Which 338 win mag?

[reuben mishler]

I'm looking at 2 different 338 win mags to possibly purchase. I already have a Model 70 in 338.

The others I'm looking at are a Remington 700 and a Browning A-bolt Medallion. Both are used and in awesome shape! The Rem is 650 and the A-bolt is 600. Any ideas if one of the others that I do not have might be better then my Model 70? Just looking for insight and opinions! Thanks

 

[loadedround]

A Winchester Model 70 in 338WM is my very favorite rifle/caliber for big bear protection when I take my annual fishing trip into the interior lakes of Ontario Province. In regard to your question it boils down to a vanilla or chocolate decision. Buy the one you like better. Unless you're a collector, one rifle in 338WM is sufficent. How often will you be shooting them. That round is not exactly a 22LR and quite punishing at the bench, in total, not a pleasant caliber to shoot many rounds. JMHO!

 

[LoonWulf]

It would depend on what version of 700 it is, the Medalion is one of my favorite looking rifles, and one i dont have yet so that would be MY choice....jmo

 

[reuben mishler]

I don't plan on shooting it much honestly. I hope to take it out west in the next couple years, and also have aspirations to go to Africa with it and shoot some plains game. Other then that, it will most likely sit in the closet.

 

[loadedround]

Reuben:
In that case buy the one you like better. It's a no brainer.

 

[jmr40]

If I already had a Winchester in 338 and purchased either of the others they would gather dust. Just use the rifle you have.

 

[Smokey in PHX]

I've also had a Mod 70 in 338WM and it is a great gun and great on elk. Both guns you mention are very good. I have fired the 700 in 338WM and it handles recoil I believe a little better than the Winchester. I have fired the Browning in magnum calibers but not the 338. It is always best to just pick the one that feels the best to you.

 

[Maple_City_Woodsman]

I don't see why anyone would pay more for Remington over the top end A-bolt. Unless the 700 in question is a CDL or a Sendero then its simply not worth the money.

 

[reuben mishler]

All good points...I believe I will stick with my Model 70 and call it good. One more question though...it does not have controlled feed...is this a must that anyone can see the need for me to take this to a gunsmith to have that done, or do you think it is fine without the controlled feed. I have hopes to take this to Africa for plains game, and thats it. thoughts?

 

[reuben mishler]

I don't know that I will have the need for controlled feed for plains game in Africa will I? I'm hearing that it's a matter of preference, but if you plan on doing big game that most prefer it...and I'm not doing big game.

I looked on Gunbroker and probably 90% of the win model 70s in 338 win mag had controlled feed rather then push feed like mine. Any thoughts on this either? Mine has a jeweled bolt, but no controlled feed. Kinda puzzled about this one.

 

[lynxsnare]

Now you opened the door! Not a controled feed pishaw! I've never been and probably never will go to Africa but all you read says a control feed action is a must. IMO if you like your model 70 keep it if you want a control feed action that new "old" model 70 Super grade is a fine looking rifle and sports enough heft to help handle the recoil. Of coarse the CZ are nice and rugers are nice.............Have fun making this descision!

 

[reuben mishler]

Yeah that's what I have been hearing as well. I've also heard it's good to bring two rifles in case something happens to other for whatever reason. Sounds like my main rifle should be a controlled feed then. Thanks for all the help guys

 

[C Broad Arrow]

Being a south-paw my choices are limited. I have a Sako AV in 338WM. and I use it almost exclusively for elk. Great wood, smooth feed and excellent ergonomics.

I have been thinking of restocking it.