Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles "Classic" hunting rifle questions

Unless an old rifle hasn't been maintained, or has been used really hard, or been messed with, I'd say they are, in general, more reliable than newer ones with plastic or MIM'd parts and complicated designs. Lots of new guns apparently are never function tested before leaving the factory. New guns are also often built to a price point whereas older ones, I believe, were priced based on what it cost to make them, if you get my meaning.

For over thirty years my primary hunting rifle was a pre64 M70 made in 1950. Never, in all that time did it give me a bit of trouble of any kind. I also have had a number of rifles built on commercial and one military Mauser action. Again, not one issue. Older Sakos are in the same category, although my experience with them is limited.

Ingwe, who built that rifle? 375HH?

Commercial version of the Mauser M 98. They can be bought for a good price.

Pay no attention to savage, he's strange... Putting it lightly..

Often times, too good of a price... Ran across a Whitworth 375H&H, that was beautiful, right after I sold my pre 64 H&H to Gunner. I told myself I was done with the 375, but that Whitworth was calling my name. They were asking $600.00 for it and it was well worth that. Had a pretty damn nice stick of wood on it too... I went back the next weekend, and she said it had sold. Didn't last long at that price!!!!

Paid $900 (IIRC) for my Whitworth .375 H&H. It was in the LGS for a few months when I seen it.



Need to take it to Africa now.

All of my bolt guns are modern, mostly stainless, and all with either factory or aftermarket synthetic stocks. Not interested in a Classic wood bolt rifle.

But I can appreciate them. I own a dozen Marlin and Winchester lever rifles. Most were made between the 1950's into the 1970's.

When I get the urge to hunt with a Classic walnut/blue rifle one of these 30-30's get the call. Both are 1958 production.

This defines "Classic" for me.

In my book nothing beats a nicely finished 98 Mauser sporter though I have always thought a Savage 219 single shot in 30-30 would be a fun deer rifle to hunt with.

Savage 99, screw all that Euro-trash.

Only get a Pre-64 Model 70 if your humor went out the window with your prostate.


Don't be afraid of a Remington 141, 760 or a Marlin 336.

I hate to recommend them, because I might want another and the prices are going up. I have two FN commercial Mausers and a semi custom built on a Zastava 98 action. Your best and cheapest way to go is probably a discontinued Remington 98 or Zastava 98. New or slightly used. They have hardly changed in almost 120 years. Captdavid

Pre-'64 M70 FWT in .30-06 for me.

H&R model 340,98 action, nice classic lines, and some were even made with Douglas barrels! If you can find one they usually bring a fraction of the price of a pre-64 Winchester,yet function and looks are every bit as good!Flame suit donned!

H&R model 340,98 action, nice classic lines, and some were even made with Douglas barrels! If you can find one they usually bring a fraction of the price of a pre-64 Winchester,yet function and looks are every bit as good!Flame suit donned!

Husqvarna 640 or 146 based on the FN 98 actions. Still under priced, but chamberings are pretty much restricted to 8x57, 30-06, 9.3x57 and occasionally 9.3x62.
Barrels are Swedish made and very accurate.

Built by Dennis Erhardt...7x57

Of course theres always a sporterized Enfield .303.....

Imho, the 146 and 640 are the most under-rated bargain available in the USA at this time! Most are A third of the price of a good pre-64 model 70. ( if money is a factor) And they are damn good rifles!

A man who sets out with a 640 In 8x57 or 30/06 would be classically outfitted for just about anything. Again JMHO

That is one ugly moose you killed Ingwe.

But,a fine lookin' rifle though.

Depending on how you hunt, a Marlin 336, Winchester 94, or a Savage 99 can be just about perfect. Unless rain is in the forecast, my old 336 is the only rifle that sees my N.C. mountain place. Grandpa's gun doesn't have to hunt in the rain anymore.

The Remington 721's are pretty nice "vintage" rifles. Also, commercial FN Mausers, I use my dad's old "Musketeer" in 30-06 on a regular basis.