Help me pick a new rifle

C

canoetrpr

Inactive
Hi folks:

I'm new here and been into firearms for under a year. Since then I have acquired:

two shotguns - simple Benelli Nova for duck hunting, Beretta 686 E Sporting for skeet and sporting clays
three rifles: CZ 452 .22LR, Ruger 77 Mark 2 Target, FN Winchester 70 Featherweight 30-06 for hunting
one handgun: High Standard Supermatic Trophy .22LR

I think I'd like to add a new centerfire rifle to my collection and I can't seem to decide what. So help me spend my money.

I expect I've got my hunting needs covered with the Winchester 70 30-06 for anything I'm interested in trying out hunting.

Figured perhaps I should look to adding something like a .223, 22-250, 257 Roberts,or a 6.5x something and get it with a heavy / medium barrel since I am going to be using it primarily at the range.

Then again, I'm happy to let the barrel cool between shots as I am never in a rush shooting center fire. Does it matter whether I get another hunting rifle if this is the case?

I have a weakness for really nice wood so I'm not getting laminate or synthetic.

I've been ogling Coopers and Sakos. I just adore my Winchester 70 so If I bought another hunting rifle, perhaps a Winchester 70 Supergrade might not be out of the question either.

I'd appreciate any thoughts you might have.

P.S. I'm reloading and so locating factory ammo isn't an issue. I'd say that I'd almost prefer a calibre that isn't common, just to be different :-)
 
You are ready for a .22 centerfire for range shooting. Cost factor for bullets and powder will be a plus, compared to larger cartridges. Think about the .222 Remington. Used to be as common as grass, but now is rare at the range. One of the most accurate factory rounds ever made. If you like good wood, you could find, I think, a Cooper, Kimber, or a Sako in this chambering. Interesting would be a Remington Model 722, the first rifle for the .222, if you would like to go vintage. A varmint weight barrel would be nice. Quite a few Model 700s were also made in this caliber and I have seen some nice ones.
 
Welcome to the forum!

In the spring and summer we used to get the most shooting at varmints. If there are any chucks or P dogs near you consider a rifle for that.

I also did a lot of rifle competition both indoors in the winter and with centerfire in warmer weather. Look at ranges near you for that and get a rifle similar to what they are using.

I had a 722/222R new in 1953. It was a piece of junk quality and machinery wise. The cartridge is ok for pests but obsolete.

In 1957 I got a new M70 in 243. A superb rifle. I wore out it's barrel and it's now a Swift. I took it hunting again today! :)
 
Try picking up a ruger #1, to me they are one of the icon guns that just feel great in your hands. Looks like you could use a varment round, 204, 222, 223, 22-250, 220 swift,243, 257 roberts, 25-06.
 
a new one, eh?

I just had a TC Contender rechambered to 7x30 Waters and it is by far the most accurate round I have ever used for hunting.
One shot instant kills on hogs using Barnes 7mm 140gr TTSX with a head shot.
 
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