Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Caliber for walk around field rifle/ truck gun

Model 99 in 250 SAV

I shall hereby consider myself reprimanded, and will try not to show my ignorance of the English vernacular from this point on.(shame emoji turned on).

Living on a farm, and being a hunter as well, I've had a "truck gun" for 40 years. My first was a Remington 788 in 243. It was the kind of rifle that could stand up to hard use, and it wasn't expensive, so it didn't matter if it got banged around some. I killed a lot of stuff with it. For some reason or another, I sold it and ended up with an Interarms Mini Mauser in 223. It did the job, until someone figured out I had it in the truck, and stole it. After that, I used a 10-22 for my truck/ATV/tractor/farm rifle for a while. I also used a Ruger 17HMR as well. My current truck gun is a Howa Lightning 20 inch barreled 204. I bought it because I had a bunch of 204 brass and bullets, but I've killed a few coyotes and crows with it. If I was doing it all over again, I'd take a hard look at the Howa Mini in 223. You have a 10 round mag, and a cartridge that will take care of most anything. An AR would be just the thing, if I didn't take some shots from the truck.....but, I don't like that brass being flung on the windshield. Haven't broken one yet, but I don't like taking the chance.

Since you said you are married to the Winchester pattern, how about a Kimber Hunter in .243 Win.? They only weigh about 5 1/2 lb. and have a detachable magazine which would make loading/unloading quick & easy. Plus they are stainless steel for ease of maintenance.
Then if you decided you didn't like it you could sell it to me for half of what you have in it!

Yall are hilarious!!!!

Alot of the same ideas I've had (except for losing my ass in a gun to sell on the forum)

Mini mausers and their clones ar cool, I've always preferred short/light/ handi rifles. When I foud kimbers I knew Id foud my grail. Ive got a few model 70 featherweights as well, but they can't compare to the kimbers.

I'll keep thining aobut it, yall keep pitching your piece, It's good to hear and think about....

I just picked up a Ruger 77/44 to go along with my new 629. Have only had it to the range twice but it's been very fun to shoot! My buddy's little boy called it a "Big Nasty" one when we were out on Sunday and I let him know he just came up with it's new name.....LOL!!!

If it has to be the Kimber platform, then make it the Hunter style for truckin'.

The 243 is not twisted tight enough to be truly fun.
The Creedmoor is.

If SAS actually gets them to make an 8 twist 22-250, that would do you very well.

I'm having my truck gun put together as we speak. In fact, I should ring up my Smith to see how it's going. I probably could get by with spending less, but I really don't intend on abusing or neglecting it.

Stainless Remington model 7
6mm Creedmoor
Bansner High Tech Stock
#2 Schneider barrel (20-22")
Factory trigger tuned by 805
Bolt fluted by Feldkamp
Gre-Tan firing pin assy.
Leupold 2.5-8 w/B&C reticle

IF they do that, I'll buy that one straight away. I've loved the .22-250 for a long time, and my daughters first rifle was a .22-250 M-70 featherweight compact. great little gun, having one that I could handload heavier medium game bullets in would be fantastic!

I was using a Sako AI Hunter in 223 Rem. but recently switched to a RAR-Predator in 223 Rem., it fills the utility rifle role very well so far.

StarchedCover

I have Model Sevens in .223 and .243. Either works well as a walkaround package. And if the ranges you want to cover are inside 150 yards, might give consideration to a .22 WMR.

243 Win would be My choice of cartridge for a walk around/truck gun................Hb

I picked up a Kimber hunter 243 this fall. Wanted to try a Kimber and the cheaper stock and clip made sense for a truck gun, etc.

As long as it makes a good headrest.....

One of my truck guns is an old adl .22-250.. On its 3rd barrel, it has killed everything from gophers though deer.. Illegal for elk here, but if it were, I might try stunt shooting one with it..

BRAD are you ready for a shock ??

Instead of a 243 for the OP's purpose.....

I suggest a 308 W !!!!!

***In the same rifle a 308 will be 'lighter' than a 243--- the HOLE is larger in dia. from the case mouth ALLL the way thru the bore !!!

Larger hole = Less metal = Less weight.

This is one of a FEW times I'd suggest a 308.


Jerry

That's what I'd do based upon what you have.

An 84M Montana seems like just the ticket....

223 or 243 in a kimber sounds like what you are after. Either Montana or hunter model

You mentioned calibre only but Bob the sheister gets my vote for a semi auto platform, especially if you will be taking shots seated... no need to work that bolt, and fast follow up.

One thing a right handed American and a left handed Australian/South African has in common is the driver side shot favours both. On the carrot farm behind my place, this has become a popular option .. but I still need to work a bolt due to politics ... miss those days in South Africa when I had a Colt 223..

How about a Ruger American in 300 AAC Blackout. Light, handy and deadly accurate.