For all of United States game.

Caliber
Stock
Action
Barrel
Scope

Mine would be:

7mm-08
KRG Bravo
Tikka T3x
Factory Tikka
VX5HD 2-10x42

257 souper
Factory seven pebble finish 12.5 Lop
Seven
20" light
3.5-10x40 matte #4

6mm creed
Gunwerks Clymer (unfortunately only offered in 700 footprint)
Tikka t3x
18" ctr profile threaded
Bushnell lrhs2 (or if we're in fantasy land, a lrhs with the thlr reticle)

6.5 Weatherby RPM
Manners
Defiance
Bartlien
Vortex Razor-Steiner Predator

.300 Weatherby
AA FancyClaro walnut blank from Richards that I fit, finished and checkered
Weatherby Vanguard
24" plus a KDF brake
It now has a Leupold VX 3i 4.5-14x40 with CDS and side focus.

I love the wood, but don't like to take it out in wet weather.

275 Rigby
Fancy English walnut
Mauser action
24 inch premium grade barrel. I have had great success with Douglas
Leo[pold Vari X III 3.5X10

Mini-Mauser originally in 7.62x39 rebarreled to 6.5 Grendel, 18" Barrel(no preference for brand), slender Mannlicher style stock with barrel band. Leupold 1.5-5x20mm scope. A Ruger RSI in 260, 7mm-08 or 308 would work.

Custom shop 100th anniversary Winchester 70 Supergrade in 3006 with a Leupold VXIII 3.5x10-40

This one is as close to ideal as any I've ever had the pleasure to own.

7MM-08
Proof
Defiance Rebel
Bartlein #4 CF wrapped barrel
Nightforce NXS Compact

Caliber = 7x64
Stock = wood
Action = Winchester
Barrel = yes
Scope = Zeiss Conquest 3x9

A 1909 Argentine Mauser in .280 Remington, metal work by the Harry Lawson company, stock by Sterling Sterling Davenport. Burris FFII 3x9X, Timney trigger.
Paul B.

I built it in 1989/90.....with the exception that a stainless steel Win. model 70 action that wasn’t available at that time. The rifle is 9 pounds (scoped, loaded, slung), Winchester Model 70 action (trued), Douglas Match Grade SS barrel with lightest contour available for my caliber with express sights and forward sling swivel on the barrel, McMillan Classic fiberglass stock full-length bedding with Pachmyar Decelerator recoil pad, a Leupold 2.5-8 (for about 20 years) then went to a Leupold 3.5-10 CDS about 10 years ago, in .375 AI.

My “only” hunting rifle since it was built! Not only fully capable in all of America, but legal for most (if not all) of the African Big Five! memtb

McWhorter 7mm08 (2820fps)
McMillan
Hart 24"bbl
Rem 700 action
Jewell trigger
VXIII 4.5-14 B&C

model 70 action,
280 Rem
fwt barrel contour
frech walnut with Ebony forend tip and Fleur d Lis checkering
supergrade style swivels with a shadow line cheekpiece
Leupold 6x42 in Talleys

280 Ackley Improved
McMillan GP/HTG
Defiance lightest one with 3 POS safe.
Brian Baker
1.5-8x42 S&B Stratos

Dave

Hmm. My Kimber Montana in 7-08 is what I'd build for a lower 48 rifle but I'll play.

CRF Win 70 action
2 panel checkered bolt knob
Exhibition grade walnut, ebony tip and inletted sling studs
Skeletonized grip cap with checkering inside
Red recoil pad
Fleur-de-lis checkering
Gold wedding band on shank
Slow rust blued
Cartridge is the hard part. 7-08, 30-06, 7 Rem Mag, 280 Rem, 7 Mauser all work

Scope - TBD BUT PROB leup 2.5-8x

7x64 struck me as a great all-around, too. No better than 280, just cool in its own way.

I've already owned a couple of John Rigby & Sons rifles so I know what quality is, and costs, so if I was prepared to spend that amount of money again, that's where I would go but.......during those same years I had other rifles I used and I get just as much enjoyment out of a Winchester Featherweight rifle than anything 10 times its cost.

A Weatherby Mark V also fits me surprisingly well and I shoot them accurately in larger chamberings though have had a bunch from .240 thru .460.

I guess it doesn't matter as much as just being out hunting for me. Still have a crush on the Winchester Featherweight in 7x57 because I know what it can do.

My new favorite one gun for everything -

Remington RR RUM action
26 Nosler chamber
set up for the 140 Nosler Accubonds
25" Rock 5R barrel
Figured walnut stock with a sprayed on epoxy finish
4.5 - 14 x 40 30 mm tube
Reworked Remington 700 trigger set to 2 lbs

Caliber = .270 Win
Stock = Pacific Research Rimrock
Action = LH Rem 700
Barrel = Rem Factory KS
Scope = Leupold 2.5-8x40, CDS, German #4

Trigger = Timney Calvin @ 2.5#
DBM = HS Gen1 Flat bottom




Tinkering with a LH Win 70 chambered .300 WM. However, still a work in progress...

Caliber: .338 Win Mag
Stock: Echols Legend
Action: Blueprinted Stainless M70 Classic
Barrel: Benchmark
Scope: NF NXS Compact

Caliber: .30-06
Stock: McMillan EDGE
Action: FN/SC M70 Stainless
Barrel: Brux #1 @ 23”
Scope: Swarovski Z3 3-9x36
Mounts: Talley steel fixed lows

Last year I had the following done:
Bansner Sheep Hunter
Defiance anTi
Hawk Hill turned down to KS contour - chambered in 280AI
S&B PMII 6x42

It turned out really nice. I guess it would be my pick for ALL....I do like short actions for MOST though.

375 H&H
Walnut
Leupold 2.5x8
Mauser

Holy smokes, you done great with that one! Beautiful wood onto it.

This is my favorite so far. Only took me twice to build it right.

P64 Magnum action
7mm Mashburn Super
25” Bartlein 5R 1-8
McMillan Hunters EDGE 14” LOP
Trijicon 3-18

What’re you waiting on??

Caliber-257 WBY Mag
Stock--AG composites
Action--Rem SS 700 or clone
Barrel--Pacnor super match 25 inch #1 contour SS
Scope--Nightforce
Trigger--Trigger Tech

I'm a big fan of single shot rifles. This is the latest done on a reworked #1 action. I chose a classic deer cartridge the 300 Savage. It's going to Texas for a free range Aoudad hunt this fall.

Beautiful rifle and a fine caliber.

JC
Pretty close.
Hawk Hill does a nice job.

Dave

How about...

270 WCF
McMillian GP/HTG
M700
Hart
1.5-6x52 Zenith Flash Dot.
How's that??

Dave

I hope this is it, because it is what I’m building:

7mm-08
AG Privateer
Defiance AnTi
Rock Creek #2
TBD….leaning Nightforce 3-10 or 2.5-10

Hopefully it'll be my new Kauger Arms 243ai.
Proof Research barrel
Proof Research stock
Leupold VX 6-HD 3x18x50 firedot mounted in Talley lightweights.

270 WCF
Echols Legend Carbon
Model 70 action
Kreiger Barrel
Swarovski Z8i 1.7-13 x42

Are you tired of your 300 win Legend?

You have very nice rifles to choose from.

Defiance Rebel (sheep hunter w/ Rem tang)
Obermeyer 1-10 in Rock #3 contour @ 23”
Serengeti 30-06 (bore rider) chamber
McM Classic Edge w/ 14.5” lop (ADL)
Bat action screws
Jewell trigger at 2.25lbs
Talley LW low
Leupold FX3 6x42 lrd w/ alumina flips
Montana 1” sling

That’d be a helluva build.

It probably has a 1/2” of dust on it….. might oughta break that one out.

I'll take it!

I notice you had the “ears” removed from the receiver. Not sure why, but it makes a nice difference. Wouldn’t be surprised if it made it shoot better too.

Interesting cartridge choice. Not bad, just interesting. Did you twist 1-10”?

Lovely piece.

Interesting….. that might work

i have been using this old killer for over 15 some years . Ruger # 1 laminated stock ,S.S. , 27 inch contour #4 257 Weatherby mag. Brux barrel , front forearm relieved and glass bedded , timney 4 lb. trigger , custom Picatinny S.S. base , 4.5 -14 x 56 Nightforce scope , 100 gr. Nosler Partitions - 3800 FPS , longest shot using a bi-pod / prone 710 yards 1st shot witnessed and measured by 2 Viet Nam Marines , 10 pt. buck was standing still.

Since the OP specified everything, it will need to include moose where I am.

The following is in the works.

1. M700 stainless BDL action
2. 24 or 25" JC Custom bbl in reg factory sporter contour
3. Brown Precision stock.
4. VXIII 3.5-10 or 4.5-14
5. 300H&H

Doesn't look like anyone uses 700 actions anymore. I still like them.

I had this one built years ago, by a gunsmith here in Colorado.

1. pre-'64, Transition period M70 action, jewelled bolt
2. 22" stainless PacNor Super Match barrel, .280 Rem.
3. Bansner LW stock, bedded and free floated
4. Leupold VX3 3.5-10 CDS
5. Stock M70 trigger, set at 2.5#
6. All-up weight, less ammo- 7 lb. 11 oz.

Something similar on a Ruger #1 like GSPfan tends to build would work for me too.

Pappy348 the barrel is a 1:10 twist and it's super accurate with 150 grainers. I'm also going to try some 165 grain Barns TTSX. I have the bottom of the action sculpted and the safety inflated as well. I have had the "ears" taken off the last two builds, I think it just looks better.

My tastes run much like GSP's. A Ruger #1, or perhaps better yet, an MVA repro of the Winchester high Wall, top rank barrel 26", pretty thin-shell walnut stock, .30-30 or .30-40 Krag for cast bullet use. Fitted with an aperture rear sight (if it's an MVA), and Unertl scope blocks for bench work.

[quote=Mach3]For ALL of United States game (including the biggest brown and white bears).

Caliber: 416 (cartridge: 416 Ruger)
Stock: Hogue overmold w/ pillar bedding
Action: Factory Ruger Alaskan w/ blackened stainless by ROBAR
Barrel: Factory
Scope: Trijicon

It would look something like this...


Practical and ugly enough to not baby it.

Hunting rifle setup as follows….

Bolt action
Stainless
Cut rifling
Light contour
5 grove
22” barrel
308 1:11
284 1:9
263 1:8

If money wasn't an object. Something from Rigby or Westley Richards in a .275 Rigby would fit the bill.


But until I win the lottery this will have to do.


Caliber-308Win
Stock-McMillan Edge
Action-Blueprinted 700
Barrel- Douglass 1-10
Scope- Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40

I have a question for everyone: which rifle builder would you want to use to put your ideal rifle together? I'm contemplating having a build put together and have no idea who to use.

Thanks,

John

Will likely depend on what you want built.

Wood, rust blue, Mauser and engraving gunsmiths aren't the same one's I'd send a stainless Rem 700 and Manners stock project to.

Ultra lightweight mountain rifle is what I'm interested in. Top of the line action and barrel. Either a short action, something like a .308 or a longer action for something like 6.5 Weatherby RPM

Lots of good ones but Shaen Magan (shooter71 here) is who I use now.

He does absolutely fantastic work, great communication and quick turn around time. Not to mention he is a heck of a nice guy



https://shaenrifles.com/

Yup, that is who I used and Shaen did a fantastic job on both of the builds.

What about it needs to be custom? Not a snark - question because a Montana in 308 is pretty handy. I don't know that a "custom" gunsmith will get a whole lot lighter. Things weigh what they weigh.


NULA perhaps?

I already own a NULA and a Weatherby Backcountry Ti, so need is not the issue.

The more I look at your action, the better I like it.

I’ve seen a lot of good reports on the 130g TTSX, enough to make me scrounge up a few hundred for my .308s. Good velocities, plenty of penetration are the claims.

Will the throating on you Ruger let you use the 165s without intruding into the powder space too much?

Crap I hit the wrong button. Pics in next post

Something like this perhaps. This is in 38/55

Yes it will. When I had it built I asked for a throat that could handel the 165 grain bullets. I had the NAB in mind but can't find any right now.

No - I love my legend. I’m just having the above rifle made for a lightweight deer rifle.

Just thinking big - why not?

9.3x62
Bribe MPI to make me a carbon graphite butt stock and forend to my specs.
Custom milled titanium 7600 receiver and barrel block
Hart lightish weight contour 20 inch
2x 1-inch pistol scope mounted forward on the barrel with illuminated dot (don't think anyone makes these anymore) in quick detach rings
Williams peep and fire sight

If you guys all pitch in, you can probably have it ready for me by next Christmas!

If money was no object and I was thinking of a practical hunting rifle I would go visit D'Arcy Echols and talk with him about what he would build me. If our thoughts were not aligned I would ask for his recommendation on who he would recommend to build such a rifle for me.

There are a few rifles on here already that pretty much mirror what I think would be most useful, for me.
Model 70 action (probably pre 64), quality synthetic stock like an Echols/Pacific Research/mcmillan (appropriate for the rifle), about 23" barrel like a douglas # 1 1/2-2 (mic .575 to .600 at muzzle), in 270/280/30-06/maybe 7 mag set up to run medium heavy partitions/accubonds or medium wt ttsx, something like dual dovetail mounts and a quality light variable, about 2.5 on the bottom end and 8-10 on the top with about 40mm objective, simple duplex or #4 reticle. Goal would be about 7.5 lb scoped (empty). If allowed 2 rifles for the world the second would be a 375 or 40 cal version of the first rifle, sized appropriately (and no doubt with an echols legend stock) and with a lower magnification scope.

Of course this makes me question why I have some of the rifles I have at present! A couple pre 64 fwts in good synthetics (270 and 30-06) make perfect sense to hang onto. The others are not serious hunting rifles but more distractions between seasons!

Here is mine:

Action: Defiance anTi
Barrel: Bartlein CF wrapped #4 at 21”
Chambering: 300WSM
Trigger: Trigger Tech Special
Stock: Manners EH1
Bottom Metal: Hawkins Hunter
Scope: Nightforce SHV

Well, it may not meet all of the OPs criteria but it's what I'm DIY building currently.

Action: Defiance Tenacity Black Nitrate
Barrel: Proof Carbon pre-fit barrel 20"
Chambering: 308 Win
Stock: McMillan Game Warden
Trigger: Trigger Tech Primary
Bottom Metal: Hawkins M5 DBM
Scope: Leopold 5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 in Talley Lightweight rings/bases
Accessories: Harvester EVO Suppressor

Status: Barrel fit and headspace checked, stock ordered, suppressor bought and waiting, should be completed in April, suppressor timing unknown.

"For all US game"

Well my "ideal" is a Mauser with a high grade walnut stock that fits me perfectly, with iron sights in addition to a good 2X by 7X scope 22-24 inch barrel, mid weight contour with a barrel band front swivel base and perfected military 2 stage trigger inletted to work with no drag but not having any more wood removed then needed to be functional in any condition.

"ALL" US game (including buffalo and big bears) would push me toward a 375H&H, or maybe a 9.3X62.

But for the most practical choice that covers the most bases in just one gun I'd choose a 30-06.
It would be very much like this one.
Zihn-Taylor 416 by .com/photos/156296479@N08/]Steve Zihn, on [bleep]

I am an absolute sucker for dark wood like that and the general stock shape - tho I'm not a fan of the cheek piece on average.

[quote=szihn] It would be very much like this one.



Beautiful! Dead ringer for a WR.

We're pretty close on one rifle.......

6.5 creedmoor
KRG Bravo
Tikka T3
CTR 24" barrel with area 419 hellfire self aligning muzzle break
20 moa rail Bushnell DMR3 elite tactical 3.5 -21X50 with G4P reticle

My second is a 270 tikka T3 modified by JES rebore to a 35 whelen
Factory stock
Conquest 3-9x42 scope

My third is an 8 twist 223 tikka t3 superlight with the barrel cut to 19" and a SWFA super light 2.5-10X32 that weighs in at 6.6 lbs with sling and five rounds of ammo

I always have to modify but am extremely happy with my mods and wouldn't change a thing



Trystan

Got several, all hart snouts, 805 hunter triggers, McMillan stocks, Talley LW’s and either leupold or NF glass…. I’m more concerned about drawing good tags than having custom actions, $4000 scopes and huntin once a year. 👍

You ain’t slumming too hard though buddy

😂

Far as straight sexy, my B78 and Ruger # 1 steal the show quite handily, but they’re factory. 👍

The B78 is one I’d like to have someday. Rare birds these days.

You fellas are driving me nuts - I typically shoot tuned up factory rifles and accept what I can get with beauty & clean lines taking a distant backseat to what you all have shared.

If I were to dream up a scratch custom it’d be a Sako AV 300 Win with a thin 23” barrel and Brown Precision Pounder stock that shot 200gr NP or Accubonds into .75 moa and had a scope that would make a 650yd like a chip shot.

Oh wait - I got one. A tuned up Sako AV Fiberclass. The last rifle I’d ever part with. Too much for some things but always enough for most things.

That does sound like a keeper POC. Never had a big Sako but have a 222 and 222 Mag but man, I swear if I wasn’t stuck on M70’s they’d be my next obsession. I’ve never been around a Sako that hasn’t shot amazing.

I like that!

Funny - I’m going the M70 route these days myself. Years ago happened to stumble into a sweet Sako 300 that shot lights out and fit me well enough to experience the difference. I just picked up a remodeled 1962 M70 in 270 - no idea how it shoots yet but it’s got an MPI & custom bbl from somebody. The bedding is nicely done & the crown is clean. A little 4831 oughta show me what she’s got. Haven’t been this pumped about an old rifle in a while.

Just a Winchester model 70 featherweight at a reasonable price

That sounds like a good build. Sometimes those custom P64’s are cooler to me than absolutely stock rifles since someone took a little time and money to make their perfect hunting rifle.

Ideal is obviously a stock to your specs plus the metal. As to caliber, in a Mauser I like 7x57 and 9.3x62. In a Winchester I like 30 06 and 375 H&H.

Since I don't/won't hunt big bears and I already have a 7mm RM for out west elk hunting, mine would be what I built up back in the '90's. It started as a Ruger Mk ll Stainless .308 that got rebarreled with a 20" Shilen match grade #1 taper stainless barrel in 7mm-08. Then the trigger reworked lighter and the bolt Teflon coated. That barreled action went to Brown Precision for a Kevlar Pounder stock full length bedded and the action, barrel and stock painted with their woodland green camo pattern. It has a Zeiss VM/V 30mm 1.5-6x42 on it and sewn on Uncle Mike's Nylon camo sling. 7 pounds 2 ounces and near perfect for my deer stand hunting. I would probably use a #2 taper barrel if I were doing it over again.

Custom rifle:

Ruger did it for me with the open sighted 338 rcm carbine.

Exactly! I sorta feel like I just bought somebody’s dream rifle that was sold by their widow. It’s almost like a 2001 time capsule complete with a Burris posi-lock scope & those rings that self aligned. Pretty cool.

What stock is this?

Proof Research. 19 ozs. It's a really nice stock.

I've got a few customs, only the light ones really get me horned up. I won't carry a heavy rifle more than one hunt unless it's a specialized long range setup for a specific hunt.

Hard to not like OM’s evolution, while not paying for it? Enjoy your additions to the Fire sir.

One of these two... Hard to choose, but the 308 gets the win for most of my hunting opportunities.

308 Win.


6.5 CM

Those suckers are very cool!

Thank you sir.

308 has a bartlein #2 1-11 twist, 6.5CM has a 1-8 Lilja. Winchester classic actions, McMillan hunter's edge stocks and NECG sights. Finish is by Birdsong. Both built by Shooter 71.

Man he builds nice rifles.

Shaen has three of my Model 70’s he’s building for me. I’ve only heard/seen great results from others regarding his work. I’m hoping they turn out as nice as those two.

Pretty fond of this one, could do it all for me.

7mm SAUM, Lilja Mod 8400. Work by Shaen.

Shaen's work is amazing, I'm sure your builds will be perfect 👍

Much obliged Woodson ! The obsession all started when I discovered the campfire😉

Roger no 1 in 8mmrem mag tropical style iron sights

I really like this one

Other metrics maybe bullet selection/bullet weights? Hard to beat 6.5s. The target with the Swede bug eyes, was checking zero before heading in go hunt. Shooting off of a picnic table.

One of my favorites.....

Defiance
Bartlien 2b
Mcm Classic
6.5GAP
Built by Jon Beanland.

One of my favorites. 6.5X55 built on a 1909 Argentine Mauser action. I went with a longer barrel than what's typically seen on a Mannlicher 24 inches
photo hosting

Sounds really good, but I'd likely swap the Burris for a Leupold M8 or a Zeiss Divari to more match the classic looks of such a rifle.

AckleyFan, is that a coating on the barreled action, or just blasted stainless?

Good looking rifle.

Great thread!

Oregonmuley that Shaen build sure is sweet!

He did this one for me and it'd be a fav for sure.





21" 1-7" Bart 4 groove
Bighorn Origin
TT Diamond
PTG Stealth
McM Rem Hunter in McWalnut
.223AI
75 ELD's at 3,090 fps in formed Lapua

That’s a great looking rifle Hig. All the right stuff in that one.

Ottmar/Burgess
Brno ZG-47 action.
Burgess QD rings with Burgess pop up peep built into the rear bridge.
.30-06

I had mine put together a few years back.
Blueprinted, and built by Benchmark barrels. One of their stainless, 3 groove, fluted barrels, in a number 3 Lilja profile.
Kampfeld spiral fluted bolt.
Custom Englishs walnut stock by fellow memberJim62. Original stock I had made, disappeared with a cartridge trap in Alaska.
The forearm is a bit longer to blend in the 26" barrel.
It was a choice between a 6.5-06, or a 280ai. The 280ai was just starting to become a factory chambered cartridge in several guns, so I chose that.
A Leupold Vari XIII, with a B&C reticle, and custom engraved elk and mule deer on the sides of the ocular, is held in place by Leupold dual dovetail rings, and bases.
Bottom metal is Ordndorf pattern, steel.
I fire formed nickel cases, and it shoots 140gr ttsx's at about 3150 fps with a mild load of 56.0 grains of imr4350.
I have shot 2 elk, and 2 oryx with it so far. All, 1 shot kills.

Those are beauty’s. Both are dang nice.

Here is a pair of Tom Burgess/Monte Kennedy rifles I would like to get…

Any and all of these Jerry Fisher Rifles.

WB, nice rifles! What's the one on the far right?

Deer sized game
M7 KS
7-08
Zeiss Diavari C 3-9x36

Any Big Game in NA
Sako 75 Finnlight
McMillan Sako Hunter
Nightforce SHV 3-10-42


Rifle pics
https://imgur.com/a/o4JbBlA

That rifle is a shortened G33-40 chambered in .250 Savage.

There isn't a single rifle in this thread that I wouldn't be proud to take on a hunt- any hunt -and feel confident in the outcome along with having a first class rifle in my hands... hard to put a price on that...