Kimber VS Ruger VS CZ VS ?

[30-06 lover]

I am looking for a do it all end all rifle and have pretty much come down to a Ruger 77, Kimber 8400, or a CZ 550 American.

The Rugers have a lot of aftermarket and spare parts seem to be everywhere. I have heard that their costomer service is great and that their guns are quality, but accuracy is so so and they are heavy.

The Kimber is more expensive, and I can't find very much aftermarket, but from what I understand, there really isn't a need for an aftermarket. I am also reading that their costomer service is not the best and that their quality control is poor.

The CZ I hear is very good gun with nice features, but little to no aftermarket and workmanship is hit or miss. Also not a lot of info out there on them except that the bolts as of late have been pretty rough and pretty hard to find locally. The two posistion safety is not my prefered, but I can live with it.

If there are any others you could recommend for me that would be great. I am looking for a CRF, one piect bolt action, blued finish, (prefer a low luster or matte), three posistion safety rifle with a good reputation and good hunting accuracy. I would really like to put a laminate stock on the rifle and top it with a Leupold. Right now I am saving for a plains game safari (years away) and want to get a one of the rifles metioned above or similar one now so I can become familar and proficient with it on big game in the states before I go on safari. Thanks!!!

 

[ArmedBear]

Well, Gun Tests compared the Kimber, Sako and Ruger this month, and they said the only "CRF" gun that really controlled the rounds when they left the magazine was the Kimber (84M is the model they tested).

If weight is a concern, the CZ is also pretty hefty, nominal 8 lbs. without scope. Great gun, though.

I'll have to vouch for Ruger's customer service and support. I call and report a broken part; two days later there's one in my mailbox for free. Twice, so far, on two different rifles. Neither part resulted in a disabled gun, BTW.

What caliber?

 

[ducktail]

I have always had people give me a hard time over my choice of Rugers. I replace the triggers and then figure out the best ammo and I always come up with a real shooter. Now if I could just quit drinking coffee before I shoot....

If I had a Kimber, I probably would care too much for it to really hunt. I have heard the CZ's are great, but I prefer American. Get a Ruger and expect to spend a little time with it. Clean the barrel.

 

[Sagetown]

Well 30-06 it looks like you've already covered the bases pretty good. The only one that tops those in my book would be the Remington 700.
But personally I like the CZ .

 

[bl4ckd0g]

You didn't specify which caliber, unless it's in .30-06. I own both a Kimber Longmaster Varmint in .223 and a CZ 550 mannlicher stocked .270 Win.
Honestly, you should go with the CZ it's cost and quality. Also keep in mind that Kimber rifles aren't seen much in the Aftrican bush whereas the CZ and their BRNO rifle predecessors are very common amongst the local guides. It would be much easier to find parts for it in Zambia or wherever.

Be sure to check out the CZ Safari magnums. They already come with a laminate stock, so it might be your perfect option if you're looking for a safari-type big bore.