Another "which rifle" thread.

[Bushleague]

To my surprise my wife started encouraging me to get another rifle, "But this time get exactly what you want". I hadnt really planned on getting another one any time soon but it seems like too good of an opportunity to let pass, so I plan on selling off a few and getting just one nice rifle to do the bulk of my hunting with. I'm planning on spending 1-2K on the rifle, being primarily a bush hunter I don't really want a barrel longer than 22", and the rifle needs to be fairly light for stillhunting all day. Here's a few rifles I've been considering, but I'm open to other suggestions.

Winchester M70, either a Featherweight or a Extreme Weather model.

Weatherby Vanguard Camila, I know its supposed to be a lady's gun but I handled one and liked the way it felt, like the short barrel and wood stock.

Henry Long Ranger, I've been hunting with bolt guns so long I'm not real sure about this one. But I like the way it handles, the short barrel, and the iron sights.

[58thecat]

https://www.remington.com/rifles/bol...s-hs-precision

just a thought...7-08.

[Bushleague]

Originally Posted by 58thecat

https://www.remington.com/rifles/bol...s-hs-precision

just a thought...7-08.

Yeah, prior to Remington declaring bankruptcy again the 7 would have made my short list. Probably going to go with a 308 if I get a short action, .270 if I get a long action. Not too concerned about the exact chambering to be honest... at 40 yards pretty much anything gets the job done.

Its funny, because at a glance the Long Ranger seems like it should be the easy choice for me, but its just such a wild departure from what I'm used to it seems like it might be a gamble whether I will like it or not.

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by Bushleague

Yeah, prior to Remington declaring bankruptcy again the 7 would have made my short list. Probably going to go with a 308 if I get a short action, .270 if I get a long action. Not too concerned about the exact chambering to be honest... at 40 yards pretty much anything gets the job done.

Its funny, because at a glance the Long Ranger seems like it should be the easy choice for me, but its just such a wild departure from what I'm used to it seems like it might be a gamble whether I will like it or not.

I wouldn't let the bankruptcy deter your decision....any smith can do a repair if required but I doubt that will ever happen...sweet little rifles for sure.

[Bushleague]

Originally Posted by 58thecat

I wouldn't let the bankruptcy deter your decision....any smith can do a repair if required but I doubt that will ever happen...sweet little rifles for sure.

I've seen some truly terrible work done when people figure they are losing their jobs.

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by Bushleague

I've seen some truly terrible work done when people figure they are losing their jobs.

true..maybe source out an older used model but in great condition...I also like the idea people have thrown around of a lever marlin...JM stamped of course..might as well go 45/70 then....just becuzzze.

[Justfishin73]

Originally Posted by Bushleague

To my surprise my wife started encouraging me to get another rifle, "But this time get exactly what you want".

Can your wife call mine, because I think you're pulling my leg!

Weatherby makes a fine gun --I almost just bought that same gun, very nice

[Nyksta]

kimber montana

[marky_mark]

Savage 110 ultra light
The stock is very adjustable

[morinj]

Originally Posted by Nyksta

kimber montana

X2, or Sako!!

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by Justfishin73

Can your wife call mine, because I think you're pulling my leg!

Howa makes a fine gun --I almost just bought that same gun, very nice

Fixed it for you.

[obsessed1]

Get what you want. My must haves on hunting rifles ( for still hunting, thick bush)
Short. 22" or less barrel
Low comb. To accommodate low mounted scope and irons
Iron sights
Low powered scope in qd rings
Flush fit mag or internal mag
under 8lb loaded


Btw hunting with a lever action is awesome for mid-short range. Pump actions are also great for hunting thick stuff. But ultimately get what you want and what points and feels perfect

[Dean2]

Given your stated uses and the choices you started with, I would suggest for short range, bush and the like, impossible to beat the Marlin Guide gun with the 18" barrel in 45-70. Effective range easily 250 yards. They will clover leaf at 100 and whether open sights, peep or a scope they are quick handling, fast pointing and lots of thump. As long as you as you stick to 1600 fps with 350 RN they don't even have much kick. Making them go faster just hurts your shoulder, it doesn't kill one bit better. Put a hammer extension on it if you use a scope.


If you want something in 308 or 270, Browning BLR.

[Bushleague]

Originally Posted by obsessed1

Get what you want. My must haves on hunting rifles ( for still hunting, thick bush)
Short. 22" or less barrel
Low comb. To accommodate low mounted scope and irons
Iron sights
Low powered scope in qd rings
Flush fit mag or internal mag
under 8lb loaded


Btw hunting with a lever action is awesome for mid-short range. Pump actions are also great for hunting thick stuff. But ultimately get what you want and what points and feels perfect

Pretty much my same criteria. Personally, I'd like the rifle a little closer to 7.5lbs, and being that I like to stick to using one rifle all season I also want to be able to make the occasional 300 yard shot when hunting river bottoms and more broken country.

I started hunting with a borrowed 94 and liked it, but more recently I went through a pump action phase and ended up going back to bolt actions, so I'm wary of experimenting too much at this point. Specifically I'm not sure how much I'm going to like using a hammer cock safety with a low mounted scope. I'm uncommonly particular about my safety's.

[Homesteader]

I know it’s a bit vanilla, but a T3x Battue in 308 with a Masi QD mount is a pretty skookum all rounder. That’s around the $1500 mark, add an FXII 4x and head for the range. You could drop it in a B&C stock or buy one in walnut right off the hop too, if wood floats your boat.

So you see Dean, it’s not impossible to beat the Marlin.

I also really like my Kimber Montana in 7-08.

[32-40win]

Don't forget Marlin is Rem now too. How about a TC Encore, 7 different versions, blued and stainless, lots of cartridge choices, even with a 24" bbl is shorter than a lot of 22" bbl'd guns. Can change cartridges just with another bbl, no mag lengths to worry about, or mags to lose. Well within the budget.

Or sell a couple extras and get a #1