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A friend of mine asked me to look around for a real nice rifle. He's got $1000 to spend (give or take) and would like something real nice in way of a do-all big game rifle. Mostly deer hunting in WI with the possibility of western elk, deer, antelope although he'd probably bowhunt if given the chance. He was thinking of a 7mm Mag. What's out there now that has great aesthetics, quality manufacture, and a reputation for accuracy?? I was thinking of Sako or the like. I know he'd like it to be 'special' or at least not run-of-the-mill. All suggestions welcome, and it doesn't have to be a high-gloss blue, beautiful wood. He's open to stainless, synthetic. I was also thinking of a good gun for the 5-600 range and having it rebarreled with a top-notch custom barrel so he'd have a real tackdriver. Shoot straight, shoot often. Matt | ||
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Your friend needs to listen to you about the rifle. But make sure there is plenty of money left for a good scope. 7mag will certainly git-r-dun. But i would opt for a .30 magnum of some type just to have the option of bonded 180grn bullets. If this is his first do it all rifle. I would go stainless/synthetic. Just for the ruggedness and light wieght. A nice winchester m70 or ruger m77 would fit the bill with plenty of cash left over for a scope,sling, cleaning supplies, and for God's sake practice ammo! Nothin like a new shooter with a new gun. And doesnt know how to shoot. Plenty of ammo and practice practice practice. But im sure you would know all this already. After all this is the place to come for solid info on hunting and shooting. Not to mention plenty of bullshit sessions when you like.  Well polish my balls and serve me a milkshake! | |||
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He won't be able to get anything "special" for $1000. A M70 super grade in 7wsm or a M700 cdl in 7rm would be "nice". Like critter said, you still need $400-500 for a good scope. LIFE IS NOT A SPECTATOR'S SPORT! | |||
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I have a Ruger M77 all weather in 300 win mag, after putting a Timney trigger, and a Leupold VXII 3-9x on it, along with a sling and stuff, I was probably pushing 1,000, but I wouldnt tell the wife... LOL | |||
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.338 WM Ruger Loads 160 to 300 gr will drop anything you will ever want to hunt ! I have one and it don't need any custom barrels put on it Less than a 1 MOA at 200 yds I load my own ! | |||
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Maybe your friend should check out a Kimber? They are definately not run of the mill. Matter of fact,,,,I don't believe I've ever run across anyone in the field that was using one. ./l ,[___], l--L=OlllllO= O_) O_)~-)_) If at first you don't succeed,,,failure may be your thing!!! | |||
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Get a used 270 or 30-06 with a new 4x Leupold and a case of decent ammo. If your buddy is a bowhunter, he knows how to get close to game and doesn't need a magnum. And if he's inexperienced with rifles and needs help picking one out, a 270 or 30-06 is a far better choice. Either will kill anything you mentioned and a whole lot more. Tons of excellent used ones are available, ammo is cheaper and more common, the rifles are shorter, lighter and easier to carry, they kick less and they're not as loud. The 270/30-06/4x has been the North American all-around rig for going on fifty years for some really good reasons. Okie John "The 30-06 works. Period." --Finn Aagaard | |||
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I guess I should have been more specific, $1000 or there-abouts for the rifle ALONE. He's got a VariXII 2.5-8 to put on it. He'll take that off his M7600 30-06. Mounts, ammo, sling, yadda yadda, all that crap he can tack on under 'slush'. He's looking for something 'catching' and a real good rifle for $1000. He'd like new or like new. He said he wants to put every scratch on it. I could probably talk him into a Sako 75 if it took another $100 or so, but he wants something really nice. Now, any more suggestions??  It's not so much the caliber, he got some $ from a deceased relative, and he'd like to get a really nice rifle to remember them by for the rest of his lifetime and the rifle needs to be a little better than just a M700 or M70 "Classic", ruger 77, etc.... That's why I was thinking Sako, Kimber possibly, Shoot straight, shoot often. Matt | |||
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Given that Sako has been inflated in value for some time I'd be looking for something else, and I believe that something else is a Kimber 8400 in .30-06. Light, fast, powerful, what more could one ask? | |||
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Check this out: http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976644292.htm You will struggle to ever buy a better rifle for this much cash. Just because you are paranoid, doesn't mean they are not out to get you.... | |||
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Ah, but will it shoot?? I had one in 30-06 in a trade deal, and I'm almost embarrassed to say I traded it off before I even shot it! Nice lightweight rifles though for sure, and I remember it being very smooth with great balance. Shoot straight, shoot often. Matt | |||
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Hurry, run out and buy a model 70 Super Grade before you can't find one. That would be my choice. | |||
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Talk about ugly.  "Science only goes so far then God takes over." | |||
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Never seen or heard of a Sauer yet that would not shoot. Jarrod, that rifle is not ugly, that is a thing of functional elegance. Now, Blasers are ugly.... Just because you are paranoid, doesn't mean they are not out to get you.... | |||
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Matt, was that a Sauer you had in a trade deal, and let go of?? Hey, we all make mistakes from time to time. Next time you get one, make sure you at least shoot it, I'd be surprised if did not shoot very well. Most Sauers do. - mike ********************* The rifle is a noble weapon... It entices its bearer into primeval forests, into mountains and deserts untenanted by man. - Horace Kephart | |||
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Second that. They'll be priced at a premium from now on. And get it in 30-06, one hundred year anniversary, last year of the Pre-06, etc. Besides he already knows what the '06 can do, now just put it in some "nice clothes". Check out any ballistics table; if you can kill it with a 7mm Mag, you can kill it with an '06. I bought 400 rounds of practice '06 ammo at the gun show last weekend for under $75; you can't do that with any wizzum short mag, or any mag for that matter. The only other big game rounds you can do that with is the .308 Win or 8x57mm. If you are going to carry a big stick, you've got to whack someone with it at least every once in while. | |||
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No no functional ugliness "Science only goes so far then God takes over." | |||
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How about a Kimber 84M? Strap on the Leupold using Talley lightweight ringmounts and your buddy will be all set. | |||
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I guess I would take a look at 3 ideas. If wanting to go factory I would go Kimber in wood In African walnut (fiberglass) I would go Kimber Montana Now, to the question of that Sauer. IMO I would no doubt without a question get an action, and a glass stock and then have a good smith hang a good tube on it. You are gonna spend about the same money as the Sauer and yet you'll know what you're getting. So for me the third option would be to have one put together. IMO when going over 1K I would always build! Mark D | |||
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Matt, Giiven the criteria put forth, my suggestion would be a Tikka with a GOOD scope and since you want to do up 600, I would opt for a 300WM. Smedley ______________________ Smedley  ______________________ From Audacity of Hope: 'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.' B.H.Obullshitter ------------------------------------ "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery" Winston Churchill ------------------------------------ "..it does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds.." Samuel Adams ------------------------------------ Facts are immaterial to liberals. Twisted perceptions however are invaluable. ------------------------------------ We Americans were tired of being thought of as dumb, by the rest of the world. So we went to the polls in November 2008 and removed all doubt.....let's not do it again in 2012 please. | |||
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Kimber 84m have one and it won't be going anywhere. Has a VX-III 2.5-8 on it .308 win. drives tacks with 150 gr. Nos. BT's and 150 gr. triple shocks same POI. I am pleased with it.. Straight shootin to ya | |||
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A couple of things. You mentioned rebuilding the rifle to make it a real tack driver. Limit of approx. $1000 for firearm alone. I'm thinking that even if you found a good used rifle and wanted to send it off for a new bbl., it's going to cost quite a bit to get a smith to do the work, plus the cost of the bbl. Currently, PacNor bbls run about $220. Kostyshyns about $270. Lilja, Broughton, Krieger, Hart, Shilens, all around $300. Why bother buying a good gun in the $500-600 range? Just go to Midwayusa.com, get a local FFL holder to order a Remington action for around $400 or so, then order the stock of your choice, and bbl of choice, then pay a smith to put it all together. It will cost more than a grand but some smiths won't charge a lot more. However, if you get the smith to order the action, it is about $100 less, and they already have an FFL. Another avenue is to shop in the classifieds from several custom rifle builders. Not long ago, a guy was advertising a 7mag built by Hill Country Rifles. It cost him $3000, he was selling it for $1500. Fully custom rifle! I'd really watch for bargains like that. Here's another option. Jim Borden, of Jim Borden rifles, and Rimrock stocks will have available the TIMBERLINE AND ALPINE custom actions, already squared and trued, ready for a bbl and stock. These actions are Remington replicas, but knowing Borden, I'm confident they are superior. They will be available in April. The cost is $600, however, there is not "blueprinting" involved. So all of that labor you'd pay the smith is eliminated. The Alpine is short action, and the Timberline will be long action/magnum. Regarding caliber, as Okie John wrote earlier, your buddy doesn't need any magnum unless he simply wants it. The occasional elk will fall dead dead dead to a good 30.06 and 180 bullet or even a 165-168 class tough bullet. I have both the 30.06 and 7mag. Couldn't do without either. But to me, the .06 would just make more sense. (or even a 270). Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my guns | |||
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Or you could buy a Savage and be done with it.   | |||
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You don't say whether your friend is a shooter or not. If he is recoil sensitive, I'd have said 7mmRM was a viable choice until this past weekend. However, this weekend, I took my 7mmRM, my 300WinMag and my 308 to the range. I have to say that because of the stock configuration on the 7mm,( its thin) it hurt me worse than the 300WinMag. I am still sore from the session. I think that for a person new to rifles, the 270 would be a good choice. It will give you 7mmRM trajectory but without as much recoil becuase the bullet will be lighter. Another alternative is the 30-06, which can be loaded up, down and around. As mentioned above, as a bow hunter, he is use to getting close. A 308 would be a good choice except for antelope, which I have never hunted, but they tell me they can be long shots. On the other hand, they aren't elk, so you could use a lighter bullet. Although I own only one of them, I'd observe that a lot of shooter who post here swear by the Savage 110 etc rifles for their accuracy. They are not lookers, but the new Savage rifle looks nice too. I have always found that accurate rifles get prettier and prettier. And one of the Savages would leave you enough dough for a nice scope. Kudude | |||
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That Sauer lightweight is a great deal! I'm gonna let it sit for a week or two, and then I'll buy it at their asking price. I have a bunch of Sauers, 4 of that model (lightweight syn) and every single one of them shoot! Moreover, they all shoot several brands of factory ammo well. On the 2 I have done load development for they are sub 1 minute guns. All the other Sauers I have, Wood and Synthetic, shoot superbly also. Long story short, if that rifle is a consideration, I'd snap it up in a heartbeat. Good Luck--Don | |||
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Well I say this the 7MM Remington Mag is a good caliber for several reason. Flat shooting without excessive barrel wear or recoil. Looking at bullets you have a wide range in size and manufacture with lots of great BC's. Ammo that is very common and if need be you can probably purchase it at any Mom and Pop store that carries shells. More than likely the guy or two you happen onto in the field will be shooting a 7MM Mag. It has been about as popular caliber as there is and with good reason. I've shoot deer and elk with mine from 35 feet to 500 yards. It's always been a gun that shot well and one I've confidence in. Lots of other choices but for me it's just a good fit for most hunters. The stainless and synthetic make sense for ease in maintenance. The weather will also have a lot less affect on it. You friend should be able to have a fair custom built gun near the range you talking about. With hunting season about all but over there should be a lot of rifles at fair price to choose from to build a custom or just a complete rifle to shoot as is. Keep your eyes open those deals are out there. Best of luck in the search for a rifle. Let us know sometime how it all worked out | |||
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Look for one of the special edition Kimber short mag's with the french walnut stock. Some of them were nothing to write home about, but some, like mine , are beautiful. Oh, both of my Kimber's shoot sub-moa with several different bullets. | |||
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7mm Mag is a good cartridge, however, if he is serious about western Elk, a 300 or 338 would be a better choice. With practice, he will be able to shoot a 338 with the same ease as a 30-06. Sako 75 rifles, although pricier than the domestic stuff, are very well made. The barrels are matchgrade (running a patch through them feels like ice on glass). Triggers are adjustable for pull weight via allen wrench, and the scope mounting is as easy to mount as they come (he will need new bases and rings though). Accuracy is guaranteed to be MOA out of the box. The deluxes are absolutely wonderous with the wood and bluing; however, with the stainless you do get the detachable box magazine. John | |||
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Guys, thanks for all the replies...really I mean it. I know most of what's out there, I was just hoping for someone's insight that just would 'click' and I'd say "hell yeah, why didn't I think of that!" Anyway, he's got a 30-06 pump, but don't let that fool you. Similar to the saying 'beware of the man with ONE gun'. He's a great shot, very intense hunter and LIVES hunting, fishing, anything outdoors, much like a lot of us here. He just isn't a 'gun nut' like MOST of us here. That's why he came to me, he'd like something that stands out as somewhat special and he'd like it to be something different than his 30-06, and he'll probably use the new rifle exclusively from now on. I couldn't find fault with 7mm Mag, hell, for deer here in WI I've used something different every year for the last 7 from 6mm-284 to 376 Steyr and 348 Win. I do like the idea of putting together a good rifle by picking up a decent used gun and rebarreling it, but he wants something in like new condition. I do have a brand new CZ 550 action sitting at home with a .30 cal Douglas barrel that would make a good 300 Win, but it would be a heavier gun than I think he's looking for. I told him I'd keep my eyes open and he's in no rush, so I think we'll be able to find him something he'll be happy with. But if anyone comes up with something by all means pitch in!!! Shoot straight, shoot often. Matt | |||
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Local Wal-Mart has Rem 700 ADL's in 7mm Rem mag for $299 | |||
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Often you can find a nice Kimber 84m for about $700 on Guns America, + a decent scope will get to $1,000. **************** NRA Life Benefactor Member | |||
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Why not buy a CZ in 9.3x62? Very good allround cartridge, light in recoil and can be nicely slicked for a few hundred extra. | |||
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.340 Weatherby or .338 BAR | |||
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browning a bolt stainless stalker in 300wm with boss mine 1/2 in groups at 100yd with regular rem ammo in 180 grn corelocts trigger great right out of box good luck brian r simmons | |||
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You must have missed the part when Matt wrote: "real nice rifle," and "has great aesthetics." Savage is accurate, and they have good quality, but beauty and aesthetics?  Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my guns | |||
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Get a CZ 550 American in 7mm RM. Spend the rest of the money on a Zeiss or Leupold scope. The CZs I am familiar with shoot great. Love the single set trigger, The Americans look good. I thinki this is the most value for the money. I think I saw a CZ on gunbroker for 580. | |||
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I have that exact rifle. It is called a Sauer lightweight and on their website it is shown as the "Outback" model. It is the most beautiful rifle I own (compared to Beretta Matos, Sako stainless sythetic with McMillan stock, and pre-64 Winchesters). I loaned it to a friend to hunt with this last weekend and he offered to pay $2,500.00 for it on the spot (the scope is worth $700.00 of that). After handling it for a weekend and shooting a cull buck with it, he fell in love with it. I said "Sorry, I love it too much myself". It points like a dream and feels and looks like a beautiful woman. Does it shoot. Well, it has taken me quite a while to get her there, but the gun does like 200 gr Accubonds in front of 59.5 gr RL22. Now it will consistently shoot MOA. It is very light and you need a good trigger pull. But ugly? There had never been anything posted on this forum that is any further from the truth. ____________________________________ There are those who would misteach us that to stick in a rut is consistency - and a virtue, and that to climb out of the rut is inconsistency - and a vice. - Mark Twain | Chinese Proverb: When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to share it with others. ___________________________________ | |||
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Oops.  | |||
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Another vote for the Kimber 8400. I am about to replace a Sako 75/mcmillan '06 that was stolen with the Kimber. I have handled, and shot, five different Kimbers. All were MOA or less, with perfect balance and very smooth actions. If your friend wants ultra light, the 84m is the ticket. 30-06 or 7mm RM? 8400 LA. IMHO the Sako and Kimber are the finest production rifles offered today. I am going with the Kimber this time around because it is lighter and better balanced than the Sako was. Caliber? Why, 30-06 of course. How could I buy anything else on the ol man's birhtday?  | |||
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I would go with a - KIMBER 84M SUPER AMERICAN. He will never have to wonder if he has something special to remember his friend or relative with. Chambered to either .308 or 7mm08 and he can hunt anything, anywhere in the lower 48 and way way beyond. He will spend a good share of his time just looking at the fine walnut stock and great blueing. Everyone at the range will want to look at it, hold it, shoot it. BT53 Elk, it's what's for dinner..  | |||
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