.308 suggestions for stalking and range use.

[TomDeer]

I'm after informed suggestions for a .308 that would be a good crossover rifle for stalking and range use. Probably with a shorter but heavier profile barrel. Possibly something along the lines of Tikka T3X CTR or similar. I looked at a Steyr Scout but I don't think I like its aesthetics and the barrel profile is too thin. Rifle weight isn't that much of an issue if it ticks the right boxes.

It would be being used with a moderator for stalking because I value my hearing.

I appreciate that the crossover aspect may involve a compromise but what I'm wanting is something that that will perform respectably at both disciplines, within sensible limits.

Budget is probably in Tikka territory and I'm willing to consider used or new.

Stock preference is probably synthetic.

All informed suggestions from the SD great fully received, unless they're suggesting I should go for a completely different calibre or get a dedicated rifle for each discipline .

 

[force64]

How about Sako 85 stainless varmint in laminated stock. 24" barrel. Bought couple of years ago as a dual purpose rifle but not used for range use as use my 6.5 creedmoor.

Andy

 

[TomDeer]

How about Sako 85 stainless varmint in laminated stock. 24" barrel. Bought couple of years ago as a dual purpose rifle but not used for range use as use my 6.5 creedmoor.

Andy

Andy, thanks for the suggestion. My preference is probably synthetic stock but I'll keep your suggestion in mind.

 

[Rory]

Remington 700 Police. Threaded, superbly accurate, not as heavy as you'd expect. Excellent synthetic stock and accessories are legion.
If you prefer a shorter barrel, have a look at the Remington 700 5R, 20" barrel, but does recoil noticeably smarter than the 26".

 

[C h r i s]

Sako S20 precision. Absolutely love mine, perfect range gun for 1000 yards, but also not too heavy or long to carry around all day (depending on glass I suppose).

 

[antsa]

I have a Sako Varmint with the 60cm barrel. Brilliant rifle, very accurate with my handholds, BUT, it is not a stalking rifle. Simply too heavy for lugging around the paddocks.

Cheers

 

[HandB]

I have had a lot of trigger time on my buddy's Sig SSG 3000 in 308 and it is superb. It has a strong, super fast action, is capable of long range target work but is still pointable, relatively light and is screw cut for a moderator. It has the original style stock and he got it little used for about £1000. Absolute bargain.

 

[10wayne88]

Bergara b14 hmr

 

[barbel]

Got a ctr s/s 308 from new, would not change it, walk the fields and very accurate, that's with with a wildcat evo mod on, very confident with it.

 

[roebuck14]

I just zeroing Tikka T3X 308 inox of my son : juste perfect

 

[Woodsmoke]

You all know I'm going to suggest a Stutzen and ignore the requirement for range use. So I'll just keep my mouth shut

 

[TomDeer]

You all know I'm going to suggest a Stutzen and ignore the requirement for range use. So I'll just keep my mouth shut

There's always one

Joking aside, I really do like the look of Stutzens and will scratch that itch one day!

 

[Woodsmoke]

There's always one

And it's generally me

 

[Terrydeer]

you couldn't go wrong with the CTR, lovely rifle, very accurate and also you can upgrade the stock if you so wish in the future

 

[baguio]

Andy, thanks for the suggestion. My preference is probably synthetic stock but I'll keep your suggestion in mind.

You can always get a stock upgrade with all the bells and whistles!

 

[springbok787]

T3X CTR is a good option as an all round rifle. Just don’t fully load the mag when stalking as half a box of .308 adds silly weight. This one has been on their shelf for nearly 6 months so I am sure there is deal to be made:-

Pre-Owned Tikka T3x CTR Rifle - .308

Shop the Pre-Owned Tikka T3x CTR Rifle - .308 in Synthetic online at Allcocks Outdoor Store. Order by 2.30pm for next day delivery.

www.allcocksoutdoorstore.co.uk

I can confirm it shoots straight as I have used this exact one.

 

[Malxwal]

Value for money, Bergara HMR.

 

[feno]

I have a Sako 75 synthetic stainless in 308

Out shoots me any day of the week. Not shot on a range further than 200m, but was spot on at that

 

[ejg]

Overall I don't think you will get a better setup than a stainless 308 T3 CTR preferably 20". I had two of them, sold one to my shooting friend and kept one. They shoot well under 1/2MOA reliably even with factory ammo. Also have a good magazine system. Good aftermarket parts available with possibly the strongest scope mount system available for any rifle. These rifles are well worth the money, in my opinion much better designed and built than any older Tikka or any Sako.
Over time one starts to appreciate the advantages of a T3 such as the simple bedding, that even bedded rifles if done right can be swopped between stocks. Meaning if you have a Tactical and a hunting type stock, more than one T3/T1X one can swop stocks back and forth between rifles depending on the season and use.
The CTR with a lightweight stock is weight wise still good as a hunting/stalking rifle with the confidence of talking a longer shot. The type of rifle you pick up and go hunting anywhere, any situation. I have shot deer under ten yds to over 500yds with mine. I could even take part in a military exercise shortest target 650m and did not embarrass myself with the CTR.

edi

 

[antsa]

I have a Sako Varmint with the 60cm barrel. Brilliant rifle, very accurate with my handholds, BUT, it is not a stalking rifle. Simply too heavy for lugging around the paddocks.

Cheers

Should read handloads!

Cheers