Yesterday took my new rifle out to the range. It's a 783 Compact in .308 with scope package. No pics on this round, but I'll be making more trips out that I can take cell phone pics. Ammo was the Federal Power shok 180 grain soft point.

First impressions: Upon shooting I immediately noticed that this rifle is much more jumpy on the recoil than other full sized .308's that I've shot. Probably because of the shorter barrel. Also the supplied scope has very short eye relief. I'm talking like 2.5 inches. With that and the extra jump on recoil, I'm now sporting a nice gash on the bridge of my nose!!! It's a no-name scope, but through some investigation I found out it's a "Hunan" scope. This Chinese company also makes the Bushnell Custom series of scopes which is an exclusive for Gander Mountain, and this scope is identical, right down to the turret dials.

Accuracy: well the rifle really shines in this area. I was getting 3/4" groups at 100 yards with this ammo, rifle, scope combination. This is even with the flinching from being nailed by the scope. I would say it's exceptional accuracy. The scope, despite it's short comings is very accurate. Positive click adjustments that are very true to the 1/4" per click adjustments. The short eye relief is a major downfall. This scope needed to be replaced. I have to place my head so far back to avoid getting nailed upon firing, that I don't get a full sight picture. Score A+

Action: Exceptionally smooth. No FTF's, FTE's, or FTL's. Score A+

Scope: Good Clarity, Good accurate adjustments, Very poor eye relief. See above comments. Score: D+

Handling: Handles and points exceptionally well. Since I am a former lever action carbine guy, who loves easy to handle .30-30's in the timber. This compact version fulfills my need for this. Score: A

Barrel: The "Contour"barrel is in between the thin ones normally supplied with economy rifles and a bull barrel and is closer to a bull barrel. It never really heated up after repeated firing but with pauses every 3 shots to run a brush through it for break in. It provided exceptional accuracy. A constant 3/4" groups at 100 yards. Score: A+

Overall: IMHO, the best of the economy grade rifles out there, and in the group with the best rifles I've ever shot. For $250, minus $50 Rebate, for a grand total of $200 plus tax = great deal. Score: A+

Gotta love that price...

Awesome report Stix...thanks for posting !!

Damn scope....

Impressive to say the least from a bargain priced rifle. The stock was my main concern when I checked out this model recently. Your groups better my Model 700 30/06 at 100. I average 1 inch groups with the 150 grain Core-Lokts. Never experimented with premium rounds or handloads though. Guess if we can live without the frills an accurate rifle can be had. Not to compare with yours but that Ruger American 22 mag Compact I bought last year with the 18 inch tube is very accurate and the stock does not feel chintzy in my book. Gettin use to these lighter short barreled guns myself these days. Thanks for review.

Folks,
I forgot to mention the Trigger: It is a very crisp and perfectly set trigger for hunting. No creep, and set from the factory at 3 to 3.5lbs. Grade: A+

Thanks for the report. I appreciate your effort and the information.

Another update: Swapped out the factory scope with a Swift Reliant 4x32 compact with 4"+ of eye relief. I've always have had good luck with Swift Optics. Long story short I got 1/2" 3 shot group at 200 yards...That's right 200yards with bullet holes touching. This was using Federal Fusion 180 grain ammo. I think it's a keeper.

Glad to hear good feedback...

Thanks for the great information. I do lik my 783 as well. You've inspired me to show it some more love.

With the compact model .. I know the barrel is 20in but whats the LOP ??

I think it's 12 3/8", but I added the spacers that come with it to add 1".

Nicely done report. Good info.

Thanks (at least in part) to your report, I bought the 783 in .308. What a great value. It is my first foray into shooting, and the recoil is exactly as you've said. The accuracy is also as you've said...great shot placement is possible, even with a newbie like me.

Of course, I used to shoot photography, and all those skills shooting long lenses apply to cameras (minus the recoil).