Honest Opinions Only Please
- Thread starter ShaunC
- Start date
I find the 7x57 is great IF you handload. Most of the Americsn stuff runs 2600 with a 140 grain. Got some old Dominion stuff at gun show. Boxes claim 2900 fps with the pointed 139 grain bullets and it gets very close to claimed velocity in my 24 inch barrel.
I think overall the model 70s are nice enough. Lots of folks jumped on the latest CRF offering. I know of a couple of people that quickly moved on to something else and read several threads on line, both here and other forums, where people were not impressed with accuracy. It didn't look like they were horrible but just not up to what one would expect from a modern firearm.
Where and what you are hunting would be the largest factors in determining a rifle.
I hunt the foot hills of Alberta and a light weight accurate rifle in minimum of 30-06 is my choice. I hunt with a Sako 85 in 30-06 mainly. Lots of nasty critters and the real possibility of running in to an elk makes the 30-06 a good choice. I would be just as happy with a 300 Win Mag.
East of here on the open prairie I would hunt with a 7mm Rem Mag. Mine is an older Finnbear but anything accurate with a little weight would be fine. I would be equally happy with a nice Rem model 700 with a little tweaking and a nice trigger. If I couldn't find a 7mm Rem I liked, I would go with a 270 Win. And again, an accurate 300 Win Mag is never the wrong answer.
When I did a lot of bush hunting further east, I hunted with a Parker Hale deluxe with factory re-barrel in 303 British. My dad, a couple of his buddies and myself sometimes used the 760-7600 usually in 30-06. Lots at the camps used 30-30 94s and 336s. We all claimed ours were the best bush guns and we all killed a ton of game to back it up.
Having said all that, my absolute favorite wood stocked rifle is a custom build in 7x57. The 7x57 does everything very well except for big bears. This particular rifle is light and fast for long hikes and bush but is plenty accurate beyond my capabilities in open country. Unfortunately, $2500 isn't going to get much custom work done these days. You might find a nice one used. I have no problem finding enough ammo and have lots in stock.
I was at a local gun store over the winter and they had a Tikka in 300 Win. It is done up as a copy of a Sako Grey Wolf. If I were going one and done within your budget I would look no further. I know it is not walnut but it was a sharp looking rifle.
Where and what you are hunting would be the largest factors in determining a rifle.
I hunt the foot hills of Alberta and a light weight accurate rifle in minimum of 30-06 is my choice. I hunt with a Sako 85 in 30-06 mainly. Lots of nasty critters and the real possibility of running in to an elk makes the 30-06 a good choice. I would be just as happy with a 300 Win Mag.
East of here on the open prairie I would hunt with a 7mm Rem Mag. Mine is an older Finnbear but anything accurate with a little weight would be fine. I would be equally happy with a nice Rem model 700 with a little tweaking and a nice trigger. If I couldn't find a 7mm Rem I liked, I would go with a 270 Win. And again, an accurate 300 Win Mag is never the wrong answer.
When I did a lot of bush hunting further east, I hunted with a Parker Hale deluxe with factory re-barrel in 303 British. My dad, a couple of his buddies and myself sometimes used the 760-7600 usually in 30-06. Lots at the camps used 30-30 94s and 336s. We all claimed ours were the best bush guns and we all killed a ton of game to back it up.
Having said all that, my absolute favorite wood stocked rifle is a custom build in 7x57. The 7x57 does everything very well except for big bears. This particular rifle is light and fast for long hikes and bush but is plenty accurate beyond my capabilities in open country. Unfortunately, $2500 isn't going to get much custom work done these days. You might find a nice one used. I have no problem finding enough ammo and have lots in stock.
I was at a local gun store over the winter and they had a Tikka in 300 Win. It is done up as a copy of a Sako Grey Wolf. If I were going one and done within your budget I would look no further. I know it is not walnut but it was a sharp looking rifle.
Descriptions a bit vague other than cartridge.
If you dont reload stroke the Ackley off the list and for all intents and purposes its a 7rm and theres lots more of those for sale than your other 2 mentions.
Detach mag or drop plate?
I'll always suggest an older model rifle for one reason. They're built better. Older Sako beats New Sako. Older Win beats new Win. Rem same. Lastly watch the fad cartridges unless you really, really want one and are prepoed to keep it. Theres usually lots for sale a year or two after intro for a reason and that reason is often rhat they dont do much better than a traditional cartridge but ammunition for them, reload or factory, can be steeper priced.
First off, Disregard anyone that says ××× is the best option. Might be for them. Might not be for you. We all come in different sizes and shapes so best for you is one that fits you. Same for cartridge options.
If you dont reload stroke the Ackley off the list and for all intents and purposes its a 7rm and theres lots more of those for sale than your other 2 mentions.
Detach mag or drop plate?
I'll always suggest an older model rifle for one reason. They're built better. Older Sako beats New Sako. Older Win beats new Win. Rem same. Lastly watch the fad cartridges unless you really, really want one and are prepoed to keep it. Theres usually lots for sale a year or two after intro for a reason and that reason is often rhat they dont do much better than a traditional cartridge but ammunition for them, reload or factory, can be steeper priced.
Model 70. Featherweight if you’re planning to take it on long walks, Super Grade if your close to home/truck.
Watch Profit River like a hawk till you spot one with a pretty handle. French walnut sure is something.
30-06 cause well….. because model 70s and 30-06’s go together like blondes and blue eyes. Even if it’s not your taste, it’s never a mistake.
Watch Profit River like a hawk till you spot one with a pretty handle. French walnut sure is something.
30-06 cause well….. because model 70s and 30-06’s go together like blondes and blue eyes. Even if it’s not your taste, it’s never a mistake.
Browning Xbolt is an awesome option.
https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/x-bolt-2/xbolt-2-hells-canyon-max-lr-hd.html
I have the same rifle i bought in the late 70s. Used it a lot and never had a problem.I bought my model 70 (30-06) way back in 1976 and it's still putting meat on the table.
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IronNoggin
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Port Alberni, Vancouver Island
I am a big fan of the Model 70, especially the pre 64's.
They are the classic North American Rifleman's Rifle.
Can't go far wrong with one of those.
For caliber I'd suggest a 270 over the 280, and all round the 30-06 is about as classic as the rifle itself (and you can get ammo anywhere).
$ 2500 would not get you this piece, but thought I'd toss it up again anyway.
1950's Model 70 extensively customized in 25-06
Cheers & best of luck with your decision!
They are the classic North American Rifleman's Rifle.
Can't go far wrong with one of those.
For caliber I'd suggest a 270 over the 280, and all round the 30-06 is about as classic as the rifle itself (and you can get ammo anywhere).
$ 2500 would not get you this piece, but thought I'd toss it up again anyway.
1950's Model 70 extensively customized in 25-06
Cheers & best of luck with your decision!
Could also consider Benelli Lupo with the nice walnut stock. Good warranty and sub-MOA guarantee, also has some special treatment on the metal (called “BEST”?) for enhanced corrosion resistance. They go on sale occasionally and would be around your budget, and I see a number of vendors here have some.
I kind of wish I waited for the wood version to be released instead of getting the synthetic when they first came out lol.
if this rifle is something you expect to last for years and you can later pass down I would recommend a bolt action in stainless/all-weather. I personally had a Browning A bolt stainless stalker in 30-06 for over 20 years until I came across a Browning All-weather shot show special in 30-06 that will never be sold. Your $2500 budget opens the door to a countless number of rifles from bolt action to lever to single shot.
Good luck on your search.
Don
Good luck on your search.
Don
sillymike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
If you get into reloading... It'd go the different route
Mauser 66, in 7x64 (similar to the 280)
- For your budget you'd get the rifle/scope/ and $ left for some reloading gears
For wood, and in 280AI I think I would shop for a used Weatherby Vanguard Deluxe in 270 or 30/06…they normally go for around $1200 in excellent condition. Send it to the gunsmith of your choosing and get a 280AI barrel spun on.
Depending on barrel options after bedding it and possibly swapping out the trigger you would be right at $2500(ish)
The Deluxe stocks are stellar IMO.
You could shop around and do something similar by jumping on a custom Mauser 98 if that floats your boat.
They seem to be going very reasonable rate lately.
There has also been some unbelievably beautiful magnums sold lately that could meet your needs. I’ve seen several Mk.V’s and a few Brownings high end models in your price range.
If you’re stuck on buying new a T3X with a spare magazine and scope mounts after tax won’t leave much of your budget in the wallet…nice rifles and will work for what you described but far from something bespoke or collectable.
Depending on barrel options after bedding it and possibly swapping out the trigger you would be right at $2500(ish)
The Deluxe stocks are stellar IMO.
You could shop around and do something similar by jumping on a custom Mauser 98 if that floats your boat.
They seem to be going very reasonable rate lately.
There has also been some unbelievably beautiful magnums sold lately that could meet your needs. I’ve seen several Mk.V’s and a few Brownings high end models in your price range.
If you’re stuck on buying new a T3X with a spare magazine and scope mounts after tax won’t leave much of your budget in the wallet…nice rifles and will work for what you described but far from something bespoke or collectable.
