I'm gonna carry this gun quite a bit, and am looking for the go to gun for rain, snow, hacking around with, hauling on a 4 wheeler, or Ranger etc. Topped with a Leupold 3.5x10 Vari X III, or Zeis Conquest 3x9.

Question:
These are the options I'm choosing from.

What are your thoughts, and what makes your choice the best? (Pros & Cons etc.)

Choices:
Kimber Montana
Cooper Jackson Hunter, Synthetic/Stainless
Winchester Mod. 70 Extreme Weather
Sako 85 Finn Light

 

Voted Winchester, if they haven't killed the trigger to badly with the newest model should still be a reliable hard to kill firearm.
Cheers

I voted Montana....but re-paint the stock.

I have a 7-08 84M with a 3.5x10x40 VX III.

You will like the 7-08

If you are going to get a light rifle why are you putting a big scope on it? A Leupold compact 2-7 is all the magnification you need and is a lot lighter than the scopes you mentioned. Just my $.02, but a full size scope can ruin the feel of a light rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by Blacktailer:
If you are going to get a light rifle why are you putting a big scope on it? A Leupold compact 2-7 is all the magnification you need and is a lot lighter than the scopes you mentioned. Just my $.02, but a full size scope can ruin the feel of a light rifle.

Your absolutely right, and I will feel of it before a nail one down. I will also probably stick a Vari X III 2.5x8 on also. I have each of these, and will not be having to buy a new scope. I have a couple of rifles now that are what I consider over scoped as far as balance. Every time I think I want to pull one off, and go with something smaller, I look through them and decide I can wait a while longer.

The Kimber seems to me to float to the surface of that mix on overall quality and the performance of those I have encountered.

I wouldn't own a Cooper rifle under any circumstances.

quote:

Originally posted by Blacktailer:
... A Leupold compact 2-7 is all the magnification you need and is a lot lighter than the scopes you mentioned

Agreed- the 2-7 is an ideal choice for all the right reasons. I use one on a 7x57 for western hunting and couldn't be happier with it.

I couldn't vote you didn't list Ruger.

I have a Kimber 84M in 7-08 with a Leupold 2-7x33 and it is very light and shoots very well. You could almost call it the perfect combination.

Steve E..........

I would closely look at a Cooper mod 54. I have 2 mod 52s and man do they shoot. They are a great company to deal with if you have questions or problems. Since they are here in MT it is a no brainer, especially with their accuracy guarantee. I have little experience with Kimber, but have heard some bad reports on their accuracy and customer service. I see a lot of Kimbers for sale, but very few used Coopers. What does that tell you. Good luck, Daryl.

quote:

Originally posted by tin can:
The Kimber seems to me to float to the surface of that mix on overall quality and the performance of those I have encountered.

I wouldn't own a Cooper rifle under any circumstances.

quote:

Originally posted by Blacktailer:
A Leupold compact 2-7 is all the magnification you need and is a lot lighter than the scopes you mentioned

Agreed- the 2-7 is an ideal choice for all the right reasons. I use one on a 7x57 for western hunting and couldn't be happier with it.

Very curious as to why you wouldn't own a Cooper under any circumstances? I've got 3 of them, (.308, 6.5-284, and .280 AI) and all are very fine rifles.

Have you had problems with them, or does this have to do with the political views of the former owner?

I think I'd be tempted to find a Steyr Ultralight in 7 08. Never had a Steyr that didn't shoot well. You'll probably pick up an "as new in box" gun for $13-1500. Just an option....

no vote for the options - want a light gun? savage or model 7.

Do some homework on Kimber before you buy. Lots of folks, myself included, have not been impressed with them in terms of quality and performance.

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
no vote for the options - want a light gun? savage or model 7.

I've got two Savage Sierra carbines in 7mm-08. The first one came out with a blind magazine and my son kept borrowing it, and I got another one when they came out with the detachable magazine, which I like better anyway. Both are just a hair over six lbs. and wear Burris Timberline 2x7's. Light, operate in all kinds of crappy weather and conditions, bounce around in the truck and just plain get the job done. Never had any kind of a failure with either one of them. You can spend all the money you want on fancy or pretty rifles but none of them are going to beat the Savage, except maybe in the looks department. Durable, reliable and require a minimum of fuss to look after. They are a reliable tool, which despite what some people here might say, is what a rifle is, a tool, plain and simple.

quote:

Originally posted by Wayfaring Stranger:
Do some homework on Kimber before you buy. Lots of folks, myself included, have not been impressed with them in terms of quality and performance.

Actualy I even know a few people who have had serious issues with thier handguns as well, if you spend over $1300 on a firearm it should work without issues out of the box. With a Kimber I don't think you can say they do which is too bad, they're a good looking gun that seems to ballance well.
Cheers

Remington M700 with after market trigger

quote:

I'm gonna carry this gun quite a bit, and am looking for the go to gun for rain, snow, hacking around with, hauling on a 4 wheeler, or Ranger etc.

The Marlin XS7 in 7mm-08 will fit this bill nicely. Having owned quite a few quality firearms, I just like picking up my Marlin and shooting it even though it is probably one of the cheapest new guns on the market. Can't fault it.

Kimber is the only one here I would consider. I have 1 in 7-08 and another in .243. Both shoot under 1/2" with the right handloads.
I topped mine with a Leupold 1.5-5.
They can have a few bugs from the factory, but I can tell you how to solve them.
The Kimber .7-08 may be my all time favorite rifle.

Accuracy goes to the sako. I would buy a winchester.

I voted WInchester. Just thinking for ease of repair if it's ahunting gun. Maybe parts would be easier to get than the others?

I like the idea of the larger scope. A few ounces of weightwill be long forgotten when that big bell on the end of thescope sucks in all the light available.

I have a 7-08AI in an A-Bolt2. A 30mm tube 3x9 Leupold sits on it. My favorite rifle.

Go handle them all and pick the one that feels best to you.

Unless you are hung up on a certain feature that only one rifle has.

In all reality, any of the rifles listed will do just fine, so it all comes down to personal preference.

I've always favored and owned Winchester. My current favorite is my 6.5x55 S/S featherweight. BUT..I would cast my vote for the Sako 85.

Just picked up a Kimber 84 Classic in .243 (thread and results posted in the Small Caliber section titled "bullet recommendations") and it shoots fantastic! I'm aware of the issues but gambled anyway and won.

I have 3 Kimber pistols, all of which shoot and function flawlessly, and one other Kimber rifle, a Pro Varmint in .223, that also shoots very well.

I've not been bitten by the quality issues that I "hear" about....fortunately!!

Good luck!

Regards,
Scott

I have no experience with cooper rifles but have heard good things about them. Regarding the Kimber rifle in 7mm-08, I have a friend that has one and can't get less than 3" groups. There is a gunsmith company here in Texas that guarantees 1" or less accuracy with factory ammo but won't guarantee that accuracy with a Kimber 7mm-08. I have two sako rifles in 270 and 22-250 and they group at least 1". I have a blaser r8 in 308 and as soon as they chamber it in 7mm-08, I will buy the barrel.

I really appreciate all the comments, and opinions. I have a Montana in 300 WSM, a Mod 70 Ext. Weather in 308, and a Sako 85 in 300 WSM. I had a Sako 85 Finn light in 7-08, but someone lifted it from my house while out of town. I like them all, and have had good luck with all except for the Kimber when loaded with lighter loads. Does not like 150 gr. much at all. Loves the 165s and 180s though.

I have decided to go with the Winchester Mod 70 Ext. Weather. I am sending it to McMillian as soon as it comes in, and having it restocked in a Sako Hunter with the palm swells etc. Will adjust the trigger as light as possible which is only about 3.5 lbs I think, or will replace with Timney or something like it. Prefer 2.75 lbs.

Will post pics when I get it back,

Regards to all, and good luck!

I see I'm a little late to the party.......I use my 7-08AI for most everything up here. Even killed a couple grizzly bears with it. Joy to carry and top notch accuracy. It is an original Remingtion TI.

Don't have any experience with the Win 70 Extreme but can't imagine it a bad thing....especially sitting in that McMillan Sako hunter. Good luck.

I bought a Montana in 2007 and have had great results with it. But my vote was for a Winchester which was not available then.

My main complaint with the Kimber is that the sling swivel studs stripped their thread after a while - both times in the field! Luckily I did not drop or damage the rifle. It is now permanently epoxied into the stock. It is a joy to carry in really steep and thick bush country here in NZ. I have taken game out to a ranged 334 meter with it & the 2.5-8X VX3 Leupold B&C scope. Perfect combination IMO.

quote:

Originally posted by Finley:
I see I'm a little late to the party.......I use my 7-08AI for most everything up here. Even killed a couple grizzly bears with it. Joy to carry and top notch accuracy. It is an original Remingtion TI.

Don't have any experience with the Win 70 Extreme but can't imagine it a bad thing....especially sitting in that McMillan Sako hunter. Good luck.

I really like the TI's. One of my best friends shoots a Rem. TI in a .260, and loves it. It's kinda sneeked up on him as his go to gun I think.

I'm really looking forward to the finished product once mounted in the McMillan / Sako Hunter. Should feel really good.

Are you getting quite a bit of bang out of the AI in the 7-08? I'm a fan, and have a 338-06 AI and a .280 AI. Did you buy your gun new already improved, or did you have it bored?

Anxious to here your thoughts.

Regards

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
I bought a Montana in 2007 and have had great results with it. But my vote was for a Winchester which was not available then.

My main complaint with the Kimber is that the sling swivel studs stripped their thread after a while - both times in the field! Luckily I did not drop or damage the rifle. It is now permanently epoxied into the stock. It is a joy to carry in really steep and thick bush country here in NZ. I have taken game out to a ranged 334 meter with it & the 2.5-8X VX3 Leupold B&C scope. Perfect combination IMO.

Sounds like a great setup. I have a 2.5X8 VX3 B&C on my Mod. 70 Ext. Weather 308, and really like it, but may put a 3.5X10 VX3 B&C on it that I already have. Bought it a year ago, and haven't mounted it on anything yet.

I agree with you on the 2.5X8 also, great scope, and classy.

quote:

Originally posted by tc98:
Are you getting quite a bit of bang out of the AI in the 7-08? I'm a fan, and have a 338-06 AI and a .280 AI. Did you buy your gun new already improved, or did you have it bored?

I had the AI done. There has been no great improvement of speed.....approx. 100fps. I do like the extended brass life and the lack of trimming needed. I'm not of the mind that it makes any real world difference though...

Would I do it again? Yes.....if nothing else it is enjoyable to have something just a little different.

Ruger Ultralight in Target Gray w/leupold ultralight 3x9 scope for weight with a custom dial or reticle.

lone wolf Summit XL stock.

I like the new Winchesters.

quote:

Originally posted by Bernie P.:
I like the new Winchesters.

I do to, seem to be real quality, and no doubt they shoot great. Glad they went back to the pre 64 action specs etc.

Finley, I thought that may be the case. I've heard conflicting reports on several calibers, as far as performance. The 280 seems to be one of the better if not the best of the AI benefit.

The brass and case trimming does make a diff. if your shooting alot.

Hope you've had a good season!
Thanks

I had a Kimber 1911 that was finished nicely, but it wouldn't feed even ball ammo reliably. Two trips back to Kimber and it still wasn't resolved. Sold it at a significant loss. For a premium priced product, their quality control and their customer support are decidedly non-premium. I wouldn't buy another one with your money. Fool me once, as the saying goes.

I own two Sakos, and the fit and finish and function have been superb. Also a premium product, but their quality control seems to warrant it (I've had no need for customer service, as it should be, but I've read that Beretta customer service isn't that great).

I've seen and handled a few Coopers, and they certainly do look and feel nice and are reportedly accurate. I think some folks are still PO'd at Cooper because the old owner supported Obama. Near as I can tell, he's long gone from Cooper Arms, and the good folks in MT who build them are still there. They, IMO, shouldn't be held accountable. Given the motivation and the opportunity, I'd certainly buy one.

Never handled a newer Winchester, and have no comment.

-nosualc

my 7-08 shoots 150g bxts .45inches 5shots 100yrds yes it is an out of the box SAVAGE

I would go with a Tikka T3 lite stainless and NOT a 3x9 but a zeiss 4x14 conquest w/ rapid z

well on second thought make it a .260 same model

My first choice would be a model 7 or 700 rem with tri-nite coating. I voted for the montana.

I would have to vote for a Savage Weather Warrior for the application you mentioned.

I've an Ultra Light Arms 20 in 7-08 with a Pacnor match 25" barrel.

It is good for 1/2" groups with a 140 TTSX handload. The ULA magazine is long and allows the bullet to be seated so as not to take powder space.

http://www.newultralight.com/