First .308 Bolt Gun Build

[BlindJudge04]

Hello I am new to this website but have been on AR15.com since 2005, I moved over in hopes to build my first percision .308 bolt-gun that I can shoot suppressed on occasion. My question is what make & model should I start with? I have heard alot about going with a Savage and just using the receiver, but is a remington model 700 better or worse? Any input would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[KYbandit]

IMO Remington vs. Savage is a Ford vs. Chevy debate. If you plan to go suppressed, take a look at the Remington 700 AAC-SD or the Savage Hog Hunter. Both come with threaded barrels, but you will need to replace the stocks with something more solid like a Bell & Carlson or HS Precision. The factory stocks on those rifles are way too flimsy and accuracy suffers because of it. Also take a look at the Remington 700 5R 20" which comes threaded and already in an HS Precision stock, Or take a look at Savage 10 fcp-sr which comes threaded and in an aluminum bedded Accustock.

 

[BoilerUP]

Welcome.

Recommendations will depend entirely on your budget, desired features, and desire for turnkey or tinker.

Savage and Remington both have fine rifles that shoot accurately. Many people recommend the Remington 700 AAC-SD, 700 LTR, 700P and 700 5R, and for Savage the 11 Hog Hunter, 10FP-SR, 12LRP (6.5 Creedmoor), 10FCP-HS Precision, and 10FCP-McMillan.

With 700s you will have broader aftermarket support, better ejection, and a smoother feeling bolt. With the Savage you have the ability for DIY caliber swaps via barrel and bolt head, saving yourself time and money should you decide to swap down the road. Another benefit of Savage is the ability to buy an action or donor rifle and build exactly what you want; doing it that way will save you time and money, but resale will be much lower than your investment relative to a 700. You'd need minimal tools to accomplish this, and frankly its kind of fun, but its more than some want to take on.

If you can build an AR15 from parts, you can easily build a Savage.

Knowing none of your preferences, I'd say get an AAC-SD, a Timney 510 and an aftermarket stock (Bell & Carlson Medalist M40 or A3 are good choices in the $250 range), or a 11 Hog Hunter and a Bell & Carlson A2 Medalist. Both have 20" threaded barrels and should work great with a suppressor.

Or spend more money and get a FN SPR A1 from Tactical Coordination.

 

[BlindJudge04]

Thank you both for your input & nice savage Boilerup! A little about me I have an original remington 700 in .234 (my first deer rifle so I don't want to use it for this build), but I like the action of it. I dont think I will do a caliber swap on this rifle, I have other rifles for that purpose (AR platforms + 300 win mag & my .243). My uses for this build is to be a precision rifle to the extent that I can go out to 1000 yards for fun but, I want a bench gun. I would like it to have it for real life purposes and to be able to throw on a suppressor to go hunting. I am really liking the Remington 700 AAC-SD, so I guess I'm leaning towards that side.

Few questions:

1.) What's the real difference between the Bell & Carlson Medalist M40 or A3? The A3 is around $250 but the M40 is $500, What is the big differences?

2.) After doing a few searches I keep on seeing these HS Precision lower metal w/ 10 round magazine, are they just a waste of money?

 

[BoilerUP]

The M40 is the same price as the A3...its the 1000 series of stocks I believe.

M40
A2 varmint tactical
A3 light tactical
A5 fully adjustable

 

[BlindJudge04]

Ok, I see the differences now, I'm liking the A5. Thanks for all your help!