My Search for a Bolt Action - Steyr Pro Hunter mntn???

[Scout]

My Spec's  Any Suggestions out there

20" Barrel
Synthetic or Laminate or Wood Stock (Straight comb - not Monte Carlo)
Hammer forged barrel
.308 (short action)
At least 5 Rounds in the Mag
(Detacheable or internal box -not yet decided -see Det MAg post earlier)
Good adjustable trigger - or affordable drop in available

Here's the kicker - I aint spending nearly 1000 on this -  around $600 is OK

Steyr ProHunter MNTN is the only thing I found close to this - Just can't seem to find one to handle.. Gotta hold her before I'll buy her.

Anyone have one and wanna offer their opinions...

Not really that many handy little bolt actions worth a darn in the US - A lot in Europe though...

[Zachary]

Scout,

Are you settled on a 20" barrel?  If not, then I would suggest a Tikka Laminated Stainless.  I have one in .25-06, and I think that they make one in .308.  It has a SUPER trigger (which is adjustable like you want it).  It is simply the best factory trigger out there - in my opinion better than an Timney Trigger (which I also own on another rifle).  It also has a DM, which you also want.  Moreover, it has a cold forged match grade barrel similar to Sakos (Tikkas and Sakos use the same barrels).  The best part is that you can get one for about $600 and the quality is just great.

Now, the rifle feels a bit heavy, probably because of the laminated stock, which is almost always going to be heavier than synthetic stocks.  Additionally, Tikkas have bigger palm swells, which I really like, but, as you said, you may need to "hold her" before you buy her.

I really don't know anything about Steyrs, but I do know that no one has anything bad to say about Tikkas.  The only complaint that I have is that the trigger guard assembly is made out of plastic.  Other than that, the Tikkas are, in my opinion, arguably one of the best values out there, and their quality is far above most.

Hope this helps.

Zachary

[Zachary]

Scout,

BTW, why do you want a .308 with a DM with a capacity of "at least 5 rounds?"  If you are using this for hunting, which I assume you will, you seldom really need any more than 2 shots at game, and even that may be too much.  So why at least 5?

Zachary

[Zachary]

Guest,

I don't see where you misspelled my name?  But even if you did, don't worry about it.  As a lawyer, I've been called better, and I've been called worse. :wink:   Life is too short to worry about small things like this.

Remember, it's the substance of your comments that count, not your grammer. :grin:   I have noticed your posts and find them quite interesting.  To wit, I was not aware that magazines were limited to 5 shots.  I mentioned the 5 shot magazine issue because I really see no need to have anymore than one, maybe two, extra bullets in your gun for big game hunting.  Nonetheless, your comments are not only invited, but also appreciated.  Thanks for letting us know (at least me).  You always learn something new everyday.

Zachary

[jhm]

savage t at present does the winchester model 94 in 30-30 and the marlin 336 in 30-30 each hold more than 5 I dont own either but I thought they still did and doesnt the henry 22 come with a tube magazine?  JIM

[jhm]

sorry savage t I see you were talking about a 22 autoloader I stand corrected but part of that could be the cost factor also in the manufacturing process I believe the clip feed rifles are less expensive to manufacture.     JIM

[Mikey]

Hay Scout:  Please excuse me but I think your Steyr Pro Hunter is going to cost you a bundle more than a grand.  Is this the same rifle that Jeff Cooper designed and was made by Steyr - if so, it is way expensive.

And gee man, if you want that sort of a package why don't you just get yourself a nice mil-surp in either 8mm (like the Yugos or K98s) or a Moison in 7.62x54 and sporterize it.  You would then have something way better than the 308 at a much lower cost that you wouldn't be afraid of knocking around a bit.

Just my 2 cents worth.  Mikey.

[Scout]

I have been visiting this site regular like for a little while and really enjoy the "discussion" Almost as good as sittin round the gun shop with a cup of coffee.

On the 20" barrel - It is just the plain handiest things going --Not too short - not too long.  Last time I was in the mountains I swore I would not go back without getting a handy light rifle.  22" is alright - I almost bought a SIG SHR 970 in 22" barrel ( liked the break down feature too).

Someone mentioned the Steyr Scout rifle  - I like Cooper's concept - have been reading his material for years and agree with most.  I do not like the built in bipod - "too rinky dink" other than that and the $ - I like it.  Savage Scout needs an aftermarket trigger and is clunky besides - shoots great though.   By the time you add up what it takes to make the Savage or a military bolt action into what I want, you've spent enough to buy a Tikka or Steyr ProHunter.  

Tikka makes a Battue (shortened barrel) but it is not imported to the US.
Sako has almost exactly what I want - Don't like the bolt design or the price.  

Cooper IS most definitely right to say that Marketeers (and lawyers) control the gun industry - not shooters..

Maybe I'll just go to gunsmithin school and build my own rifle..Anybody ever do that out of frustration?  

I am seriously thinking about picking up a Steyr PH Mntn and if I don't like it just turn it back onto the market.  Getting tired of looking for one in a shop.  

A friend of mine is pushing me on a CZ-- He wants one too.  I hear they are pretty nice shooters.  No 20" barrels though !! Not in the US again anyway.

God Bless Yall - And I am not south of Georgia but not North of the Mason Dixon line either!

Scout