Best 308 for $600'ish?

[Stopsign32v]

Well my son wants a bolt action and is dying for a 308. If this will get him into guns and respect them versus behind a controller and video game then I'm all for it.

We went to Academy today, I was under the impression the Ruger Ranch was offered in 308 but it wasn't. He held the Ruger Predator and liked it but it was $499. I wanted to ask you guys if there was better options out there for around the same price.

The only thing it needs to be is around 6.5lbs, 20 inch barrel or less, and threaded (doesn't HAVE to be threaded but he wants a brake on it).

 

[Hugger-4641]

Well my son wants a bolt action and is dying for a 308. If this will get him into guns and respect them versus behind a controller and video game then I'm all for it.

We went to Academy today, I was under the impression the Ruger Ranch was offered in 308 but it wasn't. He held the Ruger Predator and liked it but it was $499. I wanted to ask you guys if there was better options out there for around the same price.

The only thing it needs to be is around 6.5lbs, 20 inch barrel or less, and threaded (doesn't HAVE to be threaded but he wants a brake on it).

I have the Predator in .308. Was really surprised how accurate it was. I think the stock on it is just a smidge better than the Savage Axis, maybe a smidge worse than the Savage 110.
Savage would be my second recommendation in that price range. Howa would be ahead of all of them, but I think you'd have to catch a deal to get one for $600 these days. Mossberg Patriots seem to have a lot of mixed reviews. Some great, some not.
Cva Cascade would another to consider but I haven't had my hands on one yet.

 

[d2wing]

I am a fan of Tikkas but they might be a little over budget. Lot's of rifles offer a 1 MOA guarantee these days.

 

[Turkeytider]

Have a Savage 110 Storm, but in .223. Very accurate rifle. Have really had no issues with it once I worked through some magazine issues early on.

 

[JmacD]

My bro has a predator 308.
He bought it used with a cabela’s brand scope on it. It waaaay outshoots its price tag. I wouldn’t be afraid of it at all.

 

[BreechFace]

It seems like you want to stick around $500.

I would wait for a Ruger American Gen2 in 308.

Ruger® Ruger American® Rifle Generation II Standard Bolt-Action Rifle Models

ruger.com

 

[js8588]

I believe this would qualify https://grabagun.com/cz-600-alpha-bolt-action-rifle-308-winchester-20-barrel-4-rounds.html

 

[BreechFace]

I am a fan of Tikkas but they might be a little over budget. Lot's of rifles offer a 1 MOA guarantee these days.

Tikka would be a great choice but as was said seemingly out of the budget.

 

[Stopsign32v]

I have the Predator in .308. Was really surprised how accurate it was. I think the stock on it is just a smidge better than the Savage Axis, maybe a smidge worse than the Savage 110.
Savage would be my second recommendation in that price range. Howa would be ahead of all of them, but I think you'd have to catch a deal to get one for $600 these days. Mossberg Patriots seem to have a lot of mixed reviews. Some great, some not.
Cva Cascade would another to consider but I haven't had my hands on one yet.

Brownells has a Howa 1500 action for $400 I believe and then maybe a Hogue stock... That was one idea I had

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Howa or CZ if you can get one on used or on sale.
After that, Id go Savage, then Ruger.
Probably tons of used Axis and Remington 600s out there in the $3-400 range. Gotta save a bit of the budget for a decent scope and mount.

 

[ms6852]

You could also try a Mossberg 308, there are several rifles that fall into your price range. You could try buying used, check out some of the pawn shops or a Cabelas.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Not for nothing, but a 6.5lb .308 is gonna have some kick and ammo aint cheap. A .223 or 7.62x39 bolt gun is a kitty-cat recoil-wise and a lot cheaper to feed....
But if a .308 is what gets him fired up then thats ok too.

 

[Stopsign32v]

Not for nothing, but a 6.5lb .308 is gonna have some kick and ammo aint cheap. A .223 or 7.62x39 bolt gun is a kitty-cat recoil-wise and a lot cheaper to feed....
But if a .308 is what gets him fired up then thats ok too.

I'm going to hand load them and will start out with some varmint projectiles and some light loads of fast powder. Then he can tell me when he wants more...

 

[1948CJ2A]

I think this ticks all your boxes... https://onlineoutfitters.com/howa-m1500-mini-hunter-308-win-20-walnut-hwhsl308/

 

[Hugger-4641]

If you can do without threaded barrel, the Stevens 334 ( basically a Axis) might be a budget option at about $400. It's only offered in three
calibers, .308 being one of them.
If you have to have threaded barrel, you might consider the new Savage 110 Trail Hunter, it's about the same price or slightly higher than the Ruger American with a much better Hogue over moulded stock.

 

[MarshallDodge]

Check out the Remington 783. I like the stock and magazine system compared to the other value models on the market. The one I have in 223 is a good shooter.

 

[LoonWulf]

I havent gotten them in yet, but ive ordered both a Stevens 334 and an ATA Turqua (same rifle basically). Both can be had under 500, and so far they seem like they may offer some upscale feel, as well as solid functioning, at a low price point.
As I havent gotten mine yet, i cant say for sure.

RIGHT now (knowing what i do) if i were talking sub 500, id probably suggest a
Mossberg Patriot, Ruger Predator, or Rem 783.

I believe theres some 110s under 500 also, but im less than thrilled with the recent changes to the series, so nit 100% sure id be willing to recommend them right now.

 

[Turkeytider]

I havent gotten them in yet, but ive ordered both a Stevens 334 and an ATA Turqua (same rifle basically). Both can be had under 500, and so far they seem like they may offer some upscale feel, as well as solid functioning, at a low price point.
As I havent gotten mine yet, i cant say for sure.

RIGHT now (knowing what i do) if i were talking sub 500, id probably suggest a
Mossberg Patriot, Ruger Predator, or Rem 783.

I believe theres some 110s under 500 also, but im less than thrilled with the recent changes to the series, so nit 100% sure id be willing to recommend them right now.

Loon, as a relatively new ( last two years or so ) 110 shooter, I`m curious as to " the recent changes " to the 110 line with which you are " less than thrilled ". Thanks.

 

[jmr40]

The Ruger is a good choice. I like Tikka a little better and think it is worth the price difference. Most Tikka's are in SS, but they make them in blue. If you can find a blue 308 the price may be within your budget. The Ruger is blue so it is a more equal comparison.

Everything has gone up in price within the last 6-8 years. I paid $350 for the Ruger Predators I had and $500 for my Tikka's.

 

[Chuck R.]

Although the rebate and great Euro-Optic sale is over, you can still get a CZ600 Alpha for under $600. (Sale and rebate put it at under $400 delivered).

It checks most of your boxes. The trigger is very, very good. I've only shot mine with 150NBT reloads that I have left over from my FAL and it's sub MOA with those. It comes with a .75MOA accuracy guarantee (with match ammo) and I think it will do it easily.

07404 - CZ 600 Alpha 308/7.62x51mm 806703074047

gun.deals

 

[hunt127588]

While I'm a Tikka fan, the Ruger American Gen II fits all of your requirements. It is threaded and comes with a brake, has a 20" barrel and hits your target weight. They are hitting dealer shelves in the mid $500s. They have me intrigued.

 

[JmacD]

Brownells has a Howa 1500 action for $400 I believe and then maybe a Hogue stock... That was one idea I had

I bought one of the howa hogue 308s(the 26” bull barrel one). The hogue stock was more flexible in the forend than I care for, but, though I put a Boyd’s at one on it, I kept it and am planning on one of those barreled actions for a brush gun.

 

[Picher]

Well my son wants a bolt action and is dying for a 308. If this will get him into guns and respect them versus behind a controller and video game then I'm all for it.

We went to Academy today, I was under the impression the Ruger Ranch was offered in 308 but it wasn't. He held the Ruger Predator and liked it but it was $499. I wanted to ask you guys if there was better options out there for around the same price.

The only thing it needs to be is around 6.5lbs, 20 inch barrel or less, and threaded (doesn't HAVE to be threaded but he wants a brake on it).

I've worked on many different rifles professionally, and I'm partial to Remington actions, for the money. They always have shot best and felt best for me. They're also easy to epoxy-bed/barrel free-float, for a perfect situation, so I do it to all of mine for over 50 years. Half-Inch or better groups at 100 yards with handloaded ammo and good shooting with great factory ammo. Their triggers are easy to adjust for great pulls with minimal (safe) travel and backlash reduction.

 

[Lennyjoe]

I’m a bit bias and will say Savage 110 only because that’s all I own and they outshoot me.

 

[dieselchief]

now that remarms are back, 700. second choice ruger american. not a tikka fan at all. howas used to be but there machinery is what win/rem was; long in the tooth. my opinion doesnt have to be yours though. if a savage i prefer the ceo ron coburn days rifles.