Suggesting Hunting Rifles

[Swampman]

I see a Savage or a Howa break down on a regular basis.  It usually requires disassembling the rifle to fix it.  Never seen a Remington or a Winchester break.

[mannyrock]

 
Swampman,
 
   What breaks on the Howa's?  Just curious.
 
Mannyrock

[SHOOTALL]

I've seen both remington and winchester break . Saw a 700 bolt handle fall off and front sight of a mod 70 shear the screws both suggest poor quality control really as both were new.

[D Fischer]

Every manufacturer of any product puts out a product that sometimes breaks. That's why they make warranty's. I don't recall seeing any rifle ever break down. Of course some are better looking than other's and some are better for one type of hunting over another. Cambering has little or nothing to do with the making of a deer rifle. If legal and used properly with proper bullet's, any cartridge will kill deer very dead.

[Swampman]

Swampman,
 
   What breaks on the Howa's?  Just curious.
 
Mannyrock

Some sort of issue with the trigger on those that I examined.  The Savage Accutriggers seem to be a constant source of trouble.  The first one I ever shot simply wouldn't go off.  The fellow said I wasn't pulling the trigger quickly enough.  He had to disassemble the rifle to fix it and even then I had to pull hard and fast.  In 50 years of shooting I've never seen a Winchester or Remington give one tiny drop of trouble.  If you shoot loads that are too hot and then try to beat the bolt open with a 2x4 it can break.  You can't fix stupid.

[SHOOTALL]

Swampman,
 
   What breaks on the Howa's?  Just curious.
 
Mannyrock

Some sort of issue with the trigger on those that I examined.  The Savage Accutriggers seem to be a constant source of trouble.  The first one I ever shot simply wouldn't go off.  The fellow said I wasn't pulling the trigger quickly enough.  He had to disassemble the rifle to fix it and even then I had to pull hard and fast.  In 50 years of shooting I've never seen a Winchester or Remington give one tiny drop of trouble.  If you shoot loads that are too hot and then try to beat the bolt open with a 2x4 it can break.  You can't fix stupid.

new rifle new remington ammo , next excuse ? BTW i had a rem 600 trigger fall apart .

[D Fischer]

Swampman,
 
   What breaks on the Howa's?  Just curious.
 
Mannyrock

Some sort of issue with the trigger on those that I examined.  The Savage Accutriggers seem to be a constant source of trouble.  The first one I ever shot simply wouldn't go off.  The fellow said I wasn't pulling the trigger quickly enough.  He had to disassemble the rifle to fix it and even then I had to pull hard and fast.  In 50 years of shooting I've never seen a Winchester or Remington give one tiny drop of trouble.  If you shoot loads that are too hot and then try to beat the bolt open with a 2x4 it can break.  You can't fix stupid.

just curious.  Don't a lot of people consider the older 700 trigger a problem? I don't but lots of people sure do!

[Swampman]

Uninformed people do....I prefer it over the new trigger which is no better or safer.  Safety wasn't the reason they created the new trigger BTW.

[Buckskin]

Swampman,
 
   What breaks on the Howa's?  Just curious.
 
Mannyrock

Some sort of issue with the trigger on those that I examined.  The Savage Accutriggers seem to be a constant source of trouble.  The first one I ever shot simply wouldn't go off.  The fellow said I wasn't pulling the trigger quickly enough.  He had to disassemble the rifle to fix it and even then I had to pull hard and fast.  In 50 years of shooting I've never seen a Winchester or Remington give one tiny drop of trouble.  If you shoot loads that are too hot and then try to beat the bolt open with a 2x4 it can break.  You can't fix stupid.

just curious.  Don't a lot of people consider the older 700 trigger a problem? I don't but lots of people sure do!

No, they were great triggers for their time and I wish they never would have changed them.  They were adjustable and you could make them very crisp and light.  Now the new X-Mark Pro is junk and mine was replaced with a Timney 512.

[Swampman]

The X-Mark Pro is easy to adjust and just fine too.  I still prefer the first Model 700 triggers.

[Lloyd Smale]

i too prefer the old trigger. The new one can be ajusted easier but just isnt near as crisp of a trigger. thats one thing i wasnt to pleased with when i sent my stw back to them. they claimed the trigger that was in it was faulty. (it never gave me one bit of trouble) and replaced it with a newer one. Im sure it was to protect there buts if it ever did act up but id have at least expected them to buck up and admit it.

[Spanky]

What is the difference between the "old style" and the trigger on a new Remington? Is one of them easier to adjust or lighter pull or
 
 
 
Spanky

[Swampman]

They are completely different.  In fact there are 2 new Remington triggers.  The 1st generation X-Mark Pro adjust about like the old trigger.  The 2nd generation X-Mark Pro can be adjusted without removing the stock.  All of them can be adjusted to give a lighter pull.

[Buckskin]

My X Mark Pro would not adjust below 4.5lbs... While the old style could be adjusted below 2 if you know what you are doing. X Mark Pro's are certainly easier to adjust, but they were made by lawyers...

[QuailKiller]

Swampman, your rifle recommendation is right on, however I think the Leupold VX II 2-7x33 is a much, much better scope than the 3-9 for big game hunting.  You don't loose much magnification, but you save a lot of weight and bulk and gain a lot of field of view.  If you have never used one you ought to check them out sometime.  It is my favorite scope for a big game rifle.

[mannyrock]

 
  Ditto on the Leupold 2x7.  It lets you hunt the deepest woods, or 300 yard bean fields. Lightweight and compact, plenty of eye relief, and works perfectly for lever guns as well as bolt actions.
 
  Mannyrock

[Swampman]

I've used them and I don't feel they are as bright.  I'm going to buy the new VX-2 2-7X33 for my Ruger Gunsite Scout because the 3-9X40 won't fit.  At 600 yards I'd rather have the 3-9X40.  The VX-2 is much better than the VX-II.  I wish the 2-7X33 was cheaper than the 3-9X40.

[Lloyd Smale]

the new vx2 is worlds better then the old varix II. there not even in the same league.

[cwlongshot]

Swampman, your rifle recommendation is right on, however I think the Leupold VX II 2-7x33 is a much, much better scope than the 3-9 for big game hunting.  You don't loose much magnification, but you save a lot of weight and bulk and gain a lot of field of view.  If you have never used one you ought to check them out sometime.  It is my favorite scope for a big game rifle.

I agree!!  I love the 2x7x33 Leupy's... I probably have a dozen of them!!

As the guys have said, the newest versions are even better!!! I haven't bought one yet... yet.

CW

[dpe.ahoy]

I currently sell guns in a sporting goods place, have shot for 42 years, own more than 100 rifles of all makes and vintage at this time and have owned many, many more.  I say this to validate the fact that I have had issues, or know of issues first hand, with every brand of firearm I have been around.  If it's mechanical , it can fail or have working issues.  Between the kids and I, we have more Howa/Vanguard bolt actions in the house and have had no issues with the ones we have, but I do know of one broken magazine in a Howa.  They are accurate, have good to very good triggers, (old ones were easily tuned, new ones are good,) and priced with in the reach of most working people.  If guns are nothing more than tools, many will find any of several different brands quite usable.  If a gun snob, nothing short of spending thousands of dollars for rifle, scope and acc. will be worth looking at, the rest will have the ol' chevy vs. ford vs. dodge fight because "theirs is the best!"  I like accurate, unique, fun, short, long, blued, stainless, synthetic and wood.  I just like firearms, and when suggesting which is the "best", I have to look at funds available, experience, area and game hunted and how the customer "feels" about firearms.  DP

[quatroclick]

I guess that I will have to wait for a new model 70.  Not that i wouldn't like to have one, but most of my rifles are liberated from pawn shops.  Rarely will I pay more than $300 unless it has an above average scope, or is collectible.  Often I pay $200 or less. 


Some observations.....  I've had 3 Winchester model 70s, a pre '64 featherweight in .243, a post '64 7mm mag, and an early 90's featherweight in .280.  All gone.  The 243 was OK, but my 700 Rem in the same caliber was a better shooter.  The 7mm was unfotunately a 7mm mag, and had a balky safety to boot.  The 280 (USRAC purchased new) was one of the most beautiful and worst shooting rifles I have ever owned.  A summer of effort resulted in a few 2 1/2" groups and a lot more 3"+ groups.  Traded it off for a 700 BDL in 280 that shoots 1" and under groups regularly.  I no longer own a Winchester bolt gun, but maybe one of the new ones someday based on the rave reviews.


My experience has been that all the Remington 700s that I have purchased are solid shooters, with only one issue with a sticky ejector.  Most are early 70s vintage.  Several tang safety Rugers have followed me home, with no mechanical issues, and all are respectable (or better) shooters.  Yes, I've heard about poor shooting Rugers, but I have yet to experience one.  One of the most surprising guns is a Savage 340 that shoots WAY better than its sub $100 price tag.  That gun has ruined the day of a few shooters at the range sighting in their "premium" rifles for hunting season.


Often the best stuff costs the most, but equally often the most expensive stuff isn't the best.

[Swampman]

I love the accuracy of the Model 700 and hunt with one often.   I don't like the safety or the bolt release on the Model 700.

[D Fischer]

I currently sell guns in a sporting goods place, have shot for 42 years, own more than 100 rifles of all makes and vintage at this time and have owned many, many more.  I say this to validate the fact that I have had issues, or know of issues first hand, with every brand of firearm I have been around.  If it's mechanical , it can fail or have working issues.  Between the kids and I, we have more Howa/Vanguard bolt actions in the house and have had no issues with the ones we have, but I do know of one broken magazine in a Howa.  They are accurate, have good to very good triggers, (old ones were easily tuned, new ones are good,) and priced with in the reach of most working people.  If guns are nothing more than tools, many will find any of several different brands quite usable.  If a gun snob, nothing short of spending thousands of dollars for rifle, scope and acc. will be worth looking at, the rest will have the ol' chevy vs. ford vs. dodge fight because "theirs is the best!"  I like accurate, unique, fun, short, long, blued, stainless, synthetic and wood.  I just like firearms, and when suggesting which is the "best", I have to look at funds available, experience, area and game hunted and how the customer "feels" about firearms.  DP

You are making entirely to much sense. You may go to your room and there will be no dinner for you!

[cwlongshot]

I currently sell guns in a sporting goods place, have shot for 42 years, own more than 100 rifles of all makes and vintage at this time and have owned many, many more.  I say this to validate the fact that I have had issues, or know of issues first hand, with every brand of firearm I have been around.  If it's mechanical , it can fail or have working issues.  Between the kids and I, we have more Howa/Vanguard bolt actions in the house and have had no issues with the ones we have, but I do know of one broken magazine in a Howa.  They are accurate, have good to very good triggers, (old ones were easily tuned, new ones are good,) and priced with in the reach of most working people.  If guns are nothing more than tools, many will find any of several different brands quite usable.  If a gun snob, nothing short of spending thousands of dollars for rifle, scope and acc. will be worth looking at, the rest will have the ol' chevy vs. ford vs. dodge fight because "theirs is the best!"  I like accurate, unique, fun, short, long, blued, stainless, synthetic and wood.  I just like firearms, and when suggesting which is the "best", I have to look at funds available, experience, area and game hunted and how the customer "feels" about firearms.  DP

WELL WRITTEN Brother!
 
CW

[billyjack]

I haveshot rifles for over 35 yrs. ,owned rem. 700,weatherby,howa,model 70and marlin ,all have been great rifles,but the new model 70 fwt. in 270 i have now is the best rifle i have ever owned,IMOP.

[Swampman]

If you can't afford a good rifle, the new stainless Vanguard 2 would be ok.  I'd rather have a Walmart Remington 700 myself.

[SHOOTALL]

for some rifles are like horse blankets - this well off dude stops at a country store to get a horse blanket , the salesman goes in the back brings one out and says that will be $10 . the rich guy says that's to cheap for my horse. The salesman goes gets another off the pile and says that will be $20 but its still to cheap for the horse. So back to get another blanket off the same pile this time it's $100 and that suits the rich guy. 
True story I have a Rem 700 BDL in 2506 my son has a Rem 700 ADL 2506 both shoot the same hand load into dime size groups at 100 yards . Both have the same basic action . My blanket cost a bit more but the horse is no warmer.

[Buckskin]

for some rifles are like horse blankets - this well off dude stops at a country store to get a horse blanket , the salesman goes in the back brings one out and says that will be $10 . the rich guy says that's to cheap for my horse. The salesman goes gets another off the pile and says that will be $20 but its still to cheap for the horse. So back to get another blanket off the same pile this time it's $100 and that suits the rich guy. 
True story I have a Rem 700 BDL in 2506 my son has a Rem 700 ADL 2506 both shoot the same hand load into dime size groups at 100 yards . Both have the same basic action . My blanket cost a bit more but the horse is no warmer.

 
Of course the horse is no warmer, a rifle makes a poor horse blanket...

[SHOOTALL]

no less than the blanket a rifle