All around hunting rifle/showpeice

FlyingPapaBear

FlyingPapaBear

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I am looking for an all around hunting rifle. It will be used mostly for deer and moose, however if in the future an elk or caribou hunt becomes possible, it should also bu usable. I also plan to reload custom loads for the firearm for target shooting.

The original benchmark I had envisioned was a Weatherby Mark V Deluxe, Sako Deluxe or Sako Bavarian.
Caliber: 30-06 Sprg.

A little out of my price range. (up to $1500)

More acceptable was:
Sako Hunter
Browning X Bolt
Winchester
Weatherby Vanguard Sporter

I am looking for Quality, and great looks. What appealed to me about the Weatherby Mark V Deluxe was the forestock with the rosewood nose and a thin slice of lighter wood, with the high gloss stock, giving the firearm a rich and solid look. I can forego the high gloss finish for an oiled finish, as they can be brought to a high gloss over time as well. It should be a bit of a showpeice that I can still bring into the bush. I like the Sako, Browning & Winchester because you can still unload them with the safety on. The Sako requires that you press up a little on the magazine to unlatch it to drop out the magizine, so no accidental mag drops while idly tickling the latch in the woods.

Advice and opinions to muddy the water are welcome.
 
You are about to get 100 different opinions. When you ask people wich rifle/caliber they like, you are getting THEIR opinion. Make your own Choice that way you won't be wondering, what if.
The rifle you have dreamt about, is perfect. Just save your money.
Saving Money before purchasing Firearms is Crazy tough but worth it.
 
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I agree, buy what YOU want the first time, don't settle for anything.
Also make sure it feels good when you shoulder it, so you will be comfortable with it.

A 30-06 is also a good caliber choice that is versatile.
 
The one thing that always worried me about having a nice rifle stock is that there is a good chance it will eventually get dinged up.
 
Get the rifle you want....A few dollars more is worth the stretch to get your dream.

If you going Weatherby the 340 is as good as it gets! :D

The 30-06 is good of course....boring as watching paint dry, but good.:D
 
Out of your list I would say all are good choices (except for Winchester :)), but have different fit. Get to the store and shoulder them all to see which fits. My personal preference would be Browning - just because I like how it fits me, even though there are much better rifles out there.
 
SuperCub, that's a nice unit. When I was gun hunting, my criteria was similar to that of the OP. I looked at Tikka, Sako & Remington. I went with the Remington 700 mainly because I detest plastic machine parts. The Sako & I believe the Tikka both used plastic bits in their safety switch. There is something about small plastic machinery that just turns me off. The plastic safety switch feels... well... plastic. This IMHO does not belong on a precision machine.

BTW, I love my Remington 700. It is .270 which makes it versatile for both hunting and targets. I like 30-06 but the recoil is slightly heavy for targets.
 
Well at the top end of your current amount could be a Kimber.
I really like the Rem CDL in stainless over walnut, some are fluted as well, they are in the $1000.00 range.
 
Comments on the above:

With regard to messing up a nice rifle in the woods - I've redone stocks and checkering in the past with great results. Sometimes buying a plain stock has it's advantages as far as checkering and inlays, but I want something that will keep its valus as well. I can do a great custom job fixing up a slightly used stock, which would never bring the original price of the firearm on the used market. I did this with my Stevens bolt action 30 30. that I normally tromp through the woods with. I did however remove the original varnish and oil finish the stock for easier maintenance.

I used to buy Remington, I agree about the Winchester fits, We all need a buckmark! Interesting other brands as well. Not a big fan of stainless.

The .375 H&H Mag has a similar trajectory to the 30-06 Sprg. only it hurls a 270 grain bullet instead of a 180 grain bullet. I already have a bit of a sore right shoulder. Plan to reload with light bullets for target shooting. I'll probably use factory ammo for hunting if it's accuracy pans out, just because of availability accross Canada.

Great info re plastic parts. Anyone have more of these details about different brands. I don't mind some composite parts as they can often flex and not break in the woods, where as metal may fracture.

The final solution may end up being to purchase a really good action/trigger/barrel set with the cheapest stock it comes with and buy a custom raw stock to finish myself!
 
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hmmmm.....

.30-06

One of the following:

Pre-'64 Winchester (~$1000)
Oberndorf Mauser (~$1000 and up for a nice one)
Sauer 202 (~$2000 new)
Pre-Garcia Sako (~$1000)
Ruger No.1 International (~$1100 new)
Steyr-Mannlicher M Luxus (~$1500-2000)

Almost forgot take a look at Cooper Rifles too...
 
A bit off topic, but if you are using this rifle for hunting, don't just go to the store to shoulder it. Be sure to be wearing whatever it is you use to hunt. I bought a rifle once during the summer, a rifle I planned to be using for deer. When I shouldered it, was wearing only a light t-shirt. Well, deer hunting, wearing a coat, orange vest and pullover, didn't feel as good as I remember. Something to take into consideration.
As to what to buy... buy what you want. It is better to save your coin the extra few months and get what your heart truly desires, than to settle on something because you can afford it now.
 
You may as well try to get exactly what you want. Chances are your tastes will change and you will want or need something different down the road anyway, but it will take longer if you aren't compromiseing before you start.
 
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