Rifle Question/Compare

[JustinN]

I've thought about going in a different direction than buying several hand guns with my new AR riches, and that is getting myself a nice hunting rifle/alternative hunting rifle.

Quick background info, I hunt alot, enjoy it enormously, but have always been a get the job done. When I was 12 I saved up enough money to buy a used Remington Sportsman 78 in 30-06, which I have used with no modifications (it came with a Tasco 4x40 scope) for every non-shotgun/bow hunt I've done since. 19 years later I'm thinking maybe I should treat myself....

So one gun I've had the hots for, for a long time is a Marlin Model 1895GBL. 45-70 means I could hunt damn near anything in North America, as long as I don't mind getting close.....

The other option, would be to really spoil myself and get a Weatherby Mark V - now, I'd probably have to go for the Sporter because spending anymore than that may be impossible for me when it comes to a bolt action....but those can be really sweet. I'd love to have it in 300 Weatherby Mag, BUT I looked at Bass Pro today. I'd have 2 options in ammo. The $50 box or the $80 box (that's per 20 bullets), so I'll probably drop down to 7mm Rem Mag. (I actually fondled a Mark V Deluxe in Bass Pro today but it was in 30-06 and $2000 - they can get the Sporter in 7mm for $1400).

Has anyone had either of these guns? Any good points/bad points about either? I know the Marlin is considerably cheaper than the Weatherby, but I would most likely use the Weatherby more, and its a gun I could use until I die, and then pass it down to my grandkids, which they could then do the same with...

[Bawanna]

Not really comparable, two completely different platforms. I know the Marlin hurts nearly as bad on both ends. She kicks a bit, course your larger and no doubt leaner than I so you got a better back stop on the launching end.

I've never had much use for the 7mm or the 300 winchester either, don't recall why. I had a 338 that was much more pleasant to shoot than a buddies 300 and another buddies 7mm.

I can't think of anything in North America you couldn't take with a good ole 30-06 myself. Marginal up in the North Country as in Alaska but even then, Grizz have been take with the 06.

Weatherby does make one heck of a nice rifle, haven't kept up on them much in many years, never owned one myself but had friends that had them and shot them and fondled immensely.

[jocko]

Weatherby used to guarantee and even send a 100 yards MIA 3 shot group with every high power they ever made back in the day. Not sure if they do that or not. When roy W passed on to the big hunting lodge up north, his company then seemed to fade a bit. I recently cleaned a ladies new never shot Weatherby MK11 tubular feed that was over 40 years old, The wood on this gun is so so typical weatheg by back then. the high gloass blluing was simply outstanding and to see a gun this dated with the rarer tubler magazine was a real dream for me to wipe down and run an liled snake through the barrel and then back in the box..

[JustinN]

Weatherby seems to design their rifles in a way to eat up the recoil for you, so a 300 in a Weatherby is softer than '06 in a 700.

I suppose I could just get myself a very fancy 700 (my sportsman 78 is a poor mans 700).

[Ikeo74]

Get a weatherby Vanguard for $500 in any caliber of your choice, then put a good scope on it and you will have that $2000 rifle for a lot less. I have one in 270 win and it will take any North American game at a reasonable range.

[Bawanna]

Truth be told I never been fond of the Remington. I'm starting to sound all negative but I'm a devout Model 70 Winchester man myself. I know Police snipers followed the military and went all gaga over the 700 which was good for Remington but to me the Winchester is just a hands down better rifle.
Carlo's Hathcock liked em too. My hero that one.

Truth bet told I'd probably get a Savage bolt gun before a 700 but you can make your own decisions to fit your needs.

I had a Winchester 375 H&H for a few years, darn nice rifle that one. Didn't make your eye's bleed when you shot it but you definitely knew it went off.

Always wanted a 416 Rigby and a 505 Gibbs too, never had one yet but the life ain't over yet neither.

[kerby9mm]

I always thought Weatherbys were the Caddy of rifles. Had a Rem 700bdl in 300 mag. Too much gun really. A 30 06 is good for almost snything here as previously stated. I have a Winchester 70 in 06 with serial #59 thousand. I wonder what is worth. Its condition is near perfect got it in 1970 used for $240.

[jocko]

well today for sure the Savage line of hi power rifles is as good if not maybe even better than rem and win. Savage has come a very long way towards quality and over all acceptance by the shootin community. Just sayin

[JustinN]

I am wanting something with a nice wood stock. I have a thing for the fancy looking wood, and I've just never warmed up to the synthetic stocks for my hunting rifle...

And if I stick with a rifle that isn't soooo expensive, I could get a nice rifle and a double barrel shotgun which I also want...

[jocko]

get a weatherby then, have the best of both worlds..

[Bawanna]

I always thought Weatherbys were the Caddy of rifles. Had a Rem 700bdl in 300 mag. Too much gun really. A 30 06 is good for almost snything here as previously stated. I have a Winchester 70 in 06 with serial #59 thousand. I wonder what is worth. Its condition is near perfect got it in 1970 used for $240.

I'd be more than happy to double your money, aw heck I'll triple your money. Need my mailing address.

I'd love to have that although I most likely won't hunt again. Is it standard or Featherweight? I much prefer the standard but the Featherweights are real popular and usually a little fancier.

Let me know.

[kerby9mm]

Since the wood is important get what you want because if you get something that doesn't satisfy you then you might sell that at a loss to get the one you wanted in the first place. That has at least been my experience unfortunately.

[AJBert]

Two of the best bolt actions ever made were the Weatherby Mark V and the pre-64 Winchester Model 70.

Maybe this will help being as you like fancy furniture:

http://www.winchesterguns.com/produc...01C&mid=535203

[muggsy]

Two of the best bolt actions ever made were the Weatherby Mark V and the pre-64 Winchester Model 70.

Maybe this will help being as you like fancy furniture:

http://www.winchesterguns.com/produc...01C&mid=535203

You're a man who knows fine rifles, AJ.

[Barth]

Weatherby Offers Vanguard 2 Series Rifle

Weatherby Offers Vanguard 2 Series Rifle Package
Weatherby’s new Vanguard Series 2 Synthetic Package includes a mounted and bore-sighted Redfield Revenge riflescope, a sling, and a carrying case. MSRP: $999.
The Vanguard Series 2 Synthetic Package offers rifles chambered in cartridges from .223 Remington to .338 Winchester Mag., including the .257 Wby. Mag. and .300 Wby. Mag. All Vanguard Series 2 rifles feature adjustable match-quality two-stage triggers and three-position safeties. The trigger adjusts down to 2.5 pounds and has an auxiliary sear for a creep-free consistent let-off.