Best Budget .308 Rifles (2025 Buyer’s Guide)
Discover the best budget .308 rifles under $800, from bolt-action classics to affordable AR-10 options, with real-world insight from The Armed Outdoorsman.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you buy something, I might earn a small commission — it doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps keep the content coming.
Introduction: Best Budget .308 Rifles
When you’re chasing value in a .308 rifle, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get accuracy and reliability. The .308 Winchester remains one of the most versatile cartridges on the market. It is the preferred cartridge for many shooters, and it is trusted for hunting, target shooting, and even defensive use. Thankfully, several rifles prove that quality performance doesn’t have to mean premium pricing.
This guide rounds up the best budget .308 rifles under $800, combining hands-on performance, dependability, and long-term upgrade potential. Whether you prefer the precision of a bolt gun or the speed of a semi-auto, these rifles get the job done without breaking the bank. Lets check out the best budget .308 rifles.
What to Expect from a Budget .308 Rifle
A rifle under $800 isn’t going to come with every premium feature, but that doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing capability. You can still expect:
- Reliable accuracy: Sub‑MOA groups are achievable from many modern barrels with the right load and fundamentals.
- Decent triggers: Many budget rifles now include adjustable or crisp factory triggers.
- Lightweight synthetic stocks: Practical for hunting, even if they lack the rigidity of high-end composites.
- Scope-ready setups: Most include scope bases or pre-mounted optics packages.
- Upgradeable potential: Bolt handles, stocks, and triggers can often be replaced as you go.
In 2025, budget rifles get a lot closer to high‑end performance than they used to. It’s more about matching the platform to your use, be it deer season, target practice, or range fun.
1. Ruger American Gen II / Ruger American Predator Gen I
If you want an American‑made .308 that can absolutely turn in sub‑MOA groups with good ammo, the Ruger American Gen II and Predator Gen I are tough to ignore. The Gen II refines what shooters already loved about the first generation, with a smoother bolt throw, improved stock design, and a crisp factory trigger that punches above its price.
The Predator variant deserves a separate nod for hunters. Its threaded barrel and lightweight make it ideal for suppressed or backcountry use. Both rifles are typically found well under $800 at most retailers.
- Why it stands out: Good accuracy and usable ergonomics without leaving the ‘entry‑level’ price bracket..
- Who it’s for: Hunters and casual precision shooters who want an affordable, American‑made .308 that they won’t feel bad dragging through the woods.
Ruger American Gen II & Ruger American Predator (.308 Win)
Two of the most popular budget .308 rifles on the market. The Gen II offers improved ergonomics and accuracy, while the Predator brings a threaded barrel and hunting-focused features.
2. Savage Axis II
Savage has built a reputation for delivering real accuracy for shooters who don’t care about marketing. The Axis II series continues that trend, offering a crisp AccuTrigger system and dependable accuracy from its button-rifled barrel.
If you’re new to rifle shooting, the Axis II XP models come with a scope already mounted and bore-sighted, saving you time and money. They’re lightweight, easy to maintain, and almost always fall comfortably under $600.
- Why it stands out: In this price range, the AccuTrigger is one of the nicest factory triggers you’ll find.
- Who it’s for: First-time rifle owners or hunters who want ready-to-go simplicity.
Savage Axis II (.308 Winchester)
A lightweight, accurate, and affordable .308 with Savage’s well-known AccuTrigger system. One of the best values for new hunters and first-time rifle owners.
3. Howa 1500
The Howa 1500 has long been a quiet favorite among shooters who care about groups and successful hunts. Made in Japan, this rifle is renowned for its forged steel receiver, smooth bolt cycling, and solid accuracy. You’ll often find Howa 1500 barreled actions used as the base for custom builds, a testament to its quality.
While not every configuration falls under $800, many standard .308 models (especially synthetic-stocked versions) are right in that range. The HACT trigger system offers a clean break, and aftermarket support for the 1500 is vast.
- Why it stands out: A solid, accurate action that takes well to future upgrades in stocks, triggers, and optics..
- Who it’s for: Shooters wanting long-term value and upgrade potential.
Howa 1500 (.308 Winchester)
Known for smooth cycling, forged-steel strength, and a sub-MOA guarantee with quality ammo. A rock-solid .308 platform that offers long-term value and excellent upgrade potential.
4. Weatherby Vanguard (and Vanguard Obsidian)
Weatherby’s Vanguard and Vanguard Obsidian marry Japanese craftsmanship (from Howa’s factory) with Weatherby’s design styling and tweaks. You get a cold hammer‑forged barrel, a good two‑stage trigger, and a safety system that’s built with rough field use in mind..
While higher-end Vanguards push beyond our budget, the Obsidian trim and standard sporter configurations often dip below $800—especially when on sale. The action is buttery-smooth, and these rifles have a loyal following among Western hunters who value durability over flash. I own two Weatherby Vanguard rifles, and they are excellent.
- Why it stands out: Great build quality disguised as a budget rifle.
- Who it’s for: Hunters who want a rugged, reliable field rifle that can take abuse.
Weatherby Vanguard Obsidian (.308 Winchester)
A rugged, accurate, sub-MOA guaranteed .308 built on the proven Vanguard and Howa action. Durable, dependable, and ready for anything from deer season to long-range practice.
5. Tikka T3x (Lite / Compact)
Tikka rifles are usually considered mid-range, but select T3x Lite and Compact models come in under $800 most of the time. As such, they’re one of the best values in the entire rifle market. Currently, my primary hunting rifle is a Tikka T3x Lite chambered in 7mm-08, and I tell everyone to get a Tikka when they can.
Every Tikka is factory-tested and guaranteed to shoot 1-MOA or better. The bolt operation is glass-smooth, and the fit and finish are better than anything else in this price range. If you can find a T3x within budget, grab it.
- Why it stands out: Smooth bolt, great feel, and a real accuracy guarantee that’s backed up in the field.
- Who it’s for: Hunters and paper‑punchers who want a rifle that feels a step above the typical ‘budget’ rack gun.
Tikka T3x Lite Compact (.308 Winchester)
Factory-guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy, smooth cycling, and Tikka’s celebrated build quality. One of the best-performing lightweight .308 rifles available, especially when found under budget.
6. PSA PA-10 (AR-10 Pattern)
For those who prefer a semi-auto .308, Palmetto State Armory’s PA‑10 is one of the more realistic budget AR-10 options. It’s an AR‑10‑pattern rifle that takes SR‑25‑pattern mags and gives you the same modularity AR shooters are used to.
The PA-10 regularly sells for around $750 to $799, depending on configuration. You’ll get a 16″ or 18″ barrel, adjustable stock, and the freedom to upgrade any part down the line. It’s perfect for shooters who want .308 power with semi-auto versatility.
- Why it stands out: The most affordable, reliable entry into the AR-10 world.
- Who it’s for: Folks who already live in the AR‑15 world and want a .308 that keeps the same controls and feel.
PSA PA-10 Gen 3 (.308 Winchester)
One of the most affordable AR-10 pattern rifles available, offering modularity, reliable performance, and a feature-rich setup for shooters who prefer a semi-auto .308 platform.
FAQ: Budget .308 Rifles
What’s the most accurate budget .308 rifle under $800?
All of these rifles are incredibly accurate, and with quality ammunition, they will all shoot better than the average shooter can. All Tikka and most Howa and Weatherby rifles come with a 1-MOA guarantee from the factory, so you know exactly what each of those rifles is capable of. The Savage and Ruger rifles are capable of shooting 1-MOA as well, while the looser tolerances of the PSA AR-10 mean it is more likely to shoot 1.5-MOA.
Are semi-auto .308s reliable at this price point?
Yes, especially the PSA PA-10. It offers consistent cycling and solid accuracy, though you’ll need to maintain it properly and use quality magazines.
What’s the best use for a budget .308 rifle?
Most sub-$800 .308s excel at deer hunting, hog hunting, and long-range target practice. The cartridge’s versatility makes it a great “one rifle does it all” choice.
Shop All Rifles Mentioned in This Guide
Last Words
It’s a pretty good time to be shopping for a .308 rifle on a budget. I personally own both the Tikka and Weatherby rifles on this list and highly recommend both. That being said, all of the rifles on this list prove that affordable doesn’t mean underperforming. From the Ruger American Gen II to the PSA PA-10, these rifles hit the sweet spot between cost and capability.
