I’m seeking input for putting together my first bolt gun in 308. I’d like to focus on the gun before glass. Caliber selection is set. Primary use would be hunting deer, hogs, etc. shooting out to 300 yards at times. I’ll be carrying this rifle over some long hikes so I want to be weight conscious.
I already own a 308 suppressor that will be affixed to this rifle.
Is there a decent out of the box threaded rifle that I should look at?
Would I be better to order my parts and build myself?
What brands do we consider of rugged and reliable?
I’m new to bolt gun equipments please excuse my ignorance.
Budget sub $1000 for gun. I know glass is a different story.
The Ruger precision rifle is a great entry level rig, but probably too heavy if your planning on humping it alot for hunting. I’d take a look at some of the offerings from Tikka, or Howa. These are decent rifles and fit your budget. Remington was the way to fly years back, but they have fallen behind as far as quality.
Honestly, out to 300 Id look at ruger american ranch.
Other options to look at:
Bergara b14 ridge
Savage 110 apex
Tikka t3x lite compact, compact tactical
You want to stay away from “precision” rifles since they ussually weigh a few lb more. The Bergara HMR is advertised as a middle option but still comes in at 9lb. The American Hunter is 6lb. Anything with a chassis will be about 10lb or more.
I dont think you can build a value gun these days.
You want it to have a thin profile, yet threaded barrel? That will surely limit your options.
You can always get whatever rifle you want, and have the barrel threaded. Hanging a
suppressor off the end of a super light barrel isn’t overly common, but it can surely
be done.
A Bergara B-14 Ridge is available in 308 Win with a 22" threaded barrrel, with a weight of 7.9 pounds.
I’ve never handled one, nor known anybody that owns a Bergara, but they have a pretty good reputation.
It looks like dmd08 beat me to the recommendation.
Thin threaded barrel is tough for out of the box hunting rifles. But I would recommend the Browning Hell’s canyon speed in the 22" 308. Checks all your boxes and these rifles shoot very well from my experience. You can order a thread adaptor to go from the 13x.75 RH to 5/8x24 for your most common muzzle devices and or direct thread suppressor. The stock and texture is really awesome. Short throw bolt. Cerakote. Detachable mags. Threaded barrel. Fluited barrel. Light. Atacs camo. And they hammer.
I put this together this week after buying a 700ADL tactical. Its at 10.8lbs with bipod, sling and everything else. Its manageable and could be lightened with a better stock. So far it shoots good, starting load development this week. Dumped the trigger, stock and what not. Dropped in a BC stock, and pre-recall trigger, and floorplate.
