Author Topic: Help me pick out a new rifle (Read 1934 times)

revchopp · « **on:** January 20, 2005, 07:35:37 PM »

Hi fellas
I have been kicking around the idea of buying a new deer rifle. My problem is I just cannot make up my mind about what I want. I already have a lot of centerfire rifles in various makes and calibers and definately do not need another one, but that has never stopped me before. I will be using the new rifle for deer hunting and possibly hog hunting. I have been thinking about models from Remington, Savage, Winchester, CZ, Tikka, and Ruger. I already have these calibers: .223, .243, 25-06, 6.5X55, .270(2), 7mm-08, 7mmRemMag, 30-30, 30-06, 300WinMag, .303British, 7.62X54R, 8X57, .357Mag,(Marlin 1894),
.375H&HMag, and .44Mag(Marlin 1894). It will probably be a month or so before I make a final decision. I am going to use my income tax return.

JDK · « **Reply #1 on:** January 21, 2005, 12:24:39 AM »

Wow, you certainly have all the bases covered. How about a 250-3000 or 257 Roberts? Or a 7x57 in a Ruger #1?

While you didn't mention Marlin what about a 45-70 or 444?

Questor · « **Reply #2 on:** January 21, 2005, 03:19:26 AM »

1) Custom action, like a Dakota.
2) Wildcat cartridge of your choice. Preferably one that is almost impossible to make brass for and has a very poor selection of available bullets.

That should keep you busy for a while.

Zachary · « **Reply #3 on:** January 21, 2005, 03:30:07 AM »

revchop,

I'm usually in the same boat as you - I too have a lot of centerfire rifles, but I am always looking to buy another one, and ponder what make, model, and cartridge.

95% of all my rifles are stainless synthetic because I like the idea of having a "4 wheel drive rifle." Still, after all of these years, for some reason or another I have kinda reverted back a bit to wood. Specifically, I have purchased a Sako 75 Deluxe in .308, and a Tikka Whitetail Hunter Deluxe in 7mm Rem Mag, as well as a CZ 452 American in 17HMR.

I say this because I also have a Tikka T3 Hunter (wood/blue) on order in 6.5x55 Sweede. Although the 7mm-08 is by far my favorite whitetail deer cartrdige, given that the Tikka and 6.5x55 were both independently on your list, why not take a look at that? Also, keep in mind that there is a fairly long waiting list for the Tikka T3 Hunter, and I think especially in 6.5x55, but since you are not in a rush, you may want to consider placing your order now so that you can get in line - although I assure you it will be much longer than a month.

For me, my next rifle would probably be a Remington CDL in 35 Whelen and/or 7mm-08. I have never owned a 35 Whelen but, for whatever reason, have become quite fond of it. As for the 7mm-08, I think that I own about 3 rifles chambered in it, and I just can't get enough.

Zachary

mountainview · « **Reply #4 on:** January 21, 2005, 05:07:58 AM »

Quote from: revchopp

I already have a lot of centerfire rifles in various makes and calibers and definately do not need another one,.

Here, here, the above sort of thing is just not said in polite company. :wink:

Revchopp, you do indeed have a nice collection. Why not look at a 35 Whelen which would fill one of the very minor gaps in your collection? Another possibility is a 22-250 to sit between the 223 and 243. A third alternative could be one of the short mags like the 270 WSM or even a 444 or 45-70 in a lever gun to add breadth.

Safe shooting.

Lawdog · « **Reply #5 on:** January 21, 2005, 07:24:36 AM »

revchopp,

Seeing that you have a nice selection of calibers now why not go the smaller caliber route. Get either a .204 Ruger or a .17 Remington? Lawdog

Bubba Jack · « **Reply #6 on:** January 21, 2005, 11:11:55 AM »

Well, I would suggest a .338-06, but you just can not pick one up. I really wish you could, because that would be my next purchase. I really feel like rifle makers are messing up not making it, but I am just a bass fisherman in NC.

I would really like to get my hands on one though

I will build one if no one will make it in a production rifle.

Bubba Jack

7mm MAGNUM · « **Reply #7 on:** January 21, 2005, 11:48:22 AM »

How's about a .50 BMG :eek:

Bart Solo · « **Reply #8 on:** January 21, 2005, 11:57:22 AM »

Lets face it, you don't need a rifle to hunt deer or hogs. You want a rifle that will help fill out your collection. I vote for the 45-70. Lots of fun to shoot. Lots of fun to reload.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #9 on:** January 21, 2005, 01:05:05 PM »

Loads of good susggestions....22.250 or 220 swift would make sense.......35 whelen....45.70.....or, I know it's not really a deer cartridge, but how about a .338 win mag or .375 h&h?

MGMorden · « **Reply #10 on:** January 21, 2005, 01:46:53 PM »

.257 Roberts (or .204 Ruger if you're not dead set on deer hunting with it. Not like you need another deer rifle

).. 45-70 Gov't wouldn't be a bad choice either.

RaySendero · « **Reply #11 on:** January 21, 2005, 02:14:18 PM »

Quote from: revchopp

Hi fellas
..... I already have these calibers: .223, .243, 25-06, 6.5X55, .270(2), 7mm-08, 7mmRemMag, 30-30, 30-06, 300WinMag, .303British, 7.62X54R, 8X57, .357Mag,(Marlin 1894), .375H&HMag, and .44Mag(Marlin 1894). .....

Looks to me like you NEED a 22LR!
Start with a Volquartsen 10/22 Custom receiver and you can continue to build on it with several years of tax returns! :mrgreen:

safari · « **Reply #12 on:** January 21, 2005, 03:25:55 PM »

If it were me I'd pick a Remington custom shop Model 7 KS in 350 Rem mag. One beautiful little rifle I've been drooling over ever since I spied them in the Rem catalog. Seems like you got the long-range deer guns covered (25-06~270~30-06) you need a quick handling, powerful, deer/ hog/bear/gator/etc. gun down there in MS that's as purty as it is accurate-

Wolfe · « **Reply #13 on:** January 21, 2005, 09:57:36 PM »

If I had the cash for a rifle right now I'd buy this http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=28015270

Nicest looking wood on a Tikka I've seen yet.

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 21, 2005, 11:57:20 PM »

I have to vote 45/70 lever gun, or 35 whelen. Two of my favorites and can't be beat for big game hunting.

revchopp · « **Reply #15 on:** January 22, 2005, 03:55:04 AM »

Thanks for all of the suggestions fellas. It's funny that several of you said 338Win Mag, 35 Whelen, and 45-70 because that is the three main calibers that I had in mind. I already have six .22 rimfires and one .22Mag so I am not really in the market for another 22. I was mainly thinking centerfire.

If I get a 45-70 it will either be a Marlin 1895 or a new barrel for my Encore.

Honestly I'm kinda torn between the 338WinMag and the 35Whelen. Give me some suggestions for bolt action rifles. I have never tried a Kimber, Tikka, or a CZ and I'm kinda curious.

lilabner · « **Reply #16 on:** January 22, 2005, 05:39:49 AM »

How about choosing between a pair of opposites? For one, as already mentioned, the 45-70. If there is a better cartridge for short range work on game in the western hemisphere, I have yet to see it. Minimal meat spoilage and it brings them down. The other selection? The .300 RUM. It is the ultimate factory round for long range work - significantly more effective than anything you currently own.

jvs · « **Reply #17 on:** January 22, 2005, 09:11:06 AM »

jvs · « **Reply #18 on:** January 22, 2005, 09:19:26 AM »

I didnt notice a .308 on your list. No collection is complete without a .308. Shame on you........ :grin: Some people think a .308 is so reliable that it's boring.

That would be my short action pick.

Either that or a .35 Rem, which would also be good for both deer and hogs, depending on how long a shot. Both of them are 'old timer' loads.

In long action I would also favor the .35 Whelen.

RaySendero · « **Reply #19 on:** January 22, 2005, 02:07:37 PM »

Quote from: revchopp

Thanks for all of the suggestions fellas. ...... I already have six .22 rimfires and one .22Mag so I am not really in the market for another 22. I was mainly thinking centerfire.
.....

Oh - OK, in that case I'd suggest the CZ American Safari:

http://www.cz-usa.com/product.detail.php?id=50

Quote from: CZ's Web Site

General Overview

CZ 550 embodies aesthetic elegance and ergonomic design. On closer inspection the heart of the machine shows its time honored features.

· Mauser style claw extractor
· Square bridge receiver
· Hammer forged barrel
· Single set trigger

The CZ 550 has a positive 2-position safety. All CZ 550s feature a classic square bridge receiver with a 19mm dovetail milled right into the receiver for the mounting of optics. For accuracy and long life these rifles are fitted with hammer forged barrels.

litman252 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 23, 2005, 01:28:06 PM »

Don't forget about the 358 win, Nice "little" caliber. Would fit that -small- gap for you well.
Tony

targetguy · « **Reply #21 on:** January 30, 2005, 05:08:47 PM »

How About a 376 steyr in an SBS or a scout. I dont think you can buy them new anymore, but its still a cool round in a great rifle.

WSSM · « **Reply #22 on:** January 31, 2005, 02:15:10 PM »

Quote from: JDK

Wow, you certainly have all the bases covered. How about a 250-3000 or 257 Roberts? Or a 7x57 in a Ruger #1?

While you didn't mention Marlin what about a 45-70 or 444?

Why would you buy a 257 Roberts? A 25 WSSM or a 243 WSSM would be ten times better. The 25 WSSM is all in a cartridge thats two action sizes smaller than the 25-06! :grin: It requires less propellant than the 25-06. If you are interested, take a look at Winchester's Model 70's or Browning's A Bolt II's. The barrels are chrome line too. The rifles wiegh virtually nothing. The action is 1/2" shorter than a standard. This is a great rifle for varmints and deer.

minutemen1776 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 01, 2005, 08:48:54 AM »

How about a .32 Remington? That's gotta be unique. I'd never seen one of these until I ran across one yesterday on GunBroker.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=28394622

JDK · « **Reply #24 on:** February 01, 2005, 01:16:48 PM »

Quote

Why would you buy a 257 Roberts? A 25 WSSM or a 243 WSSM would be ten times better.

Maybe, maybe not.

I think there is something special about owning and hunting with a cartridge that has stood the test of time. You know, a classic. Let's be honest, there is nothing that revchopp could buy on the market today that would be any better or worse than what is already owned.

Your opinion may differ. Personally, a WSSM of any persuasion does nothing for me.

catblaster.375 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 01, 2005, 07:44:01 PM »

Go with the .375H&HMag! I got a M70 Stainless that wears a 1-4x Leopold. Got my deer with it this year. Took its face clean off(just like Mr. Harry Calahan would say).

Don Fischer · « **Reply #26 on:** February 05, 2005, 12:35:13 PM »

Revchopp,

How long have you been divorced?

Donaldo · « **Reply #27 on:** February 05, 2005, 05:06:01 PM »

With at least 14 of the rifles you listed as being "deer" rifles, I really don't think you want my opinion. What it really boils down to is what is the next caliber you want. I would go for the 50 BMG. That ought to just about cover it for sure.

GeoW · « **Reply #28 on:** February 09, 2005, 11:16:34 AM »

280 Rem, fine caliber. Love mine.
GeoW

longwalker · « **Reply #29 on:** February 17, 2005, 11:34:17 AM »

One sharp hunter suggested 338-06. Wheatherby makes them and they offer ammunition as well.

I don't have a Wheatherby but I do have a 338-06. Very nice rifle to shoot and get good with. An excellent round. You would not be dissappointed.

Longwalker