CVA Cascade SR-80 Brings the Scout Rifle to .308 Win

The short version: CVA's Cascade SR-80 is a scout-style bolt action in .308 Win with an 18-inch Bergara barrel, iron sights and a forward optic rail, and Todd Burgreen found it accurate and quick to handle in field-style drills.

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CVA is better known for muzzleloaders, but it has built centerfire rifles since 2019, and its Cascade line aims at hunters who want a capable bolt gun at a moderate price. The SR-80 is the scout version: a rail section ahead of the receiver takes a long eye relief scope, the receiver is still drilled and tapped for a conventional scope, and fully adjustable Williams aperture sights come standard for anyone who wants to skip glass altogether.

It doesn't follow Jeff Cooper's scout formula to the letter. At 7.4 pounds without a scope it's heavier than the 6.6 pounds Cooper wanted, and the 18-inch barrel is shorter than the 19 inches he advocated, though longer than the 16 inches common on .308 carbines. Burgreen says that extra length made .308 Win an easy pick for his test rifle. The barrel comes from sister company Bergara, whose production methods were developed with help from benchrest barrel maker Ed Shilen.

Wearing a Leupold scout scope, the rifle printed sub-inch groups at 50 yards with several hunting and match loads, and Burgreen rated the single-stage trigger, which measured 3 pounds, a big part of that. On a walk-through range he hit steel from 40 to 190 yards from standing, kneeling and improvised rests. His verdict: hunters don't need a magnum and a huge scope to be well armed.

Key specs

• Caliber: .308 Win (also offered in .350 Legend)
• Barrel: 18 inches, 1:10 twist, threaded 5/8x24, ships with a muzzle brake
• Overall length: 39.75 inches
• Weight: 7.4 pounds empty, no scope
• Sights: Williams aperture rear and adjustable post front, plus a forward Picatinny section for a scout scope
• Action: three-lug bolt with a 70-degree throw
• Magazine: 10-round detachable (4-round flush mag sold separately)
• Price: $920

Summary by HuntingWinner based on reporting by Athlon Outdoors. Deal links are affiliate links; HuntingWinner may earn a commission. Prices change quickly, so confirm at checkout.