Ok, it's time to buy a new rifle. What would you pick?
Only Rule: Has to be available left-handed (leaves out most short actions - only available in right handed) - no shotguns - that's a whole different question
Current rifles: (strickly theoretical of course - don't want them stolen) .22 Ruger 10/22 .22 Winchester Model 63 Pump 223 Sako Varmint (2) M-70 .270 Win M-70 .30-06 ULA 300WSM M-70 .375 H&H Marlin Guide Gun .45-70
Now if these guns were not theoretical, I could have one of the .270's rebarrelled or could get a new gun. Your choice to fill in? Jeff
Posts: 1002 | Location: Dixieland | Registered: 01 April 2002
If you don't have a 375 H&H you ought to get the M-70 so chambered. Have you got at least one pair of black shoes? This is the "Big Bores" forum, defined here as .375 caliber minimum.
I have 8 of the M-70's, 2 Pre-64 and 6 Classics. Three are rebarreled and 5 are straight factory guns. I have never had any problems with any of them that a beding job wouldn't take care of. That hot glue factory bedding is the pits but may do for a while, until it peels out of the stock. I pity the blokes that have gotten the lemons, but I have been very lucky with the M-70 Winchester from New Haven, Connecticut.
Harry Manners chose the old Pre-64 M-70 in 375 H&H as his primary elephant gun and did quite well with it when those old boys were taking elephant bags over a thousand, in the good old days.
------------------ RAB
Posts: 28032 | Location: KY | Registered: 09 December 2001
I like the Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70 and stainless. Get the newer one with no muzzle porting (save your ears and friendships) and stay away from the 450 Marlin, because you can handload the 45-70 and get better ammo than the factory 450 Marlin, and the rimmed 45-70 is just a better cartridge for a lever action or double. But you knew all that already, eh? I still have my old Marlin 45-70. It is like a pair of sneakers. Everybody ought to have a 45-70 Marlin for kicks.
------------------ RAB
[This message has been edited by DaggaRon (edited 05-04-2002).]
Posts: 28032 | Location: KY | Registered: 09 December 2001
The next rifle depends where you want the hobby to go. If you are interested in a blackpowder season or African hunting or perhaps a specific target shooting then pick one of those. You have a good battery of hunting rifles now.
If you have the budget for one my most prized hunting gun is my drilling.
HunterJim is right. You "need" a real stopping rifle like the 458 Lott. After that you will "need" a double rifle of equal or greater bore size. After that you will "need" ...
------------------ RAB
Posts: 28032 | Location: KY | Registered: 09 December 2001
You need a another 45/70. No other cartridge has as much history tradition and untapped potential. Get rid of the Marlin and go find yourself a new production 86 Winchester Extra lite. It is twice the rifle and well worth the premium you pay for a Winchester.
------------------ The true measure of a hunters skill is not the size of the trophy but rather the length of the shot with the greater measure of skill being the shorter shot...and the greatest measure of skill being the shorter hike back to camp---Jeff Cooper
[This message has been edited by jnc91 (edited 05-05-2002).]
Posts: 399 | Location: Cass County, Texas | Registered: 25 January 2002
quote:Originally posted by muleshoe: Well your Winchester Model 63 "pump" would be a rare one indeed. All the 63s I've ever seen or owned have been semi-autos.
Duh! Actually it's a Model 61 pump. 341XXX. I can't type. Used to be my grandfathers. It has a Browning 4X scope on it. I guess it's a rimfire scope, it's very small, looks like the tube might be 5/8 or 3/4" in diameter. Shoots pretty good too. I've shot a lot of squirrels with it. ~Jeff
Posts: 1002 | Location: Dixieland | Registered: 01 April 2002
Here are a few suggestions: A rifle of your choice int the following classes .17 .22 mag .243 .257 .284 or 7mm .338 one of the .416s or a 404 Jeffrey .458 (Lott, Dakota, etc.)
The best part about this is there is always something you don't have.
Steve
------------------ Every man dies, but not every man really lives!!
Posts: 439 | Location: Kansas by way of Colorado and Montana | Registered: 04 April 2001
Just get yourself a side by side double rifle in any chambering as long as it is a flanged cartridge, and start all over again in learning about rifles, and loading for them. The figureing out how to reload for a double rifle will keep you busy for years!
------------------ ..Mac >>>===(x)===> also DUGABOY1 DUGABOY DESIGNS Collector/trader of fine double rifles, and African wildlife art
Posts: 14634 | Location: TEXAS | Registered: 08 June 2000
I would buy less guns and hunt more but if you have the urge for a new one and dangerous game is on your list buy a double. They are great fun and I think Searcy makes them left handed.
Heck, I would trade in one of the 270's on a Win mod. 70 in 416 Remington. Very versatile caliber in a great rifle. Seems to be the next logical step up for not alot of money.
quote:Originally posted by Terry P: Heck, I would trade in one of the 270's on a Win mod. 70 in 416 Remington. Very versatile caliber in a great rifle. Seems to be the next logical step up for not alot of money.
Nobody makes a 416 Remington in left-handed (except custom shop rifles).
Posts: 1002 | Location: Dixieland | Registered: 01 April 2002
The natural next step would be a model 70 in a stopping caliber, such as 458 lott or 470 capstick. If you really want to go for the gold, you can get a model 70 built in 500 jeffery, or in 585 nyati like I did.
I would also consider getting an AR-15 or M1A. The High Power (National Match style) shooting competitions at 200, 300 and 500 yards with peep sights are quite fun and help build marksmanship skills.
Posts: 18352 | Location: Salt Lake City, Utah USA | Registered: 20 April 2002
Hmmm..no 416's M70's in left handed versions? OK.. buy a M70 in 375HH and rebarrel to the 404J. A fine classic cartridge that will rival the 416. Maybe a set of iron sights from NECG later, then later on, new bottom metal, and then a new stock. Just build a custom rifle a little at a time. Dang..I'm getting the itch for a new rifle too! D)
Posts: 8351 | Location: Jennings Louisiana, Arkansas by way of Alabama by way of South Carloina by way of County Antrim Irland by way of Lanarkshire Scotland. | Registered: 02 November 2001
