Who makes the best quality CRF rifle nowadays?

[International Harvester]

I'm curious to hear what you CGN'rs think is the best quality CRF rifle out there. I'm most interested in hearing what you think is the best current production CRF gun but we can also split it into groups including; best all time, best current, best quality for the money.

As a side question, do you consider Sako and Ruger to be a CRF action?


Regards


IH

 

[Duncan Idaho]

I love my Sako 85s but they are not a true controlled feed action. They are just a slightly modified push-feed.

As for the real CRFs, I favour the older Mausers, the new Win 70s, and the CZ lines. I have never warmed up to Ruger or Kimbers. The Rugers have too much play in the bolt and even the slightest downwards pressure on the bolt can cause it to skip over the round in the magazine. Kimbers are finicky in accuracy issues and have a tendency to break. Some of the Win70 clones are nice rifles but they too can be difficult depending on the builder.

 

[blargon]

If I was looking for a CRF right now, it would be a stainless M70.

 

[HeadDamage]

Nothing wrong with Ruger M77 MkII rifles.

 

[seikojay86]

CZ550 ( Newer 557's are push feed)
Winchester Model 70
Ruger M77 & Gunsite Scout

in that order in my opinion

 

[International Harvester]

Interesting. What about Browning/FN Safari deluxe's? Also, what about Dakota's?

 

[Tokay444]

3 offerings from American Rifle Company, as well as Defiance offers CRF.

 

[The Kurgan]

CZ seems to fit the bill

 

[Gator0387]

Another vote for CZ ... Love my 527

 

[chuck nelson]

D’Arcy Echols is now offering his own CRF action. His is likely the best. If that is what you are after.

 

[Gatehouse]

It really comes down to how much money you want to spend and how long you want to wait.

 

[pete dobinson]

For production rifle's I prefer Kimbers. Winchester M70 and Ruger 77 would also be a good choice.

 

[Hitzy]

Mauser still makes a 98 variant...not cheap.

 

[Mik123]

New production, Kimber.

 

[hoytcanon]

Ruger M77 Mark II rifles for me... but the M77 Hawkeye series is good if you stay away from the horrendous Matte finishes.

 

[International Harvester]

No views on the vintage brownings? Salt wood is an issue depending on year...

 

[Loyalist84]

The FN/Brownings are good rifles but essentially the same action you'll find in Husqvarna 648s with fancier wood and a larger price tag. Since you asked about current production my vote would go to the Winchester Model 70 - an older model would be either a true Oberndorf-made 98 Mauser or a well-tuned Brno 21/22 small ring. Worth noting that Rigby's used Brno Mauser actions for all their rifles at a $15 000+ price tag for a long period, the money going into action tuning, stocking and the cachet associated with the name.

 

[saskcop]

CZ550 series. Not even a close second place to that one.

 

[mosinmaster]

Zastava M70?

 

[john-brennan]

I have always liked the Winchester M70 or CZ550