Taurus Expedition .308 Win Bolt-Action Rifle Review

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First-Ever Taurus Bolt Gun Is Sub-MOA & Ready To Hunt

At the 2024 SHOT Show, Taurus USA introduced its first bolt-action rifle, the Expedition, marketing it as a sub-MOA rifle for hunters who want a more compact platform for filling their big game tags.

Based on the very popular Remington 700 action, the Expedition is chambered in .308 Win. It features an 18-inch, hammer-forged, stainless steel barrel complete with a threaded muzzle for a brake or suppressor. The receiver is also crafted from stainless steel. The rifle’s smooth-operating 60-degree bolt lift provides plenty of room between the handle and a mounted optic. 

Out-Of-The-Box Accuracy

The term “sub-MOA” is a very common marketing term in the world of rifles. Yes, many rifles are that accurate. But a good number of gunmakers leave out the “ifs.” As in, the rifle can be sub-MOA if you perform a lengthy barrel break-in process and if you find the exact right ammunition and if you shoot it enough to smooth out the trigger. 

I’m happy to report that I didn’t have to go through those ifs with the Taurus Expedition .308 Win. The rifle was accurate as described right out of the box.

Ready For A Range Workout

The Expedition doesn’t have open sights. It’s drilled and tapped for the widely available Remington 700 short-action optic bases. Once those were attached, I mounted a Trijicon Credo HX 2.5-15×42 scope onto the rifle using sturdy Trijicon 30mm rings. The scope featured very precise 0.25-MOA elevation and windage adjustments and an illuminated reticle. 

With the rifle zeroed, I drilled MOA and sub-MOA three-shot groups at 100 yards from a sandbagged rest. I used three brands of .308 Win ammo—Federal Premium Terminal Ascent, Remington Premier Match, and Sig Sauer Elite Performance.

My best shooting included 0.70- and 1.1-inch groups with the Remington, and the Sig at 0.80 and 0.90 inches. 

I also pegged a 0.90-inch group with the Federal for four shots. Why four? I shot three times, and it looked like my third shot was a complete whiff. No hole! I shot again. Turned out, my third try nearly stacked itself atop an earlier hit. So, my first three shots actually came in at an amazing 0.50 inches. Damn!

Larger groups? Of course, I had some when I shot too quickly, jerked the trigger a bit, or fired before I was completely stable. But it wasn’t the rifle. The trigger on my Expedition broke at 3 pounds, 12 ounces, but did stack up before it engaged the sear.  

Hunter-Friendly Features & Price Point!

Built from rugged, injection-molded polymer, the stock featured a built-in comb. The slightly oversized grip provided the palm of my shooting hand with a really solid anchor. The tang safety worked easily with my shooting hand thumb.

All that and under a grand? For Taurus’ first-ever bolt gun, the Expedition is as impressive as it gets.

Pairs Well With…

The hard-hitting Federal Terminal Ascent .308 Win. The poly-tipped, 175-grain bullet sports an amazing ballistic coefficient and is a prime meat-getter. MSRP: $63/20-round box. (federalpremium.com)

Specifications: Taurus Expedition .308 Win Bolt-Action Rifle

Caliber: .308 Win

Barrel: 18 inches

OA Length: 37.92 inches

Weight: 7 pounds, 1 ounce (empty)

Sights: None

Action: Bolt

Stock: Textured black polymer

Finish: Black DLC barrel and receiver

Capacity: 5+1

MSRP: $985

Website: taurususa.com

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