Alright gents. I have GIVEN UP my search for a Remington Model 7 stainless in .308. I currently have a Model 7 stainless in 7mm 08 and have been wanting to replace it with the .308 so that my two primary rifles would be the same caliber. I'm now considering replacing my Model 7 7mm08 with a Ruger compact stainless .308 (and adding a Hogue overmolded stock too). I have grown to love these short little compact guns in the mountains of Jackson County and will only replace the 7 with something similar. It must be stainless too. Who has or has had a Ruger compact and what are your opinions overall? My biggest fear is accuracy with the barrel being only 16" long. I'm not looking to get MOA accuracy or anything, but I don't want it to shoot 5" groups either. If it would shoot under 2" I would be tickled to death, even it it requires that Dad and I work up a load for it because factory ammo won't shoot good. Let's hear about your experiences with these little guns please.

How much do you want for the 708?

It ain't for sale unless I purchase something to replace it with first and am pleased with said replacement.

Why not have the Model 7 re-barreled in .308?

I'm considering that option as well. I really like the idea of having a Hogue stock though and they don't make one for the Model 7.

The 16" will be LOUD. I have a .243 18.5" M77RSI and its pretty loud.

Uncomfortably loud even with good hearing protection? My plan would be to use good hearing protection on the range and I'm deaf enough now that I'm gonna start wearing some hearing enhancement (with the high db cutoffs in them) while hunting. I'm tired of not being able to hear stuff walking in the leaves until it is super close.

If you want it in .308, then re-barrel it like said earlier. Go to Stockystocks.com and find you a replacement stock.

Have you considered the Howa Ranchland Security 308 that has a 20" barrel and Hogue stock or does it have to be a stainless barrel?

Ammo is the key, no worries with the weapon if you can shot it, pretty much all newer rifles shoot better than we do!

I read an article years ago about optimal barrel length for accuracy in a typical .308. Way less than most think!

Ruger RSI 308 with 165gr. Federal Premium 1" MOA is not impossible with a rest.

The Ruger Hawkeye is on my short list of wants. Ruger doesn't make very many models that shoot sub moa out of the box but I have never seen one that wouldn't shoot under 2". They are built tough as nails and the integrated base is great.

Rebarrel that sucker with a 20" 5R barrel and never look back.

Just go buy a Sako in a .308 and be done with it. I don't know why your talking mountain rifles when earlier today I am almost 100% sure you said deer hunting sucks an you could care less to go.

Come on, you know what kind of light, stainless, .308 "bush hog" to buy, the one you don't have to re-barrel, re-stock, re-trigger or re-anything. If you wanta see mine, again, stop by the house. Heck,I'll even let ya shoot it.

Dang it Demp, you done went and spoiled the surprise.

Get you one of these in .308

If the composite stock doesn't shoot any better than the wood stocked 84 I had, is a fancy boat anchor IMHO. I HAD a .243 84 wood stock, didn't feel good, didn't shoot good, I found it a new home.

X2.

I have a Ruger compact 16" barrel stainless in 7-08 that will hit a "bird in the eye flying". Awesome little gun to carry and packs a punch with 139gr Hornadys.

Why not just get your other "primary" rifle in 7mm-08? I do believe it is available in that caliber.

If I could find a deal on one like you got, I would buy it in a heartbeat. I don't see that happening though.