The Savage 308, or Savage Model 110 .308, is a great bolt-action rifle known for its accuracy. But even good rifles can be made better. This guide will show you how to upgrade your Savage 308 to make it more precise and powerful. We’ll look at different ways to improve the rifle, whether you’re a hunter wanting better accuracy, a long-range shooter trying to hit targets far away, or someone who wants their gun to work its best.
| Key Takeaways |
| Stock upgrades significantly improve stability and ergonomicsTrigger enhancements are crucial for precision shootingBarrel and muzzle device upgrades can boost accuracy and manage recoilQuality optics and proper mounting are essential for long-range performanceConsider your specific needs when choosing upgrades (hunting vs. precision shooting)Professional installation may be required for complex modificationsRegular maintenance is key to preserving upgraded performance |
Why Upgrade Your Savage 308?
Upgrading your Savage 308 can make your shooting much better:
- Better Accuracy: You can hit targets more precisely, even from far away
- Less Recoil: The gun won’t kick as much, making it easier to shoot again quickly
- Stronger Parts: You can use parts that last longer and work well in tough conditions
- Make It Your Own: You can change the rifle to fit what you want to use it for
- More Comfortable: It can be easier to hold and use for long periods
- Do More: Your rifle can be good for different types of shooting
Now, let’s look at the best ways to upgrade your Savage 308.
Best Savage 308 Upgrades
1. Stock Upgrades
A good stock is really important for a precise rifle. It helps keep the gun steady and makes it comfortable to use. When picking a stock, think about:
- What it’s made of: Wood looks nice, but plastic or other materials might be lighter or stronger
- If you can adjust it: Some stocks let you change the length or height to fit you better
- How it fits the gun: Some stocks have special parts that help the gun shoot more accurately
- How it feels: Make sure it’s comfortable to hold and use
- How heavy it is: A heavier stock can be steady for target shooting, but a lighter one is easier to carry when hunting
2. Trigger Enhancements
A good trigger is really important for shooting accurately. It should be smooth and not too heavy. When upgrading your Savage 308 trigger, think about:
- Adjustable Triggers: These let you change how the trigger feels
- Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage: Different types of triggers that work in different ways
- Safety Features: Make sure any new trigger is still safe to use
- Material and Finish: Choose triggers that will last a long time and won’t rust
Some good trigger brands for the Savage 308 are Timney, TriggerTech, and Rifle Basix. These can make your rifle much more accurate.
3. Barrel and Muzzle Devices
Changing your barrel and adding things to the end of it can make your rifle more accurate and easier to shoot. Here are some options:
- Barrel Upgrades:
- Fluted barrels are lighter but still strong
- Match-grade barrels are very accurate
- Different shapes can help with weight and heat
- Threaded ends let you add other devices easily
- Muzzle Devices:
- Muzzle brakes make the gun kick less
- Suppressors make the gun quieter
- Flash hiders hide the bright flash when you shoot
When choosing a new barrel, think about how fast it spins the bullet, how long it is, and what it’s made of. These things affect how well it works with your bullets and what you want to use it for.
4. Optics and Mounting Solutions
Good scopes and the right way to attach them are really important for shooting accurately, especially far away. Think about:
- Scope Selection:
- How much it magnifies, based on what you’re using it for
- Different types of crosshairs for different kinds of shooting
- How tough it is and if it can handle bad weather
- Special features like lights in the scope or easy-to-adjust dials
- Mounting Solutions:
- One-piece or two-piece mounts
- Making sure it’s attached tightly enough
- Some mounts help you see through the scope more easily
- Make sure it fits with your stock and gun
Remember, even the best scope won’t work well if it’s not put on right. Take time to choose a good way to attach your scope.
5. Bolt Handle and Action Enhancements
Improving the part you use to load the gun can make it work better and faster. Think about:
- Longer bolt handles to make it easier to use, especially with gloves
- Smoother bolt knobs that feel better to use
- Making the action smoother so the gun works better
- Better parts to help the gun load bullets more reliably
- Making the bolt lighter and smoother
These changes can make your Savage 308 work much better, especially when you need to shoot quickly or in tough conditions.
6. Magazine Upgrades
Better magazines can make your rifle more reliable and easier to use. Think about:
- Magazines that hold more bullets
- Magazines you can take out easily for faster reloading
- Magazines that feed bullets into the gun more smoothly
- Strong materials that last a long time
- Magazines that work with different types of bullets
Make sure any new magazines fit your specific Savage 308 model and follow local laws about how many bullets they can hold.
7. Bipods and Support Accessories
A good bipod or rest can help you shoot more accurately, especially when lying down or shooting from a bench. When choosing these, think about:
- How tall the bipod is and if you can adjust it
- If you can take it off quickly when you don’t need it
- If it can move side to side and up and down to help you aim
- What it’s made of and how strong it is
- If it fits with your stock or chassis
Also think about things to support the back of the rifle, like monopods or shooting bags, to make your shooting position even more stable.
Choosing the Right Upgrades for Your Needs
When upgrading your Savage 308, think about what you want to use it for. This will help you choose the best upgrades:
Hunting vs. Precision Shooting
What you want to use your rifle for should guide your choices:
- Hunting:
- Choose light parts to make the rifle easier to carry
- Pick parts that won’t rust or get damaged by weather
- Consider shorter barrels and compact stocks for easier handling
- Choose scopes that work well in low light and don’t magnify too much
- Precision Shooting:
- Focus on parts that make the rifle more stable, like heavy barrels and adjustable stocks
- Invest in scopes with high magnification and advanced crosshairs
- Consider very precise triggers
- Look at chassis systems for the most accuracy
Weight vs. Maneuverability
Finding the right balance between a steady rifle and one that’s easy to move is important. Think about:
- Heavier rifles are steadier for long-range shooting
- Lighter rifles are easier to carry and use in different positions
- Some parts let you add or remove weight as needed
- Think about how barrel length affects weight and how the bullet travels
Budget-Friendly vs. Premium Upgrades
You can find upgrades for any budget, but it’s important to choose wisely:
- Start with the most important upgrades for how you shoot
- Think about how long expensive parts will last
- Look for upgrades that give you the most improvement for your money
- Plan to upgrade bit by bit as you get better at shooting
Compatibility and Installation
Make sure all upgrades fit your specific Savage 308 model. Some changes might need a professional to install:
- Check if parts fit your rifle’s action, barrel, and stock
- Some upgrades, like changing barrels, might need a gunsmith
- Think about what tools and skills you need to install parts yourself
- Include the cost of professional installation in your budget if needed
Installation and Maintenance Tips
DIY vs. Professional Gunsmithing
You can do some upgrades at home, but others need an expert:
- DIY-Friendly Upgrades:
- Changing the stock
- Installing some triggers
- Putting on scopes
- Adding bipods
- Professional Gunsmithing Recommended:
- Changing barrels
- Fitting the action to the stock perfectly
- Complex trigger adjustments
- Adding muzzle devices (if the barrel isn’t already set up for them)
Always be safe and install things correctly to make sure your rifle works well and is reliable.
Essential Tools and Setup
For home installations, get good quality tools:
- Torque wrench and the right bits
- Special wrench for working on the action
- Bench vise with proper gun holders
- Special tools for specific upgrades
- Cleaning supplies and oil
Always follow the instructions that come with the parts and be safe when installing them.
Routine Maintenance
Taking care of your upgraded Savage 308 regularly is important:
- Clean it often, especially after using it in bad weather
- Check all parts for wear or damage regularly
- Tighten screws and bolts as recommended by the manufacturers
- Check if it’s still shooting accurately
- Keep track of how many times you’ve shot it and when you’ve cleaned it
Performance Expectations After Upgrades
After upgrading your Savage 308, you should see improvements:
- Better accuracy and tighter groups of shots, even at long distances
- Less felt recoil, making it easier to shoot again quickly
- More comfortable to use, so you can shoot for longer without getting tired
- Better performance in different shooting situations
- More reliable, especially in tough conditions
- Ability to do more types of shooting
Legal Considerations
Make sure your upgrades follow all laws. Some changes might affect how your rifle is classified legally:
- Know the rules about barrel length, overall rifle length, and muzzle devices
- Check local laws about how many bullets magazines can hold
- Understand how changes might affect how your rifle is classified legally
- Keep records of all changes and original parts
Conclusion
Upgrading your Savage 308 can make it much more accurate and suited to your needs. Whether you’re improving it for long-range shooting, making it more comfortable for hunting, or customizing it for tactical use, the right upgrades can really improve your shooting experience and performance.
Choose upgrades that match your shooting goals, budget, and skill level. Start with the most important changes and build your custom Savage 308 over time as you figure out what you like and get better at shooting. With the right upgrades, installation, and care, your rifle will perform exceptionally well for a long time.
Customizing your Savage 308 is a chance to learn more about how rifles work and to create a gun that’s perfect for you. Each upgrade not only makes your rifle better but also helps you understand and enjoy your firearm more, leading to better shooting skills and more fun when you use it.
