Author Topic: Help me spend my inheritance! (Read 1896 times)

lilabner · « **on:** October 24, 2006, 09:20:22 AM »

I've never owned an expensive rifle but I have inherited a sum which will allow me to buy a top of the line production rifle and scope. I want a rifle suitable for mountain hunting because I will at times be hunting steep terrain. I want long barrel life, mild recoil and sufficient punch to take big deer at 300 yards with good bullet placement. The rifle must be accurate and pleasant to shoot all day long. Flat trajectory is nice but not essential as I can range find longer shots. The rifle must have an excellent, easily adjusted trigger with no creep. I've hunted deer with numerous .24s and .25s and found them effective but would prefer a bit more bullet weight. I am thinking of something in the neighborhood of the soon to be obsolete .260 Remington, the 7-08, the 6.5x55 Swede or the 7X57. I handload so could stockpile brass for a cartridge that might become obsolete. However, a world cartridge would have several benefits.This will be the rifle that comes out of the safe for most of my my hunting trips. It will be used for deer and antelope - nothing larger. What should I buy?

CallaoJoe · « **Reply #1 on:** October 24, 2006, 09:29:04 AM »

Well,

I've got a Weatherby MK-V lightweight Synthetic in .270 Win that would meet most, if not all your needs.... You could also get it in 30-06, or at least some of the cartridges you mentioned, but if your only gonna shoot deer & antelopes...The .270 is a great cartridge. I've loaded up some Barnes TSX 130 gr bullets that appear as it they'll get the job done out to 300 yds no problem.

I'm a pretty good sized guy, so recoil has not been a problem with this setup for me. It's topped off with a Bausch & Lomb (Bushnell now) Elite 3200 in 3x9x50....

I love Weatherby MK-V bolt action rifles, I think they're well worth the price...

Good luck wiht what ever you decide. Shopping for a new rifle is half the fun.

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** October 24, 2006, 09:38:05 AM »

You've really not given much info on just how much you really have to spend so it's hard to say much on just what rifle but for a world caliber none is better than the old .30-06. No matter where in the world you go if folks hunt there you're likely to find them on the shelf.

You've said PRODUCTION rilfe so that makes me wonder if you're trying to keep total bill for the package in the under $1500-2000 range. If so I'd think long and hard on a Remington Custom Shop rifle myself. But if the max was a fair bit higher I'd have to give Nosler a call I think. This year their Custom rifle is chambered to the .280 AI which while certainly not found on the shelf much of anywhere it is certainly one you could hunt around the world with as long as you take your ammo with you. I suspect that would run you about $4000.

As to scope I'd chose a Leupold VX-III 2.5-8 for it. Or if you just gotta have a wee bit more the Bushnell Elite 4200 2.5-10.

RLB · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2006, 10:24:59 AM »

I'd buy a merkel single shot in 7X57..they have a package deal that includes a swarksy scope for $4000.00..if you want bolt action I'd agree with GB and get a nosler custom..I've seen them at cableas for the same money.....or you could buy a dakota.

RLB......

Graybeard · « **Reply #4 on:** October 24, 2006, 11:50:22 AM »

Forget Dakota, they have filed for bankruptcy.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2006, 11:58:16 AM »

I'd buy used, or, in this case NIB, and go with a Colt Sauer. Maybe something like this:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=59032733

Or, perhaps, a nice (if you can find one) pre 64 Winchester 70 feather weight in a .257 bob?

PA-Joe · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2006, 12:00:57 PM »

7mm08 is not going away anytime soon. Take a look at a nice Winchester in 7mm08 or a Remington Mountain / Weatherby Light in the same.

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2006, 12:45:00 PM »

First question is: Do you have any credit cards or unpaid loans/bills? If you do--pay those first---then take the money saved from not having to pay them anymore to get your dream rifle---then you'll have it all---free and clear.

The rifle is easy---Kimber Montana in 7mm-08---lightweight---hard hitting----top it off with either a Zeiss---Kahles--or Swarovski scope and say Talley rings and bases and all would be good----lololololol.

Gregory · « **Reply #8 on:** October 24, 2006, 02:04:01 PM »

Quote from: lilabner on October 24, 2006, 09:20:22 AM

I want long barrel life, mild recoil and sufficient punch to take big deer at 300 yards with good bullet placement. The rifle must be accurate and pleasant to shoot all day long. Flat trajectory is nice but not essential as I can range find longer shots. The rifle must have an excellent, easily adjusted trigger with no creep. What should I buy?

First caliber that came into my mind, to meet your objectives, would be a .270 Win. Budget at least as much for the scope as the rifle.

Levergun 94 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 24, 2006, 02:56:24 PM »

Hello lilabner !

A bit new here, but may I suggest a Ballard?
I agree with a previous post though! Pay the cards off first! Recently divorced, and had to file the big B all because of the cards. Well, the second half anyway

.

http://www.ballardrifles.com/1885_light_hunter.html

This particular link is to their thoroughly 'modern' light hunter. Caliber? Take your pick

.
I am particularly fond of these rifles, and If I ever got the money (doubtful

) I would have myself made the loveliest octogon barreled rifle you ever did see

. Don't discount the single shots. Especially the Ballards !!!!! They make a VERY fine rifle!
JUST REMEMBER, don't spend money on a rifle if you ain't going to shoot the dang thing ..... Pick what YOU like, what caliber you like, and don't worry about what anyone else says! That's half the fun, don't ya know

.
Seriously, if you've got that kind of scratch coming, pick your round, a good rifle, and buy a good reloading set up. It should suit ya fine . Don't buy something you'll be afraid to shoot because you might sctratch it up. Otherwise you've got a VERY expensive dust collector. My opinion. Take it as you will friend

.
Me? Myself, I'd look at a good single shot (helps you practice more

& DEFINITELY builds confidence in that shot!), a tag-a-long trailer for the jeep, to keep the meat in, and a whole host of data books with that handloading equipment .....
Seriously, buy what YOU want. As long as you'll take it out and shoot the thing

.
Good luck, and good hunting.

Tim

Slamfire · « **Reply #10 on:** October 24, 2006, 03:49:48 PM »

Cooper makes some nice rifles.

longwinters · « **Reply #11 on:** October 24, 2006, 03:57:54 PM »

Nosler has 2 rifles out this year in the 280AI. The wood stocked one for 4000 bills and a synthetic stock deal for around 2400. I would think seriously about a caliber of your choice from Hill country rifles in TX. Look at their web site and guarantee.

Long

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #12 on:** October 25, 2006, 12:59:12 AM »

Jarett or (new) Ultra Light Arms

nasem · « **Reply #13 on:** October 25, 2006, 02:39:21 AM »

I can't see this guy going wrong with a Tikka stainless lite (synthetic stainless and weights about 6lbs 10 oz without scope).
As far as scopes go, Leoupold 2.5-8X36 VX-iii is great, but I would opt for a high end 4-16X40 (maybe thats a bit heavy for a mountain rifle)

As far as caliber, I perfer the 6.5X55 or the 7mm-08 (for reloader, Im leaning towards the 6.5X55)

Zachary · « **Reply #14 on:** October 25, 2006, 03:18:47 AM »

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Kimber.

I own a Kimber Montana (Stainless Synthetic) in .300WSM and it's an extremely high quality rifle, very accurate, very light, excellent trigger with no creep, and comfortable to shoot due to its pachmyer recoil pad.

I would say get a Kimber Montana in .270 Winchester or 7mm-08 with a Leupold VX-III 3.5x-10x-40mm (of which I also own and have mounted on my Kimber).

And yes, Kimber now makes their rifles chambered in long-action cartridges.

Zachary

Questor · « **Reply #15 on:** October 25, 2006, 03:26:50 AM »

What would I do? Forget about the new rifle and take a good hunting trip instead. After the rifle is sold or sitting unused in the safe, I'll still have the memories of the hunt.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #16 on:** October 25, 2006, 06:19:31 AM »

Remington has a model 7 coming out of the custom shop with a tuned action and a mannlicher stock @$1300.00. It comes in .260 and in 7-08.

Rustyinfla · « **Reply #17 on:** October 25, 2006, 02:53:25 PM »

OK now enough is enough...A Mannlicher. that not fair. Man that's a beautiful rifle. A .308 like that would sure be aheart stopper.

Rusty <><

kyote · « **Reply #18 on:** October 25, 2006, 03:02:38 PM »

http://www.evo-rifles.com/

just tell them what you want..

bucktales · « **Reply #19 on:** October 26, 2006, 10:15:58 AM »

A new Mauser M-03.

www.mauserwaffen.de

acearch72 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 26, 2006, 12:59:56 PM »

Some years ago when I thought I was rich, I decided to buy a custom rifle. I purchased a Kleingunter K15, back when Bob was still hand building them with the German barrels and actions. I got the extra special wood and paid $2400.00. I think, about 28 years ago. It was a really nice rifle and would shoot 5 in the same hole, but it was too nice to take hunting. So, it sits at home with my wife while my T/C goes hunting with me.

My suggestion, save the money and keep the cheap gun you already have.

GeoW · « **Reply #21 on:** October 26, 2006, 03:38:40 PM »

I read his post and figure by a production rifle he does not mean a custom made outfit but seems that most are recomending these small maker, custom shop rifles.

Man, don't piss all that money away. Go with something like a Rem 700 CDL in 270 Win or 280 Rem. About $600. Get a good Leupold and be done with it. If you're not a Rem fan.. look at CZ, Ruger, Tikka, Sako or one of the other production rifles on the market.

Regards,
GeoW

joshco84 · « **Reply #22 on:** October 26, 2006, 03:54:07 PM »

finally geo mentioned it at the end (i didnt think anyone was ever going to) a sako. everybody mentioned very nice rifles but if he is wanting a top of the line "production" rifle there are none better in my opinion. he also wants a good adjustable trigger, and on the sako i shoot i never even had to adjust it. However acurate and pleasent to shoot at 300 yards is a bit harder find. a 30 06 would do well in my opinion, as well as the 270 that was also mentioned. i too would have said the 257 roberts but he said that he is wanting a heavier bullet with the aforementioned qualities. with that being said however i would suggest a 25 06 or the 257 roberts for the flat trajectory and moderate recoil, and two of the more accurate rounds available. the only argument for me to lean towards the 25 06 over the roberts would be ammo availability in answer to the "world" cartridge. i also agree with graybeard on the leuopold vxIII or a nikon monarch gold, both of which are excellent scopes worthy of a great rifle.

copilot001 · « **Reply #23 on:** October 27, 2006, 02:55:33 PM »

finally ....someone mentioned... SAKO...

i love it when everyone tries to outspend the other guy.
a sako is a very good rifle,well built and accurate.
30/06 ammo will do just about anything you want it to,it,s cheap and reddily available in any small town or village anywhere in north america and most likely around the world.
if you load your own you can perfect your loads from coyotes to moose and beyond.
the only rifle left in my cabinet is a sako stainless with leupold 2-7 scope and it,s earned it,s keep
it.s the only one i hunt with, i know exactly what i can and can not do with it.
i have about a doz. packs of loaded ammo for,from varmint to moose
now i have to admit to 7 various military and 8 black powder rifles which are a hoot to shoot plus a few handguns...they are for fun,but the sako earns it,s keep...

Don Fischer · « **Reply #24 on:** October 27, 2006, 03:15:12 PM »

Well for crying out loud, isn't anybody going to suggest a Stevens 200 or a Savage?

Actually you can spend a lot of money on stuff or you can spend your money on good things. I'd have to go with most any rifle in the $600 range then take it to a good smith and have the barreled action trued, install a really good aftermarket trigger, have good steel bases and rings PROPERLY installed, have the thing accurized and get a good 2 1/2-8x class scope. I'd also get it in a cartridge not so popular, just because I could. Maybe a 6.5x57. As a final touch, I'd like a steel trap butt plate that holds four extra cartridges. Oh, I forgot to mention, a very good grade walnut stock w/20 lpi chercking is a must!

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #25 on:** October 27, 2006, 08:42:17 PM »

He said he wanted something for mountain hunting---to me that means lightweight.

I love my Sako's ---but they are absolute tanks--even calling their "Lightweight" a lightweight is a bit of a stretch.

The light weight rifles that won't break the bank that come to mind are the Kimber Montana---Remington Titanium and Model 7. Everything in comparison seems beastly heavy----even my Ruger Ultralight ain't exactly light.

Brithunter · « **Reply #26 on:** October 28, 2006, 02:55:19 AM »

Heck I got a good giggle out of this post

All those afraid to take a nice rifle out hunting

why buy them then? Rifles are built to shoot and hunting rifles are built to hunt with. So a nice fancy grained bit of Walnut gets a scratch

Big deal Walnut can be re-finished especially an oiled finish. Even metalwork can be re-finished so what's the big deal?

The original question is rather vauge

but a light weight rifle in an approptiate Chambering surely can be found.

Personally I already have one to fit the bill perfectly. The rifle weighs 6 1/4 lbs sans scope and is chambered for the 270 win cartridge, has a nice walnut stock, integral scope bases and adjustable trigger, Hmm not sure of barrel length off hand but all this and it was made back in 1959. It's even drilled and tapped for a reciever aperture sight right from the factory. It's called a BSA Majestic.

Not knowing apart from the sketchy information supplied what the poster is looking for I refrain from making suggestions in todays marketplace, but production rifles, Hmmm I would be looking carefully at the used market for something made before the quality so often shown today was popular. The barrel on my Majestic shows little wear but as the price was good I would certainly consider a re-barrel to get just what you want.

HuntingGuy · « **Reply #27 on:** October 28, 2006, 04:54:06 PM »

Quote

I would say get a Kimber Montana in .270 Winchester or 7mm-08 with a Leupold VX-III 3.5x-10x-40mm (of which I also own and have mounted on my Kimber).

Zachary is right on that one.. Him and I both own Montanas if I'm correct.. Mine is chambered in 7mm-08 and it shoots like a dream. Not to mention the lightweight design is PERFECT for any style of hunting. I hardly notice it is on my back when tracking through the woods to my stand in the morning. Kimber has a good one there, I can definitely tell quality was paid close attention to.

As far as a scope goes, again - the Leupold VX-III 3.5x10-40 can't go wrong.

lilabner · « **Reply #28 on:** October 29, 2006, 01:33:45 PM »

Thanks for the ideas - selecting the rifle will be more than half the fun. The Ballard looks like a possibility, though I was originally thinking of a bolt gun. Checked out the hill country rifle site and it is interesting. I'm asking them for information on what choices I would be able to make. The Nosler looks interesting from what I've read and they build them a two hour drive from here. According to the Sako website, they offer some lighter rifles. I would like to shoot a 6.5mm/.284 or some other wildcat but not in an expensive rifle because I want value down the road. If I choose wisely, the rifle will hold value. A pre 64 Model 70 Lightweight in 7 mm Mauser in mint condition would be nice. No debt problems - I'll be able to make some good hunts after making the rifle purchase.

Prebanpaul · « **Reply #29 on:** October 29, 2006, 04:47:28 PM »

IF IT WAS ME I WOULD SAY A MONTANA GUN WORKS ACTION AND BARREL IN A 6.5 -06 WITH A SWAROVSKI SCOPE. I HAVE A GUN SMITH THAT IS UN BELIEVABLE, HE JUST MADE ME ONE IN THE 308 WARBIRD LAZZERONI. IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY AND WANT A EXCELLENT GUN, GET IT CUSTOM AND ENJOY IT. I USAUALLY DUMP MORE INTO MY SCOPE THAN MY GUN.