End Game Big Game Rifle

FiveInADime · April 23, 2018, 01:52 PM

My father is looking at buying a big $$$$ hunting rifle and has been asking me for advice. He's been considering a Weatherby MkV Range Certified, a Christiansen, Cooper, Montana, full-custom, etc.

He is stuck on .270Win for whatever reason but I feel that's not such a bad choice for his needs. I originally suggested 28 Nosler but it would be overkill for everything he would hunt except Elk. He hunts in the big mountains and wilderness areas in the Southwest so long shots are probable. He has plenty of space and time to practice, as well.

What end-game type rifle would you guys consider?

He's considering a high-end Leupold for glass, btw.

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Dufus · April 23, 2018, 02:00 PM

Take a look at Dakota Arms.

http://www.dakotaarms.com/model76.html

FrankenMauser · April 23, 2018, 02:03 PM

That depends upon how big "big money" actually is.

In the assumed price range, based on names dropped...
My preference would be for Montana Rifle Co, Cooper, or Lane Precision (if a composite stock is okay - they don't do wood).

For bigger money, I'd like a Dumoulin.
(Though, I see their website is gone. Perhaps they went belly-up!?)

jmr40 · April 23, 2018, 03:09 PM

If I were spending "big money" I'd go the custom route based on a CRF Winchester or Mauser action.

Wyosmith · April 23, 2018, 03:19 PM

Me personally, I'd go with a custom made rifle built on a GEW length M98 Mauser of one make or another. Side swing safety (2 position, not 3 position) good trigger and barrel on a super nice hard piece of walnut with ebony tip, steel skelitonized grip cap and checkered steel butt plate. Express sights zeroed out to 400 yards or so with a barrel band front sight and swivel mount.

But hey.........not that I give much though to it.

muzzleblast... · April 23, 2018, 04:11 PM

Maybe he should be looking for a vintage Champlin.
http://www.gunsinternational.com/gun...n_id=100150197

If he wants something personalized to his specs, I am sure Rigby would be glad to help him out.
https://www.johnrigbyandco.com/guns/...hland-stalker/

FiveInADime · April 23, 2018, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wyosmith

Me personally, I'd go with a custom made rifle built on a GEW length M98 Mauser of one make or another. Side swing safety (2 position, not 3 position) good trigger and barrel on a super nice hard piece of walnut with ebony tip, steel skelitonized grip cap and checkered steel butt plate. Express sights zeroed out to 400 yards or so with a barrel band front sight and swivel mount.

But hey.........not that I give much though to it.

That's what I would like but I don't think he's going that way...

Fiberglass, stainless/cf barrel, accuracy very important, etc.

He's going to be hunting mountains, backpacks, etc. A piece of nice walnut is not in the cards nor a heavy Mauser action, lol.

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FiveInADime · April 23, 2018, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmr40

If I were spending "big money" I'd go the custom route based on a CRF Winchester or Mauser action.

You don't like Montana's or Kimber's actions?

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Rifletom · April 23, 2018, 04:26 PM

Perhaps he should check the Weatherby Mark V Ultralightweight. Looks to be right up his alley.

FiveInADime · April 23, 2018, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rifletom

Perhaps he should check the Weatherby Mark V Ultralightweight. Looks to be right up his alley.

That was top on his list for a while. He always has thought Weatherby was top-notch.

I, personally, like Montana, Dakota M97, and customs with M70 actions.

I also like Cooper for a push feed. I've never seen one that didn't shoot like crazy.

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Scorch · April 23, 2018, 07:37 PM

For a top-end big game rifle, it's hard to beat a custom. They also cost a bunch. But he would have a rifle like no others. I prefer to build hunting rifles on commercial Mauser (FN or DuMoulin) or Remington 700 actions, but I have built rifles on almost all available actions. As far as caliber, 270 is a good one, but there are loads of others.

taylorce1 · April 23, 2018, 10:03 PM

Barrett Fieldcraft if he wants an off the shelf rifle, if not I'd talk to Melvin Forbes and get a NULA in .270 Win.

FiveInADime · April 23, 2018, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorch

For a top-end big game rifle, it's hard to beat a custom. They also cost a bunch. But he would have a rifle like no others. I prefer to build hunting rifles on commercial Mauser (FN or DuMoulin) or Remington 700 actions, but I have built rifles on almost all available actions. As far as caliber, 270 is a good one, but there are loads of others.

I certainly appreciate the craftsmanship of true custom hunting rifles but I think my dad is mainly just concerned with exceptional accuracy, reasonable weight, fail-safe action, and a high-end feel.

So, with that said, will the quasi-custom guns or high-end shelf rifles be far off from a one-off rifle?

With regards to the .270Win and his wishes to have a gun for longer shots I told him that a custom would be the way to go because he could have it built with heavier bullets in mind. Anyone have any experience shooting heavier bullets with a .270Win?

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Water-Man · April 23, 2018, 10:44 PM

Have him look at one of the Sako models.

Jim Watson · April 23, 2018, 11:18 PM

A friend is very high on John Gallagher. He is best known for Ruger work, but his main business is actually lightweight hunting rifles.

Scorch · April 23, 2018, 11:49 PM

Quote:

So, with that said, will the quasi-custom guns or high-end shelf rifles be far off from a one-off rifle?

Many stock offerings would put many custom rifles to shame.

Rifletom · April 24, 2018, 09:43 AM

"Anyone have any experience shooting heavier bullets with the .270 Win?"
In my Sako Finnbear .270 Win, I've killed two elk with the 160gr Nosler Partition. Those were the only two I shot with that bullet, others being with the 30-06.

Nathan · April 24, 2018, 11:01 AM

If it were me....Montana Rifle Company; Talley or Warne Rings; Nikon Monarch 3 3-12x42.

Caliber: 280 REM AI, 308 Win, 338 Federal or 257 Roberts depending on distance and game

For me, thinking no about deer, elk and antelope, I like the 280 AI and maybe bumping the scope to 4-16...

FiveInADime · April 24, 2018, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan

If it were me....Montana Rifle Company; Talley or Warne Rings; Nikon Monarch 3 3-12x42.

Caliber: 280 REM AI, 308 Win, 338 Federal or 257 Roberts depending on distance and game

For me, thinking no about deer, elk and antelope, I like the 280 AI and maybe bumping the scope to 4-16...

I think he's leaning towards a Montana Extreme X2. I told him .280AI but he wants something he can buy ammo for anywhere, in a pinch.

He's looking at Leupold VX-5HD CDS-ZL2 3-15x44 with either the windplex reticle or the Christmas tree one they offer.

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Nathan · April 24, 2018, 04:53 PM

^^^^sounds like a nice rifle.

taylorce1 · April 24, 2018, 08:53 PM

The Montana will not be a lightweight rifle, in my experience MRC is a little heavier than advertised.

FiveInADime · April 24, 2018, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taylorce1

The Montana will not be a lightweight rifle, in my experience MRC is a little heavier than advertised.

Yeah, I noticed that. 7.2-7.5lbs. Not exactly svelte. I hope he can get hands on one before he buys it.

A NULA would most likely be in my collection if I had the money.

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T. O'Heir · April 25, 2018, 02:07 PM

How much "$$$$"? Not that spending big money means anything at all. It doesn't guarantee accuracy.
Wouldn't even think about any No$ler named cartridge. Way over priced for one. Your pop will not find it in any small places. The .270 is everywhere. So is .30-06 and .308. All 3 will kill any game in North America, including big bears and moose.

RC20 · April 25, 2018, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Have him look at one of the Sako models.
__________________

Yep, just ran a set of hand-loads an old Finnbear.

270 has been a quirky caliber to get to get to shoot for two of us.

Clearly the issue with the Finnbear was the long chamber, I set the length up to match it.

Sub MOA. 5 shots. Hunting bullets. I only expect two out of a thinner barrel, 3 is nice. 5 not only solid but the last two walked back into the group.

Hunting scope, large cross hairs, not used to the trigger.

Those folks know how to crank out thinner not bendy barrels. CZ probably as well.

FiveInADime · April 25, 2018, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T. O'Heir

How much "$$$$"? Not that spending big money means anything at all. It doesn't guarantee accuracy.
Wouldn't even think about any No$ler named cartridge. Way over priced for one. Your pop will not find it in any small places. The .270 is everywhere. So is .30-06 and .308. All 3 will kill any game in North America, including big bears and moose.

He's pretty set on .270Win, as I mentioned.

He certainly wants his money to guarantee accuracy. That's probably the highest priority.

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April 23, 2018, 01:52 PM	#1
FiveInADime Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2012 Posts: 607	End Game Big Game Rifle My father is looking at buying a big $$$$ hunting rifle and has been asking me for advice. He's been considering a Weatherby MkV Range Certified, a Christiansen, Cooper, Montana, full-custom, etc. He is stuck on .270Win for whatever reason but I feel that's not such a bad choice for his needs. I originally suggested 28 Nosler but it would be overkill for everything he would hunt except Elk. He hunts in the big mountains and wilderness areas in the Southwest so long shots are probable. He has plenty of space and time to practice, as well. What end-game type rifle would you guys consider? He's considering a high-end Leupold for glass, btw. Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

April 23, 2018, 02:03 PM	#3
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	That depends upon how big "big money" actually is. In the assumed price range, based on names dropped... My preference would be for Montana Rifle Co, Cooper, or Lane Precision (if a composite stock is okay - they don't do wood). For bigger money, I'd like a Dumoulin. (Though, I see their website is gone. Perhaps they went belly-up!?) __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

April 23, 2018, 03:09 PM	#4
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	If I were spending "big money" I'd go the custom route based on a CRF Winchester or Mauser action. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

April 23, 2018, 07:37 PM	#11
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	For a top-end big game rifle, it's hard to beat a custom. They also cost a bunch. But he would have a rifle like no others. I prefer to build hunting rifles on commercial Mauser (FN or DuMoulin) or Remington 700 actions, but I have built rifles on almost all available actions. As far as caliber, 270 is a good one, but there are loads of others. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

April 23, 2018, 10:03 PM	#12
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,249	Barrett Fieldcraft if he wants an off the shelf rifle, if not I'd talk to Melvin Forbes and get a NULA in .270 Win. __________________ NRA Life Member

April 23, 2018, 02:00 PM	#2
Dufus Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2014 Posts: 1,965	Take a look at Dakota Arms. http://www.dakotaarms.com/model76.html

April 23, 2018, 03:19 PM	#5
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	Me personally, I'd go with a custom made rifle built on a GEW length M98 Mauser of one make or another. Side swing safety (2 position, not 3 position) good trigger and barrel on a super nice hard piece of walnut with ebony tip, steel skelitonized grip cap and checkered steel butt plate. Express sights zeroed out to 400 yards or so with a barrel band front sight and swivel mount. But hey.........not that I give much though to it.

April 23, 2018, 04:11 PM	#6
muzzleblast... Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2015 Location: Obwat, TN Posts: 285	Maybe he should be looking for a vintage Champlin. http://www.gunsinternational.com/gun...n_id=100150197 If he wants something personalized to his specs, I am sure Rigby would be glad to help him out. https://www.johnrigbyandco.com/guns/...hland-stalker/

April 23, 2018, 04:26 PM	#9
Rifletom Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: So-Cal Posts: 789	Perhaps he should check the Weatherby Mark V Ultralightweight. Looks to be right up his alley.

April 23, 2018, 10:44 PM	#14
Water-Man Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 2,126	Have him look at one of the Sako models.

April 23, 2018, 11:18 PM	#15
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	A friend is very high on John Gallagher. He is best known for Ruger work, but his main business is actually lightweight hunting rifles.

April 24, 2018, 09:43 AM	#17
Rifletom Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: So-Cal Posts: 789	"Anyone have any experience shooting heavier bullets with the .270 Win?" In my Sako Finnbear .270 Win, I've killed two elk with the 160gr Nosler Partition. Those were the only two I shot with that bullet, others being with the 30-06.

April 24, 2018, 11:01 AM	#18
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	If it were me....Montana Rifle Company; Talley or Warne Rings; Nikon Monarch 3 3-12x42. Caliber: 280 REM AI, 308 Win, 338 Federal or 257 Roberts depending on distance and game For me, thinking no about deer, elk and antelope, I like the 280 AI and maybe bumping the scope to 4-16...

April 24, 2018, 04:53 PM	#20
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	^^^^sounds like a nice rifle.

April 24, 2018, 08:53 PM	#21
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,249	The Montana will not be a lightweight rifle, in my experience MRC is a little heavier than advertised. __________________ NRA Life Member

April 25, 2018, 02:07 PM	#23
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	How much "$$$$"? Not that spending big money means anything at all. It doesn't guarantee accuracy. Wouldn't even think about any No$ler named cartridge. Way over priced for one. Your pop will not find it in any small places. The .270 is everywhere. So is .30-06 and .308. All 3 will kill any game in North America, including big bears and moose. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!