I love my classic FN, BRNO and HVA 98s. I love my CZ 550s, Ruger M77s and I love my high end full customs. These days it is hard to disparage the weight, simplicity and utter effectiveness of taking a Tikka or similar rifle afield. I hate to admit it but they are every bit as "good" hunting rifle as some of their safe-mates that cost five to ten times as much to have the best smiths in to business build.
For me the new rifles have no soul. It is simply a tool to get groceries. With the exception of my .416 Ruger, I have never subscribed to shooting rifles chambered in cartridges under 50+ years old. Don't really have a great reason but it comes back to the reverence for heritage and legacy that I have for the sport.
