A Look Back at the Pump Action
Early Beginnings
Before we examine the .308 specifically, let’s consider the pump action itself. The pump-action rifle, a stalwart of firearm design, traces its roots back to the late 19th century. Its earliest incarnations were often designed as a multi-shot system, meant to offer the capability of multiple rounds quickly, and thus provide rapid fire in defense or offense. Its quick operation, accomplished by a back-and-forth motion of the forend, immediately distinguishes it from bolt-action, semi-automatic, or lever-action systems. This simplicity, however, led to one of its primary advantages: reliability.
Evolution and Popularity
The popularity of pump actions quickly spread. Early models were designed with the goal of providing a solid and reliable platform that needed only a minimal amount of parts, thus making them less likely to fail. This streamlined approach was a significant selling point and allowed for them to be used across various different situations. This design philosophy, combined with its ease of use, helped solidify the pump action’s place in the world of firearms, especially for shotguns.
Advantages of Pump Action
One of the greatest advantages of the pump action is, as mentioned earlier, its dependability. Unlike semi-automatic rifles that rely on gas or recoil to cycle the action, the pump action is completely manually operated. This means there are fewer moving parts and a reduced risk of malfunction due to fouling, environmental factors, or ammunition inconsistencies. The pump action allows the shooter to forcefully eject a spent casing and chamber a new round, making it an especially useful design under adverse conditions.
Ease of Use
Pump action rifles also excel in their ease of operation. A shooter can quickly learn the manual manipulation required to operate the rifle, a key factor that helped bring it to widespread acceptance among hunters and shooters of all experience levels.
Drawbacks
Of course, the pump action isn’t without its drawbacks. Compared to a semi-automatic, the manual cycling of the action means that follow-up shots may not be as rapid. Magazine capacity is often limited compared to some other designs. However, for the discerning shooter, the control, reliability, and direct manipulation of the pump action offer a unique shooting experience.
Understanding the .308 Winchester Cartridge
A Brief History
To fully appreciate the pump action rifle .308, we must first understand the cartridge that powers it. The .308 Winchester, also known as the 7.62x51mm NATO, has a rich history, deeply intertwined with military needs and civilian pursuits. Its development began in the early 1950s as a potential replacement for the venerable .30-06 Springfield cartridge. The objective was to create a shorter, more efficient round that could be used by both military and civilian shooters. The results were both immediate and impactful.
The .308’s Success
The .308 Winchester, released in 1952, delivered ballistics that, in many scenarios, closely matched those of the .30-06 but in a more compact and efficient package. It quickly gained favor among both military organizations and civilian hunters, thanks to its impressive performance and adaptability. The NATO standardization of the 7.62x51mm round (identical in dimensions and often interchangeable with the .308 Winchester) further cemented its widespread acceptance, making it a globally recognized cartridge.
Ballistic Characteristics
The .308 Winchester is highly regarded for its excellent ballistic properties. It offers a relatively flat trajectory, making it suitable for both short- and long-range shooting. The cartridge’s design allows for a wide range of bullet weights, from lighter bullets intended for rapid expansion to heavier bullets designed for deep penetration. This versatility makes it effective for various applications, from hunting deer and elk to target shooting at distance.
Key Properties
Energy at Impact: The .308 Winchester can deliver impressive energy on target, making it an effective round for taking down medium to large game. The exact energy level varies depending on the bullet weight and powder load, but it typically packs a significant punch.
Bullet Types
The .308 can be loaded with a wide variety of bullet types. Common types include:
* Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Generally used for target practice, these bullets tend to retain their shape upon impact and offer good penetration.
* Hollow Point (HP): Often designed for hunting, HP bullets expand rapidly upon impact, transferring energy and creating a larger wound cavity.
* Soft Point (SP): Another hunting bullet type that expands reliably upon impact, offering a balance of penetration and expansion.
* Boat Tail: Boat tail bullets have a tapered base to improve ballistic efficiency and reduce drag.
Applications
The .308 Winchester is a true multi-purpose cartridge, well suited for various roles. Its use in hunting is widespread, with hunters frequently using it for deer, elk, black bear, and many other North American game animals. Target shooters also utilize it for long-range target practice and competition. Military and law enforcement also make use of the cartridge, even in its standard bolt-action and semi-automatic form, although its presence in pump action is far less common.
Examining the Characteristics of the Pump Action Rifle .308
Design Elements
The fusion of the pump-action mechanism and the potent .308 Winchester cartridge results in a unique firearm. While the market for pump-action .308 rifles isn’t as vast as those offering bolt-action or semi-automatic variants, several manufacturers have produced rifles that successfully combine these two elements.
Key Features
Design Features:
* Action Mechanism: The core feature is the pump action, which uses a forend that the shooter moves back and forth to cycle the action. This manual operation ejects spent casings and chambers new rounds.
* Barrel Length and Profile: Barrel lengths in these rifles can vary, from shorter carbine-style barrels suited for maneuverability to longer barrels designed to maximize accuracy and ballistics at range. Barrel profiles also differ, impacting weight, balance, and heat dissipation.
* Sights: Pump action .308 rifles may be equipped with a variety of sighting systems. These include traditional iron sights for quick target acquisition, as well as scope mounts for the attachment of optical sights.
* Stock and Ergonomics: The stocks (the part of the rifle that rests against the shoulder) and overall ergonomics are designed to provide a comfortable shooting experience. Stocks can be made from wood, synthetic materials, or a combination of both, and they vary in shape and configuration to accommodate different shooters and preferences.
* Magazine Capacity: Magazine capacity is often limited in pump-action .308 rifles compared to some other action types, with typical capacities ranging from a few rounds to more.
Action Type Comparisons
Comparisons to Other Action Types:
* Bolt-Action: Bolt-action rifles are known for their accuracy and robust construction. Pump actions often match their accuracy capabilities. The main advantage is the ease of manipulation of a pump-action.
* Semi-Automatic: Semi-automatic .308 rifles offer rapid firing, but may be less reliable in harsh conditions.
* Lever-Action: Similar to pump-action, though less common with the .308 Winchester.
The Advantages of a .308 Pump Action
Dependability
The pump action rifle in .308 presents several key advantages. These are characteristics that create a specific market appeal.
Reliability and Function:
* Less prone to malfunctions: Pump action systems are inherently reliable. The manual cycling of the action removes reliance on gas systems or recoil mechanisms, reducing the risk of jams or failures in the field.
* Manual operation: The manual operation offers a simple, reliable approach, and is resistant to the variety of issues which can affect semi-automatic systems.
Accuracy
Accuracy Potential:
* Good potential for accuracy: When designed and constructed properly, pump action rifles can offer very respectable accuracy, and their accuracy characteristics can approach those of well-built bolt-action rifles. The key is quality design and components.
Usability
Ease of Use and Training:
* Intuitive operation: A pump action is very easy to learn. This simplicity makes it an appealing choice for both new and experienced shooters, as the manual process is something they can master quickly.
Recoil Control
Recoil Management:
* Recoil Control: Recoil from the .308 can be substantial. The pump action provides a degree of control as the shooter actively manages the rifle in their hands during the firing sequence.
The Drawbacks of a .308 Pump Action
Magazine Limitations
Magazine Capacity:
* Limited capacity: Compared to semi-automatic rifles, the magazine capacity is often smaller.
Rate of Fire
Reloading Speed:
* Slower Reloading: Reloading is generally slower compared to semi-automatic rifles, especially during rapid-fire scenarios. The need to manually cycle the action delays the next shot, in some instances.
Recoil
Recoil Considerations:
* Significant Recoil: The .308 Winchester generates substantial recoil, and the shooter must be prepared to manage it.
Market
Limited Availability:
* Few choices: There are fewer manufacturers and models of pump-action .308 rifles compared to more common action types, which may limit the options.
Other Considerations
Follow-Up Shots:
* Not optimized for rate of fire: Pump-action systems aren’t built for quick follow-up shots as are semi-automatic systems.
Suitable Applications and the Ideal User Profile
Hunting
The pump action rifle .308 is a specialized firearm, with specific ideal uses and users.
Hunting:
* Effective for game: Pump action rifles can effectively hunt many medium to large game animals, especially in situations where extreme rapid-fire isn’t required.
* Terrain Considerations: Pump actions are well-suited for close- to medium-range hunting in various environments.
Target Shooting
Target Shooting:
* Recreational use: Pump action rifles can be a solid choice for target practice and casual shooting sessions.
Self Defense
Self-Defense:
* Home defense: While not the most common choice, a pump-action .308 *could* be employed in a home defense scenario, though the user must be aware of the legal implications of firearm use for self-defense.
Ideal User
Ideal User Profiles:
* Hunters: Those who prioritize reliability and are willing to sacrifice some rate of fire.
* Shooters Who Appreciate Simplicity: Those who enjoy the more direct, manual operation of the rifle.
Maintaining Your Pump Action .308
Cleaning
To ensure the longevity and performance of your pump action rifle .308, proper maintenance is critical.
Cleaning and Lubrication:
* Cleaning: Regularly clean the barrel, action, and bolt assembly to remove powder residue, carbon buildup, and other debris.
Lubrication
Lubrication:
* Lubrication: Apply a light coat of gun oil or lubricant to moving parts to reduce friction and prevent rust.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting:
* Common problems: Familiarize yourself with common malfunctions such as failure to feed, extract, or eject.
* Remedies: Learn the appropriate methods for resolving these issues, usually involving proper cleaning and/or lubrication.
Safety
Storage and Safety:
* Safe storage: Store the rifle in a secure location, such as a gun safe, unloaded, with ammunition stored separately.
* Safety rules: Adhere to all gun safety rules, including always pointing the muzzle in a safe direction and treating every firearm as if it is loaded.
Conclusion
The pump action rifle .308 represents a unique blend of features. It offers a reliable and controllable platform combined with the power and versatility of the .308 Winchester cartridge. It might not be the best choice for situations demanding extreme rapid-fire capabilities, but it is ideal for hunters who value reliability and those seeking a different shooting experience.
While not as ubiquitous as bolt-action or semi-automatic .308 rifles, the pump-action .308 fills a niche in the firearms market. It provides a robust and dependable alternative, and its intuitive operation makes it appealing to a wide range of shooters. If you are looking for a hunting rifle that handles well and is very reliable, the .308 pump action could be for you.
Call to Action
Consider visiting a local gun store or shooting range to handle a pump-action .308 rifle. Experiencing its operation firsthand will help you better appreciate its unique qualities. Research different manufacturers and models to determine which best suits your needs.
