Is the .308 Savage a good target gun?

Question

I am interested in buying my first high-powered rifle, and a gun at my local store caught my attention.

It is a .308 Savage (I believe it is the 10fp) left handed package that comes with a 3-9x scope for $600. I was interested in spending up to $1000 (Remington 700 Varmint Nikon scope) for something like this, so I am very interested.

All I will be using it for is for target shooting. My club has ranges from 100 yards to 1000 yards, and I would like to move up to the 200-300 range (I am just on a .22 on the 100 yard).

I have a spotting scope up to 45x, so that's not an issue either.

Thoughts?

Answer 1

The 10fp was my first target gun as well. You get a lot of rifle for the price you pay. It's every bit as accurate as a 700, with the 700s extra cost i think all you're really paying for is the name not a better rifle. I'd lose the scope though.

If you don't mind a fixed power scope, a super sniper will give you a lot for your money. People put them on .50BMG rifles and i've heard them compared to Leupold Mk4s in terms of clarity. Though i've never had a Mk4 so i can't say if it's true or not http://www.swfa.com/

Answer 2

For a dedicated long range target rifle, you might want a different model.

The series shown is a light 'field carry' gun.

For only target work, you'll want a longer, heavier barrel, and

a somewhat different stock.

Check out their Series 12F & Specialty target guns.

(Shop around. 'Street price` is typically les than MSR.)

Answer 3

The 308 case has a very thick mouth, which produces fine accuracy. The new Savage trigger is very good, and improvable beyond that. Easy to home-install Shilen target barrels are available for Savage weapons for reasonable money. Google the Shilen website. IMR-4064 powder gives very consistent results at a variety of temperatures. Your very best accuracy will be from 3 grains below max, and the bullet seated actually lightly touching the rifling lands. This raises pressures as a side effect, so the reduction in charge is necessary, and this ammo is not to be used in any other gun. Sounds like a plan. Regards, Larry.

Answer 4

John, yes the 308 is a good rifle for the range. The 308 is the civilian copy of the 7.62 NATO round. We used these in the M14 for several years for our competition rifles. It will shoot the 1000 yd range with practice. The 168 grain match bullet would be your best bet. If your not loading your own rounds stay in the 130 to 150 grain bullets. If you want to also hunt with this package the 308 can be zeroed at 200 yards and will be effective on most deer size and small bears between 75 and 300 yards. I would reccomend this caliber as a starting point and go from there. Take the time to practice and become comfortable with the weapon. Good luck and good shooting.

Answer 5

Excellent choice, you are good to go.I have both Savage & Remington.*

Answer 6

Savage is a good rifle.  Some say the best bang for the buck.  the .308 win should be fine out to around 400 yards with a desent rifle and longer with a great rifle.  Outside of that I don't know anything about the left handed models or how makes left handed models.

I will add the package scope, you don't list brand, may not be on par with what you want.  Rule of thumb is to spend as much or more for glass than the rifle.

Answer 7

Savage is an excellent brand..... If your on a budget then the model you have in the link is a good choice. I do agree with the other poster that it would be best to get a better model like the Model 16FLSS which is left handed.......... Then purchase a decent scope. I recommend Nikon scopes. They are reliable, are in the price range of the working man and for me have been a pleasure to use. ----------- I dont know what level you want to take target shooting but have a couple of recommendation. Realize that you may become such a good marksman that your skill will become limited by the rifle. That doesnt mean for a minute that I am suggesting spending a fortune on top quality rifles and optics..... Quite the contrary. Consider purchasing the less expensive rifle scope package and wear it out. I mean practice a lot with it until you cant get any better.... Then purchase a more expensive rifle. Some disagree with me on this but I cant see the value in buying a top grade rifle and when your skill becomes excellent the barrel is worn... ----- A thing about gun clubs. I am a member of a couple and yes they are great BUT consider finding land you can get permission to shoot on... I do this and shoot targets at long distances across valleys / gullys / up hill / down hill / thru the trees etc... And nobodys bothering you.... Instead of paper use steel plates that you can see move when you hit them....