Looking for something unique in .308

[USAF_Vet]

My wife bought me some .308 by accident.

I'm going to try and justify the purchase of a new gun, which is a tough sell in that the ammo only cost $25.

Anyway, I'm looking for something on the lower end of the scale, like under $600. I know that pretty much eliminates a lot of new rifles right off the bat, especially semi autos (other than maybe a Remington 740/742)

I don't mind used, sporterized, milsurp, etc. I've always been interested in the Ishapore Enfield rifles factory chambered in .308.

I had my eyes on a CETME (HK G3 clone) but it seems they've increased in price.

The Remington 740 series and 760 series are within my price range, and of the two I'd prefer the 760.

.308 conversions of the French MAS 49/56 are hit or miss, but they have my interest as well, and are in the range of what I'm willing to spend.

What else is out there? I know I've got to be missing something. Not really looking for run of the mill stuff available on every gun store shelf nationwide.

 

[Pete D.]

308

I would definitely look for a Savage model 99 in .308 Win. A classic American lever gun. Not sure about the $600, though..
Pete

 

[burrhead]

The Savage is a great suggestion or, if it's a little too pricey, a Remington 722.

 

[critter]

There are some M98 Mausers converted to .308 (for the Govt of Chili I believe). I've had 2 and they are fun guns.

 

[bannockburn]

USAF_Vet

I know the feeling; I bought some .40 S&W ammo for my step-son thinking he had a gun in that caliber. Turned out he has a 9mm. I swapped the ammo out with him and know I'm thinking my next gun should be a .40!

As to your .308 quest how about an Israeli Mauser? Plenty of history there and I think it would make your price point at around $600 or less. I also like the idea of a Remington Model 760 Gamemaster.

 

[Krusty]

Savage 10T. Lots of rifle for the money. Under $600 before scope. Don't know about unique tho'.

 

[jmr40]

I wouldn't seriously consider anything in the 742/760 family. You might find a Browning BLR used in that price range.

 

[MechAg94]

There used to be Vepr AKs in 308 under $600, but I don't think they are that cheap anymore.

 

[Lord Teapot]

build your own ar10, for not too much more than 600 you should be able to put the parts together.


http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-10.html

 

[Glockula]

The Israeli Mausers converted to .308 always had a cool factor to me, although I am not a fan of Mauser sights. They are not overly common. My father has an Ishapore and it is a decent shooter. My Savage 11 Trophy hunter in .308 is not unique or pretty but once I tightened all the screws it has driven tacks. All of these options are sub $600.

 

[Dean1818]

PTR91?

Its unique

 

[barnbwt]

Century has an inexpensive CETME 308 right now...there's a chance yours will work

TCB

 

[USAF_Vet]

Saw some Spanish Mausers in .308 for decent sub $300 cost. Also looking at single shot rifles like H&R. I'll have to look into those Israeli Mausers, too.

The idea of a lever action makes me smile, too.

 

[highpower]

A bit more than $600, I paid eight last year for this, but these are kind of unique and I love shooting mine.

 

[chicharrones]

I'd still like to get an FR8 myself someday.

 

[dogmush]

Semi auto:
You can get a C308 for that price. The internet rumor is that Century builds them OK.

Classic arms has a Zavasta M77 in .308 for $580

For unique, you could add another $400 and get a CMP .308 Garand.

There's whatever the hell this is. That'd be unique.

In bolt action and Milsurp there's a ton of options. This might be a "wander a few gun shows and see what catches your eye" kinda thing.

$750 will get you a new Gunsite Scout in .308. I still haven't seen a ton of those around here.

 

[Kaeto]

I want my dad's Savage 99C in .308.

 

[AK103K]

I'd still like to get an FR8 myself someday.

FR8's are great guns, although I wasnt all that hot on them at first. But my buddy who had a couple, was relentless, and Im glad he was.

I picked up a bunch of them back in the 90's for $100-140 each. I know they go for a bit more now, but they are well worth the money if you come across one.

 

[MechAg94]

PTR91?

Its unique

Agreed, but I think the going rate for new rifles is near $1000. I am not sure about used.

 

[Numeric]

Agreed, but I think the going rate for new rifles is near $1000. I am not sure about used.

I paid $909 for mine just a couple months ago. A bit out of OP's budget, but I can't resist showing it off. Very fun to shoot. I have seen a couple older Century CETME and a C91 rifles at a local shop for $600 or less.

The Spanish FR8 carbines are really handy and neat. I shot one and now I want one too.

The Chilean government converted a large number of their M1912 Mauser rifles to 7.62NATO. These are usually marked "Modelo 1912-61 NATO" on the receiver. You should avoid the older M1895 rifles converted to 7.62; they use a soldered-in chamber insert of questionable durability.

 

[MarkR]

I would second the recommendation for the Ishapore 2A1 SMLE. I also have a MAS 49/56 (that works!) that is fun to shoot.

 

[2ndtimer]

Savage 10T. Lots of rifle for the money. Under $600 before scope. Don't know about unique tho'.

I second the recommendation of the Savage 10T from Cabela's. It is priced at $599.00 but also offers a $100.00 mail in rebate through June 30, 2015. Not exactly unique, but if you agree with Col. Townsend Whelen that "only accurate rifles are interesting", then you will find the Savage 10T very interesting indeed.

 

[aegagner]

Picked up a Remington 600 in .308 for right around that a couple years ago; it's pretty unique and a great little carbine

 

[taliv]

i'm lost. you want unique and you're thinking CETME and remington??

if you want unique, get a thompson center/encore type pistol in 308 and put a sig brace on it and shoot 50g fb in sabots out of it

 

[SC Shooter]

As long as you don't mind looking at a used gun, you might want to try to find a Remington 7400. It's a great gun and you should be able to pick one up in good shape for around $450 give or take. The only issue is that the factory magazines are only three rounds. They make after market mags that are larger capacity, but the reviews are not good so I have stayed away from them. That being said, they are a nice inexpensive semi.