmr40]

I have more expensive rifles, but for the money this is my favorite. The Rifle was $399. The scope sells for $200, but I used one I already had. That leaves $50 for rings and a box of ammo or carry strap.

All of the Ruger Americans have been selling like hotcakes and have proven to be good shooters. The Predator has a slightly heavier barrel and is threaded for a suppressor. All come with scope bases. The other calibers have 22" barrels, but the 308 is 18" which I like. Already own other 22" guns. I've had it about a month and so far I haven't fired a group through it over .75 MOA.

It weighs 7 lbs even as pictured, so it is a lightweight with a fairly stiff barrel



Shots #2-4 on the 1st range trip.



At 200 yards after scope adjustment.

 

[HexHead]

Ruger American, whether the standard one or the Predator is where you want to go at that price point for a new rifle.

I'd go with the regular and put the price difference into better glass. He can buy his own ammo.

 

[amflyer]

If it were me, and under the criteria you listed, I would look along two lines: Savage package with the Nikon scope installed. Change out the rings and bases included, and you'll be right in line.

Better, would be to buy a Tikka T3 lite. Rings are serviceable, no bases. Find a take off or otherwise cheaper scope until his birthday arrives.

What a cool uncle!.

 

[SCgman]

The savage packages use Nikon prostaffs, a scope that I think provides surprisingly good magnification, clarity and tough-enoughness. I know folks who use Redfields by Leupold, they don't complain. Should be able to kill stuff with both.

 

[Clint M]

I have a good buddy who loves Savage rifles, and he seems like he has done well with the as the rifle itself is built well, and accuracy seems to be good as well. I just don't care for the Savage, I am used to Remington 700, I reckon if I owned a Savage first I would say the same thing and prefer the Savage instead. Two more options for you are Remington 700 at walmart for $329 is a nice rifle, it comes with scope I don't trust the scope however the mounting hardware is good. Another option I have been looking into is Thompson Center Venture, these look to be a fine rifle at a good price. You can research it online the action is really nice, and they also back it with a accuracy guarantee I have a TC Icon and really like the rifle which is very similar to the venture.

It would be nice if he could sit down, and shoot a few different actions/rifle to find what he likes. Good luck, and take your time to research as the market for rifles in the price range you're seeking are starting to open up with manufactures competing to get their share of it.

 

[aegagner]

Recently picked up a nice Winchester M-70 Classic Compact in .308 with a Bushnell Banner 3x9 scope for a little less than $650 a couple of months ago. It's a beaut...

Had a Savage Axis in .270 that has since been sold, and a Savage Hog Hunter in .308 that I still own. The Hog is very accurate, the bolt is slick as snot and probably out shoots the Model 70, but I have zero emotional attachment to it. In fact, it is what gets tossed behind my truck seat every morning. Felt the same way about the Axis; great shooter, light weight, all of the above but just had no soul. Again, had no problem selling/trading it.

In the same line, I picked up a Remington 600 a few years back with an old Weaver (made in TX) 1.5-4.5 that is again outclassed by the newer plastic clad bolt actions. No argument there. But that is another rifle with character that won't be going anywhere.

Just something to think about I guess... as a gift, an old school, quality wood stocked rifle is something to hold on to, vs a newer plastic stock rifle that can be replaced at any number of retail outlets.

Jeez, I must be getting sentimental in my old age....

 

[Bobson]

When you say he "swears by 308," does that mean he already has one?

 

[Sunray]

Very hard to beat a Savage for out of the box accuracy. Don't think it matters which model either. Let him choose.

 

[Covelo-NdN]

My nephew has grow into a 16 yr old watching the history channel and every other war movie flick idolizes the 308 caliber. It the one, his preference.

 

[Bobson]

My nephew has grow into a 16 yr old watching the history channel and every other war movie flick idolizes the 308 caliber. It the one, his preference.

Lol. Soon as you said he's joining the Marines and swears by 308, I knew he either grew up hunting or received the American modern war movie indoctrination.

Nothing wrong with 308. Make the rifle a Remington 700. You can pick an ADL model with a scope for less than your budget, and he can customize the rifle to build his very own M24.

I guarantee it'll put a smile on his face.