Buy it for life- bolt action rifle

pathfinder76 said:
If you are buying a rifle for a “lifetime” why are we worried about $1000?
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Why not?

Is a $1000 stock neccessary on a "lifetime" rifle?

Seems like an option one can take or leave as is their preference, but its practically the OP's entire budget.

Would be just as inclined not to bother if a factory stock fit well anyway. That G note can be spent on good optics/mounting setup, new boots/clothes/pack, ammo etc
 
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pathfinder76 said:
My point is, people spend 150 k on a 15 year truck. But we think spending $1000 more on a rifle that will literally outlast two generations excessive? It’s silly.
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Yeah I know what you mean. It really isn't much in the grand scheme, at all. Maybe its worth it to you to spend that much or more to get exactly what you want. Spending the extra grand ain't silly.

Neither is not spending it, though.


Either way, even if you don't, you can spend $1000 total and still have a lifetime rifle.
 
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fat tony said:
Mike at USOG is a great reference. Prices? Prices can be all over the place. That is one of the reasons he never talks about specific dollar amounts he paid for whatever on his chan.
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I’ve seen some of the guns he’s done video s on go through/sold in reliable s used section
 
pathfinder76 said:
My point is, people spend 150 k on a 15 year truck. But we think spending $1000 more on a rifle that will literally outlast two generations excessive? It’s silly.
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While I understand your point and don't disagree with it in principle, for most people a gun (even a lifetime gun) is still just part of a hobby. They have to feed their family, make rent/mortgage, etc. before the hobby gets any consideration. Amortized over decades/generations it amounts to very little, but to the original family member that had to pony up the extra $1000 on top of all the other bills it may be a very big deal.


Mark
 
pathfinder76 said:
My point is, people spend 150 k on a 15 year truck. But we think spending $1000 more on a rifle that will literally outlast two generations excessive? It’s silly.
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I wholeheartedly agree. I don't have an abundance of monetary wealth, but wouldn't bat an eye at spending a few thousand on a well made, beautiful "lifetime" centerfire. Something like a Weatherby Mark V Lasermark comes to mind. Discontinued now, but I think there's a few left on shelves for about $3500. Could have picked up gorgeous example for just under $2000 a few months ago, with rings, and about 20 rounds of experience. JLNIB. If I didn't go a little crazy buying other stuff lately, I'd HAVE TO have picked it up.

But I'm not really a one or two guns to last a lifetime kind of enthusiast right now. For guys that want 20, 30, or more "lifetime guns" spending a few G every time gets pricey quick! I have a number of $500-ish guns, some much cheaper, that would have no issues lasting a lifetime, even as an only gun. The first one I bought is about 125 years old and would have no issues going over another 100 years. Wood stock and all. I have more faith in the wood lasting than the synthetics.

But as far as splurging a bit and putting $5000 into a gun...why not? People pay more for option packages in a car or truck that'll be more or less disposable in a couple decades.
 
Maybe it’s just me, I just started watching Texas Plinking on YouTube, specifically the 1 MOA 1000 yard challenge series. There’s plenty of guys showing up with off the shelf rifles, or milsurps (season 5 mosin nagant) who have a lot of fun, and are successful given the nature of the beast, versus there’s also a lot of guys showing up kitted out in 15k custom rigs getting super frustrated as they wash out completely.

Do your research, buy what you want, take care of it. Took me some time, trial and error trying rifles over the years but I settled my own direction and did my research. I just picked up a Howa 1500 in 308 HB. I doubt I’ll see the death of that barrel, or action. I might replace the stock at some point but I doubt the Houge will quit on me, but there’s plenty of options for far less than $1000 and I would challenge anyone to say I’ll have less fun or less time with it because I’ll choose the option that works best for me even if it’s not the more expensive one.
 
fat tony said:
Mike at USOG is a great reference. Prices? Prices can be all over the place. That is one of the reasons he never talks about specific dollar amounts he paid for whatever on his chan.
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Mike's great. Feels like sitting down with an old friend and comparing notes, and admiring fine guns from the vault.
 
Buy used. For me it would be a stainless classic Model 70. They have no plastic on them. They function in some of the toughest situations. I’ve added a $500 Bansner stock that I converted from right to left hand, bedded and it is still unpainted. It can be rebarreled multiple times and its resale value would stomp any Tikka.

f84wLkC.jpg
 
Here is another “lifetime” Model 70. This one has had a ton of custom work done to it. It’s wearing its third barrel, and second paint job. It has never bobbled in the field ever, and has taken a lot of game. The cost of its components are long amortized and it will be just as functional in 100 years.

Oh, and it’s never had a problem with rust and it wears a lot of bluing.


xcgvk2P.jpg
 
pathfinder76 said:
Buy used. For me it would be a stainless classic Model 70. They have no plastic on them. They function in some of the toughest situations. I’ve added a $500 Bansner stock that I converted from right to left hand, bedded and it is still unpainted. It can be rebarreled multiple times and its resale value would stomp any Tikka.

f84wLkC.jpg
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What do you figure it would sell for compared to what you have into it?

Nice rifle for sure
 
The CZ are built like tanks, so are all BRNO rifles. I've had lot and my fav to date is the Bergara B14 HMR series. Smoothest sickest bolt I've used. Smokes my $2500 Ruger PRS out the box. Built on the 700 platform uses 700 triggers, Stocks and chassis and it also uses the 700 series of bases and rails.

Mines a 6.5cr but I'm currently getting ready to get the 308 model and the 300wm

Even the savage 10 series are rock solid guns, not as smooth as a Bergara but last forever
 
Spend the money and don't look back. The past doesn't exist anyway and I bet most of us here have far less years ahead of them than they do behind them. I stopped the bean counting a decade ago. I love customs far more than factory tool rifles, but both have their place. As for resale value, who cares. Been thinking of a Brno 21 all-weather custom.
 
For me its gotta be something wood stock, and nice wood. Not Savage wood (not that it isnt nice, but its not that "classic" wood to me)
Either real blueing or stainless
Little plastic as possible (mag might be the exception)

Mine is a Weatherby Lazerguard in 257 topped with a VX3. Its BEAUTIFUL and shoots incredible. Its a safe queen though, I take it out every now and again but for the hard days of hunting my plain jane X-Bolt tags along. Id like to buy a Model 70 Super Grade French Walnut, Maple or even just Super Grade at some point to join it.

Model 70 Featherweight or Super Grade would be #1 for me
Weatherby Mark V or even a Lazerguard or High End Vanguard would be a close 2nd
Tikka T3 Laminate Stainless or Hunter
Sako 85 Hunter/Grey Wolf/Bavarian
Cooper is also a brand to note, but you will pay for it.
A MINT older Model 700 would do the trick too. Granted im not a HUGE fan of 700's, I wont knock their reliability.

It comes down to how much you want to spend. If you would consider used, Prophet River always has decent deals on used/consignment rifles.
 
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