Mauser 98 with original trigger, Ruger M77 MKII/Hawkeye, Winchester 70 with open trigger. There are others, but those are at the top.
I'm of the opinion no rifle with a closed trigger belongs in this category. However, those rifles with an open slot safety and closed trigger, like the M700, are the worst offenders. Something like the Kimber or Nuevo Winchester 70 are far better, not having an open channel to the trigger.
For 99% of us, in 99% of the conditions we hunt, it will never matter.
This.
Stainless don't mean schidt.
It will rust. It sometimes pits faster than blued steel.
Many "stainless" guns have carbon components, because
they will will smoother and /or machine better.
For extreme use, I would rather tend to my rifle a bit, and maybe
have a bit of light brown.
Than have a stainless gun with a stuck safety, trigger, firing pin.
Not to disregard the ability to deal with foreign objects.
Add CR feed, and two stand out.
Discard the pre-64 for is less than great gas handeling...
Controlled round M70 classic, with the bolt handle welded.
M-98. Always the same answer. Perfect for (different) open
sights just as designed.
121 years, and still the standard.
1911, 108 years, still in production, still relevant, and as more than a toy.
Amazing.
