re: Best .308 < $500

I'm a Savage or Tikka man myself...probably can't get a tikka for that though.

Maybe a Savage 111?

I like the ruger american predator idea as well. It really all depends on what he already has.

The vx3 is a good scope to upgrade to especially with all the deals you can find on it.

I would say that it a meopro for a 500-600 plus or minus 100 scope

If you want to buy a rifle/scope combo under $500, then the Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP w/ Nikon scope can't be beat. The scope is perfectly fine. If anything, I'd replace the base/rings but that's something your BIL can always do later if he wants.

If you want to buy just a rifle under $500, I'd recommend a Weatherby Vanguard S2.

I have both and would buy both again in a heartbeat. And here's to having a great sister

What is it going on/ what will you be doing with the gun and what is your price range?

I enjoy specing things out like that. I might just send u a few options to get you headed in a direction.

I'm going to echo the Savage Axis and Ruger American - really high value rifles from makers who know how to do it.

I'm not saying these rifles rival the better examples from premium makers or custom rifles - but when you're on a budget and looking for a centerfire rifle, you kind of have to go through the process of looking at Savage, Ruger (and maybe Tikka) to really see how high volume, reasonably high quality, reasonably priced rifles are done.

Honestly - there is very little to be gained in spending more money on a production rifle between these value choices in the $500 to $800 range up to about $2000 or even $2500. And, frankly, once you approach $3k - you should be in custom or semi-custom (say a Savage, Ruger or Remington action with a custom barrel and stock) territory, IMHO.

The savage axis 2 has the accu trigger. It’s a much better trigger than the one on the axis rifle.

Just go with the Tikka. I have the 308 tikka and it's the best rifle I've ever owned, hands down.