What's the ultimate 308 rifle set-up?

[Graves]

Uh... Ok, why?

Sorry man, the wife and I are on vaca. we've had a nice busy week and she's in class all night and I'm feelin' lazy as hell right now lol. Hoser pointed out some reasons to go that way. If you're not willing to do the footwork involved in a full house custom build, they're a great way to go as they boast many of the features from an all out custom (DBM's, solid action/trigger/stocks, top shelf barrels, integral rails, etc.). Right now I have a M700p with a few mods (300wm - Badger dbm/20moa rail/bolt knob, Jewell trigger) but it still sits in the HS stock which I feel is adequate for my needs until I can get some more cash together...and learn to shoot better. I've had the pleasure to try out and own some higher end stuff - Surgeon, AI, and Sako have have left a very good impression on me, I feel that there's an exceptional value with these mfgs. especially if you've seen the tag on a Lazzeroni or things of the like. Nuts!

[spyder]

I choose my 20" 308 POF the wife just bought me! Ya I know it's not a bolt gun, but it's bad ass!

[banks74]

Hoser mentioned the reasons why an AI is at the top of my list as well. Second in line is a DTA SRS. The more I shoot my DTA the more I like it. The ability to run several calibers with one scope is definitely an awesome feature. Now I can shoot .308 to .338lap with only paying for one Smitty.

For a custom build I would go with a Big Horn or Surgeon action. Manners stock (with flushcups) although I like McMillan as well. A Bartlein, Krieger or other quality barrel. (I have not had one shoot any better than the others. Only had Kreiger, Bartlein, and Obermeyer. So can't comment on the others)

Trigger would be old style remmy or 40x tuned to perfection.

Glass would be an S&B with a P4f.

Bipod would be an V8 or a Harris. On AI it would be a PH.

[smchop]

For me my keeper in the .308 is my AI AE. It is the covert with a 16" barrel but has a nice suppressor that goes with it. Even at 16" its a 1000yd gun. Action is smooth as butter, weight is a consideration but is relative. I have a .300 win mag that is 15lbs with out the glass! I like the user adjustable triggers, and unlike many shooters I like two stage triggers ( go ahead and flame me now for it ) but you take take that out also. If I didn't go with the covert I still would have picked up an AI probably 20-22" As Hoser mentioned for a chassis system it is top notch. One thing on them though is the comb is a little high, if you like high comb its good if not its a bitch to keep it low and keep the glass as low to the barrel as possible. I'm also a big USO fan, just love the EREK knobs and how smooth they are.

[SA Friday]

Ok, I'm trackin.

So let me throw this out there as a follow up question. What are the drawbacks of the McMillan stocks? I don't have enough hours on either the Manners or McM's to know why most prefer the Manners.

[smchop]

I have both, and like both. If I recall Hoser had a few complaints previous I believe, Hoser correct me if I'm wrong. But I've seen alot more manners being ordered or requested. I believe they (McMillan) may have burned a couple of the wrong bridges, but I don't know the politics of it. I have a manners mcs-t on a .308 that I love, but I also have a McMillan A4 that I love also. I have had no quaility issues with either and they boil down to pretty much having the same stocks as each other, although mcmillan may have a few more options on fill and what not but I havent looked in awhile. I would not hesitate to buy either if you like the way they feel. FWIW.

[Hoser]

What are the drawbacks of the McMillan stocks?

Kelly McMillan.

[jmg8550]

I really don't think you can go wrong with a Savage model 10 to start out with. Very accurate out of the box. And a nice bang for the buck package.

Currently, I run a Burris XTR 3X12. It has been a very good scope. I have well over 1500 rounds with no scope malfunctions.

[Robert217]

Styer jeff Cooper scout IMHO

[T-Jet]

Holy Smokes - talk about no parameters to fence me in ! Yeehaa!

I'd have start with it depends on the application:

Tactical:
Never owned an AI but guys love 'em
GA Precision makes nice rigs that always shoot well
My preference is Mark Chanlynn at BigHorn Arms using his custom action (tell him what you application is and what bullet you want to shoot and he'll match you up with what would work well.)