Recommendation on .308 rifles for target shooting?

[thexman]

Wonder the experts here may be able to share their experiences to provide some recommendations for a precision/target shooting rifle, please?

Looking for a good quality .308 but not break the bank account. Budget is around 1800-2000 just for the rifle, if it’s a really good one and able to get spare factory barrel may consider to spend more.
Preferably having those tactical looking one so I could easily mounting bipod and accessories on the m-lok hand guard.
Foldable stock if possible.
Easy to get spare barrels if the factory sells them. I know tikka and sako don’t sell barrel separately, but AI does, if i have the money will get an AI eventually.

Not consider to build my own at this stage. So only stock rifle from manufacturers.

Any input is appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[MACHTECH]

One of the most accurate .308's I've owned was an AI AE mkII. It was within your budget as well.

 

[acudaowner]

i am loving my rpr in 308 knowing its not a really expensive gun at only 1k it works well enough for me to learn on and have fun . And if you want tons of upgrades there are quite a few out there .

 

[thexman]

One of the most accurate .308's I've owned was an AI AE mkII. It was within your budget as well.

Do they still make this and sell it? Didn't notice it from the AI website.

 

[thexman]

i am loving my rpr in 308 knowing its not a really expensive gun at only 1k it works well enough for me to learn on and have fun . And if you want tons of upgrades there are quite a few out there .

Yeah, I was thinking about the latest generation of RPR. For a 308, nothing can go really wrong with a Rugar. Shooter is more important I guess.

 

[MACHTECH]

Do they still make this and sell it? Didn't notice it from the AI website.

No, you have to watch the for sale section. They show up on there from time to time.

 

[acudaowner]

i like my rpr package i got its not what i wanted i looked at the ai and the barrett and either i could get one of the two then settle on cheaper glass or i save on the rifle and get much nicer glass that i could switch to a better gun in the future if i needed . I went that route , I do have things I could be happier with rpr like the buttstock always comming loose on me but its always shot nice for me so i just tighten it back up and move on . mine is pretty much stock i liked the 2lb trigger so had no reason to upgrade so far and the barrel only has 4k rounds through it so hopping it lasts another 4k . Saw barrel upgrades only 400+ a few maybe from a few places if ever i have that urge .

 

[clrems77]

Im selling a brand new Masterpiece Arms Bolt action in .308. Falls within your budget and comes with a half moa guarantee.

https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...mpa-ba-308-trades-added.6938048/#post-7722726

 

[SAMR]

Im selling a brand new Masterpiece Arms Bolt action in .308. Falls within your budget and comes with a half moa guarantee.

https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...mpa-ba-308-trades-added.6938048/#post-7722726

Very nice and that would check the boxes for the OP, but I really would have like have seen that listing before I started my current build project.

 

[roamin]

MPA BA PMR Rifle - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.

Masterpiece Arms builds World Class Rifles. We start with our industry leading Chassis System, utilize the Best Actions and Triggers produced, and a 416R SS Handlapped Barrels provide some the best shooting, most accurate rifles in existence. Designed, Built and Enhanced by Long Range Shooters...

masterpiecearms.com

 

[Kickin45]

One of the most accurate .308's I've owned was an AI AE mkII. It was within your budget as well.

I’ve never seen an AIAE MKII for $1800

 

[Primus]

Find you a nice used FN SPR in whatever config you want. You will most likely never outshoot the barrel. Great deals out there to be had on nice a3m or a5.

But the truth is buying a .308 is like buying a 8 track. There is zero reason to handicap yourself when you could get a much better chambering that will cost the same to shoot.

 

[Primus]

Yeah, I was thinking about the latest generation of RPR. For a 308, nothing can go really wrong with a Rugar. Shooter is more important I guess.

Nothing can go wrong on the Ruger? L o L

 

[thexman]

Find you a nice used FN SPR in whatever config you want. You will most likely never outshoot the barrel. Great deals out there to be had on nice a3m or a5.

But the truth is buying a .308 is like buying a 8 track. There is zero reason to handicap yourself when you could get a much better chambering that will cost the same to shoot.

Thanks for your advise.

One of the reason I pick .308 is because it's long barrel life and due to its long history and popularity, cheaper for the ammo.

I have a 6.5 Creedmoor, but I just thought the 308 will give me more chance to learn on reading ballistics, trajectory and wind etc. during the shooting as a good learning experience.

Are you suggesting anything particular?

 

[thexman]

Nothing can go wrong on the Ruger? L o L

For sure, it is not a top of the line precision rifle, but for me, I guess it may be enough for a while.

I reckon after I skill up myself, would get some better gears or built my own one.

 

[cageli]

Ssg 3000, AI AE would be my picks. RPR is a hit or miss until you change to premium barrel.

 

[Primus]

Thanks for your advise.

One of the reason I pick .308 is because it's long barrel life and due to its long history and popularity, cheaper for the ammo.

I have a 6.5 Creedmoor, but I just thought the 308 will give me more chance to learn on reading ballistics, trajectory and wind etc. during the shooting as a good learning experience.

Are you suggesting anything particular?

How many rounds do you shoot a year? How much does 8000 rounds of .308 or 3000 rounds of 6.5cm cost. cheap match ammo is $1/rn. By the time you shoot out a barrel you will have spent at least $3k and much more in range fees,ect. Ammo is the same price which means there is zero reason to go .308. for someone not shooting 5k rounds a year, burning a barrel out is irrelevant unless you shoot some crazy wildcat barrel burner.

It would be like buying a car without power steering with the thought it will make you a better driver.

 

[thexman]

How many rounds do you shoot a year? How much does 8000 rounds of .308 or 3000 rounds of 6.5cm cost. cheap match ammo is $1/rn. By the time you shoot out a barrel you will have spent at least $3k and much more in range fees,ect. Ammo is the same price which means there is zero reason to go .308. for someone not shooting 5k rounds a year, burning a barrel out is irrelevant unless you shoot some crazy wildcat barrel burner.

It would be like buying a car without power steering with the thought it will make you a better driver.

So stay with 6.5Creedmoor or getting something similar?

 

[Primus]

You said you already have a 6.5 right? How's it setup? What ya got

 

[thexman]

You said you already have a 6.5 right? How's it setup? What ya got

Yes, got a Tikka in 6.5creedmoor, just installed the PVA prefit barrel and sight in the scope today.

Everything factory except the barrel. But notice the threaded PVA Tikka Prefit Barrel Nut barrel couldn't get the factory muzzle brake installed to the right location. The holes supposes to be at position at left and right, but with PVA barrel it goes to somewhere around 45degree diagonally, if loose a little bit, it won't get fixed. Not sure if it is a gunsmith issue during installation or the manufacturer.

 

[mcc308]

Hard to beat the r.p.r for the money.

 

[mahiman]

FN SPR 308 vote here!!!

 

[thexman]

FN SPR 308 vote here!!!

How could I miss FN. Thank you.

 

[thexman]

Wonder anyone had any experience with Bergara B14 BMP or LRP and Christensen Arms MPR?

I know the price one is about 30% cheaper, the other is about 20-30% dearer. Just want to see people had experience with these brands and how they like or dis-like their rifles.

 

[mahiman]

I have an SPR A1 with an Nightforce 5/22/56. At the range if I do my part it is a sub 1/2 moa rifle. That is with Fed Amax’s 168’s.

It is my hunting rifle.