.308

[Goodburbon]

Weatherby vanguard/howa1500. Yes crappy injection molded stock, but inexpensive, accurate out of the box and who gives a crap if you scratch it. Total package can come in not too far above your price point if you shop well.

example:
http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/st...5#BVRRWidgetID

Isn't supported in the aftermarket as well as the Remmys, and the trigger isn't as nice as the savage accutrigger, but at the price point it's an excellent weapon.

It's lighter than and Felt recoil is less than my DPMS LR-308 ($1100 + Scope, rings bipod sling, magazines=$2000+), it's just as accurate and the trigger is far superior out of the box.

I also have a savage 10 FCPK, it was double the price of the Weatherby/Howa and the only advantages are a bipod lug, the adjustable accutrigger, and a brake. Accuracy is pretty much equivalent, I dislike the savage's "center feed" magazine that makes reloading in prone a little bit harder than the Weatherby.

Don't expect to be able to find a "good" scope for cheap, but there are some serviceable scopes in the $150-200 price range (Nikon). I wouldn't go any cheaper.

[xring]

Weatherby vanguard/howa1500. Yes crappy injection molded stock, but inexpensive, accurate out of the box and who gives a crap if you scratch it. Total package can come in not too far above your price point if you shop well.

example:
http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/st...5#BVRRWidgetID

Isn't supported in the aftermarket as well as the Remmys, and the trigger isn't as nice as the savage accutrigger, but at the price point it's an excellent weapon.

It's lighter than and Felt recoil is less than my DPMS LR-308 ($1100 + Scope, rings bipod sling, magazines=$2000+), it's just as accurate and the trigger is far superior out of the box.

I also have a savage 10 FCPK, it was double the price of the Weatherby/Howa and the only advantages are a bipod lug, the adjustable accutrigger, and a brake. Accuracy is pretty much equivalent, I dislike the savage's "center feed" magazine that makes reloading in prone a little bit harder than the Weatherby.

Don't expect to be able to find a "good" scope for cheap, but there are some serviceable scopes in the $150-200 price range (Nikon). I wouldn't go any cheaper.

Ive been a howa fan for a long time. Ive heard reports latly of poor quality. must be the radiation. I had three 6.5x55s one shot cloverleafs. it was a awesome barrel. the barrel laste about 1500 rds. Its got a lilja on it now. the second shot about 1 and a half minute and the third was a DOG 3moa. ive had 4 of the heavy barreled .308s. all shot 3/4 moa or under. The twist on the 6.5 is perfect 1-8. the twist on the 308 was 1-12 it might be a 10 now.. the 223s are 1-12. 1-12 is not my favorite in a 223. The BEST deal is the barreled actions! buy one thru a ffl and drop it it a boyds stock. bed it with jb. Make sure you get one with the NEW two stage howa trigger!!!!!! The weak point of the howa for years has been its shitty trigger (can be made decent) and its sear not pin locking safety(no fix) the new trigger fixs those issues

In your price range its the only option, consider bypassing the 308 and getting the 6.5, it will save you about 4 years.

Put the 12x SWFA SS mil mil on it and your done

www.legacysports.com

[vczar1]

Picked up the Marlin from Dicks sporting goods, special order took just over a week and the cheapest price $310. Did not get a chance to test it yet but fit and finish are very good.