Best New Semi-Auto Rifle for Hunting?

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bryan.14

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My Grandfather is looking at buying a new Semi-Auto rifle for big game hunting.
His current rifle Remington 721 in .270 Winchester previously, and would like the same or a similar caliber. Price is not an issue for him.

Which would you buy out of the current offerings?

1. Browning BAR
2. Remington 750
3. Benelli R1
4. Merkel SR1
5. All and any others?????

Any information and experience with auto-loader's would be greatly appreciated!
 
Non-restricted versions of the M14 or M1 Garand.

bryan.14 said:
My Grandfather is looking at buying a new Semi-Auto rifle for big game hunting.
His current rifle Remington 721 in .270 Winchester previously, and would like the same or a similar caliber. Price is not an issue for him.

Which would you buy out of the current offerings?

1. Browning BAR
2. Remington 750
3. Benelli R1
4. Merkel SR1
5. All and any others?????

Any information and experience with auto-loader's would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
 
Have an R1 '06 and a Longtrac 270 with SXR mags. (had a 7400 but didn't like it, but it looked good)

Both great. Both around 1100 new now.

Benelli fits me better and points easier for me. Browning is a more accurate (under 1 moa, benelli is 1.5 moa). Browning, with Winchester SXR mags, is easier to insert a fresh mag, little tight on the Benelli. Benelli is easier to strip and clean.

If he want a 270 he'll have to go with a Browning. The longtrac platform will take sxr mags, but the classic BAR platform will have the floorplate mag.

Hopefully this helps, any more questions I'll do my best, interested in hearing about the Merkel, there also a Verney Carron (sp??) that's around too. I've also had an H&K 940 but it was pretty bulky with a 25" pipe and tough to find expensive claw mounts.
 
Price being no object, he should try to get about and handle, if not shoot, an example of each, and take whichever one feels best to him.
 
Forgot to mention, I hunt with the R1 when it matters, my bar is only shot at the range or the odd spring bear hunt (grizzly and a few nice black bears with it)
Both function great at up to -35c but they are clean/maintained and g96'd lightly.
 
My experience falls to the Remington and Brownings.

I shot the Browning Short Tracs, 300wsm and 7mm-08rem. The long Trac version with the 270win chambering is a nice gun, i have been fondling one lately. Just under 7lbs.

The Benelli is a nice firearm, and the reviews have been great, but I don't like the safety placement on them.
 
I'd say the Browning, they are supposed to be a very good auto. I met a guy at the range with a Benelli R1 and it wouldn't cycle right for him. He was very disappointed with the rifle.
 
The only semi I would consider is the Merkel SR1 or HK-SLB 2000

In 9.3x62...:D
 
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I have an R1 in 300 Win and I love it. I purchased it new in 06 and it went back immediately for warranty repair as it wasn't ejecting properly. Service from Stoeger was great, I even got to speak with the gunsmith working on my gun. They ended up replacing the entire barrel/bolt assembly and the gun has been 100% reliable and very accurate ever since. Take one apart and you'll be impressed by the simplicity and quality of materials/workmanship. They also balance nicely as the return spring is located in the buttstock. I sold my BAR Lightweight Stalker as it was way too muzzle heavy, accurate and reliable though.


Patrick
 
My 30-06 BAR Carbine (Zenith) has been an stellar performer. Shoulders and points flawlessly. It is Accurate, reliable and very gentle on my shoulder. What more can a man want?

R1 was the alternative when I was shopping around for a semi. Found it very attractive (still do) but went with the BAR as the proven option.
 
I have a Voere 2185 in 30-06. Two big issues I have for this as a deer hunting rifle:
One it has a match tolerance chamber. In other words other than Federal ammo, most over the counter non-premium 30-06 will have 3-5 out of 20 rounds that will not chamber.
Two, is has a very short throat. Does not group well with 180s @100 yards.
The heaviest bullet I shoot out of it is 168s loaded to Garand pressures.
Two positive things, externally adjustable trigger weight. Very nice indeed.
Shoots Federal 125s like it was made for it.

yay
 
As stated the R1 is about on the top of the pile.I have two in 270 wsm,one wood, and the other synthetic.Three shots inside a looney at a hundred yards,with 130 g reloads.Browning long and short tracs,as well as the old BARs are not far behind.I guess it depends on the day.It is good advice to try them out,as peoples opions vary widely.
 
I sorta like the idea of the M14. I had a bar in 30-06 and it was ok in terms of accuracy and performance. It was too new, so never really put it through paces before selling it. Loading the sucker was a pain though.

My M14 - it's performed flawlessly. Just a little heavy though. I bought son a shorty...now that also is one heck of a shooter! A little lighter too. Both are designed to take a pounding, as opposed to the inner workings of the BAR. Tedious SOB's they are!
 
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