Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

J

Johnson184

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 12, 2008
184
13
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
#1
I've got a total of around $4000 saved up for my first precision rifle setup. I plan on spending about $2200-$2400 on an optic... preferably a USO.

That leaves around $1500 for the rifle. I was thinking a Remington 700P would be a pretty good rifle to start off with, but what rifle would you guys suggest? I'm keen to get something built on a Remington 700 platform, but it isn't a requirement.

Oh, and I also have 400 rounds of 168gr .308 FGMM set aside from a previous deal.



...edit.
Decided I'm going to go and sell a Glock 19 (Now I have just 1 which is really all I need)
What would you guys do with a $1500 budget for a rifle?
 
#2
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle...

Remington LTR, SPS Tactical, or PSS. The sps tactical would run you around 550-600ish and then you could sell the Hogue stock thats on it for 65-75 bucks then have round 350 ish for a stock wether it be a HS Precision, Bell and Carlson, or the Choate Tactical.
 
#3
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

700P would be good. If you can find a really good deal on one, you'd be able to get a B&C stock with that $1000 too.

Tikka T3 tactical would also be a good choice.

Edit: Deadly beat me to it
 
#4
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

My advice for you to achieve maximum bang:buck ratio is to get yourself a bedpan and get comfortable on the FS forums.

I think we have all seen some nice rifles go for very reasonable price on there.
 
#6
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

hey man im doing the same thing, got myself a nice sps-v on here about 2 weeks ago, and im going from there, gonna be selling the stock which is a HS precision and putting a mcmillian on it, i would go with a remy because there are so many parts and options out there for them and they dont really lose their value to much. waldo is right get some time and hunt the fs section for some deals.
 
#8
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deadly0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Remington LTR, SPS Tactical, or PSS. The sps tactical would run you around 550-600ish and then you could sell the Hogue stock thats on it for 65-75 bucks then have round 350 ish for a stock wether it be a HS Precision, Bell and Carlson, or the Choate Tactical. </div></div>

Exactly. Or when you get it you can decide to just shoot it as is and save up a bit more for a McM or Manners later. Either way, best way to spend $1000 on a rifle while flushing as little as possible down the toilet if/when you want something better later on. A R700 can always be updated.
 
#9
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

I edited my first post/topic title. I was thinking about selling one of my Glocks since I almost never fire it anyways. I will definitely spend at least $1000 on a rifle and am considering putting the new money towards my rifle purchase so I'm thinking I'll have around $1500 to spend now.
 
#10
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

Dont forget to chek out FN'S SPR line. $1,100 to $2,800.

Most have the McMillian stocks as well. Worth looking into.
 
#11
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

if your jumping up into the 1500 range, check out the Remington 700 5R Milspec, or cruise the classifieds, you can find some smoking deals from time to time
 
#13
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

rem 700 sps, badger 20 moa base, burris tactical rings, super sniper 10x, harris 6-9 swivel notched legs, tab sling tab rear bag, shop around for the best deal on the rifle, rings and scope from SWFA, everything else from TiadTactical
 
#14
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

I like your idea, spend most money of scope and ammo. Then shoot the hell out of the rifle. After a few years you can spend more on the stock, trigger, barrel and keep the scope. Don't overlook the NF F1 scope and it will fit you budget on the scope.
 
#15
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

I'm gonna say Savage 10FCP. This one was my first purchase and I am very pleased with it. This model already comes with the mcmillan stock, and has an accutrigger which is nice. I don't think I'll ever get rid of this thing. Consider the Savage, you won't be dissapointed.

IMG_1451.jpg
 
#17
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

I'll third the Savage...I have the 10FP LE2B with the Mcmillan stock and a Nightforce 5.5-22x50.Hammers, looks good,not a ton of money.Lots leftover for ammo and practice...
 
#18
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

I would go with the rem 5R, or the savage 10fp now that you have a little more money, the rem you can update the stock later on, or the savage already has a mcmillan. Either way you will have a nice stick that can keep up with your USO.
 
#19
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

If I were to spend $1500, right now, considering everything I have learned, I would buy a Rem 700P, put it in an AICS and chop the barrel while threading a muzzle brake.

You really have to try a few different stocks to find out what you like the best. I have been through just about everything. I found that the Mcmillan style does not fit me. I like the AICS, but not everyone does.

It would be advantagious to go to a competition or shoot and try some diferent stocks. Either way I would stick with the Rem 700 for the most stock options.
 
#20
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

Thanks for all the advice thus far.

As intriguing as the Savage is, I'd still prefer to go the Rem700 route.

I'm very interested in the AICS 1.5 stocks. They seem to go for about $800, but I like how they don't require bedding. I was thinking about getting a Stainless SPS tactical and swapping the stocks. If I don't like the AICS, I could just sell it for similar value.

Is there a big difference between the stainless SPS action/barrel and the Remington 700 5R's?

lol... at this rate... I'm going to end up with custom actions/barrels. :X
 
#21
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

I had a AICS, I shot 20 rounds and sold it, but since going to Rifles Only, trigger school and shooting CKA 260 I really see the beauty of the chassis, I'm getting one for my next stick, sign up for the online training.

As for Savages v Rem 700
almost every custom action is based on Rem 700
the aftermarket is ladden with Rem 700 stuff
the Rem 700 is KISS

Savage has a good trigger out of the box
Savage has an easy to change barrel
 
#22
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

Savage 10FCP McMillan for 1000.

Great shooter out of the box
Great Stock (McMillan A-5)
1:10" barrel to stabilize any .30 bullet you'd use in a .308
DBM that will allow up to 2.980" OAL and feed from mag
Accutrigger

And of course, all of the other things that make a Savage great, like the barrel nut.
 
#24
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

Out of the box 5R, SWFA Super Sniper 10x42 or 16x42. SWFA has lots of mounts, rings at a great price. Lot of gun for the money. Stainless steel, HS Precision stock, and shoot extremely well with no mods. You got ammo, shoot the barrel out and have fun. A great platform to build off of.
 
#25
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

I have owned several different rifles from different manufacturers. Every single rifle (including my Howa) that I have bought cost more than my Savage that I have now. Every other rifle I have ever owned, I have done various modifications to them to get them to shoot how I wanted. Right out of the box, my Savage 10FPLE shot better than my Remington, Winchester, or my FN-SPR.

I shot a friend of mines Stevens 200, and I was pleasantly surprised with the accuracy... and it is considered by many to be nothing more than a starter rifle. I beg to differ.

I am now, and will continue to be a Savage owner... hands down.

DK
 
#26
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

I would get an FN SPR or look for one in the classifieds.

Just do yourself a favor and avoid the Remington 700 right now. You're getting premium glass; might as well get a premium rifle to go with it.
 
#27
Re: Budget of around $1500 for my first .308 rifle

I also vote the Savage 10. The one that comes with the McMillian A5 is a steal at 1000 and is one of the best out of box rifles you can get. When you burn the barrel out down the line you can save few extra bucks swapping it yourself. When it comes to "bang" for the buck savage is where its at. But if money is no option every other suggestion will suit you just the same.
 
#29
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wheres-Waldo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My advice for you to achieve maximum bang:buck ratio is to get yourself a bedpan and get comfortable on the FS forums.

I think we have all seen some nice rifles go for very reasonable price on there. </div></div>
+1
this is the real answer. Most of the high-end tactical rifles are so similar they could be twins. Decide on your caliber, research different custom actions, then wait for the right rifle to appear for sale. This will be much quicker than building a custom rifle from scratch and you'll save a chunk of change as well.

If you want to go cheaper than a used custom, buy a used factory rifle and put a top-flight custom barrel on it. That is all you really need to have a shooter. Heck most good factory guns shoot 1MOA anyway....now why did I spend all that money on my custom rig?
 
#30
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

Savage 10, preferably either the McMillan or HS stock, or one of the models with the accu-stock.

If you go with HS or the accustock, you might need to install a Karsten cheekpiece, I dont have experience on the McMillan version so can't comment in regards to that.

The beauty of the Savage is you can literally switch calibers on your own with only the cost of the other barrel, or replacement bolt head to match the case if the caliber you are switching to is a different size.

There are many higher end aftermarket parts becoming available for Savages.

It's just the best bang for buck and retains usefulness well into the future without the need to take it to a smith.
 
#31
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scooter-PIE</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wheres-Waldo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My advice for you to achieve maximum bang:buck ratio is to get yourself a bedpan and get comfortable on the FS forums.

I think we have all seen some nice rifles go for very reasonable price on there. </div></div>
+1
this is the real answer. Most of the high-end tactical rifles are so similar they could be twins. Decide on your caliber, research different custom actions, then wait for the right rifle to appear for sale. This will be much quicker than building a custom rifle from scratch and you'll save a chunk of change as well.

If you want to go cheaper than a used custom, buy a used factory rifle and put a top-flight custom barrel on it. That is all you really need to have a shooter. Heck most good factory guns shoot 1MOA anyway....now why did I spend all that money on my custom rig? </div></div>

+1. A nice used custom is probably the best way to go, and there are plenty here on the FS Forum if you watch it. That's what I did this past summer, and I got a nice used Rem 700-based custom .308 that is an absolute tackdriver (and it was in your price range)...YMMV.

K
 
#32
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

Have you checked the 2009 Savage 10FCP-K ? Accu-trigger&stock, fluted barrel, muzzle brake and DBM. @ $900.

I ordered one in .223 last week and saw the .308 on their rack.

It's an excellent looking "out of the box" tactical rifle. Add a good base, rings and glass and I think it would be hard to beat.
 
#33
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

Johnson184, I know that a lot of folks here on the forum really emphasis spending a lot of money on quality glass, but with a $4000 budget, I would be leaning towards a quality entry level rifle from someone like GAP, or as menitoned above buy a quality used rifle from someone here on the forum. That still leaves quite a few bucks to buy a Leupy or Nightforce or IOR. I know that I have probably opened up a can of worms, but when I am at the range I am looking at the rifles first the glass second, and its nice to have a rifle that you know can deliver.
 
#35
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

Slight update...
paid for a used 5-25x PH from the for sale forums here.

I was almost committed to getting an AICS 1.5 and placing a Remington 700 5-R in there. After all is said and done... it'd be about $1500.

But I've been told to save some cash and look at the Bell and Carlson Tactical Medalist A5 stock as it's very similar to the McMillan A5 for cheaper and without the 6 month wait.

I was thinking about getting a SPS Tactical and selling the stock (Roughly $500), getting a B&C A5 (Roughly $400), getting the action/bolt trued ($250), and then getting it all bedded ($200). So the total would be about $1400.

Would the SPS Tactical with custom work shoot much better than the factory 5R in an AICS?
 
#36
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Johnson184</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Slight update...
paid for a used 5-25x PH from the for sale forums here.

I was almost committed to getting an AICS 1.5 and placing a Remington 700 5-R in there. After all is said and done... it'd be about $1500.

But I've been told to save some cash and look at the Bell and Carlson Tactical Medalist A5 stock as it's very similar to the McMillan A5 for cheaper and without the 6 month wait.

I was thinking about getting a SPS Tactical and selling the stock (Roughly $500), getting a B&C A5 (Roughly $400), getting the action/bolt trued ($250), and then getting it all bedded ($200). So the total would be about $1400.

Would the SPS Tactical with custom work shoot much better than the factory 5R in an AICS? </div></div>

If your handloading then yes. You may look at the LTR's and the XCR's too. Now that Ive owned a 20inch I would probably opt for a 22 or 24inch barrel fluted though. The SPS's are pretty hard to beat. Whatever you do dont opt out Savage either. They have come along way and many are starting to say they are probably the most accurate out of the box rifle.
 
#37
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

I vote 700 5r dressed in a mcmillan a5 bdl to start but eventually some dbm of your choice. if you can afford it buy a jewell hvr for it you won't regret it. just have smith of your choice put on bolt knob of your choice and you will be ready to rock.

i think a cheaper route that would be just as accurate would be a tikka tactical, yes the stock is plastic but it is fully adjustable, smooth action, muzzle brake available, and damn they shoot awesome. downer is the aftermarket parts, but on the bright side manners now makes a stock and I don't know what else you would need.
 
#38
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

That's easy:
Remington 700P or 5R
Get it tuned up(action trued, etc) and bed the stock and shoot it until you have tried other stocks. A USO SN or ST series scope(SN3's kick ass!) with a set of USO's MkIII rings on a USO Base and you will be straight, and all in a one stop shop trip.

I have both the MCMillan A5, and AI stocks on my rifles. The AI is butt ugly and looked really uncomfortable when I first saw it, then I shot it. Nice! I love my PSS/A5 and I love my GAP/AI but that GAP AI will shoot small groups all around my PSS if I do my part long after 40 rounds. The PSS, well she stays tight, but after about 40 she opens up a wee bit to between 3/4 and 1 MOA out farther.

But do yourself a bug facor, spend the money tuning the rifle's action etc and shoot it in the oem stock. When you get ral good at shooting the rifle, you will have hopefully hooked up with other Hide members and shot other stocks to see what you like. By then, you will be ready for a new stock, and a new custom barrel.

That is the course I was going to take when I got my PSS way back when, and things kind of fell into my lap from some really cool people here. The best way I have foun to thank them is to do what I can to bring interest into our sport at my local range. My rifles tend to get a lot of looks and questions, and I always make the offer to teach a few people how to shoot it. When they feel that Kelly McMillan Special A5, and look through that USO glass, I cannot help but stand back, smile, and keep thanking whatever it was that brought me here.
 
#39
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

Just wondering... is the barrel quality for a 700P or 5-R far superior to that of a SPS Tactical? (Like comparing match barrel to regular?)
 
#40
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

Go with the sps-v and a NSX 3.5x15x50 or 56 with good quality base and rings will run you 2000 to 2300. Then get any stock you want like a manners or whatever. This way you can customize as you go. This is what I am doing. Good luck and post pic when you get your setup.
 
#41
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's easy:
Remington 700P or 5R
Get it tuned up(action trued, etc) and bed the stock and shoot it until you have tried other stocks. A USO SN or ST series scope(SN3's kick ass!) with a set of USO's MkIII rings on a USO Base and you will be straight, and all in a one stop shop trip.

I have both the MCMillan A5, and AI stocks on my rifles. The AI is butt ugly and looked really uncomfortable when I first saw it, then I shot it. Nice! I love my PSS/A5 and I love my GAP/AI but that GAP AI will shoot small groups all around my PSS if I do my part long after 40 rounds. The PSS, well she stays tight, but after about 40 she opens up a wee bit to between 3/4 and 1 MOA out farther.

But do yourself a bug facor, spend the money tuning the rifle's action etc and shoot it in the oem stock. When you get ral good at shooting the rifle, you will have hopefully hooked up with other Hide members and shot other stocks to see what you like. By then, you will be ready for a new stock, and a new custom barrel.

That is the course I was going to take when I got my PSS way back when, and things kind of fell into my lap from some really cool people here. The best way I have foun to thank them is to do what I can to bring interest into our sport at my local range. My rifles tend to get a lot of looks and questions, and I always make the offer to teach a few people how to shoot it. When they feel that Kelly McMillan Special A5, and look through that USO glass, I cannot help but stand back, smile, and keep thanking whatever it was that brought me here. </div></div>


Hmm, so it's better to true/bed a factory Remington 700P or 5R than to do the same to a SPS Tactical in a B&C or AICS stock?
 
#42
Re: Budget of around $1000 for my first .308 rifle

Not completely sure on the P or 5R but I know the 5R is a mil-spec barrel and I think a tighter chamber. I own a SPS-V 20inch with a A5 Choate Tac Stock and shoot quarter inch groups all day. My action is not trued and my stock is not bedded which is unnecessary with the Vblock.$600 for the rifle, $180 for the stock and $800 for the Sightron SIII I just put on it. I have a hard time justifing buyin a $500 stock or more and truing the action when it shoots the way it does already. Trigger time and handloading is worth its weight in gold.
 
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