This is a discussion on Looking for advice on a new rifle. within the Defensive Rifles & Shotgun Discussion forums, part of the Related Topics category; I am looking for a .30 cal rifle, preferably a .308.
I have not made any decisions yet on whether I want a semi-auto, bolt ...
I am looking for a .30 cal rifle, preferably a .308.
I have not made any decisions yet on whether I want a semi-auto, bolt action or lever action. Nor have I made a decision on whether or not I want a removable box magazine. I do want Stainless Steel and I do want a synthetic stock. I “think” I want the ability to use either optics or iron sights. I would prefer not to spend more that $500, but I can go as high as $1000.00 if I think the rifle is worth it. I would also prefer a shorter barrel (18 – 20”) but will consider a longer barrel (24”) if the rifle is still “quick handling”.
My primary criterion are:
Reliability – must be reliable and durable – rough mountain terrain – it will need to be able to “take a lickin and keep on tickin”
Accuracy – Sub MOA is not necessary, however, I do want less than 2 MOA (I do not plan on using it beyond 300 yards, and probably not that far).
Weight – I would like something in the neighborhood of 7 lbs. Certainly no more than 8 lbs (I need to be able to carry this on a multi-day hunt).
I would appreciate any advise or recommendations. I am more of a pistol guy and do not have a wie range of exposure to rifles.
I used a Ruger M-77 in .308 for dear hunting for a number of years. It was very acurate and it did take a lickin. (Fell in some ice and snow covered rocks, both me and the Ruger took a preaty good spill with no damage to the Ruger. Me on the other hand.......).
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I had a Ruger M77 MkII bolt rifle in .223 - it was an excellent rifle. Sold it because I rarely had time to shoot it, and it was more of a plinker than a defensive rifle. I would second one in .308.
I also had a Saiga AK-style in .308. That was a dog. Trigger reset issues, and stove pipe jams. Sold it at a loss. The thing would not shoot anything resembling a shot group. Stay away from Saiga!
Yup.. this will be a field gun. It will spend enough time on the range for me to become proficient with it, then it will become my primary hunting rifle.
Yes, it would be used in a SHTF scenario, but it is not meant to be a self defense weapon (I have something else for that).
It basically needs to be reliable with “hunting accuracy” out to about 300 yards.
My price range is for the rifle itself and is not including the cost of optics or other accessories.
vietnamvet66,
The Ruger M77 looks interesting, what kind of accuracy should I expect from it?
Ruger M77 would be my choice, mostly because all of my hunting rifles have been them. first 30-06 and now a 7mm Rem Mag. Just killed a moose at 365 yards with the 7mm, uphill shot. Went all the way through, broke the front shoulder on the OPPOSITE side. :-) 308 is a good all around hunting choice. Good luck!
As far as your weight limit goes i think you're only going to find a bolt gun that light. I suggest going to a big gun store and holding (fondle ) multiple makers. pick up and shoulder a remington, a ruger, a Browning, a Winchester and a few other name brands. Work the bolt a few times on each one. The best rifle FOR YOU will jump out at you soon enough. I'm a Remington man myself. Good hunting.
I like Nikon scopes too. Great glass!
Last edited by atctimmy; September 1st, 2010 at 03:29 PM.
Reason: punctuation :(
Savage Model 16 with Stainless barrel & syn stock in .308 left handed is what I bought for my son. Check it out on the Savage website. I'm not exactly sure of the weight though. It has a ~22" barrel. It maybe what you are looking for. Hope this helps ya. BTW, I shoot a Ruger M77 in .308 that's about 35 years old.
Look at the Mini-G M1 Garand done by Shufflin Parkerizing. It takes the extremely dependable M1 and turns it into a bush/tactical rifle with a 16" barrel. Mine shoots great and is much more versatile after the conversion. I had him convert a CMP Garand for me. Was it Townsend Whelen that said that a 30-06 is never a mistake?
OP - I have a target on my safe that I shot with my Ruger M77 Mk II in .223 - five shot group, using cheapo ammo from Wal mart, at just over 1 inch. That was with a hot barrel - and the barrels on those are not free floated, IIRC.
For hunting, at a reasonable price, I think the Ruger is a good choice. I also like the Ruger scope rings...very solid mount. And I will also say that Ruger's customer service is great!
"The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us." Patrick Henry 1775
I had a Ruger M77 MkII bolt rifle in .223 - it was an excellent rifle. Sold it because I rarely had time to shoot it, and it was more of a plinker than a defensive rifle. I would second one in .308.
I also had a Saiga AK-style in .308. That was a dog. Trigger reset issues, and stove pipe jams. Sold it at a loss. The thing would not shoot anything resembling a shot group. Stay away from Saiga!
Sorry to hear of your Saiga problems, I have no such issues with mine.
If hunting is the primary use, take a look at the Savage Weather Warrior series with the Accutrigger. They have a reputation for stellar accuracy right out of the box
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) multiple makers. pick up and shoulder a remington, a ruger, a Browning, a Winchester and a few other name brands. Work the bolt a few times on each one. The best rifle FOR YOU will jump out at you soon enough. I'm a Remington man myself. Good hunting. 
Originally Posted by 10thmtn
