308 choices

[Dezzmond]

Thanks for all the replies. Seems T3 wins majority of votes. I had a T3 Lite in my 223 which was good tbf.
No mention of the CZ? My .17 is a CZ and I like that.
I think for me I am just after something reliable and bomb proof.
Out of my list the Benelli and the Mauser are my favourites. But I am drawn to the M12 more so than the M25.
I will certainly take a look at the T3 also now. Seems everyone’s favourite.

 

[SimpleSimon]

Have you tried the alternative grip that's available? Not used on myself but may be worth a look?

@Brad93 I have the "vertical pistol grip" on both my Tikkas now, it doesn't look like much but it's significantly different in the hand. I bought a Super Varmint which came with it as standard, and straight away having tried it I swapped the grip on my other T3x to match

 

[Jagged77]

Personally I’d pick up one of those Bartlien barrels for sale right now and get one of the excellent smiths here to put it on a blueprinted Rem 700 action. Take your pick of stocks.

 

[Ginc]

I recommend Tikka T3x LITE ROUGHTECH EMBER.

 

[Brad93]

@Brad93 I have the "vertical pistol grip" on both my Tikkas now, it doesn't look like much but it's significantly different in the hand. I bought a Super Varmint which came with it as standard, and straight away having tried it I swapped the grip on my other T3x to match

I'll give it a go for £20! Cheers

 

[jthyttin]

No mention of the CZ?

After the change in ownership, (new) CZ prices went through the roof and are not the value they used to be. Also they've outphased the old models, and it's anybody's guess whether you get OEM spare parts for those.

 

[PostmanPat]

I bought a Bergara extreme hunter and its impressive for the money. Shoots 0.75 inch groups with factory ammo. Stock feels very solid. Stainless steel and cerekote. Fluting on the bolt and barrel.

I've used friends Tikka and Sako. Liked both. Only thing that led me to the Bergara is the entry level stocks on Tikka are awful in comparison and to get one with a nice stock and cerekote was more than twice the money.

 

[Simon NZ]

Xbolt, Action length actually matches the calibre only thing is if you are using round nosed 180's which is really what a 308 is all about smack down and on the lands, you need to dremel the mag to fit them. Not a biggy.

 

[Bo Diddley]

Just buy a new Tikka... any new Tikka, you can thank us all later

 

[Toohey]

Have you tried the alternative grip that's available? Not used on myself but may be worth a look?

I have changed my T3X to the more vertical grip and it makes a big difference -there is also a choice of textures IIRC, i think i went for the softer feeling one, nice upgrade for little outlay.

 

[C&K Suffolk]

Hi. Looking for opinions please.
I recently got my variation for my .308 and foolishly raced out to get the first one I thought was ok which was a Savage Arms Axis, I mounted my scope and zeroed it in.
But after going out a few times I found that it just doesn’t feel or fit right. So I have decided to change up.
So I have narrowed a few rifles I am drawn to and after a recent visit to the Stalking Show and trying a few I have narrowed a few down but I wanted to see options/experiences please.
I shoot deer all over and my syndicate in Scotland is starting to get Boar so looking for a good all rounder, new but don’t want to break the bank.

Option 1. CZ 600 either Ergo or Varmint
Option 2. Benelli Lupo
Option 3. Sauer 100XT
Option 4. Mauser either M12 or M25 straight pull
Option 5. Browning X bolt 2 Nordic

I have a scope I like already which can be mounted.

Thanks in advance

Darren

Go Sauer or Mauser

 

[longrange]

Hi. Looking for opinions please.
I recently got my variation for my .308 and foolishly raced out to get the first one I thought was ok which was a Savage Arms Axis, I mounted my scope and zeroed it in.
But after going out a few times I found that it just doesn’t feel or fit right. So I have decided to change up.
So I have narrowed a few rifles I am drawn to and after a recent visit to the Stalking Show and trying a few I have narrowed a few down but I wanted to see options/experiences please.
I shoot deer all over and my syndicate in Scotland is starting to get Boar so looking for a good all rounder, new but don’t want to break the bank.

Option 1. CZ 600 either Ergo or Varmint
Option 2. Benelli Lupo
Option 3. Sauer 100XT
Option 4. Mauser either M12 or M25 straight pull
Option 5. Browning X bolt 2 Nordic

I have a scope I like already which can be mounted.

Thanks in advance

Darren

CZ and browning are good choices

 

[iain b]

How about a Thompson centre Icon in .308. There’s one on guntrader. I honestly can’t fault mine. 5R rifling, shoots brilliantly

 

[viking90]

I made this exact mistake. Found the axis was a complete bag of sh*t and now I'm going for a trusty old rem700

 

[Jagged77]

Accuracy International, don’t know why I keep / shoot my other .308’s

5 shots at 100 yards off bipod and bag.

 

[Bowland blades]

Hi. Looking for opinions please.
I recently got my variation for my .308 and foolishly raced out to get the first one I thought was ok which was a Savage Arms Axis, I mounted my scope and zeroed it in.
But after going out a few times I found that it just doesn’t feel or fit right. So I have decided to change up.
So I have narrowed a few rifles I am drawn to and after a recent visit to the Stalking Show and trying a few I have narrowed a few down but I wanted to see options/experiences please.
I shoot deer all over and my syndicate in Scotland is starting to get Boar so looking for a good all rounder, new but don’t want to break the bank.

Option 1. CZ 600 either Ergo or Varmint
Option 2. Benelli Lupo
Option 3. Sauer 100XT
Option 4. Mauser either M12 or M25 straight pull
Option 5. Browning X bolt 2 Nordic

I have a scope I like already which can be mounted.

Thanks in advance

Darren

Choice of Rifle , is a personal thing so there is no real good answer . I should however avoid varmint barrelled rifles for all round stalking Too heavy and harder to shoot offhand ( no sticks )
Personally i like the Sako 75s . I would buy one over anything else for stalking , even over the later models brand new .

 

[Simon NZ]

Simplicity of the short barrel single shot is another thought. Quite practical in terms of carrying which is a major part of hunting. With 220 gns RN.

 

[The Grouse]

From your list I can only comment on the Lupo which I have in .243

Good rifle, accurate, modular in terms of adjustment, cheek riser etc. Very soft shooting with the recoil system.

Sleek outline, nothing snags on the rifle, quite narrow in the grip if you have large hands.

But remember that outside of that, there is no after market stocks etc due to the nature of the rifle.

Like others have said, don't rule out the humble T3x

 

[Cymro]

I have the Mauser M12 in 308 and every time I use it I find myself wishing I’d bought Mauser for my 223 (Howa 1500) and rimfire (Tikka T1x)
I’ve only handled the M25 at the shooting and stalking shows but it would be top of my list if I were buying.

 

[west_meon]

Tikka T3X but with a GRS stock would be my go-to (hang around on this site and a second hand GRS stock for a T3X will pop up eventually). My son has a Mauser M12 Impact and loves it but you can't upgrade the stock from the factory plastic. If you want an adjustable stock at reasonable price all-in up front, the Mauser M18 Fenris would be worth a look.