Posted on 11/25/2004 8:14:40 AM PST by Cornpone
I've never been able to afford a really nice rifle in the past though I have a few interesting guns. I have two collector grade 303s, one of which I shoot and one of which I simply maintain. I've got a couple of 7.62s, a SKS and an AK plus an assortment of Ruger 22s (rifles, pistols and revolvers), several 9 mms pistols, a couple of fine shotgons I bought over 30 years ago but no classic American rifle. I'm also a beginning reloader.
I'm thinking about a Remington 700 but I would appreciate any other suggestions for a classic American bolt action under $700. Also, I would appreciate any recommendations on caliber. I was thinking originally of 30 06 but it is so similar ballistically to the 303s I don't think it would entertain me. I'm also looking for maximum flexibility in reloading options for the target range. I'm not really into hunting anymore but I would like a gun that could reach out and touch a whitetail at say 200 yards. Any suggestions welcome.
Remington 700 and Winchester 70... can't go wrong with either. If you want an excellent rifle for the money, check out CZ.
PS: The 30-06 comes in so many different loadings it can do most everything.
Remington 700 is hard to beat.
The '06 would entertain you Big Time !
It is nothing like the .303, which I shot last week.
Get a Nosler Reloading Manual, and do what they say. I went from 5" factory groups to sub-minute with H-205, seating just behind the rifling, etc.
1903 Springfields would satisfy you, as would a Winchester M-70. I am told the new Savage is quite a great performer too, and somewhat inexpensive.
Just got back from Thanksgiving at friends but if I had to guess it would be the Remington 700 in 30 06. Thanks for the tips. I'm an NRA member so I'll check out their resources too.
Oops. Above post meant for YOU!
I take it I got the caliber right...what about the rifle? Did I miss on that one? Thanks again.
Well...the 700 is excellent, a real American classic, G.I. and S.W.A.T. working rifle. I personally favor the M-70, I guess for sentimental reasons, since they have changed for the worse since the 60s, when they had more Mauser features, which IMHO are still the best designed of all. The '03 Springfield, of various makers, is probably as classic American as it gets. It is essentially a Mauser. They sued us for patent infringement, cashed the check, and started WWI. The new Savage seems excellent, action smooth as butter, and said to be very accurate. Savage is a classic maker, an old timer. This new rifle is rather inexpensive, even when bought with a scope already mounted.
There are other makers around too, some very good. Used rifles can be a real deal too, as many people own such things and hardly ever use them. Foreign made rifles abound too, but you said you want an American classic.
You have made a good, solid and versatile cartridge choice. There are even 55 gr. Remingtons which rocket a .223 bullet out at @ 3000 fps. The .270 shoots flatter than the .30, but will not shoot heavy bullets, which are a lot of fun. Hornady Light Magnums sound pretty good, but you can bump up the velocity of handloads using moly-coated bullets too. There is even a .30'06 Ackley Improved, which gets an additional 150 fps, and will shoot standard factory ammunition. This is my next project rifle, perhaps. One never knows, though !
However, The thing will not drop a large deer on the spot. One deer I shot from the front (He was standing headlong facing me) The round entered the chest right center of the breastplate and lodged in the left hindquarter. lungs, heart, liver, and intestines were perforated and the thing still ran off 100 yards deep into a thicket and I had to get a dog to help me find him. he had spotted me and raised his flag though, Someone else said when they get to that point the adrenaline takes over.
Thanks for your observations and suggestions. I guess I've come full circle and I'm now leaning towards my original instincts...A Remington 700 in 30 06. I'm really looking for an American classic, heritage rifle I can pass on to my 14 year old daughter in a few years to add a bit of class and history to her growing collection of Rugers. For a couple of historical reasons I prefer the Remington over the Winchester and I can't really think of a more classic, modern American cartridge than the 06 so I guess that's the direction I'll take. Besides, it'll be a perfect match to my old, but still beautiful Remington 1100 I'll pass on to her. Thanks again.
Savage is making pretty good stuff for the price too. Amen on 30-06. Accurate and hits hard. Spend more on optics and do a glass bedding job.
Read your posts and would like to ask something. I'm new to hunting and weapons. Last 2 deer seasons I borrowed a pump 30-30 (didn't like the safety) and asked the owner if he could find me a decent rifle. I ended up with a Winchester model 54 30-06 wit a Bushnell Sharpshooter (4X?) scope. Was able to put 5 of 6 well inside the 9 ing a 150yds. (errant one was my fault) Used Winchester Super-X 30-06 Springfield 150gr silvertip.
After purchase, was looking on the web and found that there were some bugs in it and that these were corrected and it became the 74.
My question is will these bugs affect me.
My hunting is from my deck or a blind, deer season only so including sighting in, less than 20 rounds per year. Don't expect to see more than another dozen seasons if that. That age thingy. Anything I should know?
Thanks
Paging Dr. Squantos
Paging Dr. Squantos
Perplexed Muttly on Post 16
If it works for ya I'd suggest ya stick with what you have as you've stated your not dragging it through the alaska range hunting sheep or coastal brown er something. From a deck or a blind or not the Winchester 54 is a great rifle.
New and shiny and most popular is really nice but I've taken more deer with a hundred plus year old 96 swedish mauser in 6.5x55 that any other "expensive" rifle I own. My other favorite is the 30-40 (30 Army) Krag Carbine that my grandfather left me when he passed away.
That Winchester 54 is a fine rifle and a keeper.......I'd not let anyone talk me out of it Sir......stick to what works for ya !
A pic and the truth.........:o)
http://www.bdlltd.com/2467-_Winchester_54-_right_side.jpg
http://www.kimdutoit.com/dr/weblog.php?id=P777
Thanks for puting me in touch with Dr. Squantos.
There is NO substitute for talking with someone who knows.
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