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I want to get a new rifle in 280AI.
So far the 2 gunsmiths shops that I'm considering are New Ultra Light Arms and RW Hart & Son.
I would really appreciate anyone's opinion on this or maybe another gunsmith that is really good.
I can't afford to make an expensive mistake.
Thanks,
Bob
 
Posts: 6 | Registered: 27 October 2013Reply With Quote
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Hill country rifles was my choice for an accurate gun.
 
Posts: 10425 | Location: Texas... time to secede!! | Registered: 12 February 2004Reply With Quote
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Picture of Safari James
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As DogCat said, "Hill country rifles was my choice for an accurate gun". I have a number of extremely accurate rifles… some expensive, some not. For the money, Hill Country Rifles are solid performers. My last purchase from HCR was a 6.5x284 shooting beautiful groups (.183 with 120gr and .425 with 140gr Berger VLD).


Safari James
USMC
DRSS
 
Posts: 369 | Location: Texas | Registered: 16 August 2011Reply With Quote
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Rifles, Inc. Lex builds a superlative lightweight hunting rifle. He is a true Rifleman. http://riflesinc.com
 
Posts: 240 | Location: Alabama  | Registered: 30 November 2009Reply With Quote
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Personally I'd rather have a straight, as spec, 280 Remington than any AI version of it. I don't see what the benefits of the AI are versus the trade off in possible feeding issues with that blunt shoulder.

I have a straight standard 280 Remington, here in Britain, and mine was built on an ex-Nazi Mauser 98K by a Belgian artisan gunsmith in the 1960s with a 24" barrel.

It does the job well enough. If I wanted more velocity than the 280 Remington in standard form supplies I'd go, reluctantly, for a 7mm Remington Magnum.
 
Posts: 6823 | Location: United Kingdom | Registered: 18 November 2007Reply With Quote
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How about a Cooper?
 
Posts: 3073 | Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Registered: 11 November 2004Reply With Quote
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having mulled the 280 over as my next rifles caliber of choice for quite some time.
I think I'd either re-bore a good 25-06 I have already shot, or just buy a ruger hawkeye.
sadly I have come to this conclusion even though I have already sent a barrel and such to a gunsmith to have it done.
 
Posts: 5002 | Location: soda springs,id | Registered: 02 April 2008Reply With Quote
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Picture of D Humbarger
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I built my first 280 AI back in 1970. too damn much trouble for too little gain. Went with the 284 Win & NEVER regretted it for one second.



Doug Humbarger
NRA Life member
Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club 72'73.
Yankee Station

Try to look unimportant. Your enemy might be low on ammo.
 
Posts: 8351 | Location: Jennings Louisiana, Arkansas by way of Alabama by way of South Carloina by way of County Antrim Irland by way of Lanarkshire Scotland. | Registered: 02 November 2001Reply With Quote
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Picture of Mike_Dettorre
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If you want a 280AI get one...they are a killing machine with 150s...

No experience with those smiths.


Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
 
Posts: 10162 | Location: Loving retirement in Boise, ID | Registered: 16 December 2003Reply With Quote
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Get a new .280AI with a Kimber 84L.

You will get faster delivery, lower price, factory guarantee, better resale and they are great rifles.

http://www.kimberamerica.com/rifles/model-84l $1,179.99



Get the 'power' or optic that your eye likes instead of what someone else says.

When we go to the doctor they ask us what lens we like!

Do that with your optics.
 
Posts: 980 | Registered: 16 July 2008Reply With Quote
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I have a 7-08 (had a 7-08AI), a 280, a 280AI and a 7mm Rem Mag...

I'd not bother with another 280AI myself.

If the std 280 doesn't do it for you go 7mm Rem Mag,...a highly under rated and misunderstood cartridge.
 
Posts: 588 | Location: Sherwood Park,Alberta,Canada | Registered: 28 February 2001Reply With Quote
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Picture of Labman
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All the prior recommendations are good and you have many choices. I've only had some minor gunsmithing done by Hart and I was very happy with their work. They do have an excellent reputation, so I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of their rifles or have them build one for me.


Tom Z

NRA Life Member
 
Posts: 2347 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: 07 January 2005Reply With Quote
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First Stop Guns just listed an HS Precision 280AI on Guns America. Used, like new.
 
Posts: 3073 | Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Registered: 11 November 2004Reply With Quote
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Picture of ted thorn
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quote:
Originally posted by Savage_99:
Get a new .280AI with a Kimber 84L.

You will get faster delivery, lower price, factory guarantee, better resale and they are great rifles.

http://www.kimberamerica.com/rifles/model-84l $1,179.99




Factory Guarantee?

I have 3 Kimbers.....since when do they offer a guarantee?


________________________________________________
Maker of The Frankenstud Sling Keeper
Proudly made in the USA
Acepting all forms of payment
 
Posts: 7361 | Location: South East Missouri | Registered: 23 November 2005Reply With Quote
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I went the standard 280. Can't see chasing a RCH.

 
Posts: 1580 | Location: Either far north Idaho or Hill Country Texas depending upon the weather | Registered: 26 March 2005Reply With Quote
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Picture of 505ED
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Nosler makes a good rifle in there 48. At one time you could find the 48s for right under 2k in a 280AI.

Ed


DRSS Member
 
Posts: 2289 | Location: Texas | Registered: 02 July 2005Reply With Quote
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Picture of Clem
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I have a Cooper Classic in 280AI I bought from a friend. Didn't really need it but couldn't pass up the deal. One of the most accurate rifles I've ever owned.
 
Posts: 1292 | Location: I'm right here! | Registered: 01 July 2004Reply With Quote
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Picture of Mike_Dettorre
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RCH's taste so good though


Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
 
Posts: 10162 | Location: Loving retirement in Boise, ID | Registered: 16 December 2003Reply With Quote
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Picture of R-WEST
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Hi Bob -
RW Hart is well-known for quality, especially in the benchrest arena. I have one of theirs, a 300 W'by "short throat" on a 700 Rem action. They delivered when they said, at the price quoted, and it works as advertised.

If you REALLY want an AI, more power to you; personally, I am not 100% certain they're worth that much over the standard version of each, aside from the "wildcat" mystique. I have, or have played with, a 250AI, 257AI, 7x57AI and 280AI, and sometimes wonder if the possibility of an extra 100 FPS or so is worth the aggravation in fireforming, keeping cases segregated, etc.. But, those sharp shoulders DO look sexy.. Big Grin


R-WEST

Load smart. Load safe. Triple check everything. Never use load data from the 'net without checking against known, pressure tested load data. Typo's happen!!

"the spotlight of truth will cause the cockroaches of deceit to run for cover every time" Rush Limbaugh

"just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't following you"

"never turn on a blow dryer while holding a cat"

"genius has limits, stupidity does not"
 
Posts: 1483 | Location: Windber, PA | Registered: 24 January 2001Reply With Quote
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Thank you all for your opinions.
 
Posts: 6 | Registered: 27 October 2013Reply With Quote
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Bob, I'd find the action you want and have a good smith put one together for you. I built mine on a pre 64 M70 , got a pac-nor fwt barrel and put it in a mcm edge. Get the rifle just how you want it.... I'm glad I went with the 280 AI, it's been a joy to load and hunt with.
 
Posts: 549 | Location: n.e.Mn | Registered: 14 October 2006Reply With Quote
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Bob,

Sorry I'm late but for what it's worth I am also having one made. I choose HS Precision in an SPL format. Good luck with your new baby!
 
Posts: 1989 | Registered: 16 January 2007Reply With Quote
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