I will try to answer, all questions.... I have been reloading, .308, since 1980. Had a Rem. 788, had to sell it, a few years ago. 3-4 years ago, I wanted another .308, so bad, I bought a Spanish Mauser, that was origanally, 7X57 mm, rechambered, to .308, I put a CHEAP scope, on it, and can get 4" groups, at 200 yards. BUT, I cannot shoot FACTORY, rounds, in this weapon. I must reload LIGHT, because, of pressure. So, I want a "real" .308, something NEW, and strong enough, to handle full power, loads, for hunting, and even use some Match ammo, in it ..... I am NOT, expecting a tack driver, but 2-4 inch groups, at 200 yards, is probably, as good as I am going to get, without a lot more practice..... I am not looking to upgrade, just want something, factory, to shoot.... that is all I need ..... as far as cheap optics, I have had good luck, with all my cheap optics... just can't bring myself, to spend more on glass, than what I paid for the rifle, (or any other gun)..... I am probably pretty sure, I know my limitations, on acuracy, and distance..... The Rem., 700, that I dream about, is around $1000.00, no way, at this time ..... not interested, in shooting 1000 yards... Just looking for something, dependable, to shoot, probably, won't shoot more than 100 - 200 rounds, per year ..... Thank YOU, all for your advice, and thank you, for keeping it civil.... everyone, I have met, from INGO, has been nice, and knowledgeable.... I appreciate that, that is what keeps me hanging around here .....
Sounds reasonable and makes sense. My main concern with the .308 was that if you were trying to save $ on the rifle, that the expense of shooting the .308 would put a damper on your shooting. Since you are a reloader, that's not a concern. Sounds like you know what you want, so I'd say go for it. You might do just a bit of calling around to see if a local shop can compete on the price. As stated, I like my Savage alot, and understand perfectly limiting the spend on both gun and optics.