Premium rifles?

Given the Mauser comment, a pre-64 Model 70 is what you want unless you get a custom built on a Oberndorf Mauser action or a VZ-24 action.

If you want new and non-custom, I'd still say the current 70 is best and what I picked in your poll.

Saying that any machinist can make an accurate rifle is insulting to quality riflesmiths that pride themselves on making accurate rifles.

Click to expand...

My point was that making a rifle accurate is but a fraction of the effort that goes into a custom rifle. Or any custom gun for that matter. That any machinist can build and fit precise machine parts but only a riflemaker can make a usable custom rifle.

CraigC said:

So how many high dollar, "pretty" custom rifles have you owned that didn't shoot very well?

Click to expand...

Exactly! I've handled and shot numerous custom rifles including two of my own and every single one of them has proven to be very accurate. Some of them haven't been all that pretty but they all shot well. What kind of gunsmith would build a rifle that's pretty but that didn't shoot well ... and what kind of moron would want such a rifle?

What kind of gunsmith would build a rifle that's pretty but that didn't shoot well ... and what kind of moron would want such a rifle?

Click to expand...

Good question. I have four custom revolvers myself, all of which might be condescendingly referred to as "pretty". It is a primary requisite that they be accurate. Otherwise, what's the point? I'm acquainted with dozens of shooters who own hundreds of custom sixguns and they are all overwhelmingly built to be accurate first. But accuracy is far from the only reason to have one built. Finishes may range from strict utilitarian to the finest engraving and carbona blue but you can bet your hiny they are amazing shooters. We don't do linebored cylinders, bank vault tight lockwork and premium barrels for nothing. Same goes for rifles. Don't judge a rifle by its owner.

A high-end Winchester will cost around the same as a middle-end Sako. So if the wood is not important (although it IS still nice), get a Sako. If looks are even more important, get the Winchester.

I love CZ, but I don't think it can hang in the $1500 territory.

Personally I dont consider any makes you have listed as a premium rifle. Something from a small company such as Dakota, Cooper, Empire is what I would consider a premium rifle. While not a full blown custom, they are put together to your specs and the accuracy, fit and finish will be top notch but that is to be expected with alot of work done by hand. Wait times can be long though. Empire is now defunct but their Mauser styled actioned rifles can be found on the used market

If you truly like Mauser style actions go to the original source...Mauser...but hold on to your wallet. I recently inquired MauserUSA about one, they are made to order only here in the states.

Saveing up for something in the $1,000-$2,000 range.
Sako 85
Weatherby MkV
Kimber 84
Winchester Super Grade
CZ550

Click to expand...

You forgot to include the Kimber in your poll.

The Classic Select or Super America are darn fine rifles, and light weight to boot. I'd take one in .280 AI in a heartbeat!

Your budget would allow you to:

Pick up a (barely) used action, order a premium barrel of your desired caliber and twist, and pick up a good stock to put it in.

Best thing; it is what you want and how you want it. Not like all the rest of them out there.

You might want to add just a bit more to your budget for a nice trigger.....

dubbleA said:

Personally I dont consider any makes you have listed as a premium rifle

Click to expand...

They aren't, they are nothing more than, more expensive every day production guns!

I'd figure out EXACTLY what i wanted/expected out of my new rifle, and then have someone put it together for me, OR i'd find a nice used for real "premium" rifle.

DM

I voted for "the rifleman's rifle", but I don't own one.

Kachok said:

If the Sako 85, Weatherby MkV, and Kimber are not premium rifles I don't know if I need to mess with anything more expensive then that!

Click to expand...

They may be all you want or need, but they are just more expensive PRODUCTION rifles with a little nicer finish over the Savages ect....

DM

Look for a well built custom Mauser. Many of the 1940's-60's rifles floating around with beautiful wood, quality aftermarket barrels and gorgeous finishes. Also, most can be had for $700 or less.

Cooper and Kimber are on my list above all those. Coopers speak for themselves and the factory glass bed kimbers are excellent. The others are fine nice production rifles. Sako should have stuck with the 75. The weatherby is long and heavy.

Might want to add Blaser to the list, and that's not including custom and semi-custom stuff like Baer, Jarrett, etc.

DM~ said:

they are just more expensive PRODUCTION rifles with a little nicer finish over the Savages ect....

Click to expand...

Clearly they are production rifles, but as an owner of two Kimbers (Montana and Talkeetna), a Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather and a Savage Weather Warrior I can state emphatically that Kimber and Winchester offer a lot more than just a "little nicer finish".