I think that I am getting awful picky in my middle age. I had a Sako 308, made in 1995 (imported by Stoeger), with the prettiest wood I have ever had on a rifle. It would shoot 3/4-1 1/4" groups but . . .
The magazine would only allow 2.805 OAL which severely limited my potential OAL. I think the mag on a 308 should allow at least 2.810. Also, the first 2 bullets would be touching or very close but the 3rd one would be inconsistent. I tried many different loads, different shooters (in case it was just me), even had it floated and glass bedded, since the Sako Hunters from that time period were not floated. Still no change. Now I know that these kind of groups are fine for hunting. But I like to shoot off of the bench in the off season. And it bugged me to have this kind of rifle that in my mind was not consistent and especially was limited by the shortness of the magazine.
So, with the help of my very good buddy "Big Tom" I did a multiple person trade and ended up ordering a Browning Stainless Stalker in 7m-08. Big Tom has one that he just got within the last year (in 280) and that bugger will shoot nickel sized groups all day. I never had a Browning so it is time for a new experience. And I still have a Sako 280 and my Tikka 243 that are both tack drivers and are not goin anywhere.
I am not a guy that likes much change, but sometimes I just gotta scratch that itch.
Long
