Client loaner rifles
- Thread starter Ardent
- Start date
I'd be searching for a used Stainless Synthetic Sako 75 in 7RM ... might cost a little more but they are pretty tough accurate firearms; and I think the key lock feature might be very handy in some circumstances when you dont want anyone screwing around with the rifle - as well as the detachable magazine.
^^^ Agreed. Kimber Montana seems to have everything you're looking for except the cost factor. Seriously thinking of getting one in .270, and I hate synthetic/stainless rifles.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
It would be hard for any self respecting rifleman to cast dispersions on a M-70, and an outfitter's loaner (rental) rifle, should be a quality piece, appropriate for the conditions in which its going to be used. Since this piece of equipment is used to generate revenue, it doesn't fall into the same category as the type of rifle usually envisioned as a loaner. So while price cannot be ignored, neither should it be the primary consideration. A rifle that can have parts replaced easily in the field is superior to one that requires specialty tools and a machine shop. A Mauser extractor can be replaced by anyone with strong fingers, not so a 700's, but you should have a spare parts bin that includes springs, floorplates, extractors, and bottom metal.
What I'm suggesting is a semi-custom rifle, that suits the specific conditions your clients will face, better than an off the shelf rifle. If you started with a stainless M-70, you could install a glass and pillar bedded fiberglass stock, that is more resilient to hard use than are typical factory stocks. A spacer system for the butt would allow for variations of LOP, not a bad idea since clients come in all shapes and sizes. If the barrel is shortened to 22" from 24" makes the rifle just a bit more compact and improves handling in the thick stuff, without seriously impacting velocities. Or you could start with a .280 rather than a 7 mag, since standard chamberings often come with a 22" tube. Aftermarket irons, perhaps an XS, or NECG ghost ring and a rectangular post in a barrel band front sight, are superior to factory irons. The action should be polished to reduce the degree of difficulty in lifting the bolt handle. QD rings that are proven repeatable should be chosen for a rifle when the client might be required to switch between optics and irons and back again, and there is no opportunity to re-zero the rifle. The optics should be compact and durable, and be suitable for short range and longish; perhaps a 1.75-6X a 2-7X, or a 2.5-8X. A Pic rail base resolves the difficulty of mounting a short tube scope on a long action rifle, and to a degree allows the client to optimize his eye relief.
Specific rifle ammo should be purchased in sufficient quantity, prior to the season opening, rather than sending the hired help out at the last minute to choose ammo from the limited selection in a small town hardware store. The loads should be appropriate for the game being hunted, and the conditions involved. A 140 gr AB might be just the ticket for goats, while a 175 gr Partition is arguably a better choice for big bears, or whatever equivalent you can acquire in factory fodder. I suppose you could split the difference and choose 160 gr Accubonds for everything, the point is that there should be a quantity of standardized ammo on hand for those rifles.
With respect to the type of safety chosen for a client's rifle, I would rather he just didn't use one. Insist that the rifle is carried with a full magazine and an empty chamber. After the shot(s) been made, check yourself to ensure that rifle once again has a full magazine and an empty chamber. If the rifle is carried cocked on an empty chamber, it cycles easily when a round is needed. If it turns out the striker has dropped prior to loading a round, you don't want that guy behind you with a round in the chamber, safety or not, so it doesn't really matter if the safety is a 2 position or a 3.
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Stainless M70 or Kimber Montana. If there's debate room on cartridge choice might I suggest the .300 Win.? It's ever bit as mainstream as the 7 Rem for emergency ammo resupply. Besides, where at the 7mm level there is always someone who will wonder if it's enough gun for something. That ever seems to be an issue with the .300s.
I second the statement by dogleg. Anytime there is a choice between 7mm and .300WM I always suggest the .300wm. I would concur that A LOT of your clients would prefer it also. When Grizzly Bears are a potential acquaintance you can not say a 200gr partition will be inferior to a 175gr 7mm bullet. (often the largest 7mm bullet weight you can find in sleepy town hardware stores.) I have ONE friend that uses a 7mm while I have another (at least 30) hunter friends that use the .300wm. It's every bit as available, just as cheap, and a bit more "hardy" for the bigger bears. I would suggest you not "close off" the discussion on caliber choice. If the client can shoot a 7mm well (with regards to recoil) then the .300 is very close in felt recoil, but a bit better in overall ability.
gunrunner100
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- NW Ontario
Just my 2 cents, but I think the Model 70 is the way to go. There is a thread out there that Ruger is discontinuing the Model 77 (not sure if this is just the rimfires...?).
The Model 70 is a great rifle and a quality piece. CRF and 3 position safety is wanted. As for the chambering, you have to go with availability of ammunition. 7MM Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag are the fairly common ones everywhere like you pointed out.
The Model 70 is a great rifle and a quality piece. CRF and 3 position safety is wanted. As for the chambering, you have to go with availability of ammunition. 7MM Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag are the fairly common ones everywhere like you pointed out.
This gun is Hella accurate!! Feeds rounds as slick as Teflon..........'nuff said
For the win. The riflemans rifle.
- Location
- Lower Mainland
howa 1500....one of the best out of the box and not as expensive as tikka...get a gameking package
