.308 vs. .380

legion · 07-29-2011, 07:54 PM

Okay, I know what you are thinking....but this isn't a direct comparison.

(I think we all agree which one we'd rather be behind than in front of.)

This is a thread on opportunity cost.

Third paycheck of the month, so I had an extra-big paycheck this week. I'm putting most of the money away, but I thought I might get myself a little something with a small portion.

I'm thinking either a Taurus in .380 or a Savage in .308.

The Taurus is one of those super-small .380 pistols. I've thought they were neat since they've come out and I've always kind of wanted one. The Taurus looks like one of the better ones.

The Savage Axis is the other option. I've been wanting to shoot from the back bench at the range (300 yards) for some time.

aigel · aigel's Garage

I would go with the rifle. You will have more fun with it in the long run. But not in .308. There are much better calibers for shooting from the back bench. I'd go lighter on the bullet if you don't hunt. If you hunt, get more powder for a 30 caliber. The Savage is a great rifle - best bang for the buck hands down, especially after they started with the accutrigger. If you get a mouse gun, compare the Taurus to the Ruger before you buy.

Let us know which way you decide!

George

HardDrive · 07-29-2011, 10:06 PM

I would get the rifle in a heart beat. I prefer .30-06 to .308. Not for any real performance reason, I just like the sight of loading those anti-aircraft looking m-fers in the magazine

BlueSkyJaunte · 07-29-2011, 10:20 PM

Rifle.

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

Even with small hands like I have, my Kel Tec .380 is not a good range pistol.

This is a cute little bugger though.

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/products/taurus-738-tcp/

Tim Hancock · 07-30-2011, 05:14 AM

Legion, I bought the Taurus TCP .380 in the black stainless version for my wife to carry at work. If that awful state of yours ever starts to allow concealed carry, you need one of these for a pocket gun in the summer. Anything even "slightly" bigger in any direction than the TCP or LCP is not comfortable to me in either my front or rear blue jean pocket (we use a thin sheath type "holster" the size of a wallet). My wife and I both shot it quite a bit last night. I was hitting an 8" steel plate nearly every shot at ten yards when firing somewhat rapidly, but it simply is not a range gun..... It is best suited as close range personal protection due to it's small size, sights and long trigger pull.

I personally carry a FEG PA-63 in 9x18 Mak which is similar in size to a Bersa .380 and a Walther PPK, but it usually stays in my briefcase as even it feels too big to be comfortably concealed when wearing summer clothes.

I will likely pick up another TCP for me to carry as the wife always has hers. I have shot both the LCP and the TCP side by side and the TCP is slightly better IMO due to the following:

The TCP is slightly cheaper... comes with two magazines... has slightly larger sights... has a measured 5lb slightly shorter trigger pull vs 8lbs for the LCP... has last shot hold open/slide lock...

Both guns are suprisingly accurate when shot from a bench, but being so small/light, both fee like a bomb going off in one's hand

Both my wife and daughter who are tiny have no problems hitting a man-sized cardboard target at 5-7 yards though.

Here it is sitting on top of my Glock G34 (same frame size as G17)

Believe it or not, these sights are slightly larger and easier to actually see than the LCP

targa911S · 07-30-2011, 06:46 AM

The axis is savages cheapo line. .308 is a very common caliber so MY advice would be to look for a better rifle, used, there are plenty out there. For the bucks you would spend on a new 110 you could get a LOT more gun used. A lot of guys can't afford those Montana trips these days so they are selling the .308 and there are some real bargains out there. A friend of mine just bought a nice high end Sako in .243 with a leupold on it for $475. There are much better cals then .308 as others have said. Look for a nice used gun in say 257 roberts or 204 ruger. You will be much happier.

lane912 · 07-30-2011, 09:41 AM

.308 has some real world advantages- it is everywhere!!!!!! think about it

targa911S · 07-30-2011, 11:33 AM

that IS a good point.

legion · 07-30-2011, 11:45 AM

I filled out the paperwork for the Taurus.

I think I'll save a little bit of money and get a better .308 than I was looking at.

Henry Schmidt · Henry Schmidt's Garage

I have a few .308 rifles for sale. Heavy barrel, light weight hunting and sniper style rifles. Why buy a Savage when you could own a vintage Remington. Priced to sell.
Let's talk

MT930 · 07-30-2011, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by targa911S

The axis is savages cheapo line. .308 is a very common caliber so MY advice would be to look for a better rifle, used, there are plenty out there. For the bucks you would spend on a new 110 you could get a LOT more gun used. A lot of guys can't afford those Montana trips these days so they are selling the .308 and there are some real bargains out there. A friend of mine just bought a nice high end Sako in .243 with a leupold on it for $475. There are much better cals then .308 as others have said. Look for a nice used gun in say 257 roberts or 204 ruger. You will be much happier.

I agree completely. Lots of Rem 700 stainless fluted barrels in .308 (Law Enforcement) with 1000 rounds of brass & dies and Leupold's 6.5-20X VIII'S for $1000.00 in Montana. I would pass on the Savage

. Plenty of .270's out thre too.

Rugers are great if you can find them.