Folks,

I am finishing up a long overseas tour and thinking about getting a couple of new rifles when I get back - I figure I can do one expensive one and one medium-priced one...

I don't have a specific need, I have lots of overlap in calibers and configurations already. The only absolute is that I want a falling block single-shot (which I don't currently have) among the two.

Here are the options:

1A. Dakota 10 in .257 Roberts, 6.5x55 or 7x57
1B. Remington 700 CDL in .264 WM

2A. Ruger #1A or RSI in .243 or 7x57
2B. NULA Model 20 or 24 in .284, .280 or .270 WSM

3A. Ruger #1A or RSI in .243 or 7x57
3B. Biesen Custom in .35 Whelen (on their website)

Thoughts on those or a different choice?

Thanks

1A 7X57; 3B 35 Whelen; These two cover everything.

I would also go with the 7x57 and the .35 Whelen.
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only because there is not a .303 Brit and 9,3x74 option.

I would go with the 7 Rem Mag, and the 300 Ultra
Mag.

Just be sure to include the 7x57 regardless of your choice in rifles.

Unless you're headed to Alaska when you return, or feel you have a real need otherwise, I see no need for any magnum.
If we are indeed speaking of "a pair of rifles" the other rifle would be the 35 Whelen loaded with the heaviest bullet available. (in my case it's a Lyman cast 358009 at 288gr in front of 46.5gr of RL 15.)
Either way, it seems you made a fine selection of platforms to choose your round from.

Russ...

Yup, 1A and 3B. 6.5x55 and 35 Whelen.

I like the 7x57 and the 35 Whelen.Good Luck

quote:

Originally posted by Romag:
Folks,

I am --- thinking about getting a couple of new rifles when I get back - I figure I can do one expensive one and one medium-priced one...

I don't have a specific need, I have lots of overlap in calibers and configurations already. The only absolute is that I want a falling block single-shot (which I don't currently have) among the two.

Thoughts on those or a different choice?

Thanks

The Dakotas are nice, but---

Why not a Hagn falling block custom takedown with 2 barrels instead of two rifles.

http://www.martiniandhagngunma...tomguns_takedown.jpg

I'd prefer rimmed, say .405 Win and .25 Ackley Krag, or metric 7x65R etc

If you preferred rimless 25-06 and .400 Whelen or.411 Hawk

Just my $0.02 cents worth, but a Ruger #1 in 7X57 is just a start to a good hunting dream!

1. Ruger No. 1-S chambered 9.3x74.
2. Remington M700 Sendero SF II chambered .264 Winchester Magnum.

Wow, what a combination

Two rifles...

For North America;
A 308, easy to shoot, accurate, enough gun for almost all game, will do for all game in a pinch.
A 338 Win Mag. Takes up where the 308 leaves off. Perfect for the BIG big game, can be used on the small stuff if necessary.

Throw Africa in to the mix, and the second rifle would be a 375 H&H.

The 375 would be a good choice for North America as well.

For ME both of the rifles would be Blaser
R 93's.

In fact for bolt guns that is what I use, 308 and 375 H&H.

I also have the 300 Win Mag for bigger stuff at long range.

a 7x57 and a 8x68s or a 375& 416 is a good combo also

Von Gruff

Ruger#1 in 7x57 & 9,3x74R.
if u were considering an trio option, .257R/7x57,300H&H,404.

i'd say a pair of #1's.
.257 roberts and 7x57.
couldn't cover north american game in a more classic style than that!
jeeze, imagine being able to pick up a pair of #1's in those chamberings...... i'm jealous as i post this!!

1A 6.5x55
3B 35 Whelen

I do not own a No1 but likely will some day. I do own a M77 RSI in .308. I challenge you to carry one around for a day in the field and then tell yourself you could live without it!

By the way, I just got some low rings to mount a small scope on the RSI. To date I've used the NECG peep sight. Very handy rifle/sight combo!

Thanks for all the replies...Everybody seems to favor the #1 over the Dakota and the classic bolt gun with it...

Citori - I like the 77RSI too - but I alreadt have the ultimate full-stocked bolt action...an M-S 1903 in 6.5x54.

Another #1 that tempts me is the Boddington .300 H&H.

It is a fun exercise...looking forward to some new ones.

quote:

Originally posted by Romag:
Thanks for all the replies...Everybody seems to favor the #1 over the Dakota

Hold on thar! Seems to me the Ruger No.1 is for them as can't afford or who have never handled a Dakota Model 10. Since you have some performance overlap in your gun vault I recommend you make your second rifle a premium 22 rimfire, unless you already own an Anchutz, Kimber, or Cooper.

A 270 and a 9.3x62. Works for me. Rifles? Well, nice as you can afford I suppose. Just a thought, I shoot a couple of Ruger tang safeties I had for years, just gunsmith tuned up, bedding etc, good scopes. These weapons have never failed me in the field and have accounted for hundreds of head of big game. I have a friend that has spent $$$$ on each of his weapons and has yet to go to Africa, I've been twice. Know what you want.

Nordrsera - OK, the dakota gets on the scoreboard. Frankly, that is the direction I am leaning, despite the comments from the forum.

I don't have any real holes in my lineup (at least through .375) so all the new ones will just be gravy...Your rimfire comment is well-taken, but I do indeed have a Kimber of Oregon .22 bolt gun.

HunterMT - I have been fortunate to enjoy some fine guns and three (so far) safaris. But your point is well-taken too...have to strike that balance. I really consider myself a rifle fan (nut?)first and a hunter second, but I agree with you about the memories.

quote:

Originally posted by Romag:
Nordrsera - OK, the Dakota gets on the scoreboard. Frankly, that is the direction I am leaning, despite the comments from the forum.

quote:

Another #1 that tempts me is the Boddington .300 H&H.

There you go, a Dakota Model 10 in 300 H&H with at least a 26 inch barrel topped with a Leupold VX-3 6x42mm and you'll be all set. I do so love spending other fellas' money!

I'm a 7x57 and a 257 Roberts loony.
I think you can get by with just one VERY good rifle, as long as it's a 7x57..
Unless you're like everone else here and need more rifles, not less rifles..

My friend has an absolutely gorgeous, matched set of Savage Safari Grade rifles in stock that could be had for a very reasonable price. One is a 300 Win Mag and one is a 458 Win Mag.

They both have gorgeous, figured walnut, with ebony grip & forend cap, blind magazines; all stainless steel barreled actions, barrel band swivels, express sights, and muzzle brakes.

These are unfired consignment guns with no reserve to speak of, just John's good judgement. They are something to think about for you and anyone really. John is hunting in Canada this week but should be in by Sat 23d. John's Gun Shop (814) 435-3544 johnmzeigler@verizon.net

quote:

Originally posted by nordrseta:
Hold on thar! Seems to me the Ruger No.1 is for them as can't afford or who have never handled a Dakota Model 10. ....

No, not exactly true, ....I like the #1 as a slapstick rig,..If going to spend anymore Ill sidestep Dak10 for Hagn..
its superior in design & manufacture to the dak10...and one gets choice of three action sizes...IMO,money spent trying to improve a dak10 is much better spent straight up on an Hagn.
Lets just say the ruger#1 is a 68'mustang, Dak10 a GT40 and the Hagn an MclarenF1...

Will you be hand loading for these rifles, or depending on factory loads?

If hand loading, then the 7x57 and 35 Whelen would good choices.

If you will be going with factory loads, than a better choice might be something in 7mm-08 and 300 Weatherby Mag..

This seems more like the Rooger forum than medium bore.

I'm curious. Why have you dismissed the Browning 1885 single shot?

9,3x62 for anything on the planet; and a 280 Remington for the rest.

Rich
Buff Killer

since these are fill in rifles i would consider [if you reload]
something in the 7x57 ackley and the 280 ackley region or a 300 h&h for the larger end.

Don't get two. Just get a real special 35 Whelen. Works for anything other than DG. This way you could save your money for when you realize you need 10 rifles, not two.

Guys -

For the 1885 vs. Ruger #1, chalk it up to "no accounting for taste". I just prefer the lines of the Ruger.

I will be handloading for these rifles...

Again, I don't NEED these...they would be extras (or what my Dad calls "toys"). My "go to" rifles are a Dakota 76 in .30-06, a Dakota 97 in .375 H&H and a Cooper Varminter in .223.

Maybe I should rephrase the question -

If you had $6-8K to buy a couple of guns purely for enjoyment/pride of ownership, and one of them had to be a falling block single shot, what would you get?

Not sure which single shot action I'd go with, but I'd sure be looking at that the Martini-Hagn, an 1885, and a newly made Ballard. I could do back flips over a Ballard Number 3. I LOVE those things. No flies on a Browning 78 either.

Don

1A and 3B, to be perfectly honest! 7x57mm and .35 Whelen are both great rounds.

quote:

Originally posted by Romag:
Maybe I should rephrase the question -

If you had $6-8K to buy a couple of guns purely for enjoyment/pride of ownership, and one of them had to be a falling block single shot, what would you get?

Both can be falling block single-shots...

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/...=273&partNum=AAG-717

and a Dakota Model 10 in 257 Roberts with a 1:10 twist.