What makes a beautiful Bolt action rifle?

[buckfever 1]

Wood stock, matte finish?  Composite stock and stainless barrel.  Brand and physical appearance?  How about truthful sub-moa performance irrelevant to appearance and Brand? 

For me a special piece of Walnut with a deep blued barrel that is a bonified sub-moa tack driver fits the bill.  I don't care as much about brands and calibers because a acceptable out to 300 yard gun comes in many calibers.  Finnally a balanced firearm 7 to 71/2 lbs. with scope.  It took me a few buy and sells to pin point my type of special rifles.

Nobody is wrong if they know what they really like.  What is your type of special firearm for your shooting interest?

[DC]

I just got my new Ruger in a trade on Friday.  When I opened the box, I found to my surprise that it is a Rocky Mountain Elk edition rifle.  The polish is that of the finest Wetherby, and the fit is superb. Even the trigger is  nice which is rare in a M77 MII.  It is sitting in a Houge overmoled stock with full length aluminum bedding with the barrel free floated.  The contrast of the bolt in stainless, the incredible polish against the soft black of the stock truley makes it a beautiful rifle. 
I more than anyone appreciate great wood and have paid a bundle for blanks which a custom maker did his magic with, but This new rifle is really an eye catcher, something I thought I could never say about a rifle with a synthetic stock.

[Brithunter]

Hmmmm that's actually a tough question  you see if I look and compare my rifles there are quite marked differences in those I have for quite light weight rifles to a Bespoke bench made rifle that weighs more thna one thinks it should. The well figured Walnut is dense and so very heavy. Recently I put it on the scles and was shocked to discover that it weighs 10lbs  never would have thought it when handling it.

I like smoothness in operation, faultless reliable feeding with a nice wood stock, no plastics nor synthetics for me thank you  , I also like good iron sights as a back up and if scoped I would like MOA accuaracy up to a point. By that I mean it is really needed in a 458 Winchester Magnum? when such a rifle in reality would not be likely used for shots of even 100 yards. Quick mounting flawless feeding and a reliable action are more important in such a rifle don't you think? Hmm this looks confusing so :-

1) Smoothness in operation

2) Faultless feeding

3) Excellent handling and quick mounting to the shoulder with a good wood stock

4) Excellent iron sights for back up

5) Accuracy that meets the needs of the rifle and shooter when using it.

6) Balance! the rifle must have correct balance

7) Style the rifle must look right even when reposing in the rack, case of even on the bench.

   I think that about covers it    Style to me is important for the overall joy of owning and using a rifle which is why some makes will never make it into my little collection  and this may surprise some but I am really not fond of the overall style of the Holland & Holland bolt action rifles. Lucky for me as I cannot afford one    Now I really like Rigby's style and the way they handle  but a lot of modern rifles are too clubby in feel with wrists that are too thick and fore-stocks that feel like a plank  .

The polish is that of the finest Wetherby

I must admit this made me smile  as Weatherby's have never impressed me and I wouldn't have one as  gift  those that I have seen and shot whilst all bright and shiney on closer inspection it was all surface and no substance. Both BSA and Parker-Hale managed better blacking on their production rifles and they almost look they are Black Chromed.

DC ....................... I am glad your happy with your new rifle and look forward to hearign how it performs. The only Ruger bolt I nearly made mine was a 416 Rigby Ruger express rifle but the price was more than I could afford but it was a very nice rifle indeed.

[Swampman]

A few fit the bill.  Remington Model 700 Classic & CDL, some Winchester Model 70s, A few European Mausers, The CZ550 & some Kimbers.  The stock must be American or Turkish walnut (I've seen some laminates I liked) and American classic in design.  I prefer polished blue metal but I've seen matte & stainless that were pretty.

For me it's the architecture....when it's right nothing else matters.  I don't like plastic stocks.

[SuperstitionCoues]

A low, cost-effective price will make an ugly gun look prettier, and a pretty gun look exquisite.

[Explorer1]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I have a piece of maple that is great, along with a great piece of walnut.  Both have personality.

Also have a couple synthetics that are beautiful as I know I can depend on them in ANY condition.  Sorry, can't say that 'bout ARs even if they are dependable.  One must appreciate the workmanship of the machine work in some of the add-ons though.

So, I have no uniform standard as to what catches my eye.  But it remains hard to beat traditions!

[jvs]

I think the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight fits the bill as one of the best looking rifles ever made, with just the right amount of Checkering and a Schnabel Front End.  After a few dollars of work from a good Gunsmith, it shoots just fine too.  It may have too thin of a barrel, but that's the way Featherweights are...  A Ruger #1-B is also a looker when set up properly and is the only Ruger I would buy.

I like Walnut vs Synthetic, Blue vs Stainless and Matte vs Gloss.  Some of the recent Matte Laminated editions really catch my eye.  However, I prefer plain Brown Laminated vs Black/Grey or Multi-Colored.

I also prefer Sights vs Bare Back. 

It all comes down to what YOU think is pleasing to the eye.  I like M-70 Featherweights, 1-B's,  Remingtons, Marlins, Blondes, Brunettes, Redheads (Wimmin), Chevy Trucks, Beer and 'Cookies-n-Cream' or 'Moose Tracks' Ice Cream.  Not necessarily in that order.

[corbanzo]

wimmin holdin ice cream in the seat of your chevy with a m-70 in the gun rack?  in that order?


I like minimalist styles, anything too big or clunky kind of turns me off on rifles, also the action is a big one.  Nothing sexier about a gun than sliding that bolt back and forth and feeling it smoothly lock into place. 

[Mike Britton]

A few fit the bill.  Remington Model 700 Classic & CDL, some Winchester Model 70s, A few European Mausers, The CZ550 & some Kimbers.  The stock must be American or Turkish walnut (I've seen some laminates I liked) and American classic in design.  I prefer polished blue metal but I've seen matte & stainless that were pretty.

For me it's the architecture....when it's right nothing else matters.  I don't like plastic stocks.

I agree. Stainless and plastic really have a place in a hard working rifle that is used more like a tool .
When it comes to art, however, fine walnut, and fine fit and finish is what makes a beautiful rifle.

[R.W.Dale]

Full stock, sights and a high gloss blue

[Mike Britton]

Full stock, sights and a high gloss blue

DANG!!!!!!!

[buckfever 1]

That's what I'am talkin about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Buckfever

[trotterlg]

What makes a beautiful rifle is like what makes a beautiful Woman, it is all dependant on the eyes that look on it.  Like a Woman, there are some basics that work for most everyone, but it then it gets much more personal, so in the end every rifle is beautiful to someone.  There is no answer to this question.  Larry

[cwlongshot]

I'll venture a statement Larry!!   
 Beautifuly figured wood, much like a beautifully figured woman draws my attention first. I am partial to rick dark oil finishes with tons of depth. Like a pool of wood. Follow that up with rich blue/black bluing over highly polished steel.

Thats what I like to see in a fine bolt gun.

CW

[Bigeasy]

Lets see, were talking beautiful, not necessarily functional or practical, though the two often go hand in hand.  How about my early issue .308 Kimber #84 with the red recoil pad, 2 position safety, and really sweet wood..

Larry

[Bigeasy]

Another view

[wareagleguy]

It's simple for me.  A beautiful rifle is one that shoots tight groups.  Looks means nothing to me if the guns doesn't shoot woth a damn.

[mcwoodduck]

Like Women beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
I guess it depends on what you want as a rifle.
To some stainless and composite stocks are beautiful.
Same as some guys think chubby girls are it.
As far as classic.  I like the looks of the 1950's rifles with deep blue, peep iron sights, and dark grain wood with blond hi lights, the ebony forend, and the red like my bucks sole recoil pad.
Still doesn't explain why I am looking for a stainless or black rifle in synthetic stock with a scope for a mountain rifle to use instead of my Win Classic Super grade M70 for horse back.

[billy_56081]

HMMMM!    "Re: What makes a beautiful Bolt action rifle?"


Dead critters and small groups?


Did I get the answer?

[AtlLaw]

I hope this thread keeps going and I'll post a picture of my only "made for me" rifle!  It's an individual thing of course, and tastes change over time!  Like with wimmins, variety is the spice of life!   

[Hooker]

Rifles are like women you can over look a lot of ugly if they perform well.
If they don't perform so well they better dang well be pretty.

Pat

[Bart Solo]

Full stock, sights and a high gloss blue

Is there any need to talk anymore after these photos?  The very definition of beauty in a rifle. The photos are first rate too.   Post your pictures. They are worth a thousand words.

[trotterlg]

Well, walking through the Mall I have seen a lot of good performing women, cause they are pregnant and I can't for the life of me figure out who would be willing to get that close to them.    Larry

[cwlongshot]

Full stock, sights and a high gloss blue

Is there any need to talk anymore after these photos?  The very definition of beauty in a rifle. The photos are first rate too.   Post your pictures. They are worth a thousand words.

 Yup CZ makes a fine rifle, I have a couple and like them very much.  I have been on the fence with a 550 in 375H&H for YEARS..... Cannt seem to drop the hammer on it. I dont REALLY NEED it.... I just WANT it.

CW

[TribReady]

Love this thread    Everyone seems to be right....how often does that happen? 

There's a ton of good choices out there, but for me, give me a 40's, 50's, or 60's era European mauser.  I love my '52 Husqvarna and have seen much, much nicer.

[Savage_99]

The Ruger Express is a special rifle.  They were made a few years ago.  You might find one.

Here is mine.

[drdougrx]

Here's nice belgian large ring mauser in 7x57 sporterized by EL Landry at my smiths (Mike LaRocca, LaRocca Gunworks, Worcester, MA).  Weighs about 6 3/4lbs scoped and loaded.  More pics on my site if you like.  Is compact and well...it's a hunny!!!!

[Bart Solo]

Here's nice belgian large ring mauser in 7x57 sporterized by EL Landry at my smiths (Mike LaRocca, LaRocca Gunworks, Worcester, MA).  Weighs about 6 3/4lbs scoped and loaded.  More pics on my site if you like.  Is compact and well...it's a hunny!!!!

It is beautiful, but how well does it shoot?

[jro45]

A lamanated stock of walnut alittle light in color on a very accurate rifle with set trigger.

[R.W.Dale]

thanks for the comments fellas! I appriceate it. Would you believe I took these pics with a cell phone!


BTW Greybeardoutoors software resizes the pics to a smaller size, If you want to see more detail on the rifle right click on the image, click copy image location and paste that in the address bar. Hit enter or click GO and VIOLA! you can now see the pics full sized