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.
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.