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BlueTrain · December 8, 2010, 06:34 AM

In the 1950s and 1960s there were a lot of surplus bolt actions already chambered in .30-06, and they also had bent bolts, both of which made them more attractive for sporterizing. While I have seen sporterized 8mm Mausers, I suspect more hunters would rather have something else. If you had to rebarrel a military surplus bolt action, it tends to make the whole project pointless. I just don't think that market (for customized sporters) exists anymore. I would be going out on a limb if I said there is a greater variety of new sporting rifles offered than there used to be but things like Marlin's guide gun, stainless steel rifles, really weather resistant stocks and so on are all new things, not to mention a lot of new cartridges.

December 8, 2010, 06:34 AM	#31
BlueTrain Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 6,141	In the 1950s and 1960s there were a lot of surplus bolt actions already chambered in .30-06, and they also had bent bolts, both of which made them more attractive for sporterizing. While I have seen sporterized 8mm Mausers, I suspect more hunters would rather have something else. If you had to rebarrel a military surplus bolt action, it tends to make the whole project pointless. I just don't think that market (for customized sporters) exists anymore. I would be going out on a limb if I said there is a greater variety of new sporting rifles offered than there used to be but things like Marlin's guide gun, stainless steel rifles, really weather resistant stocks and so on are all new things, not to mention a lot of new cartridges. __________________ Shoot low, sheriff. They're riding Shetlands! Underneath the starry flag, civilize 'em with a Krag, and return us to our own beloved homes! Buy War Bonds.