Sort me out on bolt action .308 build

[bikepharmer]

I am "conflicted" on how to approach my .308 long range target build in the 600-800 yard range. I am planning on a Savage FP10 base for the build as I like the accutrigger. Uses is 95% target, maybe 5% hunting (and then minimal walking/hiking).

Option 1 is to buy a base model FP10 for $400-500, and add a decent (not premium) stock (thinking choate or bell&carlson). Shoot the factory contour barrel for a while and then rebarrel with a heavy barrel.

Option 2 is to spend a bit more ($800 or so) and get the Savage with a heavy barrel, but probably still replace the stock. I am not a fan of the HS Precision stocks (ergos don't agree with me), so something like the Fp-K might work.

I like the open style (e.g. "sniper") stocks, mainly for the ergonomics (pistol grip). I am far from a sniper, but am interested in improving my long range skills.

I am not sure whether to get a threaded barrel or not. Might be nice to have the option for either a suppressor or muzzle brake--comments welcome.

So, is it worth it to spend more and get the threaded heavy barrel right off the bat, or go with the cheaper version and shoot it for a while before upgrading?

 

[taliv]

in 308, get the barrel threaded. you'll probably get 8000 rnds of barrel life so it will last a while.

skip the choate. B&C is not bad, but not a macmillan or manners either. it's a decent value
i'm also not a fan of the HS Precision stocks

 

[Zen Archery]

My rule: accurate shots at extended ranges require more money. Whatever you are looking to spend on rifle be willing to spend same amount in glass.

 

[RatDrall]

So, is it worth it to spend more and get the threaded heavy barrel right off the bat, or go with the cheaper version and shoot it for a while before upgrading?

Just spend the extra money. If you can afford to shoot centerfire enough to get good at it, you can afford a $300 premium for a better barrel.

Take a look at the Savage 10 Precision Carbine, the stocks they come with are injection molded, but they actually free float the barrel. It comes with the heavy, threaded 20" barrel (plenty for .308) and has a detachable magazine. They cost less than $700 the last time I checked.

 

[bikepharmer]

20" barrel enough?

I was planning on a 22-26" barrel based on my research, but maybe the 20" would work. I'll take a look at the rifle you mention.

Any more stock suggestions that have a pistol-style grip (think AR-ish, but with a decent area for cheek weld). I hunted around on the net for a while, and while there are plenty of thumbhole and varmit style, I have not found anything yet that has the "open" style stock, other than Choate (which seems to have mixed reviews).

 

[pdd614]

A couple chassis options.
http://www.pdccustom.com/
http://www.xlrindustries.com/

 

[Edarnold]

I got a Savage 10FP back when they first came out. It has worn a Choate Ultimate Varminter stock since shortly after I got it, which has proved completely satisfactory. Unless somebody has an actual concrete reason for excluding the Choate, I'd keep it on the list. Kind of like a pickup truck: no snob factor like driving a Lexus, but it gets the job done

IMHO

 

[Txhillbilly]

I have 2 Choate tactical stocks,and have always been very pleased with them.
While they aren't as nice as a Manners or McMillan,they work just as well.

The main reason I use Choate is no other stock maker carries them in LH,and the wait for one to get built from the others is always a long wait.
For the price,Choate has a very good product and I can buy 3 of them for what a Manners or McMillan cost,and have them delivered in a couple days not months.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Depending on your current skill level, a factory firearm may be adequate for your needs and the money may be better spent on training and bullets. Just a thought. Many factory firearms these days will get you around 1 Moa. A recent issue of field and stream magazie did a pretty good review of firearms in your budget range and how accurate they were. Worth reading before spending money.

 

[browningguy]

If you are going to limit to 600-800 yards then a 20" barrel will be ok, but I would still go longer, a 26-28" wouldn't be out of place and every little bit of velocity helps. If you are shooting something like short range benchrest (100-200 yards) then a 20" would definitly be best.

 

[aacider85]

Todd Hodnett accurately shoots a .308 at a mile accurately with a 20" barrel and recommends that as the ideal length. He also says that if you feel like you have to go longer than 20" then go all the way to 26".

If you don't know who Todd Hodnett is: he is a senior adviser to all the branches of the armed forces sniper schools, was the instructor on the Magpull "Art of the Precision Rifle" DVD (which is 10 hours of amazing), and runs http://www.accuracy1st.com/