Best accurate rifle that won't break the bank?

[Major PITA]

I've been thinking about buying an all-around super-accurate semi-auto or bolt action rifle, preferably in .308.

I'm becoming more and more interested in hiking and hunting and less interested in assault rifles, but I'm not too familiar with bolt action rifles. All I know is I want something accurate, light, and robust.

I lean toward a Mauser controlled-feed action, but I'll consider others. I understand the Remington model 700 and Savage model 110 series are both accurate rifles, especially in their heavier barrelled versions. I've also heard that any rifle equipped with the BOSS system can be made accurate with just about any ammo.

Any suggestions? I don't mind spending most of a Grand for a good all-around rifle, but I'm hesitant to spend more than about $1,500 for an Armalite AR-10.
Is that rifle even worth it?

I'd like my new rifle to be capable of at least MOA without having to be virtually rebuilt by a gunsmith and yet not break the bank.

What do you guys have experience with? Am I asking too much?

[ScottD]

They are all a crap shoot. What I mean by that is that unless you have one handmade and even then it is a toss of the dice. The reason is that there are too many variables in manufacturing methods, though CNC technology has eliminated some of these problems, it is still made by humans.

The BOSS does "tune" the barrel to the load and in that sense it helps eliminate a lot of the errors attributed to manufacturing. I do own a rifle with the BOSS and it does shoot one hole groups with five shots at 100yds, but it is a smaller caliber that is inheritly accurate to begin with.

So knowing that I don't believe you can go wrong with a Winchester or Browning with the BOSS.

By the way there is nothing wrong with Remington's extractor. Don't get hung up on the Mauser extractor system, many accurate rifles do not have it.

[ScottD]

Oh by the way welcome aboard.

[Major PITA]

Thanks. I remember visiting this forum several months ago, but I think the screen appearance is vastly different than it was back then, or am I confusing this forum with another one?

[ScottD]

It has recently changed format, but it the same bunch of good guys.

[jerry]

I'm very happy with my Rem Model 700 in .308. For more rugged use, may want to go with the synthetic stock. Savage is good too. As well as Winchester mod 70. There are some foreign guns that are good as well. I have no experience with them.

http://www.savagearms.com/10fm.htm

http://www.savagearms.com/11f.htm

http://www.remington.com/firearms/centerfire/M7_LS.htm

http://www.remington.com/firearms/centerfire/fi_710.htm (no .308 yet)

http://www.remington.com/firearms/ce...e/700adsyn.htm

[SilverRun]

I own several Brownings and a Savage. All shoot very well. For the money it is kinda hard to beat the Savage. They are usually not great on looks, but they sure do shoot! Ruger makes a good looking rifle as well, although I have never shoot one. I have been admiring a laminate stock version in their new brushed stainless.

I believe it is hard to go wrong with any of the major brands - Like Scott said "It is a crap shoot" when it comes to individual rifles. I have been fortunate in that all my rifles are more accurate than I am.

By the way, please don't overlook the Browning BAR. I have one in 30-06 that is more accurate than most factory bolt actions. Great Gun!

Good Luck

[TScottW99]

Tikka!!! Sounds like what you need. Very smooth action, adjustable trigger and just plain beats the $500 American rifles. Plus a guarnteed 1" at 100 yards.

[lefty o]

for the money id go with a savage 308 then spend the rest of the thousand on the best scope you can afford.

[BattleRifleG3]

The AR-10 is great for pretty much everything. You can definitely get a new one for under $1500 if you shop around, and can probably fit a scope in that budget.

For bolt guns, Savage is good, Remington is great, and all can be had for under $1000 including a scope. If weight is not an issue, I'd go with a long heavy barrel. If weight is an issue, I think Savage offers better low weight options, and includes a low priced detachable mag version if that suits you. Remington may also have good options, check out Weatherby as well, possibly even Winchester. Tikka, Ruger, heck there's a zillion of them that all fit your budget.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with!

[toolman]

You beat me to it BRG3, I was going to point out the Weatherby Vanguard as well. I don't like it being made in Japan but they are very accurate and reliable. I really like the Tikka T-3 but am probably going to buy a Savage "package" gun due to price and reputation. Welcome to the jungle MAJOR PITA!

[colt45]

yep, another vote for tika here.

[Shaun]

I have a Rem 700 VSSF that was a tack driver out of the box -- and after almost 10 years its still shooting subminute at a 1000

[SPOCAHP ANAR]

Major Pita check your INBOX I am going to hook you up.

[jerry]

Major PITA. Ha! I just now got it! Genious! I love the name! :right:

[Jay A.]

<quote>yep, another vote for tikka here.</quote>
me too.

[Oxford]

Gotta give my Rem 700 BDL in 30-06 a strong vote with a 3x9x40 Leopold scope for around $1k or less.

...and welcome aboard G&G...but don't blink because our format may change again overnight.

[Major PITA]

I think I have in mind what I want...

But I'm going to wait until I do some more research before I spill the beans, plus, that leaves more for me, Bwahahahahahahahaha!

Watch this thread for an update--it's a pricey rifle but it has EVERYTHING I want except light weight.

If I buy it, I'll jump back in and add a reply to this thread, or maybe just watch the forum for a review of my "super duper secret rifle."

[Major PITA]

Argh!

I just went to the link and the fine print says they're not taking any more orders pending introduction of a new model.

Here WAS my baby:

http://www.fulton-armory.com/PoliceRifle.htm

[BattleRifleG3]

I would love such a thing but with a McMillan Stock. In fact, though I'd have to try both actions, I'd probably go for a Remington over it.