These Are The 5 Best .308 Bolt Action Rifles for 2024

The Faxon FX7 bolt gun is the best 308 bolt action rifle you can buy. It’s a higher-end bolt gun built for extreme precision.

There are cheaper options on the market, but you won’t be as happy with them as you would with the FX7. Buy once, cry once. You won’t regret it.

These are the 5 Best .308 Bolt Action Rifles for 2024

Summary of the best bolt action rifles chambered in .308 Win

  1. Best Overall PickFaxon FX7
  2. Best Beginner OptionRuger American Predator
  3. Best Sub $500 Budget OptionSavage Arms Axis XP
  4. Best Hunting OptionBrowning X-Bolt Speed Suppressor Ready
  5. Best Tactical OptionRemington 700 SPS Tactical

Top Rated .308 Win Bolt Action Rifles

Faxon FX7

Get ready for a game-changer in precision shooting! Meet the FX7 Pershing Rifle, designed and manufactured by the experts at Faxon Firearms. This isn’t just any rifle. It’s a testament to their unwavering commitment to top-notch quality.

Think long-range shooting, and the .308 Winchester cartridge comes to mind. This round’s history has earned its stripes with military units such as the renowned Marine Corps Scout Snipers and decades of proven performance. It’s the go-to choice for those who don’t mess around regarding accuracy.

Let’s dive into what sets the FX7 Pershing, loaded with the legendary .308 Win, apart. It’s more than a rifle; it’s a revolution in long-range shooting.

Faxon FX7 Pershing Bolt Action Rifle – 22" .308 Win

$2,600.00
at Faxon Firearms
Prices accurate at time of writing

Action

The FX7 Pershing Rifle bolt action receiver, a marvel of precision and durability, centers around a 416-R stainless steel action body, known for its robustness and resistance to corrosion. It features a unique 4340 carbon steel bolt with Faxon’s signature Flame Fluting, combining functionality with artistic design.

The rifle is coated with ArmorLube™ DLC, offering enhanced durability and a sleek, low-glare finish, meeting military specifications for DEVCON under MIL-PRF-32711. Its 70-degree bolt lift ensures smooth, quick operation for faster follow-up shots. The 6-lug configuration, arranged in two rings, guarantees a secure, accurate lockup.

Best 308 Bolt Action Rifle
Faxon FX7 Bolt Action

An integrated 20-MOA Picatinny Rail allows for precise mounting of optics and accessories. The rifle also includes an integrated recoil lug, boosting accuracy and stability. Its design features a straight, interchangeable bolt handle for customization and ease of use.

Compatibility is a key aspect of the FX7 Pershing. It accommodates AICS and AW magazines, Remington® 700 pattern triggers, and Faxon Firearms FX7 Prefit barrels. The rifle is equipped with an M16-style extractor and a plunger-style ejector, ensuring reliable round extraction and ejection, cementing its status as a game-changer in long-range shooting.

Barrel

The FX7 Pershing Rifle’s barrel, made of 416-R stainless steel, stands out for its superior accuracy and durability. Each barrel is button-rifled, honed, and lapped, highlighting the dedication to peak performance.

The barrel features a 1:10 twist rate, offering stability across various bullet weights. Its 22" length strikes a perfect balance, optimizing maneuverability and long-range precision.

best 308 bolt action rifle
Faxon FX7 bolt action barrels

The barrel, designed with an M24 profile, is designed for precision shooting. A salt bath nitride finish enhances its corrosion resistance and longevity, ensuring the barrel withstands rigorous use.

The muzzle is suppressor-ready with a 5/8×24 thread. Lastly, a recessed target crown protects the barrel’s end, ensuring consistent accuracy shot after shot.

Chassis & Stock

The FX7 Pershing Rifle, far more than just a firearm, is housed in an exceptional MDT/Faxon Firearms co-branded rifle chassis.

This setup is complemented by an MDT Skeleton stock, sporting a sleek grey Cerakote finish.

Ruger American Predator

The Ruger American Predator is a top-notch bolt-action hunting rifle built on reliable American action. It boasts a one-piece, factory-installed scope rail, and a standout feature is its free-floating, cold hammer-forged threaded barrel with heavy tapering for precision shooting.

Ruger American Predator

$420.99
at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing

This rifle is not just about performance; it also has a stylish, lightweight synthetic stock in Moss Green. The stock is designed with modern fore-end contouring and grip serrations, ensuring a firm, confident hold. The Marksman Adjustable trigger enhances your shooting experience with its crisp release, while the dual cocking cams make for smooth cycling of the rifle.

Safety is paramount, and this rifle has an easily visible and operable tang safety. For added comfort, it features a recoil-reducing butt pad. The rifle also includes a flush-fit rotary magazine for streamlined use.

Let’s talk specs: It’s chambered in .308 Win, has an 18" alloy steel barrel with a matte black finish, and a 1:10 RH twist for accuracy. The rifle can hold 4 rounds and weighs in at a convenient 6.2 lbs. Its overall length is 38", with a 13.75" length of pull and 5 grooves in the barrel, making it a compact and efficient choice for your first 308 bolt action rifle.

RELATED – Best Hunting Rifle That Won’t Break The Bank

Savage Arms Axis XP

The Savage Axis II XP Bolt-Action Rifle is a sturdy, reliable choice for hunters and shooting enthusiasts. It features a robust synthetic stock, matte-finished carbon steel barrel, and receiver for enduring performance.

Savage Arms Axis XP

$385.99
at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing

The factory-mounted and bore-sighted Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm scope is a standout feature, ensuring you’re ready to aim right out of the box. Savage’s AccuTrigger® is a game-changer, allowing for precise trigger pull adjustments. This ensures a crisp release without creep, enhancing accuracy significantly.

The innovative design of the trigger also includes a lever within its body, which blocks the sear unless intentionally pressed. This smart design dramatically reduces the chance of accidental discharge.

The rifle’s bolt operates smoothly, and it comes with a detachable box magazine for reliable feeding. For safety, it’s equipped with an easy-to-reach 2-position tang safety.

Sling swivel studs are integrated, offering convenience for carrying the rifle with a sling or attaching a bi-pod to the fore-end. A rubber recoil pad on the stock makes shooting more comfortable.

This package makes the Savage Axis II XP an incredibly durable, low-maintenance rifle ready for hunting immediately, thanks to its careful design and comprehensive features.

Browning X-Bolt Speed Suppressor Ready

The Browning X-Bolt Speed Bolt-Action Rifle, equipped with the Recoil Hawg Muzzle Brake, is one of the best mountain-style hunting rifles. It is designed for hunters who prioritize performance and accuracy.

Browning X-Bolt Speed Suppressor Ready

$1,331.99
at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing

The rifle features a fluted sporter contour barrel, striking the perfect balance between accuracy and weight reduction. This makes the rifle lightweight and easy to handle, which is ideal for challenging mountain environments.

The 5/8-24 threaded muzzle is a key feature, which accommodates the included Recoil Hawg muzzle brake or a thread protector cap.

This muzzle brake is one of the best at reducing felt recoil (up to 76%), significantly enhancing shooting comfort. The barrel is free-floated, a design choice that contributes to the rifle’s consistent accuracy.

The rifle’s durability and aesthetic appeal are enhanced by the Cerakote® Smoked Bronze finish applied to the action and barrel. This finish offers superior metal protection compared to traditional bluing or stainless steel.

The rifle is equipped with a lightweight composite stock featuring Browning’s OVIX camo for stealth and adaptability in various environments.

This camo pattern provides excellent concealment in diverse terrains and environments, making the rifle a versatile choice for different hunting situations. The stock is also weather-resistant, adding to the rifle’s overall durability and reliability in harsh conditions.

Remington 700 SPS Tactical

The Remington 700 SPS Tactical Bolt-Action Rifle is a distinguished member of the renowned Remington 700 family, celebrated for its exceptional accuracy.

Remington 700 SPS Tactical

$751.99
at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing

This model stands out with its 20" heavy-contour barrel, a feature that plays a significant role in achieving tight shot groups.

The dual-point pillar bedding within its matte black synthetic stock further enhances the rifle’s precision. This bedding provides a stable and solid foundation for the barrel, contributing greatly to the rifle’s outstanding accuracy.

A notable feature of this model is the Hogue over-molded stock.

Not only does it offer a comfortable grip, but it also enhances the shooter’s control and steadiness in various field conditions. The stock’s design is practical and ergonomic, making it a favorite among shooters who value comfort and performance.

Additionally, the semi-beavertail forend of the rifle offers extra stability, especially useful for long-range shooting scenarios. This feature ensures a better grip and steadier aim, making the Remington 700 SPS Tactical a reliable choice for those seeking precision and stability during tactical operations.

Once you’ve selected the rifle that meets your budget and needs, it’s time to outfit it with a scope and a suppressor.

Selecting the best suppressor and scope for your 308 bolt gun can be just as challenging as selecting the rifle. The market is flooded with options, making it even harder to decide when your hard-earned cash is on the line.

Here are a few options that we’ve personally used and stand behind.

Best 308 Suppressor

Budget

Yankee Hill Machine makes a great 308 suppressor at a reasonable cost, the Resonator K.

YHM Resonator K

$699.95
at Silencer Central
Prices accurate at time of writing

YHM’s Resonator K, also known as the “K-Can," is a .30 caliber suppressor with a blast chamber threaded for 1-3/8"-24. This thread pitch makes it a breeze to pair with various mounts you might find out there.

Its new end cap design is a real game changer, dramatically reducing flash signature. You can pop the Resonator K onto rifles with calibers ranging from the tiny .17 HMR to the hefty 300 RUM.

What’s cool about the Resonator K is its tubeless build. It’s made from tough-as-nails 17-4 stainless steel and a heat-treated 718 Inconel blast baffle. This combo means the suppressor is fully auto-rated and can handle some serious use.

It comes with the Phantom Q.D. The adapter, a pair of wrenches for the suppressor, lets you choose between a Phantom Muzzle Brake or Flash Hider.

Noise levels? For a .308 Win, you’re looking at 137 dB by the ear and 145 dB at the muzzle.

High-End

Want to spend a little more and get a little quieter? Then check out the Dead Air Nomad 30 suppressor.

Dead Air Nomad 30

$949.00
at Silencer Central
Prices accurate at time of writing

Dead Air’s Nomad 30 suppressor is a versatile champ, perfect for any shooter. Whether blasting through mags at the range or focusing on precision shots, this compact and lightweight suppressor has your back.

Crafted from fully welded stainless steel, the Nomad 30 boasts a two-chamber, high-efficiency baffle design. This setup is top-notch for keeping things quiet. Plus, it’s versatile enough for both high- and low-pressure cartridges. That means you only need one suppressor for whatever shooting task.

Here’s a nifty feature: it’s compatible with Dead Air’s R-Series front caps. So, you can switch up the cap to get the best performance based on the cartridge you’re using. The Nomad 30 comes ready as a direct thread suppressor, but it’s not just a one-trick pony. It’s also compatible with Xeno or KeyMo and works with HUB adapters.

RELATED – High Performance Suppressed Hunting Rifle Build

Best 308 Scope For Your Bolt Gun

Budget

Vortex has been known to make high-quality optics for the budget-minded. The Vortex Optics Venom is one of the best budget scopes for larger calibers, such as the 308 Win.

The Venom 5-25×56 First Focal Plane scope is a long-range and competition shooter’s dream.

Vortex Venom 5.25×56 FFP Scope

$499.00
at Amazon
Prices accurate at time of writing

With a magnification range of 5-25x and nestled in a beefy 34mm tube, this scope is a powerhouse, offering a whopping 85 MOA in both elevation and windage travel. The XD Optical System is like HD for your scope, delivering crisp, edge-to-edge visuals and slashing that annoying color distortion. And those lenses? They’re fully multi-coated, ensuring top-notch clarity and performance even when the light’s fading.

But wait, there’s more. The RevStop Zero System is a snap to set up, guaranteeing a speedy and dependable return to zero. And check out the side knob for parallax adjustment – tweak your focus on the fly without losing your shooting stance. The EBR-7C reticle is a real treat, keeping your measurements spot-on across the whole magnification spectrum. Plus, a quick-focus eyepiece and a throw lever for swift mag changes? Yes, please!

And it’s tough as nails—nitrogen purged, o-ring sealed, and immune to water and fog. The Armortek coating means no scratches or smudges on your lenses. The one-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum body laughs in the face of recoil and rough handling. This scope is built like a tank but performs like a precision instrument.

High-End

If you have the budget, the Leupold Mark 5HD is the best.

Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 M5C3

$2,199.99
at EuroOptic
Prices accurate at time of writing

The Mark 5HD Riflescope by Leupold is a real game-changer for shooters who love to stretch the limits of their long-range rifles and ammo.

Imagine a scope lighter than most in its league – a necessity for pro guides or anyone trekking on lengthy hunts.

The Mark 5HD has this Professional-Grade Optical System, a fancy term for making everything look super clear and bright and cutting down on that pesky glare.

And then there’s the elevation turret on top. Big numbers you can’t miss, clicks you can feel and hear, and this ZeroLock feature keeps your settings from accidentally changing during transport and stalking.

In short, it’s built for those who take their shooting seriously!

RELATED – Best Rifle Scopes For Deer Hunting

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