What's the ultimate 308 rifle set-up?

[SA Friday]

So, if you could set up/purchase a long distance rifle, best set up you could have, what would it be? The only parameters would be: bolt action, 308 win caliber.

Get detailed in your description, and please, support your selection of equipment with detail. For example, why the IA receiver over the Surgen or Templar receivers? Why a Kreiger over a Llija? why a 22" barrel over a 26" barrel?

I know there are a couple of you I'm really interested to hear your opinions on this as you've owned or shot at least one of everything possible.

Ya, this is a fairly open ended discussion, but where's the fun in limitation?

[cysoto]

I must ask... If you are looking into dropping a big wad of cash for either an AI or a custom built stick, why would you choose a .308 Win? Unless you are planning on shooting F/TR, a .260 Rem or a 6.5 Creedmore would seem like a better alternative.

[BigBear]

Seems like "you get what you pay for" is the theme these days. The $3K custom build will out shoot the $1K production build every time. That being said, I know there is major competition among the custom builders and a lot of gimmicks as well.

For me, in my opinion, the ultimate build is the one that you have access to (i.e. able to practice on and practice consistently) and are comfortable shooting. That leaves the door completely open to personal preference. One of your criteria was also the "why's" behind a persons choice... This will be a very subjective thread. But I am alos interested in it as well.

I am by no means a super sniper and can't even afford the equipment I would like to have. However, I do have a cheap (sub $1k) Howa 1500 .308 bolt with a MKII stock and a Leupold 3x9 that lets me shoot a 5 shot, 1 inch group consistently up to 200 at anytime. (I don't have access to any range beyond 200 yards... one day. I am on the waiting list for Frontier though, I heard they are thinking about a 1K range, that would be awesome.)

I do have a friend that has a custom built Tac-Ops Tango and that thing is a dream, definitely on my short list if I ever win the lotto. Had a Leupold 25x, a 2 1/2lb trigger (if I remember correctly), an adjustable stock/cheekpiece/etc on it and he couldn't miss targets if he even pulled on purpose, Ha. Very nice shooter.

[TriggerHappy]

I want an OBR.

[BPTactical]

Jeez SAFriday- you really opened pandoras box with this subject. We have a ton of variables when it comes to the "Ultimate" bolt action 308 thumper. I think what one considers "ultimate" is entirely dependent on the man behind the trigger and the intended use.
The Tac/Sniper guys are going to have their own ideal whereas a silhouette shooter is going to have a different ideal while a benchrest/palma shooter has their ideal. Let's not even throw in the hunters here either.
I don't really think there is an ideal "Ultimate" BA 308.

Let's pick one area of the long range game and then shoot for an "Ultimate" rifle.

[SA Friday]

Ok, let's stay in the tactical configuration for this thread.

I picked 308 because its the standard for this type of stick, and it avoids another caliber debate.

[jarhead]

My choice would definatley be the accuracy international.

[Graves]

Off the shelf - Surgeon, Sako, or AI.

[SA Friday]

Uh... Ok, why?

[Hoser]

The main reason to pick an AI type receiver is a rock solid reliable trigger assembly and user end barrel changing. Other than that, the AI is pretty much just a flat bottom action that takes mags. AI rifles are heavy which can be a pretty big downside.

I shot a T2K for many years and it is an amazing rifle, but can be a bit too delicate to drag around a dusty and ugly range. For High Power you wont find a better bolt-gun.

If I was going to build a new rifle it would use either a Bighorn Action or a Badger AI clone action.

If I was going to buy an off the shelf rifle, it would be an AIAW/X or something from GAP or Surgeon.

Gas guns like AR-10/SR-25/OBR are good, but harder to shoot well. My OBR is getting a 260 barrel right now so time will tell. I will be a newbie at long range with a semi.

Barrels are pretty much just two flavors. Button rifled and cut rifled. I have used both and have had good luck with both. Right now I am using Lilja and Brux.

For stocks I like Manners for a fiberglass and AI for a chassis.

For scopes Nightforce and S&B are the way to go.

Harris bi-pods or the norm, but the Atlas is very good and better in many ways, price not being one of them.