Author Topic: WORST RIFLE? BEST? (Read 16943 times)

AdkGuidesForHire · « **Reply #30 on:** June 28, 2003, 06:56:55 PM »

flames intended or otherwise, you're throwing big ones.

I don't see how you can say a company that refuses to give a warranty has great customer service.

facts are pretty easy to understand, even for a ignorant person, try to follow along, I'll talk real slow.
new rifle from Ruger, shipped with broken extractor, shipped back to them and then billed for it.

I could tell you the names of three witnesses that work for the state hatchery who were there, I could tell you I bought it from Charles H. Wells, Fine Quality Guns on Northside Drive in Bennington, VT 05201, and I could call Mailboxes shipping and see if they have a receipt for the shipping back and forth.

but I won't because when you call a man a liar the man insulted doesn't do the leg work.

I guess what they say is true, CA is another world, huh? Or maybe you just don't know how it works in America huh?

where I am from, a great palce called the US of A, we call a man a liar, we are man enough to do it to their face.

I'll even come part way, make it easy on you.

I will be at the Caeser's hotel in Las Vegas from July 13th to 21st, name is Robert Weber, room is under Lisa Weber.

or give me directions if that is too far for you, son. It'll be a cold day in hell before I get insulted and called a liar by a punk hiding behind a phone line, and I could give a crap what your day job is, 'lawdog', if you think you are hiding behind that.
:twisted:

Mikey · « **Reply #31 on:** June 30, 2003, 09:37:05 AM »

Worst: Remington 788 in 308 (sounds like a pattern here).

Best: any bolt action Mauser, either my M38 Swede in 6.5 or any of my 98s in (of all calibers) 8mm.

H666 · « **Reply #32 on:** June 30, 2003, 10:01:17 AM »

A zastava 22-250!! If you see any of these damned things out there, run like hell. It groups 3 inches on 100 yards, no matter what bullet or load, doesn't eject every 3rd cartridge and has a tendency to fire whenever it feels like, despite the hunters good intentions to be discreed.

Lawdog · « **Reply #33 on:** June 30, 2003, 11:49:58 AM »

AdkGuidesForHire,

Say junior, can you show me where in my post to you I said lair? I said,
"I don't think the whole story is being told.". And I still don't. If you want to know why Ruger doesn't send a warranty card with their firearms go to, http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/SE-Warranty.html an it will be explained. But just to save you the time I'll re-post it here for you.

"Your firearm was not shipped with a warranty card because:
The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require any seller or manufacturer of a consumer product to give a written warranty. It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must be designated as "limited" or as "full" and sets minimum standards for a "full" warranty. Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. has elected not to provide any written warranty, either "limited" or "full," rather than to attempt to comply with the provisions of the Magnuson-Moss Act and the regulations issued thereunder. There are certain implied warranties under state law with respect to sales of consumer goods. As the extent and interpretation of these implied warranties vary from state to state you should refer to your state statutes. Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. wishes to assure its customers of its continued interest in providing service to owners of Ruger firearms."
If you want to read the Magnuson-Moss Act go to http://www.autosafety.org/article.php?scid=116&did=749 and read away.

On Ruger's index page of their web site it says, 'At Sturm, Ruger, we are proud to say that every Ruger firearm is manufactured in our own factories, located in the United States, from American made components. Ruger designs, assembles and tests each firearm to ensure that the product you receive will provide the reliable service you've come to expect from America's largest firearms manufacturer.
© 2003 STURM, RUGER '

Where it states "Ruger designs, assembles and tests each firearm to ensure that the product you receive will provide the reliable service you've come to expect from America's largest firearms manufacturer." this is what's called an "implied" warranty and is binding in a court of law. I can't believe anyone would pay for something they didn't have to. Sorry junior, I still don't believe the whole story is being told. One last point if, you want to continue this discussion then lets go to PM's where it should be discussed. I'll not conduct class over a public forum. Lawdog

freddogs · « **Reply #34 on:** June 30, 2003, 11:52:40 AM »

My worst was a Ruger M77 in 7mm mauser.I tried and tried and never got it to shoot but that was years ago. I think I could have gotten it to shoot now.
I've had many rifles in many action types but my mossberg 1500 made by Howa is a good rifle.I have a Remingon 700 in 223 that I really like too. :blaster:

willis5 · « **Reply #35 on:** June 30, 2003, 05:52:03 PM »

I have heard that a lot of people are returning new 710's in that past year. Some seem to think this has to do with the 700 being "cheapened" into a 710. You guys heard the same?

jhm · « **Reply #36 on:** July 01, 2003, 01:10:27 AM »

Willis5 : the 700 and the 710 are completely different I would not be concerned about the 700 at all yes you can get a lemon in anything when you buy it that is the chanch you take when you law down the hard earned cash, the rem 700 has been around for many years and is the choice of many custom rifle actions, now the 710 if you get the 2 rifles side by side and compare them you wil;l see and best of all FEEL the difference, not even in the same league with the 700,

JIM

Scott Fisher · « **Reply #37 on:** July 04, 2003, 01:44:01 PM »

Worst rifle I ever owned was a 700 Remington. The bolt face was very rough, because someone took a grinder to it at the factory to make an adjustment and the extracter would break off a chunk of the cartridge rim everytime I closed the bolt. (made a very loud crack when I lowered the bolt) I sent it back for repair and the bolt was replaced, but I had the same problem with the extracter breaking off a piece of the rim. The repair shop fixed it by grinding down the extracter until you could barely see it. I took the bolt to a gun shop and compaired it to another bolt and there was a significant difference between the two. I sent this rifle back, because even with the noticeably smaller extracter it still took a chip out of the case rim. They never did explain or fix the problem. I think maybe the barrel was not theaded in straight and the case was not lining up correctly. I will never ever buy another Remington and dumped this rifle as fast as possible. :evil: Best rifle is no doubt a Sauer 202, which is not only very accurate, but the fit and finish is outstanding. :grin:

His lordship. · « **Reply #38 on:** July 06, 2003, 01:11:31 PM »

The worst in a modern centerfire would be the Savage 11f in .223 that I recently traded off. Most of the time the extractor would not pull the fired cartridge all the way out, had to hold the rifle sideways and shake, shake, as Chubby Checker would say, to get the cartridge case to fall out! I wrote the factory requesting tear down instructions, they ignored me, and their owners instruction stated that they wanted me to send the whole rifle, minus the scope, back to Massacheusetts at my cost. The stock was warped, cheap plastic, but the accuracy was alright, not nearly as good as my CZ's or a borrowed Tikka.

My Remington 700 ADL in .243 bought in the mid 1990's was great in the fit and finish areas, but poor accuracy wise. I figure I could have hit a prairie dog only 30% of the time at 200 yards, sold it.

The best at this time is my CZ 550 in 30-06, very accurate and beautifully finished, nice! I would like to add another centerfire, looking at Ruger M-77, would like a Tikka, hard to find in Minnesota in .223. The CZ 527 is too small for me, I like a big full fitted rifle as I am 6' 1".

I was thinking of the Remington 597 in .22 rimfire, but man you guys with your bad experiences with Remington are really scaring me. :shock: I may have to wait until they clean up their act, or get a Ruger 10/22 instead.

SHW · « **Reply #39 on:** July 09, 2003, 10:30:01 AM »

BEST: Remington 700 BDL Heavy barrell (Varmit Master) Approx. 1988 model. Looks terrible after years of being carrried in the truck, but shoots great. Caliber: 22-250 Still my favorite gun to shoot.

Worst?

?? Kimber 22 Really didn't shoot that great. Probably worst for the amount of money spent.

coug2wolfs · « **Reply #40 on:** August 16, 2003, 10:07:32 AM »

Worst: Browning A bolt in 300 WSM, Winchester Model 70 in 30-06 and 270. The Browning liked to flip the cases 180 IN THE CHAMBER and would not eject the spent cases.

The Model 70's came through with the bedding screws LOOSE. When you tighten them you have to file just about a strong 1/4 inch of the floorplate in order to get it to close!

Best: 30-06 Wby UL . 308 Kimber, 7mm-08 Kimber. Put simply, they function, and they group. Too, none of them are eyesores :wink:

Cabin4 · « **Reply #41 on:** August 16, 2003, 11:39:26 AM »

Quote from: Weatherby223

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. Mick

That conclusion is a self fullfilling here. If you think about it, the vast majority of people who post here are from the US. Further, they are significantly more likly to by an American made (or at least name) rifle.

If you ask American's who buy American, what rifles are the problem one, the answers will of course be American made or at least American by name ! Conversly, if you go to Finnland or any other country and ask them the same question, they will give you a list of Finnish made name problems, and so, and so on.

Honestly, I own numeriuos rifles, shot guns and pistols. The only one I ever had a problem with was a German made pistol.

I would not try and reach any conclusions from this post and its responses as to what nationality makes the worst firearms. The answers are all relative and must be put into context.

Skeezix · « **Reply #42 on:** August 16, 2003, 12:42:28 PM »

Worst: Remington 700 BDL in 25-06. After mounting a scope and centering the mounts horizontally, I ran out of windage adjustment. When I FINALLY moved the rings enough that I could hit a large piece of poster board, the scope was cocked visibly out of alignment with the receiver. Then the best group I could get was about a 20" pattern.

I went to take the action out of the stock and the rear action screw was very difficult to remove. When there was about a turn or two left to go, the action twisted, the barrel popped out of the channel, and the end of the screw popped off. Examination revealed that the hole in the receiver for the rear screw had been drilled about 10 degrees out of parallel with the front screw. Somehow, they had gotten the rifle assembled, but the receiver was in a hell of a twist, and the barrel was pushing very hard on one side of the barrel channel.

Took it back to the dealer, he sent it back to Remington. After so many months had passed that I had forgotten about the rifle, it came back. Disassembly revealed that all they had done was use a Dremel tool to relieve the back action screw in the stock, crudely routed out the barrel channel and replaced the broken rear screw. It shot a little better: 4 to 5 inch groups strew horizonally. The dealer gave me my money back, out of his pocket, and shortly quit handling Remingtons because of so many warranty problems his customers had with them.

brooza · « **Reply #43 on:** August 16, 2003, 01:54:17 PM »

My best would have to be my Howa stainless .308. It has been faultless & accurate straight out of the box & one of the most comfortable I have owned. I've never had a bad rifle-some are just better than others.

Jack Gilbert · « **Reply #44 on:** August 29, 2003, 04:00:02 PM »

This was a Smith and Wesson 1500. It refused to feed from either the left or right side of the follower, as the round stacked into the chamber face as it tried to go into the chamber crooked. Anyway, I may have bent the follower but noticed this early on, so it seemed to get worse as time went by. The rifle other wise was fine--good accuracy, smooth action, etc.

I traded for a 1955 model 70 Featherweight, also in .30-06, and now no more problems.

308TIKKA · « **Reply #45 on:** August 30, 2003, 04:52:00 AM »

I think the best rifle I have owned is My tikka whitetail hunter SS .308.

crow_feather · « **Reply #46 on:** August 31, 2003, 05:11:41 AM »

WHAT IS NICE TO READ IS THAT MOST PROBLEMS ARE INDIVIDUAL MANUFACTERING PROBLEMS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT AT THE FACTORY. I DIDN'T READ WHERE A BOLT WAS TOO FAR FORWARD OR A SAFETY UNRELIABLE. REMINGTON PROBABLY SELLS MORE RIFLES THAN ANYONE ELSE (I DON'T KNOW THIS AS A FACT) AND I WOULD BELIEVE THAT PERCENTAGE WISE, THEY WOULD HAVE MORE PROBLEMS.

I CAN NOT REMEMBER BUYING AN UNSAFE RIFLE THAT CAME TO ME FROM THE FACTORY.

MY WORST WAS A BROWNING BAR IN 30-06 THAT WOULD NOT SHOOT LESS THAN 1 1/2 INCH GROUPS. SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE DEALER'S FACE WHEN I WALKED IN A SAID THAT IT DIDN'T SHOOT ACCURATELY AND TOLD HIM THE GROUP SIZE. THANK GOODNESS HE WAS BEHIND THE COUNTER EVEN THOUGH HE MADE A VALIANT EFFORT TO GET AROUND IT BEFORE I COULD CLEAR THE FRONT DOOR. (HUMOR)

MY BEST IS MY SHILEN BARRELLED MAUSER .338 WIN MAG.

razmuz · « **Reply #47 on:** August 31, 2003, 06:00:51 AM »

I've been through about 30 big game rifles in my 67 years. They come and go with the seasons. But, one I traded for in 1951 I've still got. It's surley not the best, but for some reason I won't trade it off. What is it you say? A Marlin 30-30.

Lawdog · « **Reply #48 on:** September 06, 2003, 09:40:16 AM »

recoilpad,

Quote

I have a brand new Model 70 in .300 Wby Mag. The floor plate was very hard to get open. Once I opened it, it will not close. I have not looked at it very close. Any ideas of why it will not close any more? Is this a "grind" situation for me also?

You have a NEW M70 then by all means you get in touch with Winchester and let them fix it. You don't want to void your warranty by having an un-authorized person(you) do the work. Winchester has a good customer services department, it's not like dealing with the big green void. Let us know what happens. Lawdog

longwinters · « **Reply #49 on:** September 06, 2003, 01:20:08 PM »

Is that "big green void" in Remington Country? :wink: Just kidding . . . honest!

long

Downwindtracker2 · « **Reply #50 on:** September 06, 2003, 02:36:00 PM »

Best rifle: a used '64 M-70(post)30.06 parts rifle,worst rifle: a"as new"'69 FN 264WinMag.The 264 was unfired,the extractor fit a 30.06 base,not the mag base,one lug bearing,chattered chamber,super short throat and a 10 groove barrel.The checkering had hollows even, like my second try.

catman · « **Reply #51 on:** September 15, 2003, 07:01:26 AM »

worst: marlin in 30/30 couldn't get it to group for nothing (and i gave it a good chance) and sold it. got a pre64 win. in 30/30 made in 1956 from an older gentelman, and couldn't be happier.

best: a 1951 FN mouser that has been sporterised in original 30.06 perfect shooter (i love this gun and it is beautiful)

another best: and i have seen some bad ones but i'v got a Ruger M77 II in .308 at a 100 yards i can shoot thru the first hole 2 more times with my reloads, of course i have my bbl floated to where you can slide 5- $1 bills stacked on top if each other down between the bbl. and the stock, i know it sounds crazy. i was ready to sell it, 3" the best i could do, and said what the heck and got after it one night with a dremel, this thing is a tack driver now.

Pot-Bellied Stallion · « **Reply #52 on:** September 18, 2003, 12:10:20 PM »

I own and shoot Winchesters, Marlins, Rugers, and Remingtons and haven't found one that I want to part with yet. The Remington is a Model 700 Classic in 8mm Rem. Mag. and I couldn't be happier with it. It downed a moose in 2000 and the shot was right where I aimed. The best shooter of all is probably the Ruger M77 in 30-06. It's a tack driver and functions flawlessly.

Mueller Optics · « **Reply #53 on:** September 22, 2003, 06:47:05 AM »

I know that I would never give up my Savage 110 30-06, this Rifle has performed for me and never let me down and with my NEW Mueller Sport Dot Scope it is just that much better now. You just cant beat the performance for the dollar on these rifles (and the Muleer Scope too).

pa ridge-runner · « **Reply #54 on:** September 23, 2003, 02:47:19 PM »

I guess I'll have to say that my Ruger m77 30.06 is my favorite rifle.It is by-far the lightest and fastest gun I have ever owned.
I owned a Rem model 700bdl 7mm mag for quite a few years and although many people love this gun,I hated it,finally sold it cuz I never liked its action or the cumbersome feeling dragging it around all day.Didnt like the fact that to unload it you have to take it off safety and also heard of bolt problems with ammo going off when you try to chamber a shell.
I also own a Ruger in 22 hornet stainless w/lam stock and it shoots wonderfully.Great gun too!
I have a beer pocketbook most of the time ,so,cant afford many high priced relics, but do damn well with my Rugers.
I have priced the Winchester pre-64's and they are too much for me to spend on a hunting rifle.
My bro-in-law has a Tika over and under 222 and 12 ga shotgun for turkey and even though its not my gun,I have used it many times and know its a super gun.As they say different strokes for different folks

Joel W. · « **Reply #55 on:** September 25, 2003, 02:28:31 AM »

I guess I have been lucky, I can't remember bringing home a rifle that I would call "bad". Some have been more accurate than others, but quality and safety where all fine.

The closest I have come to being dissatisfied was with an Encore set up I had last year. I think the muzzleloader barrel was more accurate for me than the 22-250 or the 7mm Rem Mag. The whole problem was with the shooter though, not the rifle because I never was comfortable with that gun.

My favorite rifle by far would be my Remington Mountain Rifle chambered in 7mm-08. It has been the perfect whitetail rifle for me and the area I hunt. I am currently working with a Savage Heavy barrel in .243 that is equipped with the new accutrigger. So far so good on that one.

Old Moss · « **Reply #56 on:** September 25, 2003, 12:19:56 PM »

Afternoon Gents. Well my worst was one of Remington's new stainless 700s with a synthetic stock. 338, would not shoot under 2". Now I like Remington's but, I do think it was sort of a lemon and It did not fit me (I just did not llike the way it set with me or shoot). A rifle is a very personal thing. Often I find that what leads an individual to a certain rifle or a brand of rifle; as well as turning out to be accurate is how well it fits and feels. This includes how it shoulders, feels in the hands, aims, cycles. I have been able to help many a shooter by handing them a rifle they do or don't shoot well and then handing them one of my rigs and then putting them through a drill or two. Then if it feels better or worse it does,nt really matter, I have them shoot. Their score will reflect if it fits good or not. I feel you should buy a gun you have handled or shot, not one that just looks good or is one of the new fades. Buy off-line only if you have felt and seen it, not just by hear say or what sounds good for the day. Every company has bad days and lemons. Now I thought we were talking about good or bad guns not Customer service "The're two different things.
My best guns - all the ones I own right now. Remington, Winchester, Sako, Tikka, Ruger, Mauser 98, M1A, Worst feeling gun for me - Remington 700 BDL old original shiney stock and that first Remington stainless. Be Safe Old Moss

olyguy12 · « **Reply #57 on:** September 25, 2003, 08:33:08 PM »

I've had several guns through the years, and I've never had the funds to buy high end guns. My first was a Remington 788 in 243, and the last one I bought was a Winchester M70 in 300 Win mag from Walmart. I've liked everything in between with the exception of the SKS, which I hate. I have no need for something that won't shoot the side of a barn from the inside. Not all of my guns have shot the best, but with some ammo changes I've always been able to get down to 1 1/2" at 100 yards.

Right now I recently aquired a M1917 with the 2 groove barrel for free. Been shooting 1944 black tip ball through it and its at the 8" group stage of its life. I put a different scope on it and going to try some fresh 150 grain cartriges and see what happens. If it don't get better I can't hate it. It has personality and been through two world wars. I still have the SKS to hate.

I read several negitive comments about Remington and American made guns in this post. Maybe we see more problems in the domestic products because they make more of them. In todays competive manufacturing market the profit margin is shrinking and real cost of the gun is declining. A Remington 788 in 1978 was $149 with the scope. I bought the M70 with scope for $389 in 2002. A car cost around $7000 in '78 and $30K today. Thats over a 4 fold increase. Yet the gun is less then 2.5 increase. Just by simple cost of purchase a $1200 Sako better be better. :?

PAINLESS · « **Reply #58 on:** September 26, 2003, 04:50:55 AM »

hello everyone i am new to this forum and would like to put in my 2 cents. the best gun i own is my browning a-bolt composite stalker in 270wsm. i have to admit that it has had some work done on it. i had a lilja barrel put on, 24" 1 in 10 twist. i also let it ride a mcm sako 75 varmint stock. this thing shoots 1/4 inch groups at 100 yards. the scope i use is a leupold lps 3.5x10x50mm. this is my favorite rifle because it is so accurate. i am thinking of sending my 300 win mag a-bolt to have the same work done to it. my least favorite rifle was a remmington 700 bdl the rifle was nice but i could not get the rifle to shoot less than 2 inches at 100yards. i had a smith true it up and put a new barrel on it. shot better but still never got below 1 inch at 100 yards. now before any remington guys jump all over me. i sold that gun for almost what i had in it and the guy who bought took it to a different smith and it shoots like a champ. for my money i will stick with the brownings.

cwallis · « **Reply #59 on:** October 25, 2003, 06:10:43 PM »

I'm shocked by all the negative on the Rem 700 action! The U.S. military uses it in their sniper rifles and the only reason I didn't buy one is because It cost too much. I wanted a PSS or a 40X. I don't have any experience with the Remington, but I bought a Savage 10FPLE 26" 1 in 10 twist barrel with a Mcmillan A2 stock in .308( the new one with the accu trigger). I added a cheapo BEC 3x9-40 just for break in and this rifle will put a black hills 175gr match bullet within 1/4" of where I aim it @100' off a rest. I can't wait to see what It will do when I put some good glass on it.