HELP!! Wife Wants To Buy Me A Gun For Christmas,, Which 30 caliber?? Or ,,, Other??

[SweetMk]

My wife knows I got her an expensive gift,, so she feels like I should get a gun for Christmas,,

I think is should be a 30 caliber bolt action,, but, considering all that is going on,, "Which One!!??"

A little history, several years ago, when a 300 Blackout was cheap, I bought an AR version,
Since then, every time I have seen that caliber of ANY weight bullet that was priced right,, I bought them.
Any bullet weight seems good for plinking in the Blackout, as long as the bullet is "pointy" enough,,

So, I have bullets,, LOTS of J-Words,, and two really nice .309 molds, and the desire to cast some bullets.

I have a 300 Win Mag Remington 700,, so when I need a REAL noisy gun, that comes out,,

So, if I go looking for a bolt action,
I think it should be possibly a 308 Winchester (available brass??) or a 300 Blackout (I have brass)

I think I should get a light barrel gun, I own three bolt actions, ALL are "Varmint" type heavy barrels,,
243 Win, 7MM-08, 300 Win Mag.

Other considerations, I have LOTS of large primers,, I have LOTS of powder, but, they are many types.
(before my neighbor moved on to the big shooting bench in the sky, he gave me all of the powder/bullets/brass,,, that he had)
I might have a few hundred small primers,, so, I am kinda leaning towards a large primer gun.

I could alternatively go with 243,, or 7MM-08,, because, I have enough of those, and I could buy a mold.

I might even think about a really lightweight rifle,, just so the gun is different,,

All of my crank handle guns have been Remington, should I stick with that,, or look for a different brand?
Every time I read about Savage bolt actions,, there seems to be a LOT of like for their accuracy,,
I ain't being cheap. but, none of my rifles have ever been "a beater rifle" that I can toss in the truck, and not worry about,
so this might be the perfect time to buy a beater price level gun?? :mrgreen:

Hmmmmmmm,, so thinking about my situation,, what rifle should I look for, ??:veryconfu
I REALLY do not want to make the mistake of just buying a duplicate of what I have,,
AND, I do not want to get a gun that just gets tossed in the back of the gun safe,,
DO NOT worry about hurting my feelings,, I am thick skinned and take criticism very well, if I am thinking this all wrong.
What should I get!!?? :-?

[Rainier]

That would be a simple choice for me - A Model 70 Featherweight in 30-06.

[Minerat]

My first rifle was a .308 bolt action it serves as my 13 year old grandsons first rifle now. It is easy to load for, accurate enough for elk, and cheap to shoot. I have shot every thing from pasture poodles to elk with the right bullet and it likes cast boolits with the right load. Id get a CZ527 if it is avaliable.

[samari46]

Have a Savage 110FP and a rem 700 Sendero both in 308. The Savage will out shoot the 700. Frank

[Winger Ed.]

I have learned:
As you get older, a .308Win. in a polymer stocked, lightweight Model 70 or 700,
with a scope noticeably smaller than your leg, will have more and more appeal.:bigsmyl2:

I'd opt for the 700 since there is plenty of 'speed equipment' made for it and available at decent prices.
Speed lock firing pins, after market triggers, etc.

[Stephen Cohen]

I am building a 30 cal on a Savage 110 action with a 1/14'' twist barrel which I believe will be great for cast, the real choice is 30/06 or 308 win. Regards Stephen

[slohunter]

That would be a simple choice for me - A Model 70 Featherweight in 30-06.

Exactly! I also like the Model 70 "Alaskan" in 30-06 with a 25" barrel.

[Lloyd Smale]

That would be a simple choice for me - A Model 70 Featherweight in 30-06.

your talking my favorite rifle there. But if i wanted an efficient accurate handy bolt gun id have to choose my 300 bo ruger american. DONT get the rotary mag one though. the one i had was a total ***. Go with the ar magazine model. Mine will shoot near moa at a 100 yards with rcbs 130 spitzer gas checks at 1900 fps and thats without alot of load development. Want plinking i loaded the same bullet up last fall with 4.5 grains of unique and shot 2 in 100 yard groups with it!! Poa was way low as expected though but was pretty much dead on at 25 yards and minute of steel target at 50. the BO is just a natural with cast bullets. want to hunt deer with it. I killed a half a dozen 2 years ago doing crop damage shooting. All between a 100 and 200 yards and only one made it as far as the edge of the field. I was shooting a barnes 110tsx with 110. Load went right at 2300 fps. that was in one of my 300 ars though not the american. I was skeptical till i saw the damage that bullet did even at 200 yards.

[dangitgriff]

Henry Long Ranger in .308.

[smithnframe]

A 1903 Springfield of course!

[RU shooter]

M1 Garand ! Need I say more .

[Evoken]

+1 for the ruger american. Mine is a 7mm-08 with the rotary mag. My only rub about the mag is that it does not want to snap in reliably with the bolt closed, so this limits me to 4 cartridges not 5. I don't know why people knock them, mine is great. Very accurate out of the box with factory ammo. With my tailored loads I can shoot dimes all day at 100yds if I do my part. Maybe I got a "good" one, but free float barrel, light weight, and all American made. What is not to like, especially at the price point.
Ken

[dale2242]

308 or 30-06 in your choice of firearm.

[725]

The real danger here is that they all are correct. Depending on how "expensive" this gift issue is, I'd opt for a Proof Rifle ~ pick your cartridge. Rather than me describing these things, go check their site out. I've shot with and have hunted with the inventor at Proof a couple times and let me tell ya! his rifles are all they are cracked up to be. His proprietary method of barrel construction is incredible. No heat issues at all. Your first shot is just like your 20th. No kidding. Goes against everything I have known from 50+ years of shooting, but it's true. Very fine rifles. Merry Christmas

[Texas by God]

A Remington 788 in 30-30 Winchester.

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[Markopolo]

Almost right Thomas.... a 788 in 308 [smilie=p:

[Scrounge]

My wife knows I got her an expensive gift,, so she feels like I should get a gun for Christmas,,

I think is should be a 30 caliber bolt action,, but, considering all that is going on,, "Which One!!??"

A little history, several years ago, when a 300 Blackout was cheap, I bought an AR version,
Since then, every time I have seen that caliber of ANY weight bullet that was priced right,, I bought them.
Any bullet weight seems good for plinking in the Blackout, as long as the bullet is "pointy" enough,,

So, I have bullets,, LOTS of J-Words,, and two really nice .309 molds, and the desire to cast some bullets.

I have a 300 Win Mag Remington 700,, so when I need a REAL noisy gun, that comes out,,

So, if I go looking for a bolt action,
I think it should be possibly a 308 Winchester (available brass??) or a 300 Blackout (I have brass)

I think I should get a light barrel gun, I own three bolt actions, ALL are "Varmint" type heavy barrels,,
243 Win, 7MM-08, 300 Win Mag.

Other considerations, I have LOTS of large primers,, I have LOTS of powder, but, they are many types.
(before my neighbor moved on to the big shooting bench in the sky, he gave me all of the powder/bullets/brass,,, that he had)
I might have a few hundred small primers,, so, I am kinda leaning towards a large primer gun.

I could alternatively go with 243,, or 7MM-08,, because, I have enough of those, and I could buy a mold.

I might even think about a really lightweight rifle,, just so the gun is different,,

All of my crank handle guns have been Remington, should I stick with that,, or look for a different brand?
Every time I read about Savage bolt actions,, there seems to be a LOT of like for their accuracy,,
I ain't being cheap. but, none of my rifles have ever been "a beater rifle" that I can toss in the truck, and not worry about,
so this might be the perfect time to buy a beater price level gun?? :mrgreen:

Hmmmmmmm,, so thinking about my situation,, what rifle should I look for, ??:veryconfu
I REALLY do not want to make the mistake of just buying a duplicate of what I have,,
AND, I do not want to get a gun that just gets tossed in the back of the gun safe,,
DO NOT worry about hurting my feelings,, I am thick skinned and take criticism very well, if I am thinking this all wrong.
What should I get!!?? :-?

Simple for me, as well. Bolt gun would1903 Springfield in 30-06, or M1 Garand if semi-auto. I'd like a full-dress mil-surp for the local gun-club's mil-surp events.

[Bmi48219]

I can’t suggest what firearm to request but it sounds like you asked the right woman to marry you.

[MUSTANG]

Good value would be a Cabellas Savage 12FV in .308 Winchester. As funds permit; take the tupperware stock off and replace with a Boyds laminated stock of your choice.

[Lloyd Smale]

Almost right Thomas.... a 788 in 308 [smilie=p:

make mine the 3030. For the same reason i prefer a blackout over either. Cheaper to load for. 18 grains of aa9 will get you to 2000 fps. More empty powder space in a round makes it more finiky to load for over a 100 percent full case. Add to that that it gets many times more difficult to find accuracy over 2000 fps. Anymore i dont even bother trying. Between the 3030 and the 308 if its going to be mainly a cast bullet gun id go 3030 any day over a 308 or 06. heck if bigger is better why stop at the 06. get yourself a 300 ultra mag or wby mag and use that.

[popper]

Henry side gate 30/30 fits between everything else. I'd say Marlin but not now. Use the BO moulds for cast or get 041 RD style.

[RJM52]

...you didn't really say what your main purpose for the gun was going to be...but I am thinking hunting since you thought about "light" weight...

Favorite lightweight hunting .308 is the Remington Model SEVEN stainless/synthetic. Right behind it would be a Tikka carbine and if you really want to go fancy the SAKO Finlight...about $1600...

For an all-around .308 my favorite is the Ruger Gunsight Rifle...

Bob

[JoeJames]

308 in a Ruger

[Wheelgun]

If it has to be a bolt gun = 1903 or 1917!

Semi = M1 Garand!

Or the classic 30 cal. = Win 1894 30/30!

But I’m kinda biased to old stuff lol

[Thumbcocker]

I recently acquired a Tikka in .308 with a 12" twist. It shows great promise with boolits.

[charlie b]

What do you want it for?

Looks, target shooting (100-200 yd or 600-1000yd), hunting, fun shooting. If hunting what type, deep woods, open canyons, long stalking sessions? Tactical?

I have a Savage 12 in .308. While it is fairly accurate it is a copper mine with jacketed bullets. It shoots cast ok, but, has a short throat and fast (10") twist which limits it's flexibility for cast a bit. Slower twist is better for cast.

Unless you know what you want it for then recommending a caliber/rifle is a free for all (as you can tell from the posts).

[skeettx]

Remington 700 BDL in 308 Win
You already have the stuff for your heavy barrel and
now you can get the walk-around mate

[SweetMk]

Thanks for the replies,,
Yes, this is a walk around gun,, and where I live,, 100 yards would be a long shot,,
I guess I could shoot across the pasture, and stretch it out to 150 yards,,

So, its use is a hunting gun (deer),, but, also plinking lead,,

[charlie b]

In that case, if you want to keep it .30cal, then a short barrel .308 would be my pick.

If money is less an issue I'd look at the Tikka.

A wild card is that Howa makes a rifle in 7.62x39 on their mini action.

Other choices would be one of the reg mfgs, Ruger, Rem, Win, Savage, etc. Lots of choices there.

[GregLaROCHE]

Don’t be stuck on getting a .30 cal. Try some variety in life. Get a 45/70 lever gun.

[bluejay75]

Get a short barreled 308. Savage 110 Scout. Weight of a sporter with a stiff short accurate barrel. Take the scout rail off and run a traditional scope. Best value in firearms these days.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/savageshooters/permalink/665002837523170/?ref=m_notif&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic

[gumbo333]

How old are you? Maybe a 6.5 X 55, a non big kicker. The 308 is a great cast boolit shooter, also a non kicker. But at 74 my favorite non kicker is my Henry 45/70 with low velocity loads. Low vel loads can be extremly accurate, and very addictive. Good deer slayer too. I don't think you can go wrong with any suggestions you've been given.

[sigep1764]

I might be the oddball but Id got for a Ruger American 300BO AR mag fed with the short 16.5 inch heavy threaded barrel or a JM stamped Marlin 30-30 lever if you haven't one already.

[country gent]

Another handy one would be a 700 in 300 savage or a savage 99. for the ranges and would be very nice and wouldnt tip the powder can as heavy.

[samari46]

Another old guy here.
1903 or 1903A3.
M1 Garand.
Any good condition Win 94 or Marlin 336 30-30.
Bought a Ruger American compact in 7.62x39 more a plinker or cast bullet rifle, although can take deer or pigs with it. Haven't shot it yet due to all the rifle ranges closed due to covid. Wanna try something different?. Finnish Moisin Nagant rifles or Russian ones. They are all 30-31 calibers. Frank

[SweetMk]

I do not have anything against other calibers,,
my main reason for selecting 30 caliber is that I have supplies,, powder, J-Words, and large primers.

So, I think the gun should simplify my life,, not send me chasing.
I stopped at two LGS today,, neither had a 30 caliber ANYTHING,, 7MM, 6.5, .243,, , and nothing really unique.

The LGS' were small, but, they were close to the dentist that I took my wife to,,
I only had 3/4 of an hour,, so, I did not look real hard,, I might try a couple larger ones tomorrow.

I did go on GB, one thing I found, if I want to not be so selective,, for a few more $$$,, I could own a Remington 40X
THAT would be interesting,, If I got a bolt face that suited me, I could rebarrel into something I wanted.
BUT, that takes me into the area of an expensive gun,, not a truck gun..
a 40X Remington truck gun would be cool to own,,

Also, "tactical 308" and "tactical 300" on GB brought up some nice guns,,
I could probably live with a couple of those that I saw,, 8.5 pounds plus some optic,, not too bad of a weight,,

A skinny barrel tactical bolt gun could be unique,, Hmmmmm,, still looking,,,

[Tracy]

Savage .308.

[Lloyd Smale]

Don’t be stuck on getting a .30 cal. Try some variety in life. Get a 45/70 lever gun.

yup if you want a cast bullet flinger that can actually perform on big game with cast bullets something that starts with a 4 is much better then something that starts with a 3. Ive shot quite a few deer with cast bullets and in my opinion good cast deer guns start at 35 cal. Sure you can kill something with a 30 cal but you best have your tracking shoes on. im sure someone that shot two deer with there 06 with cast bullets will now argue with me though:coffeecom

[MostlyLeverGuns]

For something different, highly usable and fun, find a Savage 99 in .308, specifically a FEATHERWEIGHT ( slender barrel with 'bump for sight). The Featherweight Savage 99's seem to have the best workmanship, A rotary magazine, NOT the removable clip. I prefer the tang safety models with a slightly better trigger. I have a bunch of Savage 99's, but the Featherweight's seem to be a finished little better. All the .308's are trilled and tapped for scopes. The 99E's don't seem to be as accurate or finished as well. The Savage 99 in .308 has a 1-12 twist and shoots cast bullets very well. My .308's will do MOA with jacketed and 1.5 MOA with cast. I (my wife) do have a Savage 99 .243 that is a regular .75 MOA rifle. A .30 cal, even a 308 but a little different. Finding a good Savage 99 back east seems to simpler than in the Mountain West, plenty of 'Granpa's rifles to get out of the house.

[Jack Stanley]

Whatever you decide , unless you want to spend more money to fix a cheap plastic stock . Don't buy a rifle with a cheap plastic stock in the first place . Experience talking there .

Even though my first choice would be a 30-06 with a hundred yard limit I also would choose a 788 chambered in 30-30 . And yes they are all that has been said about them , including only a few of them around it seems . Fortunately the .308 is more available and has a shorter barrel also . I used to own a couple of them and they shot very well jacketed bullets or cast .

If you can find one , there have been some very nicely done 1903 Springfields done into sporters that would be quite memorable for such a gift .

Jack

[brass410]

sounds to me like you have pretty much a full house of 30 cal for fun and hunting, if it has to be 30 cal, 30-30 would be the next realistic choice, its reasonable to shoot ,shoots heavy and light projectiles in cast or otherwise, can load heavy or light charges of smokeless, but can also do black powder so if you wanted nostalgia to the list this would fit your need/want. The only other suggestion would be to exploit the oppourtunity and jump to a straight wall cartridge and start a new battery of thunder sticks. Something like 444,45-70, 38-55,you could even go dual purpose and go 45 colt or 44mag the selection goes on only you can make the call, what fits one, doesnt fit others kinda like socks.

[Texas by God]

A .308 Tikka Hunter(Walnut) by Sako is lightweight, looks great, handles great, has a great trigger, and is very accurate. Those Finns still know how to build a rifle. Decisions, decisions. A good percentage of my favorite guns were gifts from my much better half- its a great thing.

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[GregLaROCHE]

Another old guy here.
1903 or 1903A3.
M1 Garand.
Any good condition Win 94 or Marlin 336 30-30.
Bought a Ruger American compact in 7.62x39 more a plinker or cast bullet rifle, although can take deer or pigs with it. Haven't shot it yet due to all the rifle ranges closed due to covid. Wanna try something different?. Finnish Moisin Nagant rifles or Russian ones. They are all 30-31 calibers. Frank

Those Finish Mosins are top shelf surplus guns, if you are willing to pay the price. Not at all in the same category as normal Mosins.

[GregLaROCHE]

Whatever you decide , unless you want to spend more money to fix a cheap plastic stock . Don't buy a rifle with a cheap plastic stock in the first place . Experience talking there .

Even though my first choice would be a 30-06 with a hundred yard limit I also would choose a 788 chambered in 30-30 . And yes they are all that has been said about them , including only a few of them around it seems . Fortunately the .308 is more available and has a shorter barrel also . I used to own a couple of them and they shot very well jacketed bullets or cast .

If you can find one , there have been some very nicely done 1903 Springfields done into sporters that would be quite memorable for such a gift .

Jack

Today we always think of sporterized surplus guns as Buba guns. That is not fair. In the past, there have been beautiful and fine shooting guns built from .30 06 surplus Springfields. Mausers too.

[1hole]

The old adage about using the right tool for the project applies. A rifle is a tool. You only tell us ".30 caliber"; that covers a very large range of work. You don't tell us what you plan to use the new rifle for therefore we can only tell you what WE would want, that's probably not quite the same as what you do or will want.

You sound like a hunter. You already have some nice big game cartridges, now get something that doesn't duplicate what you already have. A compact, lightweight Rem Md. 7 in .308 (with a compact Leupold 3-7x scope) is a great tool for long walks and mountain hunting comes to mind.

Loading with cast bullets to duplicate .22 RFM speeds, a light .308 rifle makes an excellent choice for squirrel hunting - that's fun too - and smother fried young squirrel alongside some scrambled eggs, biscuits, grits and a thick, rich gravy makes a fitting breakfast for an 1800s French king.

[rockrat]

The Rem Md. 7 would be good as well as a Rem 600 , either in 308. A 700 BDL in 308 would be great, but I don't think they made a lot of them. A Rem. 7 AAC in 300 BO would work well. I had one and sold it in a weak moment. Don't overlook the Marlin 30-30 or maybe even the 35 Rem. Plink with pistol bullets or boolits. Lots of moulds to choose from.

[farmbif]

from what you wrote I'm assuming you after a bolt action rifle, if this is correct, bergara , you will not be disappointed with build quality, price or accuracy, if you wanting to only spend 1/2 as much as a b14 costs savage offers some nice rifles that are also very accurate

[40-82 hiker]

I agree with the previous suggestions to get a Savage 99! That would make one really nice gun for deer hunting in VA.

Geez, I've wanted a Savage 99 far longer than I care to admit. I was a subsistence hunter in VA for the family for years with a 30-06, and I swear the longest shot I ever took at a deer could not have been more than 150 yards (with a bolt gun). If I had it to do over again I would get myself a Savage 99. :bigsmyl2: Of course, YMMV.

[John McCorkle]

300 'lite mag' is a fantastic round for hunting and fantastically diverse for cast and j words

(Aka 30/06)

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[SweetMk]

300 'lite mag' is a fantastic round for hunting and fantastically diverse for cast and j words

(Aka 30/06)

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I agree that the 30-06 is a great round, but, I really prefer a short action bolt rifle.
That long action is heavier,
and the distance you have to work the bolt handle is really a lot further, when you are not used to it.

Powder cost is not any concern (yet!!) but, the shorter brass cartridges use WAY less powder to get "Virginia Capable" ammo.
In other words, I do not need 30-06 power in Virginia,, there is no where that is that long of a shot.

Heck, if the game warden did not exist,, deer hunting in Virginia would probably default to the 22 Magnum!! :?:

[Wayne Smith]

I too would opt for the 30-30 as the ideal caliber for a cast boolit gun, you can load the cast just as you load the condoms. 788, Marlin, Winchester, or Savage 99 are all sometimes available in that caliber. Finding what you want may not happen before Christmas, though.

[Silvercreek Farmer]

For a walking around gun I'd get a CZ 527 in 7.62x39. Compact, lightweight, nice wood, nice trigger, 30 cal.

[John McCorkle]

I agree that the 30-06 is a great round, but, I really prefer a short action bolt rifle.
That long action is heavier,
and the distance you have to work the bolt handle is really a lot further, when you are not used to it.

Powder cost is not any concern (yet!!) but, the shorter brass cartridges use WAY less powder to get "Virginia Capable" ammo.
In other words, I do not need 30-06 power in Virginia,, there is no where that is that long of a shot.

Heck, if the game warden did not exist,, deer hunting in Virginia would probably default to the 22 Magnum!! :?:Understood

There are some fine reduced power loads for the 06, use 16 grains of red dot and nearly any boolit 150-180 grains and you'll have a soft shooting accurate load.

But you can also test/replicate smaller loads for 308 or 30)30 too. Any of them you choose you'll have options.

My current fav is the Lee 314-90swc sized and powder coated over a pinch of pistol powder in 30 Cal guns and it's very very fun. 3.2 grains of titegroup in 300 blk bolt action and I get hits out to 200 (with alot of drop correction)

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[Cosmic_Charlie]

For a walking around gun I'd get a CZ 527 in 7.62x39. Compact, lightweight, nice wood, nice trigger, 30 cal.

Iron sights too. Fun and cheap to shoot. Or check Gun Broker for a minty older Marlin 30-30.

[Eddie Southgate]

Remington 788's are not light . They are great shooters and I recommend them highly but light they ain't. If I was looking for a fairly light walking around "Truck Gun" in .30 caliber I would be looking for an old Savage 340 series in 30-30 Winchester . That will allow you to use some of them pointy jacketed bullets and your cast stuff as well . A '94 or Marlin would be great, as well as light, but you will need to stick to round or flat nosed bullets or single load .

[waylonrocks]

Since you currently have bolt actions, I would suggest trying out something else - be it single-shot, lever, or a pump. As a fan of single shot guns, the Thompson Center encore would be worthy of consideration. I get great pleasure out of shooting the handgun version in .308, especially with cast bullets and trail boss powder. You could get a barrel for any anything you currently have to simplify your ammo/reloading if you would prefer not to chase down more reloading dies and brass for a different cartridge.

[jonp]

"Expensive" is different things to different people. I've had 308's in various makes and models. If your looking for a hunting rifle a Savage Axis, T/C Compass and Mossberg Patriot all work well. The Mossberg is behind the others in accuracy but not by much with both the Axis and T/C sub MOA. None will make your heart race in looks but will survive a beating. If something a little higher in price then maybe a Begera Wilderness or a B-14, also CZ 557 American. If you are dead set on buying American then I don't think there are any really bad choices anymore considering the advances made in rifle builds. As someone pointed out, don't forget Henry's Ranger series. If you want old school you can still find Savage 99's knocking around in 308 sometimes. The Advantage of a Savage Axis is that you can buy a MSR chassis and go the target route for not a lot of money if that is your thing.

Oddly, the most accurate rifle I ever had was my grandfathers Remington 742 Woodsmaster .308. With 110gr Silvertips it was a .25 moa using a 4x Redfield Widefield in tip off mounts. Go figure. Won a couple of bets with that one against a few high dollar rifles like a guy with his beloved Weatherby.

My buddy hunts all over the US for whitetail and swears by his Tikka and he has gone through about every make and model of rifle you can imagine. Tikka and Sako are two quite a few forget about for some reason. I just keep putting them down with my old Win 30/30 and it works for what I do because for me, whitetail means Johnson Wool, snowy weather and Northern Swamps where a 50yrd shot is longrange.

A 308 is neck and neck with the 6.5SW and 7mm Mauser as my favorite calibers for "do all"

[SweetMk]

As a fan of single shot guns, the Thompson Center encore would be worthy of consideration.

I get great pleasure out of shooting the handgun version in .308, especially with cast bullets and trail boss powder.

You know, I think I already own that gun, but, have never popped a cap in that gun,
I purchased a T/C barrel in 35 Remington,, just to get the scope.

https://i.imgur.com/PqmklLv.jpg

It was one of those deals where the barrel/scope auction price was so low, I just bid for fun,
I ended up winning the combo for less than what the scope was selling for on eBay.
Before my eBay purchase of the barrel/scope arrived, a neighbor gave me the scope that I wanted,

So,, Hmmm maybe I just need to blaze away with that T/C,, rather than getting a new gun?

[jonp]

You know, I think I already own that gun, but, have never popped a cap in that gun,
I purchased a T/C barrel in 35 Remington,, just to get the scope.

https://i.imgur.com/PqmklLv.jpg

It was one of those deals where the barrel/scope auction price was so low, I just bid for fun,
I ended up winning the combo for less than what the scope was selling for on eBay.
Before my eBay purchase of the barrel/scope arrived, a neighbor gave me the scope that I wanted,

So,, Hmmm maybe I just need to blaze away with that T/C,, rather than getting a new gun?

or sell it to me because, you know, you don't need that anymore :wink:

[Lloyd Smale]

since your already set up for the black out its kind of a no brainer. get yourself a ruger american in 300 bo that you can share magazines and loads with your ar's. Good if shtf as its one less round you have to deal with and ive killed enough deer with the bo out to 200 yards with a 110 barnes to know its just as effective as a 3030 at those ranges or at least nobody that hasnt shot 50 deer with each and kept close records wouldnt win an argument against it. add to that it i use 130 cast bullets in mine that use less lead then the typical 170 most cast for a 3030 and use a 1/3 less powder to load it. Brass is easy to make from 556 brass you can usually pick up free at the range. By the way my american will shoot moa or a tad better with three differnt bullets and many powder combos with those bullets. its 16 inch which makes it a light handy little rifle.

What i like to do with mine too is load that 130 with 4 grains of bullseye for the kids to plink with. that makes it as cheap as shooting cast 9s and with my suppressor on it with those loads it sounds like a pellet rifle and amazingly even shoots those pop gun loads into 2 inches at a 100 yards. Granted you have to use some hold over though. What i do is zero my scope at a 100 yards with full power loads. Lift the adjuster and turn the turret to zero. Then sight in for the cast load and make a mark on the elevation turent for that load. i leave it mostly on the pop gun setting but if it need a powerful load swap mags and turn the scope to zero and im good to go. I call the bo the little train that could! Even for a shtf set up one of them and an ar pistol in bo would be a great pair. Shoot the same ammo same mags and if you have to do "something" quietly slap the suppressor on slap the other mag in and twist the dial to the mark and you have 100 yard dead quiet capability. Make the shot and in less the 30 seconds be back to full power loads.

[jonp]

HIJACK ALERT

Lloyd, what are you using for powder with your BO's and if sub sonic your using plain base and what mold? Your BHN is? I've found H110 pretty decent for what I'm doing but don't specifically aim for sub sonic with my Hera upper

[richhodg66]

Any bolt action in .30-06 or .308, they're all good, so it boils down to personal preference.

I'm a walnut and steel guy, but bought a Ruger American last year just mainly out of curiosity and man does that thing shoot well! Haven't gotten to try cast in it yet.

Honestly, there's good reason the .30-06 is still top of the heap, nothing else really beats it for versatility, but the .308 comes closer than anything else.

[waylonrocks]

We are very blessed that we have so many options to pick from that it really does get overwhelming! To my mind, long-term ammo/component availability plays a big part in any new gun purchase. Even those of us that have stocked up have to be careful. Sharing with friends and family can deplete the larder faster than we might think so I am of the opinion that in the current climate, the cartridge choice takes on added importance. I've seen relatively large quantities of ammo/supplies for some obsolete chamberings that if you could enlist help from others to get around the limit of buying a certain amount could make that choice viable for a new gun. As of late, I have been spending money that previously would've been spent on a new gun for accessories. For instance, you could buy a new barrel for the Contender, better quality optic for a gun you already have, custom sling/holster, etc. Your "allowance" could also go towards training or a different hunting opportunity than usual, as well. I know, not taking advantage of the chance to buy a new gun is wrong on so many levels, but nevertheless it is a consideration!!

[Lloyd Smale]

HIJACK ALERT

Lloyd, what are you using for powder with your BO's and if sub sonic your using plain base and what mold? Your BHN is? I've found H110 pretty decent for what I'm doing but don't specifically aim for sub sonic with my Hera upper

i use 110 for jacketed loads. Surplus wc820 and gas check 130 rcbs bullets for full power (almost) cast loads and leave the gas check off a pc'd 130rcbs and unique or bullseye for pop gun loads. Never fooled with heavys for sub sonic. I dont shoot may ars subsonic anyway and in the bolt guy you can do it with 130s so why waste the lead. Accuracy load for all three of my ars uses 110 and the barnes 110. the 120 x shoots just a tad better in the american but we are spliting hairs. Only time i use jacketed is for deer hunting so the cost of barnes bullets isnt to great to bear.