If you've got a favorite hunting rifle, please share! And share why you like it the best.
Here's mine, probably the best rifle in my lineup. I've got in the neighborhood of ten centerfire bolt rifles and this one is the one I would grab if I knew a trophy hunting prize were on the line.
It is a Kimber 8400M Classic in 270 WSM. This is a circa 2009 production rifle.
The scope mounts are Warne bases with Leupold PRW rings. The scope is a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10X40, my first Vari-X III from back in 2002. It is an excellent scope.
Out of the box, I tuned the trigger a little to give a true clean break. I also cleaned up the barrel channel to ensure a true float. The rifle is glass bed from the factory.
On the range: I have only tried a few loads but found quickly that this rifle would shoot 130 gr. Sierra GK bullets in front of RL19 powder very well. I am also intrigued by the magic of this rifle whereby it does not seem to recoil badly. Perhaps the fit and 1" pad. Why is it the best? I had purchased a Weatherby Vanguard stainless rifle which is Sub 3/4 MOA. After several 200 yd groups I came to believe that this Kimber can actually best the Vanguard in accuracy. A sweet and faithful shooter.
In the field: This rifle is slim and lighter than most which gives a natural and very stable hold over a rest. I realized that I could hold it steadier than about any rifle I have. Because I have a fair stream of new guns coming in (my hobby) I actually have not taken this rifle out more than a few times. It seems I always have a new project to try out. However my shots on deer at 30 yds, 100 yds, and over 350 yds. were all DRT. with the Sierra 130gr. gamekings. This bullet must be a pretty good combo in this rifle. Even the close shot was authoritative yet with no blow-up of the bullet.
One of the below pics is a comparison with my excellent Ruger stainless 270 win. so you can see how the 24" Kimber looks near a 22" long action.
Here's mine, probably the best rifle in my lineup. I've got in the neighborhood of ten centerfire bolt rifles and this one is the one I would grab if I knew a trophy hunting prize were on the line.
It is a Kimber 8400M Classic in 270 WSM. This is a circa 2009 production rifle.
The scope mounts are Warne bases with Leupold PRW rings. The scope is a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10X40, my first Vari-X III from back in 2002. It is an excellent scope.
Out of the box, I tuned the trigger a little to give a true clean break. I also cleaned up the barrel channel to ensure a true float. The rifle is glass bed from the factory.
On the range: I have only tried a few loads but found quickly that this rifle would shoot 130 gr. Sierra GK bullets in front of RL19 powder very well. I am also intrigued by the magic of this rifle whereby it does not seem to recoil badly. Perhaps the fit and 1" pad. Why is it the best? I had purchased a Weatherby Vanguard stainless rifle which is Sub 3/4 MOA. After several 200 yd groups I came to believe that this Kimber can actually best the Vanguard in accuracy. A sweet and faithful shooter.
In the field: This rifle is slim and lighter than most which gives a natural and very stable hold over a rest. I realized that I could hold it steadier than about any rifle I have. Because I have a fair stream of new guns coming in (my hobby) I actually have not taken this rifle out more than a few times. It seems I always have a new project to try out. However my shots on deer at 30 yds, 100 yds, and over 350 yds. were all DRT. with the Sierra 130gr. gamekings. This bullet must be a pretty good combo in this rifle. Even the close shot was authoritative yet with no blow-up of the bullet.
One of the below pics is a comparison with my excellent Ruger stainless 270 win. so you can see how the 24" Kimber looks near a 22" long action.
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