A local dealer has offered me a very clean Winchester 100 in .308 at a reasonable price ($250.00). It is a pre-64, rifle length. Seems as though I recall reading that some of these rifles had gas metering problems, that caused it to tear the back of the case off. Can anyone help me on this, or tell me your experiences with this rifle in this caliber?

Mike,

I have heard of the 100 getting out of sinc and firing before the bolt locks up solid, causing the case to rupture. I think the gunsmith called it getting out of time. Ask the dealer if you can shoot it or if he guarantees it to function and not jam.

I've owned Winchester Model 100 in 308 and they are a good gun. The only problem that they had was a weak firing pin. Winchester recalled all of these guns to correct the problem. If you buy this gun make sure that the problem was corrected. Like all semi's keep them clean and they work fine. The gun that I had shot really well with 165 grain Sierra's.

Some of the model 100's would fire 2 shots with each pull of the trigger, but the recall fixed that.

$250 is a deal.

Frankly, I think that none of the commercial semi autos is worth a hoot. For reliability, get a M1A or Garand. And they can take a scope. If you want a short rifle, you can get a tanker version.

I concur, t he M100 was not known for accuracy,
the M88 was much better and reliable.

Mine shoots 2" groups at 100yds, not match accuracy but fine for hunting. The only problem I've heard about these rifles is the firing pin tend to break and cause premature firing and/or auto matic firing. See if it's been fixed before you buy, if it hasn't winchester will fix it for free.

Mine has been 100% reliable, it's fired at least a 1000rds since I've had it. Shoot's pretty good too, around an 1" or so with most loads.