Budget .308 bolt action recommendations

[BenimusPrime]

I am looking to get a .308 bolt action as a back up to the G3 knockoff I'm using as my main deer gun currently. Figure then I can give great grandpa's Montgomery Ward 30-30 lever action to one of my nephews to get it in the hands of a 5th generation and my deer rifles can share ammo then.

I'm looking for .308 (as stated), has a scope rail, 18" to 22" barrel, under 7.5 lbs, and under $500. Hunting whitetail deer in MN at 100 yards or less.

I have already eliminated Ruger and the Savage Axis. Ruger because I recently accidently broke my dads Ruger bolt action, and the Axis because I did not like the bolt throw riding so close to the scope when I got my hands on it. I liked the feel of the Mossberg Patriot bolt, however I see a bunch of hate toward the Patriot in 308 on YouTube.

I'm currently am looking at Mossberg Patriot carbine with the heavier barrel (but can't find any reviews on this model) coming in at about $425, or the Stevens 334 costing roughly $345. I am wondering if the MB carbine fixed or at least improved the accuracy problems I hear about on the base Patriot, and if the 2' shorter barrel and being threaded, and 1 lb less in weight, is worth $80? Or if anyone has some other suggestions to throw in the mix?

(And before anyone says just pick which one feels better in hand, none of the stores around me have either of these guns in stock. I would need to order online only currently.)

 

[TX Trophy Hunter]

I doubt the mossberg or stevens would be any better quality than the ruger. If you don’t mind going single shot, I’ve seen a lot of good reviews of the CVS scout in that price range.

 

[TX Trophy Hunter]

CVA that is

 

[SD_Prairie_Goat]

Check howa 1500. Budget line for Weatherby but same action

 

[TX Trophy Hunter]

 

[BenimusPrime]

I doubt the mossberg or stevens would be any better quality than the ruger. If you don’t mind going single shot, I’ve seen a lot of good reviews of the CVS scout in that price range.

I would prefer not to go single, but I won't completely throw the idea out.

 

[BenimusPrime]

Check howa 1500. Budget line for Weatherby but same action

I will keep an eye on them, but currently I haven't seen anything scope ready under $600

 

[TX Trophy Hunter]

I will keep an eye on them, but currently I haven't seen anything scope ready under $600

There’s a couple used ones on cabelas for 500. They will ship to any cabelas or bass pro for you to evaluate and purchase

 

[SFC B]

Check howa 1500. Budget line for Weatherby but same action

If you look hard you should be able to find one of these right around 500(look for them as Weatherby Vanguards as well, same as mentioned)......It is by far the best of what has been mentioned but you would still have to put a rail on it. I have not handled or shot the Stevens but can say STRONGLY to stay away from the Patriot. We sell them (thankfully not many) and it is an absolute crap shoot. Occasionally they shoot lights out but it is MUCH more common for them to be "minute of pie pan" and Mossberg DGAF about accuracy on them at all. Also, stay away from any Winchester XPRs you see. I get your price limit but about 2-250 more would make a WORLD of difference. Just food for thought.

 

[BenimusPrime]

If you look hard you should be able to find one of these right around 500(look for them as Weatherby Vanguards as well, same as mentioned)......It is by far the best of what has been mentioned but you would still have to put a rail on it. I have not handled or shot the Stevens but can say STRONGLY to stay away from the Patriot. We sell them (thankfully not many) and it is an absolute crap shoot. Occasionally they shoot lights out but it is MUCH more common for them to be "minute of pie pan" and Mossberg DGAF about accuracy on them at all. Also, stay away from any Winchester XPRs you see. I get your price limit but about 2-250 more would make a WORLD of difference. Just food for thought.

You're not wrong, but that extra $250 also would put me in the range I could find ok semi auto's too. I have frankly been shocked how much the price gap between bolt/lever guns and semis has shrunk while I have been shopping on this lol.

 

[TX Trophy Hunter]

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/weatherby-vanguard-ssr-308-winchester-blued-bolt-action-rifle-22in/p/1891535

 

[Wind Gypsy]

https://www.eurooptic.com/sauer-100-classic-xt-308-winchester-22-1-11-9-16-x24-bbl-rifle-s1s308t

Slightly above price range. Or you could do the sensible thing and get the 243 for $450 or 6.5 for $430 at the same place. They have tikkas for $100 above your price too which is a class above the savage/ruger/mossberg/howa in regards to action/barrel/trigger for that price point.

A year ago they were blowing out xbolts for that price range but not as many smoking deals anymore. I’d look at Winchester xpr before any savage, Stevens, cva, or mossberg.

 

[ridn9high]

I’m not a Ruger fan, but I’d pick that over the mossberg or Steven’s. I’ve handled a few of the gen 2’s. They shoot very good for their price point. I just can’t get over their not so smooth action compared to Tikkas and other actions. I bought my girls a Howa mini and don’t have much complaints except the heavy bolt lift. Feeds very smoothly and shoots very well. Might look at their 308’s or a Weatherby Vanguard.
I did a budget truck gun a few years back on a 223. Ended up with a Remington 783 heavy barrel for $380 out the door. Wanted something I wouldn’t worry about. That little gun has surprised me and is actually one of my favorite guns to shoot.

Dont buy from a box store unless they have a crazy good sale. I have 3 local small gun shops here I talk to when buying. Their out the door price is usually lower than what a big box store has the same gun listed for.

 

[HowieNH]

You might want to reconsider the Savage! Take a look at the Axis 2 Pro I think they have solved yur negative's lots of video's on youtube. I love mine and I have other 308's and 270's that cost alot more.

 

[Kauaihunter]

The Sauer 100 XT is a well made, solid rifle. Takes Remington 700 bases.

 

[MTLabrador]

https://www.eurooptic.com/sauer-100-classic-xt-308-winchester-22-1-11-9-16-x24-bbl-rifle-s1s308t

Slightly above price range. Or you could do the sensible thing and get the 243 for $450 or 6.5 for $430 at the same place. They have tikkas for $100 above your price too which is a class above the savage/ruger/mossberg/howa in regards to action/barrel/trigger for that price point.

A year ago they were blowing out xbolts for that price range but not as many smoking deals anymore. I’d look at Winchester xpr before any savage, Stevens, cva, or mossberg.

The Winchester XPR and Browning AB3 don’t get talked about much, but they are way better rifles than most of the budget options being discussed. I would also look at a Howa.

 

[Bullshot]

A used Rem 700 from 1990's / early 2000's.

 

[FairWeather]

You mentioned not liking the axis, but I’ve been extremely pleased with my savage model 11. Not sure if it has the same bolt throw or not.

You can find them used online for under $500.