Need suggestions on a .308 3 - Gun Rifle ...?

Question

Ok, so the paranoia has hit me too and I'm concerned about an AWB. I've got an AR that I like, and I already know why my second one is going to be so I'm set there. So, now I'm looking for Heavy Metal division gear. I'm not looking for a hunting rifle - I do my hunting with a bow (seriously, I'm the same color as a black tail deer, about the same size and have black hair. Stand me next to a branch that looks like antlers ...) and shoot for competition mostly. I'm not even really ready to shoot a bunch of 3 - gun due to grad school (what the HELL was I thinking??!) but circumstances are moving this up the priority list.

So tuition is about $3,500 a semester which I get reimbursed by my company if I keep my grades up. So call that the budget. It's like getting a tax refund every semster. I only want one rifle in this class, so I want it to be a good one. But what? I've shot a few rounds through a generic AR-10 (I honestly don't remember the make) and a SCAR 16S (the 17S wasn't out yet, but I'm told they handle about the same) and an FNAR and a Kel-Tec bull pup and a few others. Not really enough to make a selection. 

I've got other thoughts on hunting rifles (if I were to decide I need more range than my bow offers) and I'm not into Cowboy Action Shooting (although bonus points to anyone that can come up with a good cowboy name around Thinkingblade) so, not interested in a lever or slide gun right now.

So - are you part of the 3 - Gun nation and have an opinion? Let's see it, I'll read every word. You have links or suggestions for stuff I should read on this? I'll take a look. You love your .308 battle rifle and have experience in the "real world" with it instead of a game environment? Tell me why.

Thanks,

Thinkingblade

falconry2 · Accepted Answer

I immediately thought of the Springfield line like the SOCOM and "Loaded" M1A,if that helps any. I was also thinking some of the Euro stuff like the CETME,and the FN 49 that the French/Belgians exported(Argentine for example) that someone asked a question about yesterday. The 49 looks like a decent rifle,cleaner than the CETME. Not quite into the 3 gun,but that is what I can think of right quick. 
AR platforms you have already looked at so I'll see what else I can figure through the day.

Anonymous · Answer

Actually you already have a rifle capable of taking mule deer at 350 yards! From nosler's website. 308 150 gr accubond at 3025 fps drop at 400 yards 25.3 in 7mm mag (most mentioned as a good choice for what you want, I do agree it would be a good long range caliber) 140 grain accubond at 3200 fps drop at 400 yards 21 in. So the 7mm mag will save you 4 in of holdover! There is not a common cartridge made that you won't have to hold over at 350 to 400 yards! Now assuming you want another rifle rather than need one the 7mm mag and 270 would be the best out of your options. The others will either not be any flatter shooting than the 308 or are going to be hard to find ammo for at a small town ma and pop store.

Anonymous · Answer

Best 3 Gun Rifle Scope

Anonymous · Answer

ever heard of PTR-91? that's what i'm looking at. with and a couple beta-c mags, you're all set for 3-gun.

HK91/G3 platform, 100% made in USA, popular, cheaper than most 308 battle rifles at $1200, suitable for hunting, precision shooting (PTR = Precision Target Rifle), and home defense. actually they seem to be really popular with the survivalist crowd. it's accurate, has hi-cap magazines available, very reliable and quite affordable.

http://ptr91.com/products/

I want to get into 3-gun, but being in California, there's legal complications with getting a semiauto rifle. a 3-gun semiauto rifle setup that's also CA legal is roughly $1500-2000, several times what my maximum limit is. most people just go outside for 3-gun, but I can't afford the time for that, so i'm looking for a 3-gun in CA for non-semiauto rifles. 
if there is a 3-gun for that and it's not on the wrong end of the state, I'll give it a go with my Mosin Nagant 91/30 carbine. I can shoot it accurately and very fast, much faster than anyone I know can do with any manual-action rifle, but if I was to play against people with semiauto's there's no way i'd win against semiauto's that cna pop off 5 shots in a second.

Don&#39;t Fear The Reaper · Answer

If, you want that kind of punch for the money?

CETME/HK91/PTR91 series. I have a CETME Very accurate But not the--
M14  Which has Superb accuracy
M1A1--Tough to beat but limited ammo. The 30-06  is a fine bullet
AR10  Bit of a bouncy rifle in that 308 caliber.

Anytime you want a lever action? Try the Win 1886 or the Savage 99. TOUGH.

Benjamin · Answer

I'll put in another vote for the M1A. Your budget should get you any Springfield model you want. I just bought a 'loaded' model with the walnut stock, and it is AWESOME! I also own an AR-15, but I really like the looks of the m1a, and I like the way it shoots even better. So yeah, buy one.

I'm also in grad school. Welcome to the Club of Potentially Poor Life Choices.

EDIT: Heavy Metal division (USPSA) does not allow optics. If you want to mount an optic for other uses, you have a few choices. There are receiver mounts and forward mounts. Both the SOCOM (16" barrel) and scout squad (18" barrel) have forward mounting rails. I have not shot any rifles with long eye relief scopes, so I cannot speak to target acquisition.  I would imagine a forward mounted red dot is very fast for target acquisition.

As for iron sights there are a few differences between the models:
The Loaded and NM models have a smaller aperture (0.0520"), the 'standard' has a 0.0595" aperture. The socom and scout I believe have ghost rings. Either way, the rear sight aperture is easy enough to change out.

Anonymous · Answer

I have a DPMS LR-308 and think it's great. I use it for hunting but I wouldn't be afraid to use it in competition. This would be a low end rifle for your purposes.
Any of the National Match M1A would fit the bill nicely.
Top of the line for me would be a Knights Armament SR25 ECR or EM.

MJ · Answer

My vote lies with the Springfield Armory SOCOM 16. You'll earn bonus points with me if you shoot a 3-Gun match with a wooden stock attached.

Turned Zombie · Answer

Get a Remington 770 in .308

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Need suggestions on a .308 3 - Gun Rifle ...?

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