Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Just day dreaming.

Was thinking about someday when I have a real job (& before the arrival of kids). The rifles I would like to have in my gunsafe. I don't see any glaring holes here and not a whole lot of overlap, what do y'all think?

10/22 (duh ... doesn't everyone own at least one?)
22 WMR
Mini 30 (I'll put up here with the rimfires .. cause its just a fun gun)

22-250
25-06
7mm-08
7 mm WBY
30-30 (my first baby <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />)
300 WBY (my current baby <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />)
375 WBY (or a 375 H&H ... still very open to debate)

Heck .... there is a slew of others but these are the ones with the least amount of overlap. The only real big overlap I see is the 25-06 and 7mm WBY. I can't imagine many things the 25-06 can do better than a 7 Mag with 120's. Or am I just crazy? Ain't dreaming nice <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

av:

General thoughts......

The big 7 and the Big 30 are largely redundant.
What can a 25-06 do that the big 7 can't?....two things.
(1) Shoot an 85gr @ 3500 fps for a windy day critter load.
(2) Be built fairly light and still not kick your ears off.

So, the 7 mag is a fine round and could easily replace the 300, but you don't really need both. Since you have the 300, there's no reason for a big 7 (unless you just "want it").

So............assuming you don't want much redundancy.

22-250.......perfect varminter
25-06.........set up as a 7.5 lb. "mid weight"
7-08.........set up as a 6 lb. "go get 'em in the steep stuff gun"
300............what ever you use it for now
375............for when you go to AK or Africa

Of course if the lady will (LET) you have 10-12 rifles, there's lots of other stuff to dream about. You better watch it though....if you get too many toys, she might be thinkin' about one for herself (like a horse or somethin').... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

JimF

No .25-284 in the line-up????? I'm a little offended!



Actually, I was thinking about this same topic yesterday. I think your line-up looks good, although I'm not too fond of the Weatherby chamberings (just don't know that much about them).



My current line-up is:



.22 caliber (.223 and .22-250) - 45 Gr. to 60 Gr. bullets

.25 caliber (25-284 and 257 Rbts) - 75 Gr. to 120 Gr. bullets

.30 caliber (.308) - 150 Gr. to 180 Gr. bullets

.338 caliber (.338-08 AI) - 200 Gr. primarily



Notice the "hole" between the 25 and 30 caliber??



My wants are:



Either a .277 or 7mm. I had just about decided on a 270 Winchester (not sexy, I know), because it does everything I would need it to do and it's a perfect fit between the 25 caliber and the 30 caliber. The 270 Win would shine with bullets from 130 Grs. to 150 Grs. I've also been kicking around a .284 Win based on a Rem 660 action, but that would require a lot of $$'s.



I also want (don't need) a .375 Taylor (375-338 Win Mag). You might look into that as it gives .375 H&H velocities with less powder, although it's a wildcat custom chambering and requires more expensive dies.

So busy thinking about my future gun safe .. I forgot that there is a .270 in there. Howa barreled action dropped into a JRS laminate stock topped with a 3200 (so boring I forgot about it ... actually a good rifle for what little cash I have into it! ... just not a pretty rifle <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />). Guess with the .300 and the .270 ... the 7mm really is outta place.

That is a big IF ... but she is a good woman ... may take some years to get there ... but I will get there. My thinking on the 7mm ... it will push 120's @ 3450 (if one believes the Lee Manual) & can push 140/160's as a backup to the 300. But the recoil would probably be much more, but not much more than a 30-06 I would believe (or am I off base there?).

George,

Surely you must have read my post on the 6 classes of rifle... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Now any reasonable competent rifle looney cannot live with just one in each class. So that means you must have at least 12 rifles. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Not including the .22 RF. Oh! that's 13! Whooops! unlucky number. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> You must have another rifle to keep from being doomed my luck. Throw in a shotgun or two for the occasional foray for birds and now you need a gun safe that holds at least 16 long guns. Guns have been known to breed and multiply so you should consider a safe for 18-24 guns just in case. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Buy soon! And, Do Not, I repeat: DO NOT give the combination of the gun safe to the wife. The philosophy of the preceding is lost on the feminine gender. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Just trying to help a friend...the9.3Guy

Or, you may get lucky.

Seems I was daydreamin' a bit the other day as well, surfin' the net, drooling and pondering rifles of all manner of make and mechanism. Then, the wife caught me... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />yep, I thought I was a goner. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> That is until I had an Epiphany.

I say, "Honey, now you know I'm a gun buff (she corrects to "gun nut" but allows me to proceed). So, I've been thinking that not everygun I get has to be locked up in a safe. The more "pretty" ones (note: use a term wives understand - never cute), I was thinking could go in a nice glass-fronted cabinet in the den/my office. What do you think?" If figured I was dead anyway, so roll the dice on that one...The answer just about floored me.

She says, "okay, but can they all match or something so they look nice together?" BINGO! I figure I'm looking at 5 out of 6 on the lotto right now with one number left, so I go for it - with a manuever she (nor I) ever expected. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I say, "well, probably. I tell you what, since I can justify and use almost any gun out there, (a little honest never hurts when you're spreading it this deep) and I won't bore you with the differences in styles, why don't you spend a couple of minutes with me, look at a few different styles, and tell me what you think looks nice." Risky, but it paid off...

She says, "okay, sure. Show me."

For the next ten minutes, we cruise around the net looking at general rifle websites. Her analysis was this:

She doesn't like the way that lever actions (except the Savage 99) look.
She can't stand pumps or autos.
She like bolt actions, esp. with wood with good figure and grain (ouch <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />).
She likes single shots (falling block or T/C break-actions) and double rifles even better (she's killing me here...
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />).

But, her overall favorite: the Sharps (either Shiloh or C.Sharps, my choice! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />)

So, I say to her, "now, you know that you've just given me carte blanche to start collecting one or two of those types, right?"

Her response: "well, you could have an eclectic collection, or a collection of a couple of different types, I guess. How many do you think you might need of each? Would 10 or 12 of a couple of different styles suit, or maybe a few more if you only stick to one style?" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> (I'm thinkin' to myself right then: Holy [bleep], and trying hard not to let on!)

This is when I expected to wake up, but no, it really happened! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Oh, for the rest of you out there, yes, she does have a sister who likes to hunt and fish (but she's married).

Yeah, I might have been taken for the fool (she has been noticing Rolexes, Mercedes, and Jaguars a bit more recently), but I'll take it.

Now, should I start with the Sharps collection first, or the classic bolt-actions... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Shilo Sharps by all means, unless you can snag a few Griffin & Howe bolt rifles! She wants Rolexes or Mercedes, that just translates into nicer shootin' Irons. You better finish that law degree and get to hustling though, unless you married money.<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

av:


If you are allowed someday to have one of everything, then you can sure build a case for a big 7 or a 270 WM or WSM or just about anything. But!! if you want to cover the most bases, and cover 'em well, with 4 or 5 rifles, then you have to think about the set up of each piece and how you'll use it.

So......IMO your thinking on the big 7 is off base.

7mm 120/3450 OK, doable for sure, but so what? What are you gonna do with that load that you could not do just as well with a 25-06 that is 1.5 lbs lighter and delivers 30% less recoil??

7mm WBY (9 lbs) 120/75/3450 = 26 ft lb
25-06 (7.5 lbs) /100/55/3350 = 18 lb

Back up for your 300?? Here you are inventing a reason. Why do you need to back up your 300? If you did, consider that an '06 or 270 can do it with a rifle that's one pound lighter and delivers 22%-32% less recoil.

7mm WBY (9 lbs) 160/75/3100 = 29 ft lbs
30-06 (8 lbs) 165/55/2900 = 22 ft lbs
270 win (8 lbs) 150/55/2900 = 20 ft lbs

I'm not suggesting that more rifles is not better. Hell, you could make the case that you need a 24 cal, (maybe two, a light one and a heavy one) You don't have a 338 in there and of course there are some things that a 270 or a 6.5mm will do (120-130gr bullet w/less recoil) that maybe a 7 mag won't do as well. In fact, you might wanna build the bride up a battery of rifles just in case she decides to go shooting one day......the litany is endless.

If you want a sensible battery with good spacing and less overlap of capabilities, then the big 7mm just doesn't fit given the other stuff you specified. Of course, you could change your mind and decide that you don't want the 25-06 or the 7-08 or the 300. You could also just decide you have the hots for something in 7mm that says weatherby on the barrel. That's plenty of justification, but it's just not practical given what you seemed to be asking.

JimF

Different needs for areas and types of hunting, but I think a minimum for me would be .22LR, 22/250, 280, and a .338WM.
It would be like trying to live on a diet of beans and bread, but I guess I could do it.-
I gotta go hug my gun safe <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I get by with 2, 17HMR's. 3, 22lr's. 1 .32WinSPL. 1, 30-30. 1, 30-06. The rest are handguns.

When to realize you are in a nightmare and you... need... to... sell... some... guns.

REM 700 Varmint Custom BDL 222 REM
REM 700 BDL 22-250
REM 700 VLS 22-250
Weatherby SPM 22-250
Kimber 84M Classic 243
Sako AII Manlicher 243
REM 700 BDL 25-06
Kimber 84M Classic 260
REM 700 BDL SS DM 260
Magnum Research Mountain Eagle 270
REM 7600 270
Winchester Laredo 7mm Rem Mag
REM 700 Classic (Now with BDL stock) 300 Savage
REM 700 Custom VLS 308
REM 700 Custom PSS 308
Sako Finlight 300 WSM
REM 700 Classic 350 Rem Mag
WIN 94 AE SS (1of500) 44 Mag

Beretta AL 391 Gold 20 ga
Beretta AL 391 Ringneck

This is what happens when it gets out of hand.
They all don't fit in the safe. Can't get a bigger safe in the house and no room for a second safe. Can't afford a bigger house to put a bigger safe in. Layaway can be a bad idea.

You got waaaaaay too many .22-250's and you need to sell me that BDL!!!

Myself the list I could get away with:

10/22 22lr
22-250
300 WM
375 H&H

Pretty boring but I think I could go anywhere and hunt anything I want to hunt with that line up.

Now if it was all out - I would have more niche calibers like :

257 better bob
25-284
243 AI
280 AI
223 AI
22 mag
308
338/06
458 Lott

Pistols like :

Wilson cqb with light rail
Jardine custom
Kobra Karry
(all in 45 acp)
A EGW (i think the guys who do Koenig's guns) in 38 super
A ruger in 480 ruger
couple of vaquaros in 45lc
bearcat 22lr

Thats about it I think, and no gun safe - would have a room in the house re-enforced with cinderblock and a safe door as the door- stand alone dehumidifying system- big plasma, dvd bose surround sound, bar, reloading bench, leather lazy-boy and maybe a small alcove that opens to the outside with a bbq grill (charcoal) and a smoker.

My safe looks something like this and I'm pretty fortunate.
7mm-08 Whinchester Classic Featherweight
308 Ruger UL 77 MKII
257R Ruger UL MKII
30/06 Ruger 77 MKI Standard model
Ruger 77 MKII .243 (box stock, and it's a shooter)
270 Remington 700 CDL
Ruger 77/22
Marlin 7000
Marlin Golden 39A
Winchester 94/22
Taurus PT945
Ruger MKI Custom .22 w/Aimpoint (by me)
I like the Marlin much better than the Ruger 10/22 and it will outshoot most any 10/22, (but I still like the 10/22).
The Ruger UL MkII's are super shooters and a joy to carry. 257R being one of my favorite rounds.
I customized the Ruger MKI .22 auto pistol. It has an ungodly light trigger, that is super reliable and the action is smoothed up and I drilled and tapped the receiver for scope mounts and added an aimpoint. It will outshoot some .22 target rifles at 50 yards from a solid rest. I had a couple of Savage Varmint rifles, but wasn't happy with the accuracy of those, so they went by-by. But, I am in need of a good heavy barrel. I added a Timney trigger to my box stock 77 in .243 and it will shoot 1/4" groups at 100 yards with loads using Sierra 85 grain boat tails, so it's a keeper. I'm also looking for a good .260, preferably a Ruger 77 MKII, but haven't run across on yet that was in good condition. I have very few wants, so I'm very lucky and I hope you get the guns you want someday. Enjoy them all you life, like I have the many that have gone through my hands. Some people don't think you should get rid of guns you're tired of or don't like or use anymore, but I believe in passing them around and enjoying them. If I don't use them anymore I trade them for something I will use. I also won't keep one that won't shoot good, very long.

You need to get rid of the mini-30 and replace it with an AR15.

You need a 17 HMR bolt action.

You need a heavy barreled varmint gun in .223 - the Remington 700 VSSF is a good choice.

Partially there:

You need a:

another 22LR (single-shot bolt action)

the AR (or a Mini-14) in addition to the Mini-30

definitely need the .223 HB

something LARGE (shiloh sharps in 45-70/90/110? Ruger #1 in .416/.458?)

Take a look at this website, get a rifles chambered for each of these cartridges, and it'll give you a good running start.

http://freespace.virgin.net/kynoch.ammunition/cartridge%20range.htm



Now the bolt guns should be custom mauser actions or pre-64 Winchesters. They must be built by men with the last names like: Miller, Wiebe, Hagn, Goudy, Heilmann, Lind, Echols, etc...



A couple of good lever actions chambered for cartridges such as 50-110, 405, 33 Win, and 348 Win., oh yeah, throw in a 300 Savage for good measure. Lever action rifles should have the name Winchester on them, except for the 300 Savage, which you will find with the name Savage on it.



Singleshot rifles should be Ruger, Martini, Martini-Hagn, Hartemann-Weiss, Bob Snapp, Steven Dodd Hughes, Sharps, or any of the Ferlach singleshot rifle makers.



Then there are the double rifles. Pick your poison for cartridges. Names like Holland and Holland, Westley Richards, Rigby (pre-California), etc...



Add a few handguns by Bowen, Linebaugh, Clements, Baer, Kimber, Ruger, and Colt.



I think you just might have your bases covered.

...don't forget to save room for a couple LC Smith side by sides....

That will empty your bank account in a hurry.

Regards, sse

avagadro,

i like to keep it even more simple than that, because i seem to get an emotional attatchment to my rifles... i regret going anywhere and leaving one of them at home... i enjoy running up each rifles score, it's history, if you will...

i enjoy picking up a rifle at a family get together and recounting years worth of hunts with it... a $2500 custom rifle that i'd never done anything with would have less value than my old remington bolt action .22... an inexpensive artifact by any rational judgement...

for years, in my case it's been the .243 and the 30/06... and the one constant thread in the stories is my dads 30/06 which he had before i was ever thought of.... i still call it his rifle, though he died in '77 and it's been my rifle since...

any rifle is cheap to purchase... it's the investment that we make in it when we carry it that is valuable... buy a rifle today and sell it tomorrow??? NO BIG DEAL.... carry a rifle for 10 years (or 40) and consider selling it...

if i were in your shoes, my feelings would lead me to chose probably 2 centerfires that would cover the bulk of my uses..... and use them..... john w