1. Figure out the smallest possible caliber you’re willing to hunt deer with. A 223 for regular deer hunting, if not from very close ranges, will fill you with regret. Think 224 Val, 6.5 Grendel, 6mm Creedmoor or 6.5 Creedmoor.
2. Build it yourself.
3. Build it yourself.
4. Build it yourself.
5. It will be heavy. I have a .308 with a 16” fluted barrel that I keep as light as possible for hunting and potential Canadian invasion. It weighs over 10 lbs with a 10rd magazine and 1-6x scope. That’s before I add the silencer.
6. Shooting an autoloader accurately requires different/more skill than using a bolt gun accurately. Don’t be too quick to blame the gun if it doesn’t shoot bug holes the first time out.
I would strongly consider 224 Val in order to keep it a “small frame” model and for parts interchangeability.
Let me know if you need suggestions for parts or build ideas.
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I’d do a PWS in .308 but that’s just consulting my own wishlist.
Having owned a couple PWS 308 rifles, I prefer POF P308. But PWS rifles are good.