I didn't want to hijack the "beater" rifle thread so I started a new one. I have recently decided to switch over to mainly hunting with muzzleloaders but still would like to have a centerfire hunting rifle in the battery, just in case. I don't see myself hunting outside the lower 48 in the next 5-10 years. Right now the only pure hunting rifle I have left is a stock .375 CZ 550 (well, it has a slightly extended floor plate) and I think I'd end up spending $600 to $1000 on a new stock, sights, bolt handle, etc to get it where I want it. So I am thinking of selling it and getting something more sensible for hunting in the U.S.
What I am thinking:
.30-06 (easy to find ammo, plenty for deer/hogs)
23" barrel
synthetic or laminate stock
military mauser action (I have access to one)
banded NECG front sight
cocking piece rear peep
2-7X scope in QD mounts
flush QD sling swivels

I do have a buddy that will help me put it all together so we are just looking at the cost of parts. What do you think?

Option #2 .308 AR (I wouldn't be able to use it to hunt in PA but it has other advantages)
Option #3 just buy a Savage, Remington 798, Tikka T3 or other basic .30-06 (new or used) and put the 2-7X scope on it and call it good.
Option #4 ???

I will be financing this will the selling of the .375 and / or my tax rebate but there are other things I can use that money for so keeping the cost down would be nice. I know some of the parts in option #1 are expensive but if I am building it I would want it customized as it would be passed on to my son at some point)

Thanks in advance, I have thick skin so fire away!

Editted to add the Tikka to the factory options

Savage

I'd recommend a 30-06 or 308 bolt gun. Both will kill anything from a mongoose to a moose. Surplus military ammo is readily available to practice with. If you decide to reload, brass is plentiful and often free. Selling your 375 CZ should be very easy in the AR classified section.

Like most, I started with a 30-06 over 50 years ago and it's a favorite.

Geoff

The simple thing to do is buy a Tikka. I have a T-3 lite in 7-08 and love it. If you don't like the detachable magazine you could go with Savage in whatever price range you want.

With Savage, I started at the bottom with a 22/250 Stevens 200 and I love it too. Both rifles very accurate out of the box with my handloads.

I did lighten the triggers a bit on each one but they are totally untinkered with otherwise. I shoot around .5 - .75 moa all day long and I am legally blind. I have to tilt my head sideways to see through a scope.

I like my Rugers too but they took a bunch of tinkering to shoot and are not even close to the Tikka or Stevens. Merg

I think you are right on with the 30-06. Far more versatile than the 308 IMO, since it performs much better with heavy bullets if needed.

I plan to build something similar some day, but the rear sight will either be a removeable peep or barrel mounted.

Cheers,

Dan

30-06 Rem 700. Good to go!

Option 4, buy a real nice used gun that has been out of production for a while.

Late last year I picked up a sweet FN Mauser in .270 with scope for about the cost of a new Stevens 200. I also picked up one in .30-06 for $200 but it needed a new stock. Last week I picked up a darn near new FN is 7mm rem Mag for less than a Savage.

Interarms Mk X's abound. I have some in .308 and .30-06.

As for caliber, I'd lean toward anything from .270, to .308, to .30-06. And a few other less common cartridges if the price is right.

Occassionally you can pick up a decent deal on a Winchester Model 70 CRF.

Thanks for the replys so far.

Dan H, I have thought about the removable peep like NECG sells as well. The question is where to put it when it is off the rifle, the obvious answer is a "patch box" but that may not look right on a modern rifle!

I agree a basic store bought rifle (probably a used one) is all I need. The ability to build a hunting rifle is appealing though. Other then maybe changing out the cocking piece peep are there any other changes folks would make to a basic Mauser build in .30-06?

quote:

Originally posted by sharps54:
Thanks for the replys so far.

Dan H, I have thought about the removable peep like NECG sells as well. The question is where to put it when it is off the rifle, the obvious answer is a "patch box" but that may not look right on a modern rifle!

That's why you have the trap door buttplate, perfect for things like your peep sight.

z1r, Good point!

Stevens 200, or the brand new budget Marlin.

I thought I'd do the same thing and bought a Savage ... new in .308 Win. Turned out the stock was too flexible and the barrel had been pre-rusted at the factory. After a new stock and a Douglas barrel it shoots. But the journey was not fun. I do not recommend it.

Is much more fun and rewarding to do FN or Mark X Mausers.

I would build the great 30-06 on the Mauser action.

My Stevens 200 in .223 is more than adeguate for prarie dogs out to 250 yds. But, pretty it ain't. I like the action and have found them to be remarkably true. However, the secondary market has some real bargains for those that are patient and know what to look for and they are for the most part plug & play.

A Ruger M77 stainless and plastic, put a secondhand Leupold 2-7 on it and go have fun.
JMHO.

quote:

Originally posted by Sambar 9.3:
A Ruger M77 stainless and plastic, put a secondhand Leupold 2-7 on it and go have fun.
JMHO.

Yep, I think I might keep my .375 (the $1000 it is going to take to get it up to snuff is discouraging though) and watch for a used Ruger .30-06 with factory iron sights.

quote:

Originally posted
That's why you have the trap door buttplate, perfect for things like your peep sight.

Or perhaps even better, inside the pistol grip under a hinged grip cap. That's where my Rigby's each had the spare sights they came with.

Then if you have a hinged butt plate too, you can keep a cleaning rod in the butt for emergencies, together with a couple of cartridges, and little tubes of oil and grease, in there. (Most of the trap buttplate rifless I have, have 3 holes drilled into the stock under the hinged trap...one for the cleaning rod (multi-section); one for two cartridges, base-to-base; and one for two little G.I. tubes of grease (1) and cleaning oil (the other one).

I know guys, I wouldn't volutarily use a jointed cleaning rod in my rifles either, given the choice, but it's sure nice to have in case you take a fall and plug the muzzle with mud or snow, or have a cartridge case stuck in the chamber, when you're a long ways from camp or the truck.

quote:

Originally posted by Rex Rat:
30-06 Rem 700. Good to go!

+1

If I hadn't bought more commercial Mausers than my wife should have to stand over the last year ... I'd look REALLY hard at nugman's listing!

A "basic" Fajen's synthetic stock is available from Midway for abt $50.

The M50 Higgins is a lovely commercial Mauser. I have one built in .338-06 and one in .416 Aagaard and wish I had more!

A 30-06 may be quite possibly the best rifle for a guy used to shooting a 375H&H. Reason: the trajectory of a 375H&H w/270 grainers is identical to a 30-06 with 180s. If you were intimately familiar with your 375, then the 06 will be a natural for you.

quote:

Originally posted by drewhenrytnt:
A 30-06 may be quite possibly the best rifle for a guy used to shooting a 375H&H. Reason: the trajectory of a 375H&H w/270 grainers is identical to a 30-06 with 180s. If you were intimately familiar with your 375, then the 06 will be a natural for you.

This is true, unfortunately I have not had the chance to get that familiar with my .375. That much more reason to keep it! I think I am going to keep my eyes peeled for a nice used '06. I'll use my tax rebate to send my .375 to AHR for their #1 package and then restock it and replace the sights at some point down the road.

Thanks everyone for the replys, I guess trying to cut down to one hunting rifle isn't that good of an idea after all.

The JC Higgins old Model 50 is the best rifle for the money that's available. These were built on the great FN Mauser action, are accurate, & can be had for well less than $500. (one's already been offered to you for the mid $300's). These are world-class actions for VERY little money - actually a steal !!!

quote:

Originally posted by LE270:

quote:

Originally posted by Rex Rat:
30-06 Rem 700. Good to go!

+1

+1 again on the Remmy

If you're going to get something other than the .375, the .30-06 would be an excellent choice. But why not keep the .375? It's actually more versatile and arguably a better choice for larger animals like moose or elk and you're good to go should you opt to hunt bears.

A good gunsmith should be able to take the rough edges off it for not too much $$$. Only downside is it's a bit on the heavy side---which might be why you are mentioning a new stock.

Plus, if you won't be hunting with it very often given your switch to muzzleloaders don't get in a rush. For a one rifle battery not used very often, the .375 isn't a bad choice at all.

LWD

Ton of great advice posted so far.

Don't sell the 375!!
Find a rifle you really like. Be it a Sears FN, Rem 700, Win 70 classic, Kimber etc. Heck if you like your CZ, I would seriously consider that route to keep both guns the same. Every CZ I have owned has been a SHOOTER!

But most importantly, find a rifle you like, that handles well, points good, and naturally comes up. This is the part where you go with gut instinct to decide what you like.

Then pick a caliber, the list is long that would compliment your 375. I would start at 270 Win, 280, 30-06 , or 300 WM.

If your rifle choice is a standard short action, my list would start and end with a 7mm-08.

If it's a WSM rifle that suits your fancy, then a 270 or 300 WSM.

With the 375 and your new choice, you will be set for anything.

If your truly want only one gun, then you need to lean towards a 30-06 or 300 WM, or 30 caliber something.

But make sure it is a rifle that you like, and fits you well.

quote:

Originally posted by merganser1:
The simple thing to do is buy a Tikka. I have a T-3 lite in 7-08 and love it. If you don't like the detachable magazine you could go with Savage in whatever price range you want. Merg

Savage.

If I was going to go out and buy a "basic" new hunting rifle, it would be a Savage.

This one would be my first choice if I wanted a wood stock:

Savage 114

The only thing I don't like about this rifle is the detachable magazine.


Here is a thumbhole model:

Savage 111BTH

First choice for composite stock:

Savage 116FSS

I don't personally like a detchable magazine on a hunting rifle. Too much chance of losing it at the absolute wrong time.

I agree 100% that 30-'06 is the perfect cartridge for 98% of North American game, big and small.

quote:

Why don't you buy my JC Higgins model 50 (commercial FN M-98 action, 270 win)?

darn good advice here! this is an absolute buy for your money on a quality rifle that will please you for yrs to come. The .270 is one fine cartridge.

I'm sure that JC Higgins will make someone a great rifle but it's not what I am looking for right now. In fact I just bought a 1863 .54 Shiloh Sharps so the wallet is a bit light at the moment! I have contacted AHR and am waiting for a price quote on the work I want done to my .375 CZ.

quote:

Originally posted by wymple:
Stevens 200, or the brand new budget Marlin.

Sheesh Wymply...

We get off the political forum and we think alike....

Stevens 200 + 1

Take a Ruger 77 in .30-06 and you could go hunt everything which is not the big 5...

quote:

Originally posted by scubapro:
Take a Ruger 77 in .30-06 and you could go hunt everything which is not the big 5...

+1 Ive got two stainless in 30-06 and 300mag.

+4 on the 700.

Just buy a CDL in 30-06, mount that scope, buy a few boxes of ammo, zero, and you'll be set from now on. That'll give you a descent looking and very dependable rig that will take anything in NA.


If you don't like wood, go with the XCR.

Good Luck

Reloader

I'm with ya on the 30-06. I don't think you could have made a better choice, 2x7 etc. included. The cheapest way would be to purchase a used Rem, Ruger, Sav.,......If you want to build a Mauser (that would be my choice cuz I like them better than the others) I would encourage you to take a look at Lothar Walther pre-threaded and chambered barrels. I just put a 458 Win barrel on an FN Mauser and it shoots everything I've put through it from 300's to 550's at + or - 1 MOA. We put a bore scope in and slugged it before shooting and it looked great. Minimal tool marks, even diameter, well lapped...and it only cost $200. Terrific value.

TMc

TMc,
I hear you on the Mauser. I will probably still build a .30-06 on that action, my buddy said he might have an extra .30 barrel in the shop if so it may happen sooner rather than later.

Buy a secondhand BRNO ZKK 600 these are 30-06 or 270, 23.50" barrel, seasoned wood stock - so no warping, controlled feed mauser action, peep sight (on early models) on receiver and mid-sight (on all models) on barrel. Interchangeable front sight for elevation. Rear sight (mid) adjustable for windage, rear sight (peep) windage and elevation. It simply "pops" down when not being used or 'scope is fitted.

The rest you can add. I have one in 270 with peep sight, correct Zeiss 'scopes (one a 4x the other a 6x) and it is a dream! Genuine five + one capacity too. Plus it cost - with both 'scopes UKP 280 = US $500!

Find a used Ruger 77 with sights in .30-06 and install a Timney trigger. Then bed it and you're done. Another way to go is with a Ruger 77 International. It has sights and the new trigger.

you could get an encore 50x209 muzzleloader and get an extra 30-06 bbl for it then you have what you like to hunt with and an extraa bbl. choice of just about anything.

Dumb question.

Why is the 308 not allowed for hunting in PA?

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
Why is the 308 not allowed for hunting in PA

It's not because of Benjamin Franklin's descendants.

Autoloading rifles not legal for hunting n PA. 308 ok though