Opinions and Recommendations on a Hunting Rifle

I understand totally,...But my dad and I differ on this...I like to buy old and keep it old, I like the history in the arms..hell if i had a million bucks I would have a MG42 and Quad 50's mounted on my truck . But spending money right now on a firearm that has to be custom built to a specific person is silly in my opinion.

 

P.S. The Remington 700 is based on Mauser. The most tried and true bolt action. Something to be said

 

Pre-apology for long post.......I'm bored and like this topic.

Not exactly. It's true that most modern bolt actions can be traced back to Springfield '06, Mauser 98, however Remington 700 was one of the first of it's kind. A key feature that the 700 lacks from the Mauser is Controlled Round Feed. The Mauser has a large claw extractor which offers more positive round extraction. The Remington, on the other hand uses a small tab extractor at the bolt face. Not a big issue, more of a preference thing. The Remington 700 is one of the most accurate, and reliable out of the box rifles, By experience.... (I own a Sportsman 78 in .243 - Low grade ADL from the 80's). I have never had any trouble with it, and it is plenty accurate to get the job done.

I have also had a Browning A-Bolt in 270 WSM (Recently sold.....rounds too pricey) Loved the gun and round though. Flat shooting Great all-around choice.

Current "Go-to" rifle is a Ruger M77 Hawkeye SS in 30-06. ( I figured everyone needs to own at least one '06.) This is very similar to 7mag in both kick and performance. The 7mm has a smaller more aerodynamic bullet and backed by more powder, therefore it shoots relatively flatter. They both have a wide variety of bullet weights for your application. 30-06 is the most versatile round on the planet. It offers bullet weights from 110 grains to 220 grains. That'll fit almost any application there is, from varmint hunting to everything but Dangerous Game (Africa). The Ruger Hawkeye (which I like a lot) is more similar to a Mauser than a Remington 700 as it has a 3-position safety and the big claw extractor. Very Reliable, but from what I've heard not the most accurate. It's not often a sub-moa (<1" group at 100 yd) shooter, but it hardly ever turns out greater than 1.5 moa.

And don't forget, a good gun is WORTHLESS without good OPTICS! Shell out the money and get a good Mid-Range Scope.

Just got Zeis Conqest 3-9x40mm. I highly recommend it. It has a very clear picture, and won't break you at around $399. Also like Nikon. You can get a decent low range (Still good) at around $250-$300 (Pro Staff or Buckmasters Series).

If you don't mind pricey rounds, I recommended the 300 WSM. Very fast round in a very short package.

 

This day in time, there are several quality rifles made. The Remington 700 is the standard to which all other bolts have been compared too. Having said that, I am a browning man to the core. The A-Bolt is solid as a rock, no exceptions. The trigger though has been its shortcoming. The X-Bolt was suppose to be the cure, I'm curious to get my hands on one to see. Savage also makes a very nice rifle now with a very interesting trigger system. I've hunted since I was 7 and have always shot browning rifles. I have buddies that shoot ruger and remington and they love them. My two cents, buy what you like, I like Browning. Currently shooting M1000 Eclispe 270WSM w/ Leopold VX-III. I hunt several transmission and gas lines and regularly kill deer from 400-500 yds, the gun has never failed to deliver.

No matter what you buy, put a quality scope on it. In my opinion, unless your going with Swarski or Bausch and Lomb, there is no substitute for Leopold. (Disclaimer: This is my opinion, please do not be offended.) Take the time to shoot your gun and get to know its tendencies and you'll have a great experience with any of the rifles you've suggested. Good luck, the world of long range rifle hunting is one that will empty your wallet very quickly! Almost as quick as modding your taco.

 

its not that a $1000 dollars is cheap but if your thinking long term and want to keep it for a long time another 300 or 400 more would be out of the question for me, but you know to each their own,

you can get good weatherby vangaurd rifles in synthetic starting around 700

 

I stand corrected, never too old to learn something new.

 

I have been looking into the idea of building a gun and have seen some pretty good info. I think it can be done on a budget as well. If I were able to find a Rem 700 in 7mm mag at a pawn shop, if the price were right, I would grab it. I could buy a Krieger barrel and have it installed and still be under a grand.
I guess I could take it in steps. Maybe a year or two from now I could have it lapped and bedded and end up with something pretty good.
A lot of good info here. Thanks all.

 

I'd seriously consider a Weatherby Vanguard as well. $.02