akbound

Hi m2fin,

I know this doesn't help with your specific question concerning the .308 Win or the .243 Win. But I do have a Model 673 chambered for .350 Remington Magnum and have been very happy with it to this point. I have had it for less than a year....and haven't even had time to work with any handloads for it...so I'm speaking from very limited experience. For me, it seems to carry in the hands well....comes to shoulder well....and seems well balanced. Particularly because of my chosen caliber I elected to go with a Leupold Vari X III 1.5 X 5. This scope allowed me to mount it without requiring the removal of the rear sight. (An important consideration for me in this caliber and for when we get back to Alaska.) Also I elected to use "quick detachable" Leupold bases and rings. Once again I think in keeping with the purpose of the rifle!

I have had a fair amount of experience with both the .308 and the .243 in other rifles. Both are very capable cartridges. Considering the strengths of the .243 and what it does best...almost seems at cross purposes of the Model 673. Personally I prefer the .243 in a medium weight sporter where it accomplishes its dual purposes equally as well.....and even though the 673 could be applied in that fashion....mounting any type of scope in 3X9 or 4X12 "range" would require the removal of the rear sight. (Why package the caliber in that configuration?) But that is just a personal preference.

In all truth, between the .308 Win and the .300 SAUM, I almost might actually prefer the 673 in .308 over the .300 SAUM, for the exact same stated reasons. (I know that will garner a few howls.) Not because I don't believe the .300 to be a very capable cartridge...but because I'd hate to reduce the utility of the rifle by not having the option of quickly interchanging to open sights.....and that requires a "smaller scope" which does not fully utilize the potential of a cartridge like the .300 SAUM. Though you could most probably "make do" with a good l.5 X 5, 1.75 X 6, or possibly a compact 2 X 7 that would fit and not require removing the rear sight. (And in all cases I'd insist on quick release mounts on such a rifle.) Other wise it really does negate the rib...the sights...and the real purpose of having such a rifle.

Best of luck with your selection!

P.S. Which scope combo did you finally select to go with your .300? (Did it affect the handling in anyway that you didn't care for...or not really?) I like the cartridge immensely......but I've waited so long for a .350 that there was absolutely no way I was going to miss it this time around. (And knowing the American consumer.....there is no telling how long it will last this time?!?)