Tell me about your 308

Tim808 · 10-07-2012, 14:29

10/8/12 - Edited to add. Sorry, I'm not a real effective writer. The 308 would basically be a range gun but it would also serve a 2nd role as a backup.

I don't need a 308. I live in the suburbs, don't hunt and don't do long distance target shooting.

But those Vepr 308s are so damn cheap that I have to keep slapping myself to stop looking at that dang Centerfire website. (I'm a member of GHA - gunho anonymous)

IF (big if) I were to get a 308, I'd lean to the AK platform since they are cheap $599, easy to clean and I heard they are light. I assume the AK platform will be robust/reliable for 308 since the PSLs and Dragunovs are 7.62x54.

But Saiga/Vepr mags are $$$ compared to other platforms.

I also wonder about Saiga/Vepr spare parts availability.

My friend has been talking about getting a DSA Fal. The PTRs look interesting too. I'm not that interested in A10s since I assume they are GI. I assume the Fal and PTR are piston.

My buddy and I would probably only use a 308 for the range but it would be nice if it could serve a 2nd purpose if needed.

Oh....your 308 doesn't have to be semi. I'm open minded and will listen to anything.

308endurdebate · 10-07-2012, 15:42

Your first line should tell you to stop... stick with what fills your needs and buy more ammo/mags for that. Of course, you do live in HI and they do have a pig problem and everyone loves a luau. And 7.62 is a nice feral pig round. And who doesn't love a roasted pig (did I say that twice?)

For your location, I'd lean more towards a bolt in stainless. Humidity is the bane of grade iron mixtures. So a stainless bolt is what I'd recommend with 200rds of high grade. I have a HK91 style and any western battle rifle (I've handled semi FNFAL, M1A) are heavy beasts even without a bucket of ammo.

Anyway, whatever you decide, post pics of the pork BBQ

Tim808 · 10-07-2012, 16:28

308end - Your right. I need another caliber like I need another hole in my head. Just thinking/daydreaming really.

Sorry, I'm not much of a hunter. Kind of squeamist. Lots of lazy. I haven't a carried a bolt/hunting rifle in decades. Besides, most pig hunting around here is done with dogs so most guys just use a knife.

Costco works for me =). No waking up early, no running after dogs, no dressing, no carrying, no clean up (relatively).

jbglock · 10-07-2012, 17:08

It's a cut-down Indian 2A1 Ishapore rifle, India's 7.62/.308 version of the Enfield MkI No.3 rifle. Around $80 with tax in the early 90's. Saw some at a gun show recently beat all up in the $550+ range so I wouldn't recommend it now vs. a Ruger or some other bolt .308.

Do any good deals exist in military surplus bolt .308 rifles these days?

JDSTG58 · 10-08-2012, 18:03

.......

Jumper · 10-07-2012, 17:44

For a budget 308, I'd seriously consider the Mossberg line. Buds Gunshop had one listed new for $284.

ray9898 · 10-08-2012, 21:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jumper

For a budget 308, I'd seriously consider the Mossberg line. Buds Gunshop had one listed new for $284.

Yup....the 100 ATR. It is an amazing rock solid rifle. The latest version has the adjustable trigger and fluted free floating barrel.

Lone Kimono · 10-08-2012, 21:47

kenpoprofessor, I like the grip on your PTR-91. I'd have kept mine years ago if it had that one.

blkpag1 · 10-18-2012, 17:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray9898

Yup....the 100 ATR. It is an amazing rock solid rifle. The latest version has the adjustable trigger and fluted free floating barrel.

My wife has one we got her when she wanted a center fire rifle that she could learn to hunt with and for the price I am amazed at the quality of the rifle.

JackMac · 10-07-2012, 19:12

I've had a PTR-91 for many years and have found it to be a reliable rifle. If only the ammo were more economical. It appears well used from outward appearances, but the bore and internals look real good. Its a keeper. I have an AR-15 too and shoot it more often that the 7.62x51. Also have an Egyptian AK-47 and shoot it more often than anything else I have.

ArmoryDoc · 10-07-2012, 19:20

My .308 is a Springfield Armory Loaded model with std. barrel. It is not something you want to hump around all day without a sling. It is accurate. The gas system is shimmed for more consistent (accurate) shots. I have a SADLAK mount with a Nikon scope which gets me up close and personal to 4-500 yards. A man-sized target is very much in danger out to 600.

quake · 10-07-2012, 19:41

I'd agree with 308endurdebate on the 'stick with what fills your needs & expand that' advice, unless it's strictly for entertainment/enjoyment that you're considering one. If that's the case, then enjoy. But starting another caliber or platform is often a moneypit, and starting another caliber AND platform is almost certain to be a moneypit.

No .308 hate here, I have two of them in bolt form. But years ago I specifically sold off every centerfire rifle caliber above .308 that I had (including a phenomenally accurate BAR in .300 WinMag

), in order to go the opposite direction; reducing the number of calibers I deal with. For hunting I don't need anything beyond .308, and and only bolts in that since for defense I don't believe we need anything beyond 5.56 or 7.62x39.

farmer-dave · 10-07-2012, 20:06

I have alot of the guns you mentioned in your thread. Why they are fun to occasionally shoot the most practical one is a bolt gun, mainly due to the cost of ammo. At least a vepr or saiga would have a chromed bore, but stainless does make alot of sense for your area.

M1A Shooter · 10-07-2012, 19:59

.308 is my favorite round as well. i love the m14 platform and am not looking into a .308 AR build or a DSA FAL. not sure which just yet.

that said, i agree on the get what you need to do its intended job... to a point. every once in awhile, you need a "just because its a cool toy" gun and any of them that have been mentioned already will do great. i like a good heavy barrel .308 bolt gun in the 18-20" range but my favorite general purpose rifle would be an 18" m14 rifle. quite a difference between HI and TN though.

Jeremy_K · 10-07-2012, 20:08

I have a Thompson Center Encore with a 24" .308 barrel. It's a break action center shot and it will shoot circles around my Remington 700 30-06. It's also about 6" shorter and maybe a little lighter than the 06. It's a nice compact rifle and I plan to do some Whitetail hunting with it this year. I really like the VEPR rifles and would like to own one in 7.62x54r someday. I can stock up on tons of cheap ammo for it and also use the ammo in my Mosin M44.

rgregoryb · 10-07-2012, 20:43

2 FALs and Gibbs Enfield in 308......I have trained extensively with the 308, it is my platform of choice.

Lone Kimono · 10-07-2012, 21:29

I hear the VEPR rifles are cheap right now because they are trying to clear them out. Rumor has it they are getting rid of the slant cut receivers. I've also heard rumors of a VEPR .308 that takes FAL mags.

UtahIrishman · 10-07-2012, 21:47

I have two .308's a Browning Lever and a FAL.

The BLR is by far my favorite rifle.

Tim808 · 10-08-2012, 04:17

LoneKimono - Hmmm....that is very interesting. Any rumors on when the new Vepr may come out? My hunch is December.....

beatcop · 10-08-2012, 07:51

Your question is pretty broad...too broad. The "best" 308 semi debate is pretty subjective, however the price is usually a huge factor. The cheapest 308 is no reason to buy one at all.

If you don't shoot, don't bother. Grab an AK or AR and call it a day.

jlavallee · 10-08-2012, 09:19

My .308 is a bolt gun and yes, it is for long range use. I don't see any need to have an auto in that caliber as I have an AR in 6.8 SPC that provides 50% more energy than my 5.56 with minimal recoil.

Before you spend the cash, I'd advise you determine why you want a .308 and go from there. I personally don't see a need for it in something auto loading and at close range. That is my 2 cents which, in an Obama economy aren't worth diddly.

quake · 10-08-2012, 09:29

Can't resist - found an old pic of my small .308 rifle. It's a weatherby lightweight carbine, but in normal .308 instead of a weatherby caliber. Mount is a Ching Ring, by Eric Ching (out of Arizona iirc), and the scope is a Redfield scout scope.

Had it made up in 2001 after trying a Steyr Scout, but wasn't willing to blow $2600 in 2000 dollars for a "genuine" scout rifle. For making up my own version, it came down to a choice between a remington model 7, a ruger compact (don't recall the model), and this weatherby; and the weatherby won out on points. The elastic shell carrier is kind of cheesy, but it was a gift from one of my kids when he was little, so I left it on the gun for a few years. Same kid's the size of your average yeti now, and used this gun to take a decent buck last year for that matter.

This is the first gun I'd ever had a scout-mounted scope put on, and it got me completely enamored with the concept. It's actually faster than iron sights and lets me reach out further than irons do. Love the stupid thing.

***Angry Fist*** · 10-08-2012, 18:12

Tried one, but it sucked. Still have the mags, though. It'll be a Saiga 308 next time.

mac66 · 10-08-2012, 18:24

I had an HK91, a FN/FAL and a CETME which I got rid of. I wasn't impressed.

I hunt with Winchester Mod 70 308 bolt action. It has killed everything I ever shot at.

I have an M1a and a Saiga 308 to play with. The M1a is awesome. The Saiga is surprisingly accurate and fun to play with. I bought mine back when no one wanted them and they were cheap. Not sure they are worth what they are asking today.

kenpoprofessor · 10-08-2012, 19:10

Love my PTR

Have a great gun carryin' Kenpo day

Clyde