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.308 Purchase - would like opinions

Company Man

Semper Fi
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 7, 2011
118
11
Osyka, Mississippi
I have narrowed it down to three
AI .308 AW
Steyr SSG 08
DTA SRS

I am currently shooting a Savage 10 FCP w/ NF 5.5-22x56 and looking at upgrading.
Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks
John
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

I'm really digging the DTA platform but I can't get past the cost.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

Why are you upgrading? Does it not shoot well, has your marksmanship surpassed your rifle, or do you just want something more "tacticool"? Savage 10's are great rifles and I can't see any reason you would want to completely change everything. Have you looked into just upgrading the stock, barrel, trigger etc. On the other hand, if you just have $4,000-$5,000 to spend I would suggest the AI. Just my opinion though because I do not prefer the bullpup designs of the DTA's, and I have never been behind a Steyr.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

Personally, I would take the Steyer off the list.

I do not see how you could go wrong with either of the other two. If I were going to drop 4k + on a rifle, I would look to get behind them and see if the ergo's are to my liking.

Or is this a which rifle looks cooler thread?
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: remau308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why are you upgrading? Does it not shoot well, has your marksmanship surpassed your rifle, or do you just want something more "tacticool"? Savage 10's are great rifles and I can't see any reason you would want to completely change everything. Have you looked into just upgrading the stock, barrel, trigger etc. On the other hand, if you just have $4,000-$5,000 to spend I would suggest the AI. Just my opinion though because I do not prefer the bullpup designs. </div></div>

+1. For the price difference you can fully customize the rifle you have and probably get as much or more accuracy. I know flame suit on because here comes the gun snobs but I don't understand why people think that money automatically equals accuracy. The lose nut behind the trigger is responsible more for accuracy (good or bad) than anything you can buy.

Good luck,
Merritt
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

Out of your list the AI hands down provided it fits you. Have you given any thought to a TRG22? I would not trade mine for any of them.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

I have a set-up similar to yours (10FCP with the A5). I bought a TRG 22 to replace it. Now I'm thinking about customizing the Savage as a long-term project. Problem is, I'm really struggling with the thought of keeping the Savage. The Savage shoots great --- and I could probably improve consistency with some custom work but......

To use an analogy, it's sort of like a custom Chevy versus a Porsche 911. The ticked out Chevy may be faster, but the "sum of the parts" screams Porsche.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

My Savage 10 FCP is basically at the end for upgrades.
Got a good stock and no other barrels for this model. The Accu-trigger is perfect, and so there are no other options.
I was considering the M40a3 or a5.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

Brother, this is America. You can do what you want (as long as it dosnt hurt someone else) simply because you want to, no other reason or explanation is needed. You can thank our military and forefathers for that. Good luck with your decision, wish it was one I was having to make.

okie
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

I fully understand where you are at.. I have a Stevens 200 that is a good rifle and shoots great.. but I wouldn't say the build quality and durability are anywhere near that of the rifles mentioned. Not sure what your plans are with your rifle or use.. but if you want to upgrade go ahead. Of the ones you mentioned, I like the AI offerings (flavor of your choice). It's not always about how small your groups are.. for some it's about durability, repeatability and peace of mind that it will go bang everytime in any situation.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

Upgrading because why? Not happy with curretn setup? Or other? You plan on keeping teh Savage, or offloading to help fund project? If keeping, why sticking with a .308?

Reason I ask that is because I have a Rem 700 chambered for .308, and is a Sub MOA rifle, and when I do my next rifle (which will be a "custom") Im keeping my Rem, but doing teh next rifle in a different cal.

I just dont see doing 2 rifles chambered in same caliber is all...UNLESS, you plan on using the rifle for something you are not using teh Savage for (ie, hunting Vs. Comp.)

But, that's just me...I know alot of guys have multiple rifles in same caliber. And to go even further, I dont see why anyone would spend a pretty penny ($2500 and up), on the "common" .308. If Im gonna spend that kind of money on a rifle, it's going to be chambered for a something a little "different", with some "Hot Rod" flavor to her...7MM Rem Mag, 7STW, .300 Win Mag, etc...

But, again, that's my .02...

If you decide to do it, keep us updated...gun porn is always wanted!
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

Id go AIAE and buy a S&B... Just because to me, the price difference vs. gain you get with the AW isn't worth it and Id rather spend the rest on better glass.

Im actually selling my AIAE at the moment, and going with a lighter build. Check my sig.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

Going to keep the Savage 10 and will get rid of my M1A to make room for new purchase.
Different caliber was the main reason I was interested in the SRS, I liked the chassis system and the flexibility to change barrel/bolt to another caliber.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AIAE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Id go AIAE and buy a S&B... Just because to me, the price difference vs. gain you get with the AW isn't worth it and Id rather spend the rest on better glass.

Im actually selling my AIAE at the moment, and going with a lighter build. Check my sig. </div></div>

nice plug.

op, try a better barrel on the 10pc. save the money for ammo and glass and gas to the range. thats what i would do. but the A4 stock is what i have wanted so dropping the savage in that would be my only other upgrade on my 10fcp other than eventually better glass. and dude that glass is great already. add a shilen or other match quality barrel and get a nice stock like a manners or A4 or A5, whatever you like and shoot
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

The Savage is a keeper and actually adding a BDM to it this week.
It is fun and accurate.
So my original statement of "upgrade" is a little erroneous as I want to add another high quality precision rifle to our shooting inventory.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AXEMAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AIAE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Id go AIAE and buy a S&B... Just because to me, the price difference vs. gain you get with the AW isn't worth it and Id rather spend the rest on better glass.

Im actually selling my AIAE at the moment, and going with a lighter build. Check my sig. </div></div>

nice plug.

</div></div>


laugh.gif
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Peepaw</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AXEMAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AIAE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Id go AIAE and buy a S&B... Just because to me, the price difference vs. gain you get with the AW isn't worth it and Id rather spend the rest on better glass.

Im actually selling my AIAE at the moment, and going with a lighter build. Check my sig. </div></div>

nice plug.

</div></div>


laugh.gif
</div></div>
Haha, I actually would go with the AE and S&B over the AW w/ NF any day, but thats just me.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

If money is not an issue, just get and AW and S&B scope and be the coolest cat at the range.
If you are on some sort of budget get the AI or TRG with NF glass and spend the extra money on ammo and other shooting related gear; spotting scope, rangefinder????
I love spending other peoples money.
SScott
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

Budget is a concern but not a limiting factor except that I cannot afford the DSR-1!
But I am sure that I will piss someone off when I say this but when I spend this much money, it is an investment. Sure I can spend a bunch of money on my Savage and make it look pretty but at the end of the day it is still a Savage.
My decision is 50% for my enjoyment but 50% looking to the future and if I had to sell it, I would like to think I could get some of my money back.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

shit can the steyr off your list and either of the others will serve you really well. i love my DTA but i do want a AIAW eventually as well. i second not getting a 308 and mabye look into a 338LM or 300WM but thats just me. highly reccomend getting behind both and seeing what you like.

great thing about the DTA is you could then buy the 338LM barrel for it and have both... just saying
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

I would look into a Surgeon rifle. And second choosing another caliber. Why would you spend so much money for a rifle in .308? Might as well shoot for the moon. Go with a 7 mag or 338lm. I would want a rifle of this quality to have better ballistics for those shots way out there where these rifles can really shine.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

I have been in the same debate. I am going with the DTA SRS just cause I will have the ability to go from 308 to 338 on the same platform. The other 2 option I was going for was the MSR until I seen the 8,000 MSRP. Second option which I still might go with is the Barrett MRAD found them selling for about 6500 and then its just a matter of waiting for the conversion kits to come out. Overall, just like the idea of multiple calibers with one plaform instead of three or four different complete rifles to do the same thing.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jbell</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Out of your list the AI hands down provided it fits you. Have you given any thought to a TRG22? I would not trade mine for any of them. </div></div>

+1 on the TRG 22 I wouldn't trade mine for any of them either.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

The DTA in 308 is not worth the money. period.

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by upgrade.

If it was me then I'd forgo the ones you listed and get a Surgeon, or GAP, maybe a Tacops.

I beleive you will get soooo much more useful rifle from those guys than the LCCDI rifles you are considering.

But then again if it was me I'd stay with the Savage because I love seeing the scores posted after a match and see how many of those 4,000 dollar rifles are below me.

Its good to own a fine wrench, its great to be able to use any wrench and kick ass.

Just a thought
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

I would go AI AE and Hensoldt. That is were I went after selling 3 of my four savages. I have never been happier or more confident in my shooting. The rifle and scope combo just works.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

Get a custom gun. Gap, UGSW, TacOps, etc. A lot of these guys have rifles ready to go (maybe not TacOps), and you'll save a boatload over the AI and the DTA. I love my DTA, but I'm not sure it is worth the dough. For less than the cost of a 338lm and a 308 conversion and the chassis, you can get UGSW to build you a 338 and a 308. (I know b/c they are doing it for me).
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

I will say this though- I smile every time I get behind the DTA. If you go that route, have APA do the conversion barrel for you with the barrel of your choice. It will be worth the small wait over the "production" conversions from DTA.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

i love my DTA, i have put enough rounds through it and carried it enough to say its probably my favorite rifle i've used yet. 308 its small and handy, and allows you to practice on the same platform and scope as when you throw the 338LM in. i'm completely sold on the system. to each their own if they want to own 3 diferent guns and three bipods, scopes, etc. i'll take my DTA.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

Tough choice. Agree that AI AE MK II is a good option given the relative price difference to the AW. Let's be honest, 90%+ of the people on here with an AW will never put it through the rigors for which it was built or designed. It is a very nice rifle but the AE will do exactly the same (unless you are about to take an artic warfare class). I would also keep the NF, it is a super scope but i would use the savings to get the Atlas bipod & a NF one-piece mount if you don't have it already.

Having said that the DTA provides a really appealing alternative. If you only ever plan to shoot a 308 at the range then the AI AE would be my choice. If portability and versitility are a consideration then the DTA has more tricks up its sleeve and is a system you can grow into if you want to shoot 300 or 338 in the future.

I couldn't be certain which rifle would retain the most resale value esp given how new the DTA is but i'm sure you would find good demand for both.

You might also consider Barratt MRAD. Might be a little pricey and I haven't heard enough yet to be swayed either way but from the little i've seen it looks an interesting option.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i love my DTA, i have put enough rounds through it and carried it enough to say its probably my favorite rifle i've used yet. 308 its small and handy, and allows you to practice on the same platform and scope as when you throw the 338LM in. i'm completely sold on the system. to each their own if they want to own 3 diferent guns and three bipods, scopes, etc. i'll take my DTA. </div></div>

Of course I want 3 different guns, scopes, bipods, cars, motorcycles, women, houses, ranches, etc... This is f'n America! More, more, more.
By the way, I only have the guns covered on this list.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

My humble opinion is that unless it got run over by an Abrams, the Savage is far from done.

Here's what I did with my pre-Accue-Trigger 10FP.

Sharpshooter Supply Trigger and Recoil Lug, Ken Farrel 20MOA sloped base, Burris Signature 'Zee' Rings.

Lothar-Walther LW-50 Stainless barrel, Savage Varmint Taper and threads, SAAMI .260 Rem Chamber, 28" length, 1:8" twist.

McMillan A3 Tactical stock, pillar bedded by McMillan.

It serves a nunber of purposes, from 1Kyd F Class, to 200yd FV200 (a local club event), to varmint immolation. Fun and economical; it's a good performing, solid rifle.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

I got to test a DTA after seeing it on some snipers r us TV show. I was drawn by the idea of a simple platform that could do so much.

Frankly it just doesnt do it for me. The mag is awkward and very limited in cap. If I have a drop mag I sure want more than 5 rounds, especially in 308. I want a bolt stroke smooth as glass for that kind of money.

The one platform to learn idea can be done far cheaper with three custom rifles built by the same gunsmith using the same reciever and trigger.

Lets have a quick show of hands of all the guys here who EVER got into a situation where being able to go from 308 to 338 was critical? Throw in have most of us not having to carry everything we own on our backs for a week and the 'practical' arguments for the DTA dont have much appeal.

Personally for the money and not being a 'operator', having a fine custom rifle in a Caliber I actually use is far more valuable than a rather awkward rifle I could in theory be a super secret squirrel. Most here own and WANT to own more than one rifle. I would venture the idea that anyone buying a DTA is adding it to a collection of firearms, not forsaking all others.

But it will impress the rest of the guys at the gunclub. Thats gotta be worth something.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

more power to ya, lol. i like mine.
 
Re: .308 Purchase - would like opinions

In my mind, the main advantage of the DTA is the length, not the ability to switch calibers. I hunt a buddy's place where we drive around a lot and it's nice to have the short gun for getting in and out of the truck.