I would love to have Win. M-70 CRF, it is my favorite and that is just about all I own with a few exceptions, but there are simply none out there without a hitch. I believe most are being held onto for their use in custom jobs. All I've seen are pre-64s for a premium price. The problem with the pre-64's if they are in original stocks, is the stock drops too much for scope usage. Remember they are just like the Rem.721s originally came, with open sights, you put a scope on, and your head is up in the air with just your chin on the stock instead of your cheek. Not a good scenario for accurate shooting. And I really do not like the idea of taking a collectors item on a fly in hunt. Of the very few of M-70s CRFs I've seen for sale all would need some sort of work. If I have to build a custom rifle for this hunt I may as well build one from sratch, and have it the way I want.
One thing I've noticed, quite of few of you guys like stainless rifles with synthetic stocks. I guess I'm a bit of a purest. I too have stainless tubes/actions but I prefer wood stocks, at least on my hunting rifles. You guys that have been on hunts in the far north (Alaska, Canada), would you really recommend a stainless/synthetic over blued/wood?

If you are hunting hard and I mean 12+ hours a day in challenging terrain and have to go back to camp and cook etc. You are beat at the end of the day. It is nice to just not have to address issues that you may be able to avoid. I like Blue and wood better than stainless as well but the amount of maintenance for a nice gun and the durability of a good FG stock if they fall may spell the continuation of your hunt. Again weight can be a big issue and a FG stock is typically lighter. IMHO

quote:

Originally posted by Rae59:
You guys that have been on hunts in the far north (Alaska, Canada), would you really recommend a stainless/synthetic over blued/wood?

Most certainly recommend stainless/synthetic. That's why I recommended the Ruger (CRF) stainless with a Hoague stock. Keep it simple, and relatively economical, and reliable, with minimal custom work.
KB

I have used blued/wood high quality crf rifles for months on end working alone in many of the most remote areas of BC and Alberta and NEVER had a problem. I had one P-64 Mod. 70-.375H&H that had to be re-blued twice and the last time I saw it, after ten years of ownership, it was doing just great for the new owner.

That said, I DO prefer the better synthetic stocks as they are LIGHTER and can be more stable, BUT, a properly sealed and bedded wood stock works just fine.

The WORST rust I have ever seen on a gun or knife was on a sts. one as it kinda sneaks up on you. So, very basic gun care which should be regularly done, anyway, will make your blue/wood rifle quite reliable.

I do now use sts. tubes on my Mauser, Brno, FN and P-64 actions when building a working rifle and think that this is a good plan, but, not neccessary. I worked with guys who started in the BC wilderness around WWI and used the SAME blue/wood rifle until the '70s and these old pieces STILL did the business and were objects of great affection and trust.

These guys, btw, would spend 6-7 months ALONE every winter for years in remote regions trapping, come out for a big drunk in the spring and then go on BCFS fire lookouts for months or go prospecting, again, alone with a blue/wood rifle.

Soooooo....., use what YOU shoot best and look after it.

Blaser R 93.

Gentlemen, I greatly appreciate your input.

How about this . . .

Hi Guys, I need to make some space in my gun cabinet, anybody give me an idea of value of my sqaure bridge Obendorf Mauser, made circa 1926 (as identified by Rigbys from the serial number, rang Mauser in Germany but apparently they are a little short of records due to some sort of factory fire around 1939-45 !) Originally made for the East African big game market in .404 Jeffrey, re-chambered in .338 Win Mag late 1970's with a Douglas Match Grade barrel, which is when I bought it, it has the 9 1/4" commercial big game action which was not made after 1936. Oiled Walnut stock, Jaeger trigger (still have original as well), had about 350 rnds through it. Any help would be appreciated.

Mike

Hope this work, here goes: Pic of action

Pic of Mauser on Red Deer Skin, my first Stag taken circa 1980, when I was still a wee laddie.


enjoy
Mike

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pics of mauser [/IMG]

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Another vote for Rugers I personally have shot 3 ruger 338wm two were very accurate of the box( under a inch) the 3rd one class bedded and the rt load found is now a 1.25 inch rifle was a 2 inch rifle to begain with. I would also go syt stainless.

I own many Ruger rifles over all I find them to be the best for the money. Lots of people might disagree but over the last 30 plus years of buying rugers I have had very good luck with them.