Thompson/Center Arms Encore Pistol 308 Winchester 15" Barrel Hunter Pack Weaver 2.5x7 Scope Composite Stock 4962

The 308 Winchester (7.62x51 NATO) was introduced by in 1952. Based on the T65 experimental military cartridge, Winchester essentially jumped the gun with the civilian introduction; the 7.62x51 wasn't officially adopted (or named) until 1954. The military's intent was to create a shorter cartridge that would fit into a lighter version of the M1 Garand. This was successful beyond their wildest dreams: The 308 Winchester is essentially a 30-06 case greatly shortened to 2.015-inch, but it lags only about 100 feet per second behind the 30-06 in velocity, and with it shorter, more efficient case it tends to be more accurate. The 308 is suitable for any hunting for which the 30-06 is suitable--which means almost anything in the world short of large, dangerous game. The 308 is a standard chambering among most manufacturers and is found in all action types. Factory loads are legion, including a wide selection of very accurate match loads. — Craig Boddington