Author Topic: WORST RIFLE? BEST? (Read 16913 times)

Weatherby223 · « **on:** April 28, 2003, 03:35:28 PM »

Just wondering what Rifles people have owned that have turned out to be just a waste of money or one that they wish they had left back at the shop? Tell me whats your best also? I have only had one bad Rifle. This was a Savage model 340 in .222. What a piece of crap! Every 2 shots it would not eject the case and at night this proved to be just a pain in the ass. I have to mess around trying to retrieve the shell. while my mates were getting all the foxes! Asked the shop about it and they told me it was very common in this Model. I now have the Howa/Weatherby and its great! I love this Rifle and dont have to worry about getting it scratched. I'll just buy another one when its old and worn out!

KN · « **Reply #1 on:** April 28, 2003, 04:26:17 PM »

Winchester Model 70 Coyote, Worst piece of crap I ever bought. Worst service I ever got on a NEW rifle also. Best? Thats a tough one. KN

grouper sandwich · « **Reply #2 on:** April 28, 2003, 04:37:21 PM »

I've never had a bad rifle. I've owned two Ruger 77's (25-06 and 30-06) and a Remington 700 BDL (7mm Rem Mag). I'll probably get a 243 or 223 this summer. At this point I'm sort of torn between a Howa (synthetic/stainless), Tikka (wood/blue), CZ (550 American) or another Ruger 77 (sporter laminate/stainless). Or course that's if I don't spend all of my money on new fishing reels (I've fallen in love the Newell's), dive equipment or electronics for my boat, this summer. :roll:

OOBuckshot · « **Reply #3 on:** April 28, 2003, 04:42:19 PM »

I would not cull any of mine. That is two Rem. 700s, a Howa and a Ruger # 1. The rest are custom. They all shoot under a half minute and some well under a quarter minute. I have seen more scopes that would not shoot than I have rifles. That is just my two cents worth...OO :wink:

stv · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2003, 12:46:18 AM »

I frequently trade for and buy used or new rifles just to dabble. With one exception I have been able to make them shoot well. The exception was a sporterized Mil mauser that had a 30-06 barrel that literally could not hit an 8 1/2 X 11 piece of papar at 100 yds. Good ones have included 4 rem 700's 5 pumps (mod 14,760 and 7600), 3 mod 70, 2 sav 110 , and one Browing A bolt. The A bolt is the keeper. Never dabbled with a Ruger except my brothers Mini 14. Couldn't hit a milk jug at 50 yds with that thing but that is typical of those things. It is almost certainty that a new off the shelf good brand name rifle will shoot effectively - 1 1/2 to 2" or better. There are and will be dogs in any group and that is what you hear complaints about. The difference will be around whether the dealer/manufacturer responds well.

Zachary · « **Reply #5 on:** April 29, 2003, 03:20:24 AM »

I own about 7 Remington M700 BDL SS, 4 Winchester M70 Classic Stainless, 2 Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalkers, and 2 Tikka Whitetail Hunters (1 Laminated Stainless, and 1 Laminated Stainless). :-D :-D :-D

Zachary

urika20 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 29, 2003, 11:06:37 AM »

That's a tough one. All my rifles are best for what I have them for, though my 700 bdl in 7mm express (280) is giving me some fits now.

I did trade off a rem 597 for a used rem 581 because the 597 was jamming some. Other than that. no complaints.

Lawdog · « **Reply #7 on:** April 29, 2003, 11:09:30 AM »

The worst is easy. It was a Remington M700 BDL in .308 that no matter what I or anyone else did the thing wouldn't group under 3". Complaining to Remington was a lesson in futility. After seven months of writing, phoning and finally having a lawyer write them I was told that the rifle was within company standards for tolerances. After almost a year Remington gave me a refund. Lawdog

urika20 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 29, 2003, 11:24:06 AM »

Lawdog,

how old was that rifle. The reason I ask is my bdl is shooting all over the paper now with anything other than 100gr hollow points, which group at 3/4 inch. Anything heavier, forget it. I am starting to think it's a stock fit problem. I got the rifle in 1980.

urika20

Advocate · « **Reply #9 on:** April 29, 2003, 11:38:19 AM »

Worst Rifle was Ruger M-77 in .338 Win Mag. Shot like a champ, but would not feed reliably. Bolt in pushing a cartridge into the chamber would catch on the shoulder of the next chambered round and would push it forward and jam the action. Also, the action was so roughly finished that after cycling a couple of rounds through it there were brass shavings all over the action. God Awful.

dbuck · « **Reply #10 on:** April 29, 2003, 01:19:05 PM »

I have a Remington 700 BDL ss 7-08, 2 Howa's 1500 in 308 and 270, one stainless and the other blue, AR-15 match with flat top and A2 uppers, Winchester 73 (2) 38-40's, Sharps 45-70, Springfield Trapdoor Carbine 45-70 that I got from 20th Century Fox Studios years ago. I love all of them.

Worst rifle I had and sent it down the road after 4 shots was a Ruger 77 in 7 Rem. Mag. It split my head open twice and my son's once. Haven't own a Mag. since. Thats were eye relieve comes in on scopes.

DBuck

Gregory · « **Reply #11 on:** April 29, 2003, 02:43:43 PM »

I've owned or own the following centerfire rifles: Remington 760 30/06, Browning Stainless Stalker 25/06, Savage 110FP 223, Ruger M77 MKII 300 Win Mag, and a Savage 110CL 270.
I've been satisfied with all of these.

Weatherby223 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 29, 2003, 10:24:12 PM »

it seems that most people here are having trouble with American made Firearms! I never hear problems with the European made Arms like CZ or Anshutz or Finnish made Firearms like Sako/Tikka. I think most of the trouble seems to be with quality control in your country. We respect brand names like Winchester,Remington and Savage over here but i guess you get a Lemon with every bunch. I own a Howa/Weatherby which is a Budget Japan made rifle but it comes with a guarentee of accuracy under 1 and half inches at 90 yards. On shooting this Rifle i found it to be far more accurate than they claimed on the target supplied! Dont you think that if a Budget gun like my Howa can be guarenteed to be accurate WHY CAN"T THEY ALL BE?
cheers..
Mick

sebastian · « **Reply #13 on:** April 30, 2003, 03:11:07 AM »

I think it is a tough question...
If we "compare" something, it must be one or some conditions/reasons. It is not fair to compare an (very) old action/rifle with the "newest version", right?. Say how could we compare an old SMLE with a Steyr SSG...? It is like comparing an orange and apple to me.
We're sure many "things" involved to "jugde" which one better or worst. If you're looking for the lock time, of course the newer action/rifle is the winner. If you're looking for the "feed system", some are okay with push feed and some will choose claw extractor, if you're looking for the stiffness of action, of course the old one will not defeate Nesika, Hall, Sinclair, etc.........but if you're looking for "art", "nice looking", "history",etc. i think the older one is the winner...Also no need to say for "custom rifle"......
So, i don't even know the answer...... :cry: . But for "general reasons" you can't say anything bad about Sako.

Zachary · « **Reply #14 on:** April 30, 2003, 04:04:20 AM »

Quote from: seb

I think it is a tough question...
If we "compare" something, it must be one or some conditions/reasons. It is not fair to compare an (very) old action/rifle with the "newest version", right?.

Well, actually you may be right. It may not be fair to compare a old action to a new one. But not because the new ones are necessarily better.

I have shot many rifles from many different makes. It appears, at least to me, that the older guns, like the early Remington 700s and Winchester 70s, were better then than today. The quality control back then was much better, similar to the quality control of the European guns of today.

My father has an old Remington BDL in 30-06. Let me tell you, I have never cycled a smoother action in my life - not even the Sako or Tikka is as smooth as my father's old gun. And it shoots like a champ. 3 bullets actually TOUCH each other AT 200 YARDS!!! :eek: Admittedly, this was a second hand rifle that my father purchased and, as such, I am not certain if it was customized. However, from what my father remembers, it was not. Of the many rifles I own today, and although I absolutely love my Tikkas, no gun holds a candle to that old 700. :wink:

Zachary

sebastian · « **Reply #15 on:** April 30, 2003, 04:11:18 AM »

Quote from: Zachary

But not because the new ones are necessarily better.
Zachary

Yup Zachary, 100% agree!
I know many peoples more prefer their pre 64 Winchester than the newer version, etc.
JMHO. Thanks for the response!

Lawdog · « **Reply #16 on:** April 30, 2003, 09:58:30 AM »

urika20,

I bought that rifle in mid June of 1983 New, and I didn't get a refund until the first of May 1984. Stock fit had nothing to do with it's shooting problems and Remington didn't care either. Now I don't care about Remington. Lawdog

handgunner · « **Reply #17 on:** May 30, 2003, 01:33:06 PM »

The worst was a Remington 700vls 243 wouldnt group worth a crap.The two best Styer SBS 243 and Marlin 17 hmr.

Yukon Jack · « **Reply #18 on:** May 31, 2003, 04:32:13 PM »

I tell you guys, if any of you own your own business, pay attention. An angry or dissatisfied customer will rant and complain to 25 or more people, while a satisfied customer will tell their closest friends...

Having said that, the worst rifle I've ever owned was a Remington custom shop 700 chambered in 8mm Rem Mag. I sent it back to Remington 3 times for not feeding, breaking the stock (yes the screws were tight), shooting 6" groups, being so rough and poorly finished that it looked worse than if I had put it together, etc... Basically I gave Remington a bunch of money for a rifle I couldn't use for nearly 3 years. It never did get fixed to my satisfaction and this rifle was from their custom shop and I spent nearly the cost of the rifle in shipping and phone calls!!! I'll never buy another Remington anything for as long as I can draw a breath into my lungs. I hate them. I let everyone know that I talked to everyone at Remington that they would let me talk too, even the Vice President of the Custom Shop, basically it was send it back to us on your own coin, we'll look at it, keep it for 6 months, then ship it back to you COD. I'll never buy another one.

I traded that rifle for a Ruger No.1S and have never been happier. The stock doesn't break, it shoots sub MOA, beautiful rifle, never malfunctioned. If I ever buy another new rifle again, or recommend to anyone buying a new rifle, I will buy or recommend Ruger. They have an excellent product at competitive prices and outstanding customer service. Remington will never be in my house again. Because of the way that one deal was handled, they have missed out on at least 10 additional gun sales to me since. Doesn't make sense does it?

Lagavulin · « **Reply #19 on:** May 31, 2003, 07:27:57 PM »

Worst? A Remington (seems to be a pattern here :? Mtn rifle in 30/06. Casings would seize in the chamber after firing to the point where I couldnt open the bolt. Had to take to my gunsmith with the round in it. Would shoot OK first shot, then string straight down 6 inches @ 100 yrds for the following shots and bucked like a bugger. Traded it for a Tikka SS 7mmRM which shoots like a dream.

Big · « **Reply #20 on:** June 01, 2003, 08:23:09 AM »

I thought my Winchester Model 70 (pre '64 action) Classic Stainless was junk, with 3-4 inch groups at 100 yards, but that was after I watched a "gunsmith" JAM a boresighting collimator into the muzzle. Then I (1) read Craig Boddington's book, Make it Accurate, (2) tried some of his suggestions and (3) tried different brands of ammo and bullet weights. The groups went down to about 1 1/2" with either a few business cards slipped between the barrel and fore end, or with 180 grain instead of 150 grain bullets. The rifle really liked 180 grain Barnes-X bullets, with 1" groups, but they's a tad pricey.

The bolt has always been smooth; nothing jams it, and no extractor problems. Did lose a shot at a close deer once because the safety is kinda loud. That's one thing that bothers me; otherwise, the rifle's a peach.

Selmer · « **Reply #21 on:** June 03, 2003, 02:35:01 PM »

Worst rifle I ever owned was the first I purchased, a Savage 110 in .308. My brother had bought an older used one that was superbly accurate and functioned flawlessy. Mine was accurate, with loads in the .30-30 class, and wouldn't take any higher pressure that that, max load was 47 gr. 4831 and a 125 Nosler BT. That wasn't the most frustrating part, the bad part was the plastic trigger guard, lastic sights, and the fact that it only hit the firing pin hard enough to fire every 3 shots, even after soaking in solvent for two days and being flushed out with a parts washer. I decided it was a lemon because I've seen lots of 110's shoot great and function great, and my brother's takes the same max loads as my 788. Favorite rifle, Remington 788, hands down. I have one in .243 and .308 and I will shoot 1/2 groups all day, not smallest groups, the average of the groups. My tightest was the .243 with 68 gr. Berger moly coats, .112 inches at 100 yds., five shot, one hole. Love the 788's, and they shoot almost anything I put in them, very unfinicky. After that comes my M70 FWT Classic in stainless with a beautiful figured walnut stock. A bit of a finicky wench, but it's the pretties rifle I got. My Encore pistol with figured walnut custom stocks takes the handgun category.
Selmer

Big Tom · « **Reply #22 on:** June 05, 2003, 06:49:16 PM »

:x Hands down the new Winchester Model 70 Fthwt Classic I bought in 2001. Bedded with a glob of hot melt it was a veritable disaster from the factory. After many attempted remedies and excuses from Winchester I sold it to a neighbor that loved its looks. Thank goodness there are those who love to buy guns and dont shoot them. :wink:

Power · « **Reply #23 on:** June 05, 2003, 08:28:29 PM »

I just recently sold a Browning A-Bolt in 7mm Rem. that I couldn't get under 2" no matter what I did. I even sent it back to Browning and they sent it back with some targets marked 50 yd. with just over a 1" spread. The letter said that was within spec.

If they can't keep 3 shots inside an inch at 50 yards that's not the rifle for me. Sold it and bought a Tikka. Great gun so far. Probably buy more and recommend them to my friends.

Power · « **Reply #24 on:** June 05, 2003, 08:30:29 PM »

Of course, my wife's rifle is the same Browning in 270 about a year older. Shoots 1" at 100 w/ 4x scope. I suspect I just got a bad one but the didn't satisfy me, the consumer, when I sent it in so probably won't buy/recommend them.

tominboise · « **Reply #25 on:** June 06, 2003, 04:04:12 AM »

Big Tom, agree on the featherweight factory bedding. I bought one new this year. Mine also had the problem of the barrel riding hard one one side of the stock at the tip. I could tell it wouldn't shoot worth a hoot without even pulling the trigger. Before I ever shot it, I scraped out the hot melt and rebedded with JB Weld, floating the barrel when I did so. It shoots great. I like the way the rifle handles, and it is now one of my favorites. It's a 6.5 Swede, btw.

Tom

Selmer · « **Reply #26 on:** June 06, 2003, 05:18:38 AM »

Same experience with my 1996 FWT Classic, looked like some kid went crazy with a hot glue gun. I scraped it out to my satisfaction and it shoots about an inch, but I think a rebedding job would improve it because it still rubs on one side of the forend. Maybe I'll get time to do that this winter, right....
Selmer

AdkGuidesForHire · « **Reply #27 on:** June 06, 2003, 05:59:03 PM »

best: easy, any of my pre 64's.

worst: easy, any ruger. easily the most often cussed rifle in our camp since the war. the clincher for ruger is the two new rifles that came attached to clients a few years ago, both came unfired NIB, both had broken extractors, both went back to ruger, both came back fixed with $90 bills attached! no warranty from ruger.

100 of them may work fine but buy a new rifle and have a problem from the factory that you have to pay for to get fixed? uh-uh.

far cry from my handing my winchester over the counter and getting it back 2 hours later with a smile and the words, ' no charge, winchesters don't wear out'.

both extremes and not the norm? maybe.

Lawdog · « **Reply #28 on:** June 08, 2003, 09:43:35 AM »

AdkGuidesForHire,

No flame intended but that doesn't sound like the whole story. New rifles and having to pay? One if they did pay then someone needs help, really. I have bought many rifles from Ruger and twice I've had to send one back because there was something wrong with it. Each time Ruger went out of their way to make me happy. Never charged anything and even paid the shipping both ways. Ruger has one of the best records in the industry for Customer Service. I don't think the whole story is being told. :-D Lawdog

Downwindtracker2 · « **Reply #29 on:** June 28, 2003, 06:00:11 PM »

Worst factory,an"as new" ' 69 FN Interarms plain jane 264WM,I knew it had never been fired because it wouldn't load with that .473

extractor.Only one lug was catching,chattered chamber and very short throated. A ten groove barrel to boot.This is in a 264,a tricky one to load.For added fun my lot of H-1000 was fast and spikey. Best factory a ' 80 M-700 BDL 30.06,any load under 3",most 2"and a couple always under an 1"