I was talking to a buddy of mine the other day about the upcoming fall and what hunts we were planning, and decided I spend way more on guns and stuff than i do on hunting. It's not just the guns. Sure you pay for the gun but then you have to buy different kinds of factory ammo to try out some reloading die, components, then you swap out the stock, or bed it, and fix the trigger swap scopes a couple times and on and on so by the time you go thru a dozen guns a year that can add up pretty quick. So I have decided to simplify. Now there is no way i am going to actually stick to just one rifle for all my North American hunting but I figure I'll thin things down a ways. So anyway i figure I NEED an ultralight/backpacking gun, A long range rig, and a general purpose gun. I have the lightweight gun, and the long range gun, but need the all purpose gun. I am thinking probably something in a 300 winchester. I already have a remington custom shop in 300 win, but their is just something about remingtons that just dosen't do it for me. I was thinking something more like a pre 64 model 70 action, or a berreta action, then had a wild hair that I've always wanted to try a colt light rifle. So I thru that into the mix. Of course there are also the nesika/borden type actions. I'm guessing the pre 64 would be a very popular choice here and would be the easiest to get a stock for but the other two should be lighter. What would you go with? Why?
I'd find a new Model 70 Classic action, preferably manufactured before the move to the Carolinas, they are easily identified by the firing pin stop screw, and go from there. jorge
USN (ret) DRSS Verney-Carron 450NE Cogswell & Harrison 375 Fl NE Sabatti Big Five 375 FL Magnum NE DSC Life Member NRA Life Member
Posts: 7149 | Location: Orange Park, Florida. USA | Registered: 22 March 2001
I looked at the new Kimber long action rifles at the SHOT Show last month, and think that would be another good choice. They are about as light as I would want to go without being too light. They should have them available in .300 and .338 Win. in a few months. They are already available in .270, .280, and .30-06. Cost should be about $1,000 with a walnut stock and about $1,100 for the synthetic stock. One of the .270s may be my next rifle.
I would go with a Sako action and a custom S/S barrel from shilen,lilja,or hart a McMillen stock and rework or replace the trigger.Would be a nice rifle. Just me thought on it.
The .300 Winchester, although it was designed to be able to work in a "standard length" action (3.35" magazine) does best when you can seat the bullets out a bit further. My favorite would be an L61R Sako, which has a 3.6" magazine, is relatively light, holds four belted cases in the magazine (4 + 1), and has an excellent adjustable factory trigger.
Posts: 13261 | Location: Henly, TX, USA | Registered: 04 April 2001
Stonecreek, that is a good suggestion, I had an L61 Sako, and it was a great rifle, triggere really good, a good buddy borrowed it one year, killed a nice mulie with it.....never got it back---with my blessings.
Still look for one every time I go somewhere that sells used ones.
Posts: 3563 | Location: GA, USA | Registered: 02 August 2004
Dale the kimbers are nice (i havent seen the new long actions but I used a short action for my ultralight) But just dosen't seem to be quite what I Am wanting.
As for the sako I was actually looking at one the other day. However it had what looked like an aftermarket detachable magazine. Has anybody ever seen one of these? How hard would it be to convert back to regular floorplate?
Originally posted by pallladium2506: I was talking to a buddy of mine the other day about the upcoming fall and what hunts we were planning, and decided I spend way more on guns and stuff than i do on hunting. It's not just the guns. Sure you pay for the gun but then you have to buy different kinds of factory ammo to try out some reloading die, components, then you swap out the stock, or bed it, and fix the trigger swap scopes a couple times and on and on so by the time you go thru a dozen guns a year that can add up pretty quick. So I have decided to simplify. Now there is no way i am going to actually stick to just one rifle for all my North American hunting but I figure I'll thin things down a ways. So anyway i figure I NEED an ultralight/backpacking gun, A long range rig, and a general purpose gun. I have the lightweight gun, and the long range gun, but need the all purpose gun. I am thinking probably something in a 300 winchester. I already have a remington custom shop in 300 win, but their is just something about remingtons that just dosen't do it for me. I was thinking something more like a pre 64 model 70 action, or a berreta action, then had a wild hair that I've always wanted to try a colt light rifle. So I thru that into the mix. Of course there are also the nesika/borden type actions. I'm guessing the pre 64 would be a very popular choice here and would be the easiest to get a stock for but the other two should be lighter. What would you go with? Why?
How deep are your pockets? This action should please anyone looking for the perfect action!! www.SATTERLEEARMS.com
As for the sako I was actually looking at one the other day. However it had what looked like an aftermarket detachable magazine. Has anybody ever seen one of these? How hard would it be to convert back to regular floorplate?
Sounds like you found one of the current Model 75's, which come with either a fixed or detachable magazine. The 75's I've seen are nice guns, but I much prefer the classic L61R. If you're going full custom anyway, you can likely find a "beater" L61R to salvage the action from for around $400 if you'll cruise the pawn shops. Even a nicer L61R at $600 or $700 will bring you a couple of hundred back by reselling the stock and barrel, so you can still get into the action fairly reasonably.
Posts: 13261 | Location: Henly, TX, USA | Registered: 04 April 2001
I picked up a used M-70 classic magnum action CRF for $350 last week to build a .375 H&H...it needs work for the H&H but would be in line for the 300 magnum.
You won't usually find one at that price but even at another "C" note it's a fine foundation for a custom.
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Posts: 28849 | Location: western Nebraska | Registered: 27 May 2003
M70 Classic as personally I find it harder and harder to part out the wonderfull pre-64's to build into something else. The classic is a good action that a good maker can turn into money rifle. I like this rifle that dSmith.45 had Mark Penrod build for him on a classic action.
Conversely there are no flies on the original pre-64's in .300 H&H, .300 win., or even .338 win. Keep the original metal work, put it in a well made piece of walnut (or fiberglass if that's your inclination) and you'll be in business.
Posts: 1244 | Location: Golden, CO | Registered: 05 April 2001
