The Savage 308, also known as the Savage Model 110 .308, is a reliable and accurate bolt-action rifle. But even good rifles can be made better to fit what you need. In this guide, we’ll show you how to improve your Savage 308. Whether you’re a hunter wanting better accuracy, a long-range shooter aiming for tight groups, or someone who likes tactical shooting, we’ve got tips for you. Let’s explore how to make your Savage 308 even more accurate and powerful!
| Key Takeaways |
| • Upgrading your Savage 308 can significantly improve accuracy, reduce recoil, and enhance overall performance• Popular upgrades include custom stocks, trigger enhancements, barrel improvements, and high-quality optics• Choose upgrades based on your specific shooting needs: hunting, long-range, or tactical applications• Some upgrades can be DIY, while others may require professional gunsmithing• Regular maintenance is crucial for preserving the performance of your upgraded Savage 308 |
Why Upgrade Your Savage 308?
Upgrading your Savage 308 isn’t just about making it look cool. It’s about making your rifle work better for what you need. Here are some good reasons to think about customizing your rifle:
- Better accuracy: Make your rifle more precise to hit targets far away, improving how well you shoot overall.
- Less recoil: Reduce how much the gun kicks when you shoot, making it more comfortable and easier to shoot again quickly.
- Tougher rifle: Make your gun stronger to handle tough conditions and lots of use, so it stays reliable even when things get rough.
- Perfect fit: Change the rifle to fit your body and how you like to shoot, making it more comfortable and helping you shoot more consistently.
- Enhanced functionality: Add features that help with the kind of shooting you do, like being able to hold more bullets or having special sights.
Whether you’re hunting in tough places, competing in shooting matches, or practicing long-range shooting, the right upgrades can make a big difference in how well you shoot and how much you enjoy it. Custom builds often outperform factory rifles, giving you an advantage when hunting or at the shooting range. By carefully choosing and adding upgrades, you can turn your Savage 308 into a finely-tuned tool that’s perfect for your shooting needs.
Best Savage 308 Upgrades
Let’s look at some of the best ways to upgrade your Savage 308, explaining each change and how it can make your rifle better:
1. Stock Upgrades
A good aftermarket stock is really important for an accurate and comfortable rifle. Upgrading the stock of your Savage 308 can make it more stable when shooting, reduce barrel vibration, and make the rifle more precise overall. When picking a new stock, think about these features:
Adjustable length of pull: This lets you make the rifle fit your body better, so you can see through the scope properly and shoot comfortably. A cheek riser for proper eye alignment helps you keep your eye in the right spot when looking through the scope, which is important for accuracy and finding your target quickly. Lightweight materials like polymer or carbon fiber make the rifle strong but not too heavy to carry around. A bedding system for a solid action-to-stock fit keeps the important parts of the rifle in the right place, which helps you shoot more consistently. An ergonomic grip design makes the rifle comfortable to hold and control. Weather-resistant finishes protect your rifle when you’re out in tough weather conditions.
The WOOX custom aftermarket stock is a great choice for Savage 308 owners. It’s made from strong polymer and aluminum, so it’s light at just 2.5 lbs. You can change parts of it easily to make it fit what you need. It has adjustable parts and is built tough, so it works well for all kinds of shooting, from hunting to long-range target practice.
2. Trigger Enhancements
A crisp, light trigger can make your shooting much more accurate and enjoyable. The trigger that comes with the Savage 308 is usually good, but aftermarket options can be even better. When thinking about upgrading your trigger, look for these things:
Adjustable pull weight (usually between 2.5-4 pounds) lets you set how hard you need to pull the trigger to fire the gun. A cleaner break for more consistent shots means the trigger feels crisp when it fires, helping you keep the gun steady. Reduced creep and overtravel means the trigger doesn’t move much before or after it fires, which helps with accuracy. User-adjustable settings allow you to change how the trigger feels without needing a gunsmith. Safety features make sure the gun is still safe to use after you change the trigger.
A good trigger helps you shoot without moving the gun too much. This can make your shots group closer together and be more accurate. When set up right, a better trigger can really help you shoot more precisely, especially for long-range shooting or in competitions. But remember to practice with your new trigger to get used to how it feels and to make sure you’re still handling the gun safely.
3. Barrel and Muzzle Devices
The barrel that comes with the Savage 308 is pretty good, but other options can make it even better for specific types of shooting. Upgrading the barrel can make the gun more accurate, lighter, and handle heat better. Here are some things to think about for barrel and muzzle upgrades:
Fluted barrels help get rid of heat faster and make the gun lighter. This can help keep the gun accurate when you’re shooting a lot. Match-grade barrels are made very precisely and can make your shots much more accurate, which is great for long-range shooting and competitions. Muzzle brakes reduce how much the gun kicks when you shoot, making it easier to shoot again quickly and making your shoulder less sore. Suppressors (where they’re legal) make the gun quieter and can also reduce kick and muzzle rise, making shooting more comfortable. You can choose different barrel lengths depending on what you need – longer for more speed or shorter for easier handling. Different barrel shapes (contours) can give you more accuracy or less weight, depending on what you prefer.
Remember, changing your barrel might need help from a gunsmith. It’s not always easy to do yourself, especially when making sure everything fits together right. When picking a new barrel, think about things like the twist rate, which affects how accurate the gun is with different types of bullets, and how long the barrel is, which changes how fast the bullet goes and how easy the gun is to handle. If you’re focused on long-range precision, a match-grade barrel with the right twist rate for your favorite ammo can make a big difference in how close your shots group together at long distances.
4. Optics and Mounting Solutions
A great rifle deserves a great scope. The right scope can really help you find and hit targets quickly and accurately, especially when they’re far away. When choosing a scope for your Savage 308, think about these things:
Magnification range (4-16x or 6-24x are popular for long-range): Choose a range that works for how far you usually shoot. First focal plane reticles for easier ranging: These reticles stay the same size compared to the target no matter how much you zoom in or out, making it easier to estimate distances and aim accurately. Turrets for elevation and windage adjustments: Look for ones that are precise and easy to adjust, with clear markings for making accurate shots at different distances. Durability for field use: Make sure the scope can handle recoil, bumps, and the weather conditions you’ll be shooting in. Optical clarity and light transmission: High-quality glass and coatings can give you a brighter, clearer image, which is especially helpful when it’s not very bright out. Parallax adjustment: For precise long-range shooting, this feature can help eliminate aiming errors.
Don’t forget about good scope mounts. A solid mount keeps your scope lined up correctly shot after shot, which is really important for keeping your gun zeroed and shooting accurately. Think about how high the mount is, how well it’s made, and if it works with your scope and rifle. Proper optics are crucial for precision shooting, so it’s worth spending money on a good scope. A high-quality scope mounted securely on your Savage 308 can help you shoot accurately at much longer distances and improve how well you shoot overall.
5. Bolt Handle and Action Enhancements
Making the bolt work smoother can help you reload faster and keep your shooting position, which is really important when hunting or in shooting competitions. Think about these upgrades for your Savage 308’s bolt and action:
Extended bolt handles make it easier to work the bolt, especially if you’re wearing gloves or in an awkward position. Smoother bolt knobs are more comfortable to use and can make your hand less tired during long shooting sessions. Action tuning makes everything work more smoothly and reliably. This might involve polishing parts that touch each other, adjusting springs, and making sure everything lines up right. Upgraded extractors and ejectors can make the gun more reliable, especially when using different types of ammo or in tough conditions. Bolt fluting can make the bolt lighter and maybe work a bit faster, though it often looks cool more than it helps with function.
These upgrades can make a big difference in how your rifle handles, especially in high-pressure situations like competitions or hunting. When the action works smoothly and reliably, you can keep focusing on your target and make quick follow-up shots when you need to. When picking bolt and action upgrades, make sure they work with your specific Savage 308 model and any other changes you’ve made or plan to make.
6. Magazine Upgrades
Aftermarket magazines can be better than the ones that come with the rifle, making your Savage 308 work better and more reliably. Here’s what to look for in magazine upgrades:
Increased capacity: Magazines that hold more bullets can be good for competitive shooting or when you need to shoot multiple times quickly. Better feeding reliability: Some aftermarket magazines are designed to feed bullets into the gun more smoothly and consistently. Easier loading and unloading: Look for magazines with features like holes that let you see how many bullets are left and bases that are easy to grab for quick changes. Durability: Magazines made from tough materials can handle rough use and frequent reloading better than standard ones. Compatibility with chassis systems: If you’re using a chassis, make sure your chosen magazines work well with it.
Just make sure any magazine you choose works with your specific Savage 308 model. Some aftermarket magazines might need small changes to your rifle to fit and work right. When picking magazines, think about what kind of shooting you do most – for example, a hunter might want reliability and small size more than high capacity, while a competitive shooter might want to hold as many rounds as possible.
7. Bipods and Support Accessories
For precise shooting, especially at long distances, a good bipod is really important. It gives you a stable platform to shoot from, helping you be more accurate and making your arms less tired. When choosing a bipod for your Savage 308, look for these features:
Adjustable height: This lets you adapt to different shooting positions and terrain. Swivel or pan function: Being able to make small adjustments without moving the bipod legs can be really important for fine-tuning your aim. Lightweight but sturdy construction: Look for materials like carbon fiber or strong aluminum that are tough without being too heavy. Quick-detach functionality: This lets you take the bipod off easily when you don’t need it, making the rifle more versatile. Cant adjustment: Being able to level your rifle on uneven ground can really help with accuracy. Load capacity: Make sure the bipod can hold up your rifle, especially if you’ve added heavy accessories.
The WOOX Bad Boy rifle support is a versatile option that works well in the field. You can use it as a regular bipod or as a shooting stick, which is great for different hunting and shooting situations. When choosing support accessories, think about where you usually shoot and how portable you need your gear to be. For shooting from a bench, you might also want to look at special rests or bags that can make your rifle even more stable than a regular bipod.
Choosing the Right Upgrades for Your Needs
Not every upgrade is right for every shooter. The changes you make should match what you want to do with your rifle, where you usually shoot, and what you like. Think carefully about how you use your Savage 308 and what improvements would help you the most. Here are some ideas for different types of shooters:
- Hunters might want light parts and finishes that resist weather to make a rifle that’s easy to carry and works well in different conditions. A compact scope that works well in low light could be great for typical hunting distances.
- Long-range target shooters might focus on upgrades that increase precision, like match-grade barrels and powerful scopes. A stable stock that can be adjusted and a crisp, light trigger could really help with accuracy at long distances.
- Tactical shooters might look for stocks that adjust quickly and magazines that hold more bullets. Things like night vision or thermal scopes, along with a suppressor or good muzzle brake, could be really useful.
Your budget also affects which upgrades to get first. Some changes, like triggers and bipods, can make a big difference without costing too much. These could be good places to start improving your rifle. Others, like custom barrels or expensive scopes, can cost more but might be worth it for serious shooters who want to get the most out of their rifle.
Think about how much value each upgrade will give you over time. Will it really improve your shooting in a way that matters to you? Will it last a long time and keep helping as you get better at shooting? Balancing cost with how much the upgrade helps and how long it lasts will help you make the most of your money.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once you’ve picked your upgrades, putting them on right and taking care of them is really important to make sure your improved Savage 308 works as well as it can. Here’s a closer look at how to install the upgrades and keep your rifle in great shape:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Each part might need to be installed in a specific way. Following these instructions carefully can prevent damage and make sure everything works right.
- Use the right tools for the job: Getting good gunsmithing tools can make installations easier and help prevent damage to your rifle or the new parts.
- If you’re not sure, ask for help: Some upgrades, like installing triggers or changing barrels, can be tricky. Don’t hesitate to ask a professional gunsmith if you’re not sure about any part of the process.
- Keep your rifle clean and well-maintained, especially after installing new parts: New components might need a break-in period or special care.
- Document your modifications: Keep a record of what upgrades you’ve installed, including specific models and any adjustments you made during installation. This can be helpful for future maintenance or if you need to troubleshoot problems.
- Re-zero your rifle after significant upgrades: Changes to the stock, barrel, or optics can affect where your rifle hits. Take time to re-zero at the range after major modifications.
- Be patient during the learning curve: Some upgrades, like new triggers or stocks, might feel strange at first. Give yourself time to get used to the new feel and functions of your upgraded rifle.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your custom Savage 308 in top shape. Make a routine that includes cleaning your rifle thoroughly after each use, checking all screws and fittings regularly, and looking at components for wear or damage. Pay special attention to areas where upgrades connect with the original rifle parts, as these can sometimes come loose or wear down.
For more complex upgrades or if you run into any problems, don’t be afraid to talk to a professional gunsmith. Their knowledge can make sure your custom Savage 308 is set up correctly and working its best. Remember, a well-maintained rifle not only works better but also tends to keep its value better over time.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Savage 308
Customizing your Savage 308 is more than just adding new parts; it’s about making a rifle that fits perfectly with how you shoot, what you like, and what you need. It’s about turning a good factory rifle into a precise tool that feels like part of you. Whether you’re hunting in tough places, competing in precision rifle matches, or trying to shoot accurately at really long distances, the right upgrades can make your Savage 308 perform much better.
Start with the upgrades that matter most for how you shoot, and don’t be afraid to try different things. You might find that some changes make a bigger difference than others, or that certain combinations of upgrades work really well together. Remember to balance your desire for performance with practical things like weight, reliability, and how easy the rifle is to use overall.
As you start customizing your rifle, keep in mind that the process of upgrading and fine-tuning can be just as rewarding as the end result. Each modification is a chance to learn more about your rifle and improve your shooting skills. Take the time to thoroughly test and adjust each upgrade to make sure it’s helping your shooting experience.
Remember, the best rifle is the one that fits you perfectly – in terms of how it feels, how it performs, and how it matches your shooting style. With careful selection and installation of these upgrades, your Savage 308 can become that ideal rifle. It can turn into a firearm that not only meets but exceeds what you expect, whether you’re taking that crucial shot on a once-in-a-lifetime hunt or breaking your personal best at the range.
Happy shooting, and enjoy using your newly customized Savage 308! The journey of improvement and customization keeps going, so don’t hesitate to revisit and refine your setup as your skills and needs change.
