Moo 2 Drvr
Member
I am trying to pick a general purpose hunting rifle (deer, hogs and as a backup varmint rifle) from among these three choices in 30/06.
My firearm experience started with pistols and shotguns and only recently gravitated to rifles. About a year ago I bought two .22 rifles (Marlin 60 and Ruger 10/22 and have been practicing regularly with them to learn the rifleman's craft. About six months ago I bought a varmint rifle in .223 and now I am learning the ins and outs of centerfire cartridges. I intend to start reloading within the next year, which was a factor in selecting 30/06 vs .308. Eventually, I will add a .308 bench rest rifle (for a later post).
Now I want a high quality bolt gun. For the time being I am excluding the semi custom guns, like Cooper and Baer. I have only included Kimber because market forces cause them to sell at a substantial discount from MSRP. I like blued steel and wood and accept the consequences of that decision.
With respect to these choices:
Win 70 - I am only considering new at this time - meaning FN manufactured. I really like the Super Grade, but would consider the other wood stocked models (sporter and featherweight). Weight is not a major factor as I intend to purchase a mountain rifle, probably a Kimber 84M or Remington 7 at a later date.
CZ 550 - Which model? There are at least three that I can find, not counting custom shop versions.
Kimber 8400 - Here I am concerned about quality and customer service as I am familiar with issues on this product.
I would appreciate any first hand comments on any of these three rifles. Please do not suggest a different caliber or brand. while you may be correct, that isn't the thrust of this post. (OK, I will admit I am willing to consider the Ruger 77 Hawkeye. I love the look and feel of these rifles, but I have heard they aren't very accurate and that concerns me. Also, some of the new ones I've handled don't have the same quality fit and finish as the three mentioned above).
I look forward to learning the group's collective opinion.
Thanks
My firearm experience started with pistols and shotguns and only recently gravitated to rifles. About a year ago I bought two .22 rifles (Marlin 60 and Ruger 10/22 and have been practicing regularly with them to learn the rifleman's craft. About six months ago I bought a varmint rifle in .223 and now I am learning the ins and outs of centerfire cartridges. I intend to start reloading within the next year, which was a factor in selecting 30/06 vs .308. Eventually, I will add a .308 bench rest rifle (for a later post).
Now I want a high quality bolt gun. For the time being I am excluding the semi custom guns, like Cooper and Baer. I have only included Kimber because market forces cause them to sell at a substantial discount from MSRP. I like blued steel and wood and accept the consequences of that decision.
With respect to these choices:
Win 70 - I am only considering new at this time - meaning FN manufactured. I really like the Super Grade, but would consider the other wood stocked models (sporter and featherweight). Weight is not a major factor as I intend to purchase a mountain rifle, probably a Kimber 84M or Remington 7 at a later date.
CZ 550 - Which model? There are at least three that I can find, not counting custom shop versions.
Kimber 8400 - Here I am concerned about quality and customer service as I am familiar with issues on this product.
I would appreciate any first hand comments on any of these three rifles. Please do not suggest a different caliber or brand. while you may be correct, that isn't the thrust of this post. (OK, I will admit I am willing to consider the Ruger 77 Hawkeye. I love the look and feel of these rifles, but I have heard they aren't very accurate and that concerns me. Also, some of the new ones I've handled don't have the same quality fit and finish as the three mentioned above).
I look forward to learning the group's collective opinion.
Thanks
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