I finally have my proper FID (address change = 5 months) and I still want a .308.

 

Thing is, I've seen a lot of great bolt-action options, but I've also seen a lot of .308 semis that I think I might like better.

 

Purpose: Range and maybe hunting (infrequently)

 

Form: no tacticool stuff, a bipod and scope (adjustable preferably).

 

I was originally thinking of a Rem 700, but then I saw the semi options and was hooked.

 

Anyone hunt in NJ and/or VA? Are semis allowed in .308? (Sorry for the newb question, I have yet to take hunters ed & get my license)

 

So I guess my question is, "Given my intended use, can y'all suggest a semi-auto .308?"

Hunting with a 308 in NJ is a no go.  You would need a rifle permit along with your hunting license, woodchuck only as you are using larger than 25 caliber, on private land only and bullet weight must be less than 80 grains.  That eliminates 308 caliber unless you can find a bullet that meets that criteria.  I know of none sold at retail.  Virginia laws I believe allows SA, but counties have specific laws. You will need to research that.  So in NJ you are looking at a 308, not tacticool for range use only, semi auto.  Does this eliminate all AR and AK based firearms?  Springfield's M1A?  If it does, I really can't see the need for a semi-auto.  A bolt will do the job just fine.  

I'd vote for a bolt action. If you want it to do double duty as a bench gun and a hunting arm, bolt is the way to go. Right next door in PA you can hunt whitetail and black bear and the .308 is suited just fine for either - PA does not allow hunting with semi-auto rifles.

 

The new Ruger precision rifle has really caught my eye, but not sure that I'd want to lug that around the PA woods - although the barrel is medium profile. You have to decide what the primary purpose will be and skew your decision in favor of that use.

 

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

I'd vote bolt for what you state are your uses. Plenty of nice ones out there at a variety of prices, Ruger, Savage, Mossberg, etc.

Post didn't go through...

 

Too long, didn't read;

 

I wanted a semi but bolt may be better suited to my needs.

 

Now I'm back to square 1!

I'll fourth the bolt action for hunting and range.  The Ruger Precision Rifle may be too tacticool for you and I'd question how it will handle as a hunting rifle.  The stock looks like it would get snagged on everything.  I'm not hating on the RPR, I intend to get one in .243 as soon as the craze cools off and the price comes down to a realistic actual retail price. The RPR, if you can find one, is in high demand and currently selling for MSRP +.  

 

I'm a Ruger fan so I'll recommend a Ruger American Predator in any caliber.  The heavier barrel makes it ideal as a range gun and doubles nicely in the field with a sling.  It  has a full length Picatinny rail along the receiver so your optics mounting options are wide open.  The barrel is threaded, which means you can add a flash hider, and it's completely NJ legal since the RAP has no evil features.  The RAP in 308 comes in an 18"bbl but all other calibers have a 22"bbl.

Bolt is the way to go

I wound up buying a bolt... Remington 700P LTR. I wanted one before my FID change of address fiasco (5 months) and it's on its way!

If there's no photos it didn't happen. Share some pics and bring some joy.

Haha! Well according to FedEx, it's in Midland, TX at the moment... I'll be taking plenty of pictures as the accessories get installed

Anyone know what the latest time is that a dealer can call and process a NICS?

 

The rifle should arrive Thursday, but I'd have to take off working overtime to pick it up before 8pm

NJ NICS M-F 9-8 Sat 10-5 and no Sunday in NJ.

Thanks T Bill

 

 

The new Ruger precision rifle has really caught my eye, but not sure that I'd want to lug that around the PA woods - although the barrel is medium profile. You have to decide what the primary purpose will be and skew your decision in favor of that use.

 

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

I had a chance to handle/shoot my buddies RPR (6.5C).  I would say that it falls in the 11-12 lb range, with a scope and sling.  I would say, weight-wise, that it's not much heavier than a varmint barrelled rifle.  Very do-able, to carry it around for a bit, in my opinion.

 

 

Eric

 

 

 

 

The current setup and my last 2 3-shot groups @100yds. I know the rifle is better than this but I'm still happy with the results.

Very nice .....good shooting also