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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 28,856 Likes: 12
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 28,856 Likes: 12 |
First this has nothing to do with the "If you could only have one rifle" type of thread. You can have all you want. This is more of a most useful rifle you can put together thing. I'm thinking for my uses which include elk hunting, deer hunting, some target shooting, and just a keep in the truck gun a light short action in 308 with a 4 power Leupold solidly mounted and sighted in for any of the medium weight Partitions I would be good for most anything out to around 350 yards. How far off am I? Close enough. One thing lacking is backup sights, ' cause stuff happens. At one time that would have been some sort of irons, but factory irons are pretty scarce these days. As a registered old fart with fading eyes, my choice now would be a reflex red dot, preferably a battery-free Trijicon. With the scope mounted on Weaver bases and the red dot in your pack, you're all set in case of disaster. Even with my eyes, I can do a respectable job of shooting sans glasses with a reflex. Lots of cartridges will do, but for someone willing to do a little work with military brass, one of the .308 family is probably the cheapest way to go for high-volume shooting (elk-capable).
What fresh Hell is this?
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 18,929 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 18,929 Likes: 1 |
Like a few others, I'd pick a 6X but could be happy forever with what you described.
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 13,953 Likes: 3
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 13,953 Likes: 3 |
The .308 is probably the most practical round out there. I only remember ever having one and that was a Savage. I wouldn't mind having another Savage .308 bolt. Savage builds a good rifle.
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,965
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,965 |
If it's a "do everything rifle" doesn't that require in be chambered in the 375 H&H?
Last edited by idahoguy101; 09/02/16.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,662
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,662 |
Sensible including price for me would a Marlin XS7 in 7mm-08 that CDNN Sports has for $279 and a Leupold FX-II 6x36 LR (recently got a new one from opticsplanet for $297.50). A sensible rifle and scope for all seasons under $600.
Ted
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 38,915 Likes: 9
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 38,915 Likes: 9 |
This all sort of sounds sacrilegious given the existence of (insert genuflection here) the Scout Rifle.
Not a real member - just an ordinary guy who appreciates being able to hang around and say something once in awhile.
Happily Trapped In the Past (Thanks, Joe)
Not only a less than minimally educated person, but stupid and out of touch as well.
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 30,291 Likes: 2
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 30,291 Likes: 2 |
Close enough. One thing lacking is backup sights, ' cause stuff happens. At one time that would have been some sort of irons, but factory irons are pretty scarce these days. I agree. My 308 M70 SS Fwt will be getting backup open sights.
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,128
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,128 |
Palidun,
I've two most sensible rifles, a stainless Rem. SPS in 300 WSM with Zeiss Conquest long range reticle.
The other is a .308 Win. in stainless Ruger American Rifle with Trijicon lighted dot duplex reticle.
These two I will keep, may eventually sell off some others.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,380
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,380 |
Your propsal sounds great.
I used a Savage 99E chambered for .308 Win in that role for ten years or so. You could do worse. I took coyotes, grouse, porcupines, deer and elk with it. The local gun stor has two of them for $299 apiece.
These days my GSR does the multi purpose role. It has the XS rail so I have lots of flexibility as to sights.
For pure big game hunting I still think a Model 70 FW '06 is best.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 15,609 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 15,609 Likes: 1 |
This all sort of sounds sacrilegious given the existence of (insert genuflection here) the Scout Rifle. I liked to read Cooper, but am convinced that his concept of the "scout rifle" was a bit flawed. And especially so the version marketed by Steyr, with his blessing.
"Chances Will Be Taken"
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,891
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,891 |
You idea would be pretty tuff to beat.. I had essentially that setup in a savage 308 w 4x nikon. I sold it because I wanted to,thin the herd and I had a couple of other rifles that had more history for me. If I was to lose my rifles Heaven forbid to theft or disaster. What you describe is exactly the way I would go.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,747
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,747 |
... how do you like the Nikon? Considered buying one myself. I like it really well, especially having given < $100 for it. It's bright, has good FOV, a workable reticle, & holds zero. I never thought about this rifle as a lightweight affair, so I went with the best bargain I could find in the classifieds at the time. Dunno why, but I'm a 4X guy. The 6x's shouldn't bother me a bit, but they do. Maybe if I lived/hunted somewhere else, that would be different. Still, I took 4X scopes on my 2 most expensive hunts, and wasn't hindered in the least. I just use what works for me. FWIW, I've always been really, really pleased with the ProStaff and Buckmaster scopes I've owned, but the Monarchs all got traded. For some reason, my eyes quit seeing good value when it came to the Monarch line. FC
"Every day is a holiday, and every meal is a banquet."
- Mrs. FC
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,950 Likes: 5
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,950 Likes: 5 |
I have that rifle. I have others, but for the last 4-5 years this has been the only one I've hunted with. I chose a 2.5-8X scope because 4X is way too much for me most of the time. It is 7 1/4 lbs as pictured. A fixed 4x might get it to 7 lbs. It keeps 3 shots at or under 1" with every factory or hand load I've tried virtually every time out. Often closer to 1/2". Sometimes I have an off day, but the rifle is consistent. ![[Linked Image]](http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m513/jmr40/2013cohutta018_zps80d98931.jpg)
Most people don't really want the truth.
They just want constant reassurance that what they believe is the truth.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,159 Likes: 14
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,159 Likes: 14 |
Every time I see a 308, I throw up a little in my mouth, but it IS a very sensible, logical caliber. I'd pick a Model 70 FWT 3006 w a Leopold 2.5X8X36. In total agreement on all accounts..
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,575
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,575 |
I'd chime for the .260/6.5x55, but it won't scratch your recoil fetish...
I do not entertain hypotheticals. The world itself is vexing enough. -- Col. Stonehill
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,845 Likes: 6
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,845 Likes: 6 |
I'd chime for the .260/6.5x55, but it won't scratch your recoil fetish... Jeff, I was about ready to chime in on the 260. Got a Stainless Ruger, in 260 with a Zytel Stock, with a 1.5 x 6 powered scope on top... its a pretty handy set up.... While Jorge and BSA might like a feather weight in 06, I've got one in 7 x 57 with a 3 x 9 Leupold with German Number 1 Heavy Duplex cross hairs I tend to reach for a lot during hunting season when the weather is sunny.... The Ruger in 260, or an ADL in 243 with a 4 power Weaver on top, gets grabbed when the weather is crappy outside in fall deer season. Hunting at 30/30 ranges, its almost like the 308 is " too much" gun.... like Jeff O. expounds on, they "overpenetrate"  actually the lighter calibers will do the same job, with a lot less recoil, at least with my handloads vs 308 factory stuff.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,159 Likes: 14
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,159 Likes: 14 |
I'd chime for the .260/6.5x55, but it won't scratch your recoil fetish... Jeff, I was about ready to chime in on the 260. Got a Stainless Ruger, in 260 with a Zytel Stock, with a 1.5 x 6 powered scope on top... its a pretty handy set up.... While Jorge and BSA might like a feather weight in 06, I've got one in 7 x 57 with a 3 x 9 Leupold with German Number 1 Heavy Duplex cross hairs I tend to reach for a lot during hunting season when the weather is sunny.... The Ruger in 260, or an ADL in 243 with a 4 power Weaver on top, gets grabbed when the weather is crappy outside in fall deer season. Hunting at 30/30 ranges, its almost like the 308 is " too much" gun.... like Jeff O. expounds on, they "overpenetrate" actually the lighter calibers will do the same job, with a lot less recoil, at least with my handloads vs 308 factory stuff. Seafire, a fwt in 7x57 would be bad azzed too. Or even one in 270 win like donsm70 suggested would be top pick too..
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 21,810
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 21,810 |
I'd select a value rifle (Ruger American, etc.) in 308 Winchester. It's powerful enough for anything on the North American continent (OK, marginal for big bears, but it will work); the value rifles are all great for knocking around and accurate and; ammo can be found anywhere. Put a low power variable (1-4X) scope in it and you're ready to go - all for $600 or so!!
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,037
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,037 |
Ruger Hawkeye All-Weather in 7mm-08 with a Bushnell 4200 3-9x40. Gentle kick, as rugged as you can get, powerful enough for anything short of the big bears, ammo available everywhere.
If I wasn't a gun nut, that would be the only one I own.
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing -- Edmund Burke
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 13,211 Likes: 3
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 13,211 Likes: 3 |
I recently purchased a Tikka T3 Superlite in .308 Win. just for fun. It's still in the box. I might just do something with it.
P
Obey lawful commands. Video interactions. Hold bad cops accountable. Problem solved.
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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Join date 3/09/2001
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