The Accurate Reloading Forums
Re: Empire Rifles

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26 September 2004, 12:37
HunterJim
Re: Empire Rifles
The rifle I will test is a Legacy with their Kevlar stock. I also talked to them about testing one of their East Africa rifles on an '05 hunt.

George is an interesting guy to talk to by the way.

jim
26 September 2004, 14:46
DavidC
HunterJim,

Legacy Rifles are only a couple hours drive away. Do you know if they have a show room? If I get the chance I'd like to drop in and get a look at their rifles. Especially, the East African model.

Dave
28 September 2004, 05:26
HunterJim
Dave,

I don't see any evidence of it on their web site. If you do drive over, I would certainly call first unless you fancy a drive in the woods. I don't have any problem getting them to return phone messages by the way.

I would love to hear your impressions if you do get to visit.

jim
28 September 2004, 05:57
KevinNY
I said the same on another thread, "Seems like a lot to pay for a Zastava Mauser action and a bit of add-ons."

I think you could do better with less money having one made just for you from any number of gunsmiths. Of course I say the same about Dakota's and they sell plenty of them too. Some folks like to buy a house and others like to have one built for them. JMO
28 September 2004, 07:27
HunterJim
Kevin,

They use an EU made version of the Mauser action in the Legacy line I understand (I thought it was made in Italy and proofed in Belgium), I had not heard that it was the Zastava version of the Mark X. They also use Granite Mountain actions in the East Africa line.

There is a spectrum of rifles available out there, from the big mass-market manufacturers to the high-end "one of" custom makers. I see the Empire Rifle outfit as one segment of that market. Interestingly enough they are reported to share some sources with the newly-announced Nosler Rifle. (The rifles are not the same at all.)

jim
28 September 2004, 11:59
DavidC
HunterJim,

If I get the chance I will give Empire a call and see if they have a show room. I would like to have a look
at there African rifles particularly those built on the Granite Mountain Action.

It might turn into a nice little weekend drive with the wife and children....after all she does tell me
we don't go out as much as we used to before we had kids!

Regards,
Dave
29 September 2004, 00:47
Boghossian
Hey HunterJim, can you tell us anything about this 'Nosler rifle'? Do they have a website?
29 September 2004, 05:39
HunterJim
Boggie,



Try:



http://www.nosler.com/noslerrifle1.html



There is also an ad in the September Sports Afield I have not seen, and a column on the rifle in the October SA I have seen.



What I have read so far is that Nosler will build 500 of these push feed rifles each year, all in a single caliber (the first issue is .300 WSM).



The interesting aspect to me is Nosler has moved into ammunition sales, and now firearm sales. I wonder what other market areas they will enter to expand their business?



Also Dakota is expanding itself as well, and now is running a hunt-booking operation. They have previously been active buying other gun makers.



jim
24 September 2004, 13:20
dbltap
Does anyone have any experience with Empire Rifles in Africa? Looking at one in .375 for a trip but don't know anyone who has used one.
24 September 2004, 14:23
Rusty
I have spoken with the fellow at the Dallas Safari Club show. I was going to buy a right and a left action, but couldn't get the left. He was very nice and I think they make a good rifle fromthe ones I've handled. Never shot or hunted with one.
24 September 2004, 16:31
dbltap
Thank you sir.
25 September 2004, 05:16
HunterJim
I have talked to the owner about their rifles, and I should have a loaner in October to review. So far my opinion is favorable, at least the information available on the web and in the magazines is positive.

Which rifle model are you considering?

jim
25 September 2004, 06:07
dbltap
I am looking at the Legacy .375 H&H, probably in Kevlar, I just don't see the advantage in the next higher model. The advantages appear to be cosmestic and I am too tough on weapons to spend money on somthing that I will just mess up.