Comparison of .338 Rifles

[ANG Pilot]

I thought I'd add my question to several of the other newbies on this list. As I move closer to my retirement years I'd like to get a gun I can keep for a lifetime (what's left of it) and grow into. Because it'll be a purchase for the long run I'm willing to spend whatever it takes up front. I read the thread listing several gunsmiths who can custom build a great long range rifle but I'm also interested in some of the factory built guns out there such as: AI AX338, Barrett MRAD, Barrett 98B, Surgeon Remedy. Do any of you with actual experience with these guns (or any others) care to comment on their plusses and minuses?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dogtown]

I think an AI is more heirloom worthy than either of the Barrett .338s. I also wouldn't discount a Sako TRG.

 

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

Get the DTA SRS-A1 then you can swap out which ever caliber you want to shoot. Get in first in .338 then later get the other calibers.

 

[The-Fly]

Keep in mind that 338 is super expensive to shoot even if you reload. I second the SRS suggestion, you can get a caliber conversion kit for it to shoot 260 rem for cheap days, and 338 for when you really want to reach out there.

 

[JB02]

I would go with the Surgeon Remedy. You may want to try out 300 Norma because it has all the ass behind it that the 338 LM does, just not as much punch downrange; not as costly to shoot but still a nice big boomer. I think that a finely built Surgeon is much more aesthetically pleasing to an AI or DTA. If you really want it to be an heirloom, build it with Robert Gradous!

 

[strike33]

I agree with the LCDR, the AI and DTA are "work" rifles. Built for a mission and executed remarkably well for their intended purpose. For am heirloom rifle I would suggest a custom build. There is a significant amount of pride in having a top builder use his/her talents on a rifle that is built toy YOUR specs. Robert Gradous is highly recommended and a true gentleman and professional. In addition, a custom build will be less costly than an AI.
The caliber conversion is a great ability of the DTA and may very well be my next investment. That being said, I had two custom builds started and are being built to exactly what I wanted.
I wish you the best with your decision. Once you decide you get to do it all over again when it's time for glass!

 

[Hairball]

As far as 338’s go, I have an AIAX338 and I have not found one major thing I do not like about it. If I had to knit pick one feature that I do not like, it would be the fact that you need to fold the stock to take out the bolt if you leave the check piece all the way down. The issue that many may have with the AX would be the initial investment compared to others out there that also make 338’s. My AX with S&B glass, Spuhr scope mount and Atlas bipod came in at roughly 14k. While I own a few Barrett models, the MRAD is not one of them; however, I have shot them a few times and, IMHO, they do not compare to an AI. I know there are other makers out there that could build an accurate rifle for half the cost and there are less expensive scopes as well but I did not have a budget and I wanted one so I got one. I am sure many more will chime in and try to convince you why their 338 is better than others. I am only going to say that I own one, I truly enjoy shooting it and if I had to make the same choice again I would not hesitate in purchasing one. If you want it and you have the money, go for it.

 

[sib1948]

Got a Barrett MRAD in June and absolutely love it. Accurate and light recoil and heavy duty build with few moving parts for military use and certainly bullet proof. Very expensive to shoot even if you reload. Have been waiting for the 308 conversion, but who knows when it will be available. Would never sell it. Looks great as a work of art in our condo.

THAT BEING SAID....Looking to buy a new DTA SRS Covert A1. Bullpup design with multiple barrel conversions already available. Much lighter and practical rifle to carry around and also quality built. DTA listen to what their customers want and provide great customer service. Can practice with 308 all day, then shoot 338. One rifle with multiple calibers and can even have custom barrels made. One scope and one suppressor, so more cash in pocket for ammo, reloading gear, lessons, etc. Can't go wrong with money well spent !!!

 

[popeye089]

I have shot the Sako and Barrett but not the AI Ax. Out of the first two Mentioned, I was suprised how much more enjoyable the MRAD was. Both are well built and were very precise, but the MRAD's bolt lift was easier and the perceived felt recoil was less

 

[biffj]

I've got a DT SRS in .338 Lapua, .338 BR, 6.5 X 47 and .510 whisper. There are other possibilities out there as well. It is a wonderful rifle with lots of different cals available and anything that will fit a .308, 300 win mag or .338 lapua bolt face can be done. It might be a bit on the high side for cost compared to a custom build but the option of shooting cheaper ammo in the smaller rounds like .308 or one of the 6.5's keeps you practiced up. You have one trigger, cheekweld and one scope to get used to and lots of cals to shoot.
I don't have any pics of the 6.5 X 47 setup yet....its a 26" stainless barrel and I haven't shot it much. It did shoot a .387 5rd 100 while breaking in.
Just my thoughts on the subject.

Frank

 

[gixxer822]

i can load 338 lapua for under a $1 a rd with quality components. I recieved a Savage 110 FCP 338 Lapua as a gift from the wife and have been very pleased with it so far. I hear the stickky bolt issues, the misaligned base holes and all the other rumors but i can only speak on my behalf and well my buddy tht shoots a BA. We have barely scratched the surface of the riflesor the rds capability yet. i know a budget 338 sounds absolutly retarded but if money was a factor at 1300-1400 i think the savage is a great entry level 338 stick. if money wasnt an option tht DTA would get my vote

 

[ANG Pilot]

All,

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Keep the info coming, it's very helpful to me and others following this thread.

Best wishes and Happy Shooting this weekend.

 

[vpexp]

It would be hard to go wrong with the DTA SRS. As posted before start with the 338 and then add a 308 for versatility and lower cost practice/usage. As far as an heirloom that will be in the eye of the heir. The most perfectly executed custom may or may not appeal to them. Aesthetically, any of the rifles contemplated will likely only be cherished by another rifle enthusiast.

 

[Timl]

I have a surgeon remedy in 300 Norma. It is a very well built rifle and extremely accurate. I expect I will have this rifle for the rest of my life. The fit and finish is top notch.

 

[sib1948]

Let's try a picture of my MRAD with March. FX 5-40 56mm scope.