Opinions on a second/back up elk rifle?

[Matt G]

<Putting down the crack pipe> "Hunh?"

Damn, folks, I feel like an idiot, and have since yesterday, when Dad asked just what was I thinking.

Truth be told, I've always admired the '99s, but I've never owned one. The only one that I can think of that I've handled with a scope on it was an older one with an old-fashioned type side-mount.

Duh. My bad. The Savage 99 would be a beautiful option. (Though NOT particularly lightweight.)

Okay, I'm just going to stop posting this thread. Please note that I did NOT follow my original thought, to edit out my idjitcy. (Or is it "idjitness"? "Idjitude"?)

 

[H&Hhunter]

Here's another cool factoid about the M-99. It is a true CRF (controlled round feed) rifle!!

It completely controlls the round in the magazine as it is a contained rotary mag so there is no chance of losing your rounds once they are loaded. When the bolt is cycled the extractor grove slips over the rim of the cartridges and positvly feeds it into the chamber and hangs on to it positivly as well untill it's fully ejected. There is no chance of a misfeed and the rifle can be reliably operated at any angle including upside down.

The M-99 also has one of the easisest triggers in world to lighten up.

Overall it's probably the coolest most rugged reliable lever gun ever built! Mine is a early model 99EG in .308Win making it a very rare 99. They only built a very few EG's in .308. and it is a very usable rifle as the .308 is close renopugh in pop to an 06 that I don't even worry about it. It's a great little elk rifle.

Mine shoots about 1.5" groups at 100 yards. It has also been glass bedded. It's aneat little rig that I picked up from a true riflemen in Idahotwo years ago. I really like it.

 

[sumpnz]

I need to git me one of them 99's.

You guys are terrible. Just as soon as I think I've satisfyed my "new gun itch" y'all go and bring up something like this. What are y'all tryin' to do to me here - it's like what Regan did to the Soviets.

 

[GunGoBoom]

Sounds like a job for a Tikka T3 Lite, Kimber 84 (or other similar light rifle) 7mm-08.

 

[pcf]

What about a Ruger No.1 sporter? At about 7.5lbs (sans scope and sling) they're handy rifles. TC encore would be another good choice. Both are ambidexterous.

If your planning on taking long shots (or you want a shorter rifle without sacrificing barrel length), and keeping the rifle in manageable package, a single shot will get you another 4-6" of barrel in the same length as a bolt action.

Savage 99, also has the Charles Bronson seal of approval. Can you name the film?

 

[rbernie]

The Savage 99 would be a beautiful option. (Though NOT particularly lightweight.)

That's where ya need the F model. It's got a really slender tapered barrel. My favorite 99F (308, with a Sightron SII 3-9x42) weights in at just a wee bit over 7lbs with glass and sling.

I'm actually rather addicted to 'em - I have three F models in 308, a E model in 308, an A model in 243, and a C model Series A in 243. They're just too cool for school....

PS - anyone knows where I can get one in 7mm/08, drop me a note. I have GOT to get me oneadoze.....

 

[Matt G]

Savage 99, also has the Charles Bronson seal of approval. Can you name the film?

Mr. Majestyk?

 

[Lingoch]

Northslope...I have a .300wsm MRC for my main Elk getter. No problems with it and groups great. My back up came from my Step Dad...Remington 760 '06. I have considered having it rebarreled but the more I think about it it is my back up for all big game. I'll leave it '06 and rely on it for many more one shot kills. Limits the amount of different bullets I have to buy. Like those 165gr. Game kings and the HPBT's in same wieght. I think most folks would want to stay with the same caliber for sake of ease. Just my 2 cents.

 

[bearmgc]

I have used a Rem 760 "06" as a backup elk/deer gun, and they're great. However, I have switched to a Marlin short barreled (guide ) gun in 444 with the Hornady 265gr FP and it works really good in brush and timber for elk to 200yds. This is a very handy and versatile lever action.

 

[CowboyEngr]

The Savage 99 is a grand rifle, no doubt. But, shop around for a Winchester Mdl. 88 in 308 Win. They are not yet totally out of the reasonable price range. However, be careful as it may become your "primary" rifle and the bolt 30-06 will become your "back-up".

The Marlin 444 or 45-70 is also great in certain situations, but 300 yrds will be stretching it's range for a "point-blank" shot.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Cowboy,

I haven't seen a Mdl 88 in 308 around in LONG time. And yes, it is a very cool rig as well.

Shoot you can just wait around for a pre 64 mdl 70 featherweight in .358 win. But I've only ever seen one. And I now own it..

Gosh that felt good to say!!!

 

[CowboyEngr]

I'm envious H&H! That combo of rifle and caliber for elk would be about as good as it gets inside 300 yds! Yep, the 358 Win is way too good to have just kinda gone away. How about a Mdl. 88 in 358??? No, I don't have one. I did have a old model BLR in 358 Win, but did my usual brain f*rt and let it slip away.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Cowboy,

If you ever find a Mdl 88 in .358 you'd better snag it or the rifle demons will take you away to rifle haities. You'll be forced to play croquet (SP?) all day with little old ladys while your buddies are just over the hill elk hunting with cool rifles.

 

[20cows]

If your only problems with a Win 94 are thinking the 30-30 is not enough gun and the scope problem, take a look at the the new 94 "Hunter" version. It's angle-eject is supposed to remove the scope problem and it's availible in .38-55. This cartridge is adequte for elk in a light carbine w/o killer recoil.

 

[CowboyEngr]

H&H,
You really know how to rub it in! Playing croquet with little old ladies IS what I do now!

 

[sigstroker]

No need to spend big bucks on a Kimber. The Winchester featherweight short-action only weighs 6 1/2 pounds. You can get up to .308 in it and left-handed action too. Even better would be the long action in the new .325 Winchester Short Magnum, an almost perfect elk cartridge.