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Interesting New Rifle Shopping

4K views 13 replies 11 participants last post by  8iowa 
#1 ·
Last March I sold my 308 Winchester and finally decided that I did need to replace it with a new improved super duper do it all new rifle. Basically I have narrowed the field down to five candidates--Remington 700, T/C Icon, Browning X-Bolt, CZ 550 or Remington 798.

The Remington 700 series I have extensive experience using both in varmit and hunting calibers so there's little in the unknown arena. Main reason for including this model was interchangeablilty of existing accessories.

T/C's new Icon rifle is an interesting piece of engineering with the incorporated Weaver style scope bases and interchangeable bolt handles. Over the past month have looked at and handled several different calibers but yesterday was a first time encounter with the different bolt handles. Must say I was not impressed with that particular bolt handle but it was good to find that out before purchasing.

Having used a Browning A-Bolt the improvements in the X-Bolt make a very good rifle into an excellant rifle. By simple engineering and manufacturing alterations the bolt has been made smaller and lighter while retaining the short bolt lift. The magazine setup on the A-Bolt has been replaced with a more traditional arrangement which looks/feels nice and may have an increased capacity.

Until yesterday I had never handled any of the Remington 798's. After handling several my feeling is there's really nothing new here just a little more modern Paul Mauser design that's now 110+ years old. Fit, finish, stock, checkering etc. were all acceptable.

Finally handled the CZ 550 yesterday and was impressed with the improvements made in Paul Mausers original design. Improvements have been made in streamlining and stylizing plus functionality. I already own several calibers in both the 452 and 527 model lines so was pleased to see the carry over of there single stage set trigger in the 550 models.

All the various makes and models shouldered okay and I could forsee no problems. I'm swayed toward checkered wood stocks and blued metal not the plastic and paint found on many of todays models.

Has anyone out there either bought and/or used any of these various models? If so what were your impressions and feelings about them as a hunting rifle? Since I generally walk into my stand/blind from my house and the distance is only half mile weight is a small consideration. With my advancing years and declining eye sight the rifle will probably be scoped with either a 2-7 or 3-9.

Thanks for any and all assistance.
 
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#2 ·
All I can do is confuse the issue. The new Winchester Model 70's are rated well and are made (assembled) in South Carolina.

Savage makes a great rifle at a value price.

None on your list is a premium cost rifle, w/ the possible exception of the Icon. The Rem 798 is Remington's budget model.

You really can't go wrong.

If the Icon came in a short action, I'd go that route, as the internal bedding block looks like a great feature...and the rifle looks very cool.
 
#6 ·
The gun store I stopped at had the various models by the different makers but unfortunately they didn't have every model in 308 caliber. It was kind of comparing apples to apples but since each model handled wasn't specifically 308 caliber there could be minor differences in balance etc. Price isn't much of a consideration when the scope could conceivably cost an equal amount.

As time passes and I reflect more on the models and my posted remarks I'm considering dropping the Remington 798 as too old style traditional when more modern designs are available.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Not that this will help you, but I just wanted to say that I just purchased a Remington 700 SPS (blued version) with a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40 scope on it in a .308. I did alot of research like you, and figured I couldn't go wrong with the Remington. The only thing about the 700 is that it wasn't readily available with a detachable magazine where I live, and I have little experience with the hinged floor plate style. I'll have to see how that works out... Haven't shot it yet, but will be sure to let you know how she does! Good luck!

While I'm here though, I wanted to ask if anyone can recommend a decent round for this beauty? I've tried looking at balistics tables, and I don't reload. I figure before I go out and spend a ton of cash buying and trying ALL types of ammo, I would take a few suggestions?

Thanks guys...
 
#8 ·
I have been highly impressed with the CZ 550. Like you said they have beautiful craftsmanship, Turkish walnut, and hammer forged barrels. I also like that they have resisted the move to plastic parts in their rifles. If you get the European versions you can get terrific iron sights (e.g. the Full Stock, not sure about the hogback/lux versions). Another nice feature is the integrated scope mount. It has a slot that prevents movement in the scope and also aids in precise replacement of quick release rings to their original position.



Very solid, very accurate, and old-world craftsmanship. I have 3 rifles and a pistol.
 
#9 · (Edited)
hailstone,

Consider rifles with features that make it stand above other designs. The 308 is available in many types of guns so you have a wide choice.

For me I prefer rifles with control round feed and M70 type three position safeties that lock the firing pin and the bolt handle closed yet in the middle position allow the bolt to be opened, to unload the chamber for instance, yet still lock the firing pin.

Control round feed is just better, less jams.

Now the CZ's have control round feed as far as I know but just a two position safety.

I prefer the Kimber 84M's these days due to my want for a very light rifle. I also hunt with a pre 64 M70 Featherweight in 308 and other rounds.

Good luck.

 
#11 ·
hailstone:

Maybe it's a time in your life to treat yourself. I mean REALLY treat yourself.

I was in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago, where I usually stop in at Chuck's Gun Shop in the Buckhead area. There I saw the new Cooper model 52. It comes in three classic versions, any one of which literally makes your mouth water. I'll warn you. If you handle one, it's awfully hard to see it put back on the rack. They start at close to $1600 and go up from there. However, even the standard model is a beautiful deluxe rifle in every respect. Every rifle comes with a 100 yard test group that is one ragged hole. They guarantee 1/2 inch groups with match ammo.

I'm hankering for a 25-06. I doubt that I can resist much longer.
 
#12 ·
Being a collector I treat myself fairly regular--several in the last month alone. I have Kimbers and Coopers in my collection and although they are well made and nice I'll take the Model 54 or 70 Winchester any day when it comes to fit, finish and workmanship. Many of the older firearms have more workmanship in there manufacture than today's custom made rifles. Look at a Krag and work the action. Guarantee you'll not find one made today that's that smooth.

One thing I have noticed while looking over new rifles is the limited choice of chamberings being stocked. Most common chamberings I've encountered is 30-06, 270 Winchester and 300WSM with most being of the latter. Wonder if this has anything to do with the $30 to $40 per box of ammo price tag. Couple months ago I was at the range and fellow had a new 300 Win Mag or something along those lines and was loudly proclaiming its virtues. Asked him what he was hunting and he replied white tail deer... I responded there was nothing I wanted to hunt in the North American continent that I couldn't hunt with my 30-06. He spittered and sputtered then walked away in a huff. Guess he's been reading to many articles written by the gun hawks.

Had another chance to look over the Browning X-Bolt and noticed they have four mounting screws in the front and four in the rear base scope mounts. Should make for very secure mounting. It also has a unique feature that alllows you to open the bolt with the safety on by just pushing a button on the bolt handle shank.
 
#14 ·
hailstone:

I'm also a collector who has a hard time letting loose of any pre 64 model 70 that comes my way. I've also owned and shot several Krags. A model '96 carbine is still in my collection.

If you don't yet have a nice Sharps rifle, say in 45-90, check this out; www.riflesmith.com

Or.......even yet, a flintlock Kentucky rifle made by someone like Allan Sandy http://www.longrifle.ws/artisans/artisan.asp?ID=90&membersonly=yes
 
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