New Rifle Decision

B

b.watkins

Inactive
Looking to buy a new rifle in 25-06. I've narrowed my decision down to a Winchester Model 70 Sporter, a Browning X-bolt Hunter, or a Kimber Model 84L Classic Select Grade. I do a lot of open country hunting, shots often exceeding 350 yards. Reloading and long range target shooting are a couple interests/hobbies I want to get into. Thanks!
 
I own Winchesters and Kimbers. Prefer CRF rifles and would steer you that way for that reason. I've been quite impressed with both the Kimber and Winchester's I own. I've heard the Brownings are very accurate, but simply don't care for them, but that is just me and is a personal thing.

The Browning and Kimber are very lightweight and either make a good gun to carry for miles, especially in steep mountains. The Winchester, especially the sporter, is on the heavy side. All 3 are probably equally accurate, but the heavier Winchester will probably be the easiest to shoot accurately.

I own some very light rifles, including a Kimber. They will shoot with the heavier rifles, but require a little more attention and skill from the shooter to make it happen. It would come down to the style of hunting I did and if I wanted a heavy or light rifle.
 
Narrowed Down

Decided against the Kimber, due to the fact I'm looking for something a little heavier to absorb recoil. Went to the local gun shop and cycled the bolt on a Browning X-bolt, not a fan of the short throw. Also considered a Model 70 Featherweight (difference in weight compared to a Sporter is about 4 oz) but it only comes in a 22" barrel. I've read that a longer (24") barrel improves accuracy in the 25-06 caliber, and the muzzle flash/ recoil are lessened. Does this info amount to a hill of beans? Pros and Cons to each? Thanks for your input.
 
Barrel length is not particularly relevant to accuracy. Muzzle blast will be worse with a shorter barrel but the difference between 24 and 22 is not going to be significant. If you load your own, you can eliminate that problem anyway. There will be NO discernible recoil difference. In theory, the SLIGHTLY increased muzzle blast would increase recoil with a short barrel BUT, in theory, the increased velocity of a longer barrel will increase recoil in the long barrel. In reality, you'll NEVER know the difference.

You DON'T like the short throw? Huh. I thought that was supposed to be a good thing.
 
to peetzakilla

To clarify on the bolt throw, been shooting Model 70's since I was 14, the short throw of the X-bolt didn't feel natural
 
I'd choose the Winchester, but still have to recommended the Remington 700 SPS/ADL over your choices. My Winchester 670 shoots excellent, but the 700 feels a lot smoother and more reliable in my opinion.
 
I have a M70 that is just a few years old and the only complaint I have is that the trigger is not adjustable. But other than that it is a tack driver. Mine is a 300 win. I can't wait till I can get a 25-06, should make a great yote and youth deer/elk rifle.
 
Take a good look at the Savage 116 "Weather Warrior", it's fairly light, impervious to wet weather of course, Accu-trigger, Accustock,. My daughter saved her money and bought one in the .270 win, She shoots less than MOA and one hundred, with the Rem. Corelokts!!!!!;)
 
B. Wakins:

I shoot five M-70's including a 3006 that I purchased in 1956. I have many other rifles but when I go hunting my primary rifle is the M70 in 3006. It has never let me down and it is very accurate.

Semper Fi.

Gunnery sergeant
Clifford L. Hughes
USMC Retired
 
If this were a poll, the MDL70 would win by landslide.

I have owned quite a few rifles, MDL 700, MDL 70, Weatherby MkV, Vanguard, Interarms MkX, and Ruger 77.

I would go with the Win 70 or the Kimber, simply because they are CRF and have solid bolts and integral recoil lugs.

My purpose isn't to bash the MDL 700, but I don't consider them equal to the MDL 70 or the Kimber. IMO the MDL 700 is quite serviceable, but has cut too many corners to make them affordable for the average consumer. IMO it's like comparing a Ford Pinto to a Lincoln MK8. The same thing goes for Browning X bolt, not solid or integral, but finished better than a MDL 700.

Any modern rifle would do, but we all have our favorites.
 
I Recomend the Winchester Model 70, its a great action, and completely American Made.
Not to mention that its a classic Controlled feed action, and has one of the best barrels money can buy.
 
I almost bought a .25-06 and instead bought a .260. I feel I can do more with it as a do all rifle. You have good taste in rifles, with the Winchester and Kimber. I would consider a better caliber. And also check out CZ rifles or a Savage.
 
Go Kimber!!

I have the 84l in a 25-06..they are fantastic rifles. Anyone that says otherwise doesn't have one :). Supposedly Kimber used to have "accuracy issues" but mine shoots really well. The other rifles you listed are good too but for a couple hundred bucks more why settle for good? Get a great rifle. The only problem with the Kimber is that's all you will want to buy after that so be careful. I think so highly of mine that if you live anywhere near me I will meet you at the range and you can shoot min before you buy one. I am totally serious...post your email if you want me to contact you
 
Deerslayer's got a good point here, I picked up the Kimber at a local gunshow and the first thing I noticed that the rifle was well blanced and very light.(.338 win.) But for me the price was out of my league (cause I want to stay married) but if, and I say If I win the lotto,,, I'm going to buy one of those suckers for sure!!;)
 
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