A little help on a bolt action rifle purchase.

[kozmic]

I believe I need a "nice", new bolt-action rifle . Let me set some parameters....I'm not a big hunter but I do enjoy an occasion deer hunt. I live in a "shotgun only" region so I would only use when I drive a bit to hunt at some friends' properties. That said, I do get the occasional coyote out back that might need quick dispatching. I would like to travel out west for a mule or elk hunt next year. My buddies do occasionally bring out the "big guns" at the range (especially at sighting time in the fall) so, it might see some play time there.

I'm looking for a "mid-size" caliber (short or long) say between 25-06 and .300WSM. Looking for a nicer wood stock (eye candy) but as a lefty that prefers a right hand gun, I don't mind a raised comb but monte carlo stocks are out! I prefer a top safety of some sort. I believe my glass will be a Nikon Monarch 4-16 x 42 bdc. Controlled recoil and a caliber that's readily available and has some variable load options are biggies for me.

I'm thinking a Kimber or higher end Winchester, Remington or even a T/C. Would like something made in the good ole USofA.
Id like to keep it under 2500 bucks with glass ready to go.

I don't want a MSR (evil black gun) in any caliber. Don't think I want a Weatherby. I do have a tupperware Savage .270 currently (but might consider another .270-it is somewhat perfect for my needs).

So, what do you guys think? Any thoughts (positive or negative) would be greatly appreciated.

As always, if you want good advice, ask the experts!!!!

Thanks in advance!
Koz

 

[Farmer17]

In Dallas at Cabelas I just saw a Ruger M77 30-06 with top tang safety in excellent condition with a Leupold 3-9X scope for $429. I wish I would have brought it home.

 

[rojodiablo]

1. Remington 700. 2. Howa model 1500. 3. Savage, with accutrigger. 4. Ruger mark 77.
I did not add the Winchester model 70, because I don't see them around. But if there is one available, they are great also.

 

[yaktamer]

Savage Bear Hunter, .300 Win or .300 WSM.

 

[perrazi]

Winchester 70 in 264 mag. love mine.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I've just been breaking in my Ruger Gunsight Scout Rifle (308 Win) and I think its going work out as an excellent all around field rifle.

 

[Fishinfool]

KOZ-

It's refreshing to see this is not another "which $300 rifle with scope is best at Walmart" thread..

A couple suggestions... In a bolt action, I like a controlled round feed action myself, though there is really nothing wrong with a push feed. I have half a dozen or so push feeds, and they are all reliable.

As far as makes go, since you are willing to spend a few bucks...

I really like my Kimbers. They are very well made, and accurate. Nice thing about them is they scale the action and barrel to the caliber, yet still use a full length barrel and stock, so you save weight. They usually have nice wood, especially in the Select Grade models

If you like a heavier rifle, the Winchester model 70 Super Grade is nice, with a high polish finish and good wood, as well as controlled round feed. The new ones being made by FN are supposed to be very well put together.

CZ makes a nice rifle as well, usually comes with nice wood, and can be ordered up-graded for not much $ for better wood from the importer. I have a couple, and they are accurate.

Newer Ruger Mark ll model 77's are nice, but wood quality is usually a **** shoot, though I do have one with really nice wood that somehow snuck out. The older tang safety models are not known for their accuracy, and are not a controlled feed action, even though they look like it.

Caliber? If you hadn't snuck Elk in there, I would have said 7mm/08 or 308 Win. Both are excellent deer rounds, and would serve well with lighter bullets for coyote. Since you mention Elk, I would look at a 30-06. It handles 180 grain bullets better then a 308, would work fine on Elk, and is a great deer round. Smaller game is no problem with the right bullet, and ammo is inexpensive, and everywhere.

So... I would personally choose a Kimber Select Grade model 84L in 30-06. Smooth, well made, accurate, holds 5 rounds, 24 inch barrel, and they come with a nice French Walnut stock with very nice checkering. Weight, about 6lbs, 2oz. They run about $1300.00. Matter of fact, I have one just like it in the pic. below..

Personally, I think 4x16 is a little too much scope, but that's really a personal preference. I usually hunt in the N.E., with most of my shots under 300 yards. I run a Leupold 3x9 on the Kimber 30-06, and a 2x7 on the Kimber medium action 84m in 7mm/08, also pictured. Also included a pic of my Kimber .22. Yea I like Kimbers...

 

[quneur]

You could always go with the big three, Winchester, Remington and Ruger and get custom work on them or there's smaller outfits like Montana Rifle Co. For overseas guns, take a look at Sako.

 

[Texas Star]

Winchester M-70 Fwt. Classic in .270 or .30/06.

Leupold is probably the best 'scope VALUE in a high grade glass; Zeiss the ultimate, with Swarovski very close.

Leather slings are classier than webbing ones.

I don't think I'd consider Remington, esp. just now, given QC issues.

You wanted a US-made rifle. I think Winchester is the answer, but haven't handled the Kimbers.

If you'll accept foreign-made, CZ or Sako.

 

[Cdog]

I second the current production Model 70.

If the one I own is any sign of the typical FN produced Model 70, then they're doing a fine job keeping the legend alive.

The short mag calibers aren't for me. Feed suffers and you still need a 26" tube to burn the shovel full of powder.

An 06' or a short action in .308 would be hard to beat.

If price is a big factor, then the Savage would be a serious contender.

 

[pownal55]

I have four Kimber rifles and really like them. They can be had in 7mm08 and 257 Roberts which cover a broad range of hunting possibilities.

 

[David LaPell]

One rifle I had that I wished I had not sold was my Ruger Hawkeye in .257 Roberts. It was the smaller compact model and it was very accurate and nice to look at. The Roberts is one of those calibers that refuses to kick the bucket because of how well it performs.

 

[kozmic]

I knew I could count on the members here for some great ideas! And really, a lot of confirmation as to what I've already been thinking. To say I appreciate your time and knowledge is an understatement. So thank you.

In NY a long shot is 300 yds. I don't see any longer a shot (at least where I would normally hunt) so a smaller power scope might be better. I like the Nikons because the bdc reticle "sights" well for me. The Conquest is nice but the reticle isn't as "obvious" to me. I should and would consider some of the Leupolds. Their popularity says volumes as to their quality.

There is a lightly used Winchester m70 in 30-06 with a nice 3-9 Leupold on it at a LGS. I almost think I could get it and a new Kimber and Nikon and still be below my high end budget number. FYI, I sold a guitar that didn't get much play time for $2500 so that's my bankroll of "found money"!

I also have a 336 Marlin that I didn't mention because my son seems to have claimed it as his own. In essence, a 30-30 with a 2-7 in NY is a great combo. He's my shooting and hunting buddy so the above 2 fer 1 deal above makes good sense. I would try to bring him out west with me if his school schedule allows.

That really leaves me to caliber. I think; .270, .308, 30-06, and on the outside 7mm-08. (because of variety and avail.). Ballistically all fit my needs and wants.

Again, thanks for helping out a fellow forum member. Just one more reason to love this site!

Koz

 

[NYlakesider]

You mentioned my favorite rifle caliber so I jumped in. (25.06) I have a much fired Rem 700BDL and I have used it for shooting varmints (woodchucks) deer and many a target. Gun and cartridge is middle of the road for what you want and will handle all tasks well.

Being my gun is purchased new in the 70s it has the "old fashioned" Redfield Widefield 3-9 on it, works so well I have not bother to upgrade to new optics.

Everyone on here has different opinions as there are so many guns and cartridges out there that will do what you want.

Good luck and enjoy your new rifle/caliber whatever it is!

 

[Cdog]

You're dead on the money concerning the vast majority of the forum members.

These are some of the best informed folks I've had the pleasure to swap thoughts with. Seldom do I visit without learning.

 

[yaktamer]

Nikon is a good choice for glass, as is Leupold, of course. You should also look at Vortex. Quality right up there with Leupold and a reputation for outstanding customer service.

 

[Stephanie B]

Well, if you want something that has .308- .30-06 power levels, has a scope sight and will definitely get noticed, then maybe a WW2 Russian sniper rifle. Genuine ones are under $1,000 and milsurp ammunition (other than 7N1) is still pretty inexpensive and available.

 

[Wyo]

Kimber 84L in 270 Win. Light, flat-shooting, powerful enough for mule deer and elk if you get that hunt you mention, extremely versatile, classic style and beautifully built. What more could you ask for?

 

[Lost Lake]

I bought my daughter a left handed Ruger M77 Hawkeye in .243 when she turned 12.

I was impressed by the wood and the trigger.

That gun is the first gun I have ever shot that put 6 rounds through the same hole at 100 yards (using my own reloads).

For an inexpensive gun, I love that M77.

 

[shouldazagged]

Remington 700 BDL in .270 or .30-06. Leupold 3-9X. I'm no longer able to hunt, but the .270 combo would be a dream rifle for me.