I'd like to see a modern bolt action battle rifle.

[jerkface11]

You can buy a Ruger frontier rifle which has the scope mounts in a scout position. Then modify it to take use a fixed M1A magazine. You cold even attach a charger bridge to it if you wanted. Krochus had a post where he put one of those mags on his ruger it didn't take much work and he was only out the cost of the mag.

Here is a link to the thread http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=279696

 

[GunTech]

BTW, if you want a gooid detachable box magazine for you 700, Badger Ordnance makes an adapter that lets you use AI/AICS magazines in your 700.

I'd not class the M40 as a battle rifle - it's a sniper rifle, a precision tool menat to be used at long range and by an expert. It's not rugged enough for down and dirty 'in the mud' combat, it too heavy and doesn't have the detchable mag the shooter wanted.

If picking a bolt action 'battle rifle' from modern vendors, I'd start with something like an FN PBR XP and add the AICS mag conversion from CDi. There's no appropriate stock, and the heavy barrel add to weight, but the 20 inch version is close to what you'd want.

You really don't need a scout mount if you have detachable magazines, because you probably won't be reloading via clips. A low pwer variable is probably a place to start,m with some sort of backup iron sight. Something like a Trijicon or Leupold 1-4x might be ideal.

You's probably want to add dust cuts to the bolt, and while the Winchester style trigger is simple, I'm not sure how immune to dirt and such it is. The full size claw extrator and fixed ejector blade are both well proven by previous bolt action battle rifles like the Mauser, 1903 Springfield and others.

308 seem the obvious round to pick for such a rifle, as it is commonly available, is size appropriate for the action and has the widest utility in a SHTF rifle.

If you want to go to 7.62x39 or 223, a smaller action seem like a better choice. The CZ-527 is a nice rifle and a good starting point, but the magazine system isn't rugged and is propretary.

 

[Leadhead]

Here are some updated Enfields in .308

http://www.marstar.ca/gf-AIA/index.shtm

 

[Avenger29]

I have got to have one of those new Enfields. I want the M10 No.4 MkIV

Too bad they don't import here. I know the market wouldn't be that large, but I'd love to have a new Enfield.

 

[Rob1035]

I immediately thought of the Remington 7615, while not a bolt action, it uses AR magazines, which I think is pretty neat.

I do like the idea of a bolt carbine using readily available magazines, but I'd just as soon use a Marlin 336 (or my 870P) for said scenarios. As for kicking in doors, I'll leave that duty to much more courageous and better trained men than I.

 

[SaMx]

Here are some updated Enfields in .308

http://www.marstar.ca/gf-AIA/index.shtm

yes, those were what I was thinking of. If they were cheaper and used common magazines they would be perfect.

 

[.45Guy]

Not bolt action, but the Brits have a spiffy leveraction AR knockoff in .30 carbine. Other than that, an M-95 straight pull would be the bees knees action for a project such as this.

 

[Nolo]

I've said it before, the best bolt-action battle rifle was the M1 Garand. Seriously. Yes, I know it's a semiauto, but it was the effective culmination of the bolt-action battle rifle concept. I think you'd find that, after all your redesigning and updating, you'd come up with something that looked a lot like an M14, only slower. So why not just do an M14?
Having said that, I have looked into a modern bolt-action battle rifle. I used the M1917 as a base, then put in all of the good parts of the Lee action, such as the short turn and pull. I removed all the safeties for simplicity and chambered the weapon in .30-06, especially the heavy 180-grain loading. I stole the removable magazine from the Enfield, but gave it a better retention system and locking lips. I opted out of a bayonet (as those were really relics of the cavalry days, anyway) and went for a gain twist in the rifling. You could add a synthetic stock, too, but I think those look ugly on a bolty. Anyway, that's really my input.

 

[CWL]

I don't understand why it would need to be a bolt-action. Some sort of nostalgia?

There is a reason why boltys aren't issued as main battle rifles anymore. Semiautos are just as-if not more reliable and more expedient for battlefield usage.

As long as we are not talking long range precision rifle, anything you can name in a past or modern bolt action rifle can be matched if not beat by an M1 Garand or M14/M1A rifle.

 

[redneckrepairs]

I have an enfield in .308 that has a scout type scope on it , and i just picked up a " savage scout " . I like the scout rifle concept but refuse to pay for a styer . I have to say on the foreward optics tho they are not for everyone nor for every condition . My eyes are not as good as they once were and i appreciate the advantages of a low power scope mounted up front , hell its irons i can see . I can see it unless and untill the sun is almost directly over my shoulders then some bloom happens . I dont think the scout rifle is the answer to anything , but it is a great all around rifle . One rides in my pickup on the ranch all the time .