Precision .308 Bolt Rifle Recommendation.

[gravitywell]

Hello gentlemen.

This is my first post, but I've been lurking for a while now. My brother and I are in the market for a precision rifle for recreational use for the two of us. We're looking specifically at .308 rifles with a 22"-26" barrel. We're looking at a price range of $3000-5000 for just the rifle itself.

I know that this question has been asked previously but I have been unable to hear from anyone that actually has experience with multiple quality rifle builders. I also know that my brother and I will probably never reach the full potential of the custom builds. However, we both thoroughly enjoy quality and are in a situation where we would rather save for a few more months and put some more money into a more expensive but greater quality firearm.

I also know that these threads many times turn into an argument and I'm sure you guys are tired of having new guys come on board and ask the same question.

Our general purpose would be to just become as proficient as possible in precision shooting and possibly in the future run a bolt action in a few courses. We both work stringent hours and have not had the time to attend rifle matches where guys are using the type of precision rifles that were interested in.

From what we have learned some manufactures to look at are GA Precision, Accuracy International, Sakko TRG, Tac OPs, and HS Precision. If I am missing something that you would like to suggest please feel free. I have felt an HS Precision, a few McMillians, and a Sakko TRG. I am not trying to offend anyone here but I will say that the Sakko and McMillian did not feel as good to my brother and I as the HS Precision. The trigger and bolt felt extremely smooth and crisp on the HS Precision. After doing some research I see that many people for unknown reasons are not that fond of the HS Company.

My brother and I are by no means new to firearms just new to precision rifles. Between the 2 of us we own a Tikka T3, Socom m1A, National Match m1A and some others. Again we are looking for quality and want to get the most for our money. So we are reaching out to guys that have more knowledge and information about precision rifles.

I would really like to hear from some people that own multiple precision firearms from different companies and hear their preferences. I know that this first precision rifle purchase will certainly turn into more, but I would like to get a pretty good start for the first precision rifle purchase.

Neither one of us are concerned with wait time as I would rather have better quality and customer service and wait a year and a half then have a rifle in my hands right now. Good things come to those who wait.

So please if anyone has HS Precision, GA Precision, Accuracy International, Tac OPs please chime in with some information as we live in a location that is somewhat difficult to see a broad selection of rifles.

For anyone wondering we are located in Western Maryland area and not far from the PA and West Virginia Line. I did see a post somewhere a few months back that someone in the Altoona PA area had a GA Precision and a HS precision rifle. I would love to hear about how those 2 rifles compare. Again I know that we will probably never reach the full potential of these firearms but we work hard and make decent money and are single. We can afford quality so why not.

Thanks,

James

 

[Graham]

Precision .308 Bolt Rifle Recommendation.

Snag a used AE for under three grand, or get an AW here on the Hide: The last two AWs I saw went for under five grand. Used precision rifles simply aren't selling. If you have money it's a buyer's market.

 

[Victor Co Heather]

AW. AW. AW. or an AE.

 

[Luvman]

What they said!!

 

[B.A.C.]

These are my favorite threads. Helping guys with more money than myself spend some serious cash. I've vowed to get a TRG-22 once I'm done with school and making money. Make it a 20" 308 then add a Bushnell ERS or Vortex Razor and I'll never need another centerfire bolt action rifle....EVER!

 

[victorz]

If you have the money, go with AIAX 308 with 24'' barrel.
If you only want 308 and never want the ability the AI provide you, go TRG-22. It's cheaper and accurate.
I have both, like them both. You can also take a look at Sig SSG 3000.

 

[Pinecone]

In that range of money, you can have a custom rifle built.

Using a custom action, barrel of your choice, stock of your choice, chambered for the cartridge you want.

I priced out a custom build using a Stiller action, Bartlein barrel, Timney trigger, Manners stock with mini chassis and DBM, Vortex scope, and all the work, and it came out in the $4500 range. Parts and labor.

Just throwing out another option.

 

[Danco411]

You make it too easy. Most posts are about which bolt rifle with a budget of $800.

With your budget I would go custom build all the way. For me it would probably be a Surgeon action, Bartlein barrel in a Cadex chassis.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Accuracy International. Enough said.

 

[BangBangBlatBlat]

I use an FN SPR A1 for my tactical matches, and a Remington 40X based Palma rifle for LR.

If I had that kind of money to spend on just a rifle I would get an Accuracy International.

Don't ignore the support equipment that goes a long with precision shooting though. Your reloading bench is going to get as much use as your rifle; might as well spend money there so you can make quality ammo and enjoy it.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[Mattrmvpd]

The DTA may be a way to go as well. You get all the accuracy and a short/compact rifle. That is what I am looking at next. The 22" and 24" rifles are great but after carrying one.... you will learn to LOVE a 16" and 18" setup soooo much more.

 

[ChemE1975]

I am fortunate to be in a similar situation and I will be going with an AI. Likely will be going AE, but have been looking quite a bit at the FS section here on SH for an AW. I do not have unlimited funds for the rifle, so I am leaning toward an AE. I am also teetering between 260 and 308. Fairly certain it will be a 308 as it is my first precision rifle. It is quite fun to do all the research and learn about the precision rifle thing. I do have quite a lot of time to read and I have spent most of it here on the hide.

I'll also, echo GD's comment on the reloading aspect. Seems like most guys sooner or later start rolling their own.

 

[nchunter243]

While everyone seems to recommend the AI line, I'ld look at a custom build with your price range. GAP, Jon Beanland, Robert Gradous, Bugholes or Chad Dixon. While the AI and Sako's are nice I don't see them shooting any better than a rifle built one of these gunsmiths. The best part is you can talk to them and they will make sure the cash you drop is on what you want and not on stuff that you will never use. All in all, custom, AI or Sako all will do their job better than you will so its simply, do you want exact parts and are willing to wait ( custom builders like those have long waits) or do you want the rifle now and are willing to make some compromises ( like chambers offered and such ) call mile high shooting talk to them about the AI then call euro-optics and do the same with the Sakos; finally call GAP, Beanland, Gradous ect and talk about custom options. After all that you will have a better idea if you wanna wait for a custom or if the AI/Sako fit what you need ( which for many they do and do well )

 

[colscar]

first off welcome second i personally like the gap crusader or hospitaller....does your budget include an optic....