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For me it's easy, a pre 64 Model 70 featherweight in .270...and you?
Kimber of Oregon Model 82 LH .22lr
Savage 99
Pre64 Feattherweight in .270
Remington KS in .280
If’n I can choose two.. smile
Ruger Mark II stainless 338 boat paddle stock
Rem. 700 Varmint model.. The older style...
Kimber Adirondack in 6.5 CM

Followed closely by my 1980 Win M70 Featherweight in 7x57
Ruger mk2, wood, blue, 30-06. Does it all for me since 1996. From 73' to 96' ruger tang 270 win.
Pre '64 Model 70 .270 Win. Fwt. Sightless in reasonable weather.
Kimber Montana in .270 Win. when snowshoeing in the Mts. for elk.
Ruger M77 tangers. There may be better rifles out there, but these are my sentimental favorites. Have been since I bought my first one in '78.
I enjoy shooting the most?

Tikka t1x and my old 94 30-30. My little Stevens Favorite may edge them out, but it’s not quite “factory” as 32 rimfire was hard to come by.

I hunt an old m70 in a McM Compact Edge more than any other rifle, but the aforementioned are way more fun to shoot and it ain’t factory either.
Rem 660\600 and model 7.
Love Mausers, but the one I carried for the most years and never let me down was a standard pre-64 .270. Everything just worked well on that. Don' want to tote that much around anymore, but they are wonderful hunting rifles, if flawed in some ways for other uses. That one is still soldiering on for my son.
1st gen Remington 700 Mountain rifle
So hard to pin that down .... but maybe this:

Kimber SuperAmerica 260 rem.
M 70 XTR Featherweight, introd in 1981

Sleek. Svelt. ACTUALLY light. F D L cut checkering.
I have my 2nd one, KICK myself for letting the first one go !!!


I have more Rem M Sixes but they’re 2nd place.


Jerry
Early model 70 XTR in .243. Killed countless coyotes. Same in a 7mag for elk and mule Deer.
Gifted those away.
Now Tikka T3's. I've bought 8 and every one is a smooth tack driver.

Osky
Good question...I have loved many of the 75 or so bolt action rifles i have owned over the past 35 years but as of now I probly like a Kimber Subalpine or Montana as good or better than any rifle i have ever owned.......I can think of Many honorable mentions including the Remington 700 Mountain rifle and Alaskan Ti..I never had one that was super accurate but I also loved my Ruger 77 MkII Ultralights, Hawkeye Ultralights and Weatherby Mark V Ultralights......Hb
Well of the rifles I have right now I would have to say my Cooper Excalibur in 25-06 with a flutted stainless barrel.
Heavy Barrel Savage 110 chambered .223 Rem. With a cheap Simmons 6x20 scope on top. Would shoot five shot groups in the .3's and .4's all day long with handloads. Wife shot one five shot group in the .2's. Basically a rectangle with rounded corners. Didn't like the tupperware stock and sold it... Doh...
Sauer 101

Barrett Fieldcraft
Browning Abolt .338 Winchester mag that I bought in 1988
Older Steel frame BLR in 358 Winchester.
M70 FWT; 257 Roberts
Odd man out here, Remington 760 pump, preferably a carbine.
Weatherby Mark V .460 Wby.
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
Weatherby Mark V .460 Wby.


Somehow we knew that.
1986 Rem 700 KS with McMillan stock, 280 Rem.

2nd place:

2006 Original Style Ruger Hawkeye African 375 Ruger
Marlin 336. Have owned several in .30-30 and .35 Rem. over the years and will probably buy more.
Kimber Montana .223, 6.5 CM, and 7mm-08.
Originally Posted by Blackheart
Marlin 336. Have owned several in .30-30 and .35 Rem. over the years and will probably buy more.


I own 3 30-30's and a 444 Marlin, guess I should have said the 336 myself.
Ruger 77 7x57 (Circa 1984)

Early (1980) Remington M700 Classic, 270 Win.
Originally Posted by Poconojack

Early (1980) Remington M700 Classic, 270 Win.


I’ve got a very early one of those in .243. Love mine!
Originally Posted by elkhunternm
Weatherby Mark V .460 Wby.


Wabbit Gun 😜
Sako Finnlight .300 WSM
Sako 85 Finnlight .270
'76 BDL 7 mag.
Remington Ti, original rem 280, rechambered to 280AI. or my ULA 284 Win. Tough choice.
Originally Posted by gunnut308
Pre64 Feattherweight in .270
Remington KS in .280
If’n I can choose two.. smile


That one.
Marlin 336 in .30-30.

Ruger M77 MKII Boat Paddle in .30-06 right behind it.
Originally Posted by Oregonmuley
Originally Posted by gunnut308
Pre64 Feattherweight in .270
Remington KS in .280
If’n I can choose two.. smile


That one.


My all time fav from 1986!
I am partial to Model 70 Classic featherweight in...…..270 win. Topped with Leupold 2.5-8. About as perfect a hunting rifle that I could ever need.
Originally Posted by 338rcm
Ruger Mark II stainless 338 boat paddle stock

I got one for sale if your looking for one. PM me if interested

My pick would be original 700ti in 7-08
Originally Posted by handwerk
For me it's easy, a pre 64 Model 70 featherweight in .270...and you?

Pre 64 model 70 featherweight for me as well. However, i like the 30-06
Model 70 classic stainless in a 270 Winchester. Reason it’s my favorite it’s the rifle I used for sheep hunting, in a cartridge made popular by the sheep hunter himself. 98% of you will never know that feeling of hunting sheep..
Originally Posted by 79S
Model 70 classic stainless in a 270 Winchester. Reason it’s my favorite it’s the rifle I used for sheep hunting, in a cartridge made popular by the sheep hunter himself. 98% of you will never know that feeling of hunting sheep..



John, I'm trying to figure out a way to get that feel.. Grin
To me it would have to be the Remington mountain rifle in 7x57. powdr
To me it would have to be the Remington mountain rifle in 7x57. powdr
Winchester featherweight in 7x57 with a leupold 3-9x40. It just feels right.
Cz 550 Standard. Chambering would be either a .308 or a 9.3x62

They only sold them in the US for a year or so before the American came out. Twas the standard model for the rest of the world. Solid steel williams style irons that were screwed and soldered and a winchester model 54 profile stock. I.E More drop at the comb and a very slender forend. Absolutely gorgeous...the last of the old world sporting mausers imho.

I cried when the quite making them...truth
Originally Posted by Judman
Originally Posted by 79S
Model 70 classic stainless in a 270 Winchester. Reason it’s my favorite it’s the rifle I used for sheep hunting, in a cartridge made popular by the sheep hunter himself. 98% of you will never know that feeling of hunting sheep..



John, I'm trying to figure out a way to get that feel.. Grin


Lol.. I gave up,ever drawing a oregon sheep tag.. I wish alaska do away with the guide requirement, for sheep. But the guide industry is pretty powerful up here, unfortunately..
Totally factory?
Well, a bit of bedding and bump removal.

Tikka T3 lightSS Sweede.
Model 70 Stainless Classic 375 H&H
First year, 1978 or 79, Remington 700 Classic. Bought it new in 270, it's retired now. Second favorite would be a Model 700 LVSF. Third is a Model 7 Predator.
Mine is the first gen 700 Ti, in 7 SAUM. Likely, one rifle I'll not ever send down the road!
mod 70 then 99
Savage 1899CD.
Originally Posted by 257Deland
1st gen Remington 700 Mountain rifle



My favorite as well
Savage Anschutz Model 54 Sporter .22 LR
Sako Bofors full stock carbine .308 (or any Bofors Sakos)
Any Mannlicher Schoenauer
Old Marlin 39's
Belgium Brownings
That's like asking a kid in a candy store what's his favorite.

I have lots of favorites. It all depends on which one is in my hands. laugh

In no particular order:

About any Savage 1899/99 variant, except post mils, (1960 or later)

M70 Featherweight in 7-08 and 257 Rob

Kimber Montana, (unthreaded), in 7-08 and the 257 Rob, which is on the big brown truck right now.
1st gen Remington 700 TI in .308
I think I’ll keep it.
I’ll say my encore pro hunter in 35 whelen.
Came with factory brake. Had the trigger worked and over travel screw installed.


Only deer i have mounted i killed with it. Plus many more for the freezer.

Short, it’s a great woods gun.
My two are both P64’s.

The Featherweight 270 Win is a perfect rifle for any deer hunting I’d do.

[Linked Image]

And my 338 Win Alaskan in the Legend

[Linked Image]

Those two would handle anything I need done.
J.C. Higgins 50 in 30-06 or 700 Classic first year in 30-06
<



Marlin model 39 Mountie .22LR.


[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Craftsmanship put into these factory guns is on a level only found in custom guns today.
It is quite accurate, superbly smooth in cycling, and built for an adult sized shooter.
Marlin Golden 39A. But almost anything with a fullstock too. My 1905 Steyr M/S...……. Be Well, Rustyzipper.
Originally Posted by Mackay_Sagebrush



Marlin model 39 Mountie .22LR.


[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Craftsmanship put into these factory guns is on a level only found in custom guns today.
It is quite accurate, superbly smooth in cycling, and built for an adult sized shooter.




Those 39s are awesome.
I like a reasonably lightweight and compact bolt action rifle. As much as I love my Pre-64s, they don't fit that description. I guess my favorite is my M77 MarkII Ultralight in 223Rem in walnut/blued finish. Beautiful rifle, quality construction, and fits me like I had it custom built. I recently bought a skeleton stocked 270 Ultralight but I haven't gotten to spend much time with it yet. I really want to find a walnut/blued Ultralight in 7mm-08. I love the 223, but a 7mm-08 would be more versatile.

Another one that I kinda hate to admit is really high on my favorites list, even though it's a budget class rifle, is my Marlin XS-7 stainless 7mm-08 and 22-250. They seem to see a lot of stand time when much higher quality rifles sit in the safe. Their production being discontinued is still, I believe, one of the biggest mistakes made in the firearms industry in the last several years. Remington should have slapped their name on them after the Marlin acquisition and had the best budget rifle on the market.
My “retired” Winchester Model 70 .375 H&H. My only complaint.... she was overweight, and didn’t drop the pounds. She was replaced with a “trophy rifle”! grin memtb


Mannlicher Schoenauer. Model 1956.

By far, better features than any rifle listed here.

Smoothest bolt action ever.
Remington 7600 with straight comb stock in 30-06.
Winchester 70 XTR Featherweight In 270 with Winlite stock. Heard someone say it is what the Remington mountain rifle should have been. Sounds about right.
Originally Posted by TnBigBore
Winchester 70 XTR Featherweight In 270 with Winlite stock.


If they had built this rifle in Lh it would likely be on my all-time favorite list. I built one for my son using McMillan compact stock, and it is one of the few perfect recipes I have ever pulled together.
Mine is a 1954, Husqvarna. 270 Win. I carried it into my 30's and then it seemed to get heavier. The barrel appeared to grow longer.
I then switch to a model 700, stainless job and now it is a BLR.
CZ 550 in numerous configurations. They require a little love to get them right, but I love them for a base to build off of. I've 4 currently, and have a hard time saying no to them as I find them used for good prices. Fighting off the urge to adopt a 243win I found at an LGS last week.
10/22
Marlin 336a 30-30 (24" bbl, 1976 vintage) . 3x Leupold.

My 336a has MOA accuracy. It's my first rifle too. It really is the only rifle I needed for my hunting - but you know how that goes.

Right behind that, is my JC Higgins model 50 (FN Mauser), 30-06, Timney trigger and B&C stock, 4x Leupold.

My Sako A1 varmint 222 Rem (8x Leupold) is my favorite factory varmint rifle.

My CZ 452 American 22 LR is my favorite rimfire rifle.

1903 Springfields (sorta kinda factory rifles), and Winchester M54's (.30-30 & .22 Hornet in my case).
I think my Kimber .257 Roberts would be the last one to leave.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]
6.5 Swede in a CZ 550 American. Lovely wood and one sweet shooting rifle.
Originally Posted by Cheesy
I think my Kimber .257 Roberts would be the last one to leave.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]


Oh yeah, that one will work.
If I need to use it the way it comes, a Pre-64 M70 FW in '06. Light enough, powerful enough, short enough and it comes with iron sights. Love the action as well.

I did change mine out to a Bansner stock but I didn't have to.

I have an SS M70 All-Terrain '06 too but I had to put iron sights on it. I actually prefer it due to the stainless.

I added sights and had the barrel cut to 22" on my 84L Montana '06 which I also like a lot. .
Kleinguenthers and Sako L-61’s
Kleinguenthers for their accuracy.
Weatherby’s for their action strength.
Remington ks all around good hunting rifle.
Hasbeen
Unmolested P-64 Fwt in anything from ABC to XYZ chambering.

2nd would be a winlite Fwt
Sako L-691 in 300 Wby.
Kimber Montana 308, have several, but I just keep reaching for this one, especially if I have much hiking to do.
Kimber Montana 308, have several other favorites, but I just keep reaching for this one, especially if I have much hiking to do.
Factory - p64 fw 270
Custom shop - KS 280
Semi custom - ula/nula 280ai
Close second on factory ... tie BFC or Montana in 6.5 handwring
Rugger 77V tanger .220 Swift. Most accurate factory rifle I've ever seen or known of.

MK V Ultra-Lightweight .25-06 is a semi-close 2nd place.
Ruger 77 MK/II stainless
Remington 700 Varmint Special, original VLS w black forearm tip is a close second.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

7x57
A Kimber Montana in 257 Bob is really sweet as is same in 223 .
The Kimber Talkeetna I've had for about seven years now. Extremely accurate, very reliable, and deadly on everything thus far.
70 FW 25-06
#1B 280

Both handle well and shoot even better. All while being easy on the eyes.
1894 Marlin
Remington 7600
Winchester model 94
Ruger M77 Hawkeye SS
Can't believe I'm the only model 94 vote. I must be a dying breed!
Not the only one. The 94 is mine too.
The Marlin 1895GST 45-70 is definitely my favorite rifle. It's beautiful and a hoot to shoot!! I picked this up many years ago from my long-time friend Mitch Turk (Freedumb1) who passed away last year. I really miss him and this rifle reminds me all the great days we spent together afield..... frown
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Originally Posted by moosemike
Can't believe I'm the only model 94 vote. I must be a dying breed!


May BE ! wink

I haven’t had one since 1974. shocked.

Never thot about replacing it.

Jerry
Interesting no Fieldcraft votes so far......
Montana .308 a few hours ago. Good looking copper colored sow.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]
Winchester 70 SS 270 win from the New Haven Plant.
Kimber 84m
Originally Posted by Nebraska
The Marlin 1895GST 45-70 is definitely my favorite rifle. It's beautiful and a hoot to shoot!! I picked this up many years ago from my long-time friend Mitch Turk (Freedumb1) who passed away last year. I really miss him and this rifle reminds me all the great days we spent together afield..... frown
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]


I would never ever sell that rifle! That is your friend in rifle form.
Weatherby Mark V 30/06, Euromark, Japan made (1986), all factory. Unbelievably accurate with 150 gr Nosler BTs with RL19.
As it comes from the factory with no modifications?

Model 700 Mountain Rifle (blued/bdl) in 7mm-08

Or

Ruger 77 Mk II Ultralight in 257 Roberts
Originally Posted by peeshooter
Interesting no Fieldcraft votes so far......


I'll be the first to vote for the ugly duckling..... Fieldcraft special run with 22" threaded #2 barrel that is ceracoated. It's got the parts/pieces that I like, put together in the way I like, for the way I use a hunting rifle.
Concur with all of the pre-64 Model 70 votes, but actually prefer my Montana Rifle Company XWR .308 as an improved version of my pre-64 M70, which is enjoying retirement in the safe.

Accuracy International AW .308 also ties for favorite.
Ruger M77 RSI
[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]
Mine is a Nosler M48 TGR in 257 Roberts that I bought when they first came out.
Miroku made 1886 chambered in 45-70.
M77 Hawkeye Ultralight 257 Roberts.


[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]
700’s are nice rifles too!
Kimber Montana 270 has really impressed me so far. For sentimental purposes the P64 Model 70 Standard in 270 my father in law gifted me before he passed. Too heavy to carry up a mountain but it sure shoots.
Tikka Boar Hunter
I’ve got a M70 Classic Stainless in 30-06 I bought new back in 1996. It’s got to be the best rifle I own. Great shooter in an even greater chambering! This one particular rifle is really all I need and unfortunately it constantly has me questioning my reasoning behind all the others. Lol

My all time fav factory hunting rifle is a 1993 M700 ADL SS Synthetic Mtn Rifle. Shoots a variety of bullets accurately, bore cleans easily.
Used to be pre 64 70 FWT's

These days it is Kimber Montana's. A rebarrel to .300Savage and a.243W.
The 77 MKII 7x57 is my favorite "American Made". Rifle

Im all about European rifles through...I prefer the CZ/BRNO and 98s
I really like my Barrett Fieldcraft in 6.5 Creedmoor, but I have a love affair with Ruger Mk II’s in stainless steel. Currently shopping for one in 7mm-08.
I don’t have experience with nearly the amount of rifles as some people on here, but of the guns I’ve had experience with the Remington Model 7 is my favorite. It’s a good fit for most of my hunting, especially especially after putting a lightweight stock on it. I love my Model 7 so much that I want another one, in the CDL version.
Savage Rascal
As if I could ever pick a favorite.....but, in this instance, sticking with domestic manufacture, I have to agree with the original post; a Classic Model 70 Featherweight in 270, blue steel and walnut.

Pick a favorite overall? Ha.....you've got to be kidding, right?
I have always said pre-64 M70 Fwt’s. Although the truth is with the walnut stock they are too butt heavy and need a light weight stock like a Pound’r to balance the way I like it.

But these days I have to go with a Kimber Montana, especially the 223. The larger the bore size gets, the less I like them because they are less muzzle heavy.
I'm a Remington model Seven fan as well as a mountain rifle. 7mm-08 preferably 260 a close second.
Depends what kind of shooting I'm doing. Top 3 are 1937 M64 carbine .32WS, 1948 M70 .270 and 1955 Savage M99F .308. Favorite overall would probably be any pre-mil M99 or 1899.
I know I will be the only one to vote for these...

Browning ABolt with BOSS
Still have the three I bought new in the 90's. They shoot little biddie groups and I love the tang safety.
Originally Posted by Oregonmuley
Originally Posted by gunnut308
Pre64 Feattherweight in .270
Remington KS in .280
If’n I can choose two.. smile


That one.


Yep, mine's a 270, but kind of a tossup with a Dakota 76 in 280 & an original Rem 700 Ti in 7-08.

MM
Savage 99EG 300 Savage
Having been a jackrabbit and varmint hunter much longer than I've hunted big game, I'd have to say my top favorite is my 788 Remington in .222. I can't locate a current photo, but I restocked it with a custom from Boyd's a few years back and while I never thought 788s are particularly ugly, I'll admit they're a bit more aesthetically pleasing with a little lipstick. The rifle that actually hooked me was my uncle's, which he would loan me on some of our late-night jackrabbit forays. It seemed I just couldn't miss with that rifle, and the one I ended up with is every bit as accurate.

My favorite big game rifle would be either my Midway commissioned .280 Super Grade or my pre-64 Westerner in .264 Mag. I kinda like a little custom Model Seven in 6mm Rem, I picked up a few years ago, too. When the time comes to pare down, the 6mm will probably be the keeper simply because it's so light and handy and easy on the shoulder. I like all my rifles, though.
Sako A2 classic 243
One I wished I still had and regretted trading in at a local gun shop. Bought new around 1995? A Sako L 579 Forester in .243. It was incredibly accurate, had amazing fit and finish, and fantastic wood.
Originally Posted by jwall
Originally Posted by moosemike
Can't believe I'm the only model 94 vote. I must be a dying breed!


May BE ! wink

I haven’t had one since 1974. shocked.

Never thot about replacing it.

Jerry


I understand that Jerry. I'm almost there myself. I love the gun but the 30-30 cartridge has caused me some rodeos. None worse than this year. I had a broadside 50 yard shot on an 8 point buck a couple weeks ago and I guess the brush deflected my bullet. I dont know. At the time I was sure I hit him. Anyway he started to run and I fired a follow up hitting him too far back. Only found that out later. I found no blood and no evidence of a hit despite looking for an hour. A couple hours later a guy came over to me and asked me if I fired the shots that morning. I said yes and he said the buck is dead 3/4 of a mile down the trail. Shot in the hindquarters. It was my buck but there was never evidence of a blood trail.
A week later my wife shoots a Doe with her 30-30 and she tells me she rolled it and shows me where. I could find no blood for a good while and had to make circles looking around until I started finding pin drops. We found the deer mostly without help of a blood trail by just following the general direction. It was shot in the shoulder and did require a finisher.
I've shot most of my deer with a 30-06 and have never had a rodeo or lack of blood trail with that cartridge. I may just be done with 30-30's at this point. It's not the first time I've had no blood trail with one.
Mike:

I understand and sympathize with your misery and agony. My objective & GOAL since 1974 was/IS longer range & flat trajectory and the 94 ->> just isn't in the running.

I posted this on P 2:

[quote=jwall
M 70 XTR Featherweight, introd in 1981.

Sleek. Svelte. ACTUALLY light. F D L cut checkering.
I have my 2nd one, KICK myself for letting the first one go !!!
-------------------------------

I still have the Win 1981 catalog INTRODUCING the XTR FTWT.

This is the best pic I have of mine.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Those did not come with iron sights BUT I take them OFF of any rifle I can so it's no matter.
At the time IIRC they did NOT come in magnum cartridges ? At any rate a 270 or 06 qualifies for my requirements.
The later models called " Classic " are more bulbous and heavier SO I still prefer the XTR version.

Here's a pic of BOTH of my fav Rifles;

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

The Model Sixes are SEXY as rifles go.
The FTWT is lighter, thinner, sleeker and handles so sweetly.

Jerry
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by jwall
Originally Posted by moosemike
Can't believe I'm the only model 94 vote. I must be a dying breed!


May BE ! wink

I haven’t had one since 1974. shocked.

Never thot about replacing it.

Jerry


I understand that Jerry. I'm almost there myself. I love the gun but the 30-30 cartridge has caused me some rodeos. None worse than this year. I had a broadside 50 yard shot on an 8 point buck a couple weeks ago and I guess the brush deflected my bullet. I dont know. At the time I was sure I hit him. Anyway he started to run and I fired a follow up hitting him too far back. Only found that out later. I found no blood and no evidence of a hit despite looking for an hour. A couple hours later a guy came over to me and asked me if I fired the shots that morning. I said yes and he said the buck is dead 3/4 of a mile down the trail. Shot in the hindquarters. It was my buck but there was never evidence of a blood trail.
A week later my wife shoots a Doe with her 30-30 and she tells me she rolled it and shows me where. I could find no blood for a good while and had to make circles looking around until I started finding pin drops. We found the deer mostly without help of a blood trail by just following the general direction. It was shot in the shoulder and did require a finisher.
I've shot most of my deer with a 30-06 and have never had a rodeo or lack of blood trail with that cartridge. I may just be done with 30-30's at this point. It's not the first time I've had no blood trail with one.



My advice if you like lever action guns and want to hunt with one...get a 45-70! Nice blood trail every time and regardless of what your hunting you will never be under-gunned LOL

Marlin 1895 Guide Guns are about as nice as it gets for a lever imho
Ruger 77MKII RLS in 308.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]
It's an early non CRF version but that hasn't made any difference to the critters that were shot with it.
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by jwall
Originally Posted by moosemike
Can't believe I'm the only model 94 vote. I must be a dying breed!


May BE ! wink

I haven’t had one since 1974. shocked.

Never thot about replacing it.

Jerry


I understand that Jerry. I'm almost there myself. I love the gun but the 30-30 cartridge has caused me some rodeos. None worse than this year. I had a broadside 50 yard shot on an 8 point buck a couple weeks ago and I guess the brush deflected my bullet. I dont know. At the time I was sure I hit him. Anyway he started to run and I fired a follow up hitting him too far back. Only found that out later. I found no blood and no evidence the trail. Shot in the hindquarters. It was my buck but there was no evidence of a blood trail.
A week later my wife shoots a Doe with her 30-30 and she tells me she rolled it and shows me where. I could find no blood for a good while and had to make circles looking around until I started finding pin drops. We found the deer mostly without help of a blood trail by just following the general direction. It was shot in the shoulder and did require a finisher.
I've shot most of my deer with a 30-06 and have never had a rodeo or lack of blood trail with that cartridge. I may just be done with 30-30's at this point. It's not the first time I've had no blood trail with one.
What bullets are you using ? I've lost count of how many deer I've shot through BOTH shoulders with 170 core lokts, silvertips and power shoks with never an issue and a dead deer nearly instantly every single time. Never had an issue with blood trails when needed either. There is a youtube video out there where a guy compares the penetration of a 170 core lokt .30-30, and 180 power points from a .308, .30-06 and .300 Win. mag in gallon milk jugs full of water. You should look it up. As I recall the .30-30 stopped in the 7th jug, the .308 in the 4th, the .30-06 in the 5th and the .300 in the 3rd. I stopped a 150 gr. Fusion in the buck I shot through the shoulders with my .30-06 this year. Having done it many times before, I'm quite certain my .30-30 with 170 core lokt or power shok would not have stopped in that buck. The trouble you had finding the buck you gut shot was your fault not the cartridges fault. Pretty sure you know that.
TIKKA
Originally Posted by Blackheart
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by jwall
Originally Posted by moosemike
Can't believe I'm the only model 94 vote. I must be a dying breed!


May BE ! wink

I haven’t had one since 1974. shocked.

Never thot about replacing it.

Jerry


I understand that Jerry. I'm almost there myself. I love the gun but the 30-30 cartridge has caused me some rodeos. None worse than this year. I had a broadside 50 yard shot on an 8 point buck a couple weeks ago and I guess the brush deflected my bullet. I dont know. At the time I was sure I hit him. Anyway he started to run and I fired a follow up hitting him too far back. Only found that out later. I found no blood and no evidence the trail. Shot in the hindquarters. It was my buck but there was no evidence of a blood trail.
A week later my wife shoots a Doe with her 30-30 and she tells me she rolled it and shows me where. I could find no blood for a good while and had to make circles looking around until I started finding pin drops. We found the deer mostly without help of a blood trail by just following the general direction. It was shot in the shoulder and did require a finisher.
I've shot most of my deer with a 30-06 and have never had a rodeo or lack of blood trail with that cartridge. I may just be done with 30-30's at this point. It's not the first time I've had no blood trail with one.
What bullets are you using ? I've lost count of how many deer I've shot through BOTH shoulders with 170 core lokts, silvertips and power shoks with never an issue and a dead deer nearly instantly every single time. Never had an issue with blood trails when needed either. There is a youtube video out there where a guy compares the penetration of a 170 core lokt .30-30, and 180 power points from a .308, .30-06 and .300 Win. mag in gallon milk jugs full of water. You should look it up. As I recall the .30-30 stopped in the 7th jug, the .308 in the 4th, the .30-06 in the 5th and the .300 in the 3rd. I stopped a 150 gr. Fusion in the buck I shot through the shoulders with my .30-06 this year. Having done it many times before, I'm quite certain my .30-30 with 170 core lokt or power shok would not have stopped in that buck. The trouble you had finding the buck you gut shot was your fault not the cartridges fault. Pretty sure you know that.


I always use Winchester Power Point 170's and my wife uses 150 Core Lokts. I've had a lot of good quick kills but I've found when I do need a blood trail I dont have one. I'm seriously thinking about Buffalo Bore 190's.
And it wasn't gut shot it was a hindquarters hit.
Winchester Model 70 Classic Stainless in 300 Winchester Magnum is my all time favorite.
Savage model 99 in a .300 Savage....
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by Blackheart
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by jwall
Originally Posted by moosemike
Can't believe I'm the only model 94 vote. I must be a dying breed!


May BE ! wink

I haven’t had one since 1974. shocked.

Never thot about replacing it.

Jerry


I understand that Jerry. I'm almost there myself. I love the gun but the 30-30 cartridge has caused me some rodeos. None worse than this year. I had a broadside 50 yard shot on an 8 point buck a couple weeks ago and I guess the brush deflected my bullet. I dont know. At the time I was sure I hit him. Anyway he started to run and I fired a follow up hitting him too far back. Only found that out later. I found no blood and no evidence the trail. Shot in the hindquarters. It was my buck but there was no evidence of a blood trail.
A week later my wife shoots a Doe with her 30-30 and she tells me she rolled it and shows me where. I could find no blood for a good while and had to make circles looking around until I started finding pin drops. We found the deer mostly without help of a blood trail by just following the general direction. It was shot in the shoulder and did require a finisher.
I've shot most of my deer with a 30-06 and have never had a rodeo or lack of blood trail with that cartridge. I may just be done with 30-30's at this point. It's not the first time I've had no blood trail with one.
What bullets are you using ? I've lost count of how many deer I've shot through BOTH shoulders with 170 core lokts, silvertips and power shoks with never an issue and a dead deer nearly instantly every single time. Never had an issue with blood trails when needed either. There is a youtube video out there where a guy compares the penetration of a 170 core lokt .30-30, and 180 power points from a .308, .30-06 and .300 Win. mag in gallon milk jugs full of water. You should look it up. As I recall the .30-30 stopped in the 7th jug, the .308 in the 4th, the .30-06 in the 5th and the .300 in the 3rd. I stopped a 150 gr. Fusion in the buck I shot through the shoulders with my .30-06 this year. Having done it many times before, I'm quite certain my .30-30 with 170 core lokt or power shok would not have stopped in that buck. The trouble you had finding the buck you gut shot was your fault not the cartridges fault. Pretty sure you know that.


I always use Winchester Power Point 170's and my wife uses 150 Core Lokts. I've had a lot of good quick kills but I've found when I do need a blood trail I dont have one. I'm seriously thinking about Buffalo Bore 190's.
And it wasn't gut shot it was a hindquarters hit.


What about the Federal 170 PTs or Barnes 150’s. Seems like if they don’t make it through not much else could either.
No question, this one.....

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

Sako 85. 260 Remington
Originally Posted by 338rcm
Ruger Mark II stainless 338 boat paddle stock
and 30-06

I"m not sure about ALL TIME FAVORITE, for it's certainly one of my favorites, that and the old Winchester mod 70 Featherweight XTR or classic in 30-06 either one.
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by Blackheart
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by jwall
Originally Posted by moosemike
Can't believe I'm the only model 94 vote. I must be a dying breed!


May BE ! wink

I haven’t had one since 1974. shocked.

Never thot about replacing it.

Jerry


I understand that Jerry. I'm almost there myself. I love the gun but the 30-30 cartridge has caused me some rodeos. None worse than this year. I had a broadside 50 yard shot on an 8 point buck a couple weeks ago and I guess the brush deflected my bullet. I dont know. At the time I was sure I hit him. Anyway he started to run and I fired a follow up hitting him too far back. Only found that out later. I found no blood and no evidence the trail. Shot in the hindquarters. It was my buck but there was no evidence of a blood trail.
A week later my wife shoots a Doe with her 30-30 and she tells me she rolled it and shows me where. I could find no blood for a good while and had to make circles looking around until I started finding pin drops. We found the deer mostly without help of a blood trail by just following the general direction. It was shot in the shoulder and did require a finisher.
I've shot most of my deer with a 30-06 and have never had a rodeo or lack of blood trail with that cartridge. I may just be done with 30-30's at this point. It's not the first time I've had no blood trail with one.
What bullets are you using ? I've lost count of how many deer I've shot through BOTH shoulders with 170 core lokts, silvertips and power shoks with never an issue and a dead deer nearly instantly every single time. Never had an issue with blood trails when needed either. There is a youtube video out there where a guy compares the penetration of a 170 core lokt .30-30, and 180 power points from a .308, .30-06 and .300 Win. mag in gallon milk jugs full of water. You should look it up. As I recall the .30-30 stopped in the 7th jug, the .308 in the 4th, the .30-06 in the 5th and the .300 in the 3rd. I stopped a 150 gr. Fusion in the buck I shot through the shoulders with my .30-06 this year. Having done it many times before, I'm quite certain my .30-30 with 170 core lokt or power shok would not have stopped in that buck. The trouble you had finding the buck you gut shot was your fault not the cartridges fault. Pretty sure you know that.


I always use Winchester Power Point 170's and my wife uses 150 Core Lokts. I've had a lot of good quick kills but I've found when I do need a blood trail I dont have one. I'm seriously thinking about Buffalo Bore 190's.
And it wasn't gut shot it was a hindquarters hit.
I always try to avoid hind quarters shots. Never tried 170 power points but have used the 150's and they don't penetrate as well as any of the 170's I've used, often not exiting, which isn't conducive to good blood trails. I've killed 80 deer with a .30-30 as of two years ago. Never lost one and never had one go more than 75-80 yards after the shot. The vast majority went less than 50 yards..
Originally Posted by handwerk
For me it's easy, a pre 64 Model 70 featherweight in .270...and you?


I think the one rifle I regret getting rid of more than any other was a Sako 78 .22LR. Really miss that one. That had to be my favorite factory rifle of all time.

John
I’m a sucker for nice walnut and blue; Savage-Anschutz 54 Sporter

[Linked Image]
Originally Posted by KeithNyst
I’m a sucker for nice walnut and blue; Savage-Anschutz 54 Sporter

[Linked Image]


Me too, Keith. Very pretty rifle.
Originally Posted by Blackheart
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by Blackheart
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by jwall
Originally Posted by moosemike
Can't believe I'm the only model 94 vote. I must be a dying breed!


May BE ! wink

I haven’t had one since 1974. shocked.

Never thot about replacing it.

Jerry


I understand that Jerry. I'm almost there myself. I love the gun but the 30-30 cartridge has caused me some rodeos. None worse than this year. I had a broadside 50 yard shot on an 8 point buck a couple weeks ago and I guess the brush deflected my bullet. I dont know. At the time I was sure I hit him. Anyway he started to run and I fired a follow up hitting him too far back. Only found that out later. I found no blood and no evidence the trail. Shot in the hindquarters. It was my buck but there was no evidence of a blood trail.
A week later my wife shoots a Doe with her 30-30 and she tells me she rolled it and shows me where. I could find no blood for a good while and had to make circles looking around until I started finding pin drops. We found the deer mostly without help of a blood trail by just following the general direction. It was shot in the shoulder and did require a finisher.
I've shot most of my deer with a 30-06 and have never had a rodeo or lack of blood trail with that cartridge. I may just be done with 30-30's at this point. It's not the first time I've had no blood trail with one.
What bullets are you using ? I've lost count of how many deer I've shot through BOTH shoulders with 170 core lokts, silvertips and power shoks with never an issue and a dead deer nearly instantly every single time. Never had an issue with blood trails when needed either. There is a youtube video out there where a guy compares the penetration of a 170 core lokt .30-30, and 180 power points from a .308, .30-06 and .300 Win. mag in gallon milk jugs full of water. You should look it up. As I recall the .30-30 stopped in the 7th jug, the .308 in the 4th, the .30-06 in the 5th and the .300 in the 3rd. I stopped a 150 gr. Fusion in the buck I shot through the shoulders with my .30-06 this year. Having done it many times before, I'm quite certain my .30-30 with 170 core lokt or power shok would not have stopped in that buck. The trouble you had finding the buck you gut shot was your fault not the cartridges fault. Pretty sure you know that.


I always use Winchester Power Point 170's and my wife uses 150 Core Lokts. I've had a lot of good quick kills but I've found when I do need a blood trail I dont have one. I'm seriously thinking about Buffalo Bore 190's.
And it wasn't gut shot it was a hindquarters hit.
I always try to avoid hind quarters shots. Never tried 170 power points but have used the 150's and they don't penetrate as well as any of the 170's I've used, often not exiting, which isn't conducive to good blood trails. I've killed 80 deer with a .30-30 as of two years ago. Never lost one and never had one go more than 75-80 yards after the shot. The vast majority went less than 50 yards..

Of course we all try to avoid hindquarter shots. I'll repeat myself. I had a 50 yard broadside shot. No reason to believe I missed so when the deer started running I fired a follow up shot which hit too far back. First shot must've been deflected. No I don't try for hindquarter shots.
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by Blackheart
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by Blackheart
Originally Posted by moosemike
Originally Posted by jwall
Originally Posted by moosemike
Can't believe I'm the only model 94 vote. I must be a dying breed!


May BE ! wink

I haven’t had one since 1974. shocked.

Never thot about replacing it.

Jerry


I understand that Jerry. I'm almost there myself. I love the gun but the 30-30 cartridge has caused me some rodeos. None worse than this year. I had a broadside 50 yard shot on an 8 point buck a couple weeks ago and I guess the brush deflected my bullet. I dont know. At the time I was sure I hit him. Anyway he started to run and I fired a follow up hitting him too far back. Only found that out later. I found no blood and no evidence the trail. Shot in the hindquarters. It was my buck but there was no evidence of a blood trail.
A week later my wife shoots a Doe with her 30-30 and she tells me she rolled it and shows me where. I could find no blood for a good while and had to make circles looking around until I started finding pin drops. We found the deer mostly without help of a blood trail by just following the general direction. It was shot in the shoulder and did require a finisher.
I've shot most of my deer with a 30-06 and have never had a rodeo or lack of blood trail with that cartridge. I may just be done with 30-30's at this point. It's not the first time I've had no blood trail with one.
What bullets are you using ? I've lost count of how many deer I've shot through BOTH shoulders with 170 core lokts, silvertips and power shoks with never an issue and a dead deer nearly instantly every single time. Never had an issue with blood trails when needed either. There is a youtube video out there where a guy compares the penetration of a 170 core lokt .30-30, and 180 power points from a .308, .30-06 and .300 Win. mag in gallon milk jugs full of water. You should look it up. As I recall the .30-30 stopped in the 7th jug, the .308 in the 4th, the .30-06 in the 5th and the .300 in the 3rd. I stopped a 150 gr. Fusion in the buck I shot through the shoulders with my .30-06 this year. Having done it many times before, I'm quite certain my .30-30 with 170 core lokt or power shok would not have stopped in that buck. The trouble you had finding the buck you gut shot was your fault not the cartridges fault. Pretty sure you know that.


I always use Winchester Power Point 170's and my wife uses 150 Core Lokts. I've had a lot of good quick kills but I've found when I do need a blood trail I dont have one. I'm seriously thinking about Buffalo Bore 190's.
And it wasn't gut shot it was a hindquarters hit.
I always try to avoid hind quarters shots. Never tried 170 power points but have used the 150's and they don't penetrate as well as any of the 170's I've used, often not exiting, which isn't conducive to good blood trails. I've killed 80 deer with a .30-30 as of two years ago. Never lost one and never had one go more than 75-80 yards after the shot. The vast majority went less than 50 yards..

Of course we all try to avoid hindquarter shots. I'll repeat myself. I had a 50 yard broadside shot. No reason to believe I missed so when the deer started running I fired a follow up shot which hit too far back. First shot must've been deflected. No I don't try for hindquarter shots.
Anybody who's hunted much has had a deflection from an unseen obstacle at some point. Not sure another cartridge woud have made much difference but maybe a scope woud have.
The one that's my favorite for sentimental reasons (and I have a few of them), is my Ruger 77 RLS in .358Win that my Wife bought for me (The ONLY one she's ever bought me). It's not my most accurate rifle, but it has never failed me. It'd be the last one to go...
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]
Originally Posted by Stump Buster
The one that's my favorite for sentimental reasons (and I have a few of them), is my Ruger 77 RLS in .358Win that my Wife bought for me (The ONLY one she's ever bought me). It's not my most accurate rifle, but it has never failed me. It'd be the last one to go...
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]


That's a great looking rig!!! You're a lucky man..... cool
A few turds here and there over the years, but sooo many good ones... In chronological order:
Pre-64 Model 70s standard rifle in 270
Brand new M-16A2 when I was in the Army
Several Husqvarna 640s and 1640s in 30-06
A CZ 550 American in 9.3x62 that I sold to someone here on the fire
Colt 6920
Browning Safari in 338 WM that I used to kill my first elk
Stainless Remington 700 package rifle in 308

Looking forward to my next ones.


Okie John
Once again Blackheart that was not the issue. The hindquarter hit proved lethal but didn't give me so much as a drop of blood to tell me I connected. And the deer ran quartering away so that explains why no exit out the other side. Even so the 30-30 lacked the penetration to even reach the guts even though it was enroute.
Mike,

brick wall .......

fence post .....


comprende' ?


Jerry
For me, I've never purchased a lemon. I'm pretty happy with my entire locker full of factory makes. But since they're no longer offered, I'm really fond of the two TC Icons I managed to acquire, even though I'm a lefty. Hard to not to get MOA or better with either.
Originally Posted by jwall
Mike,

brick wall .......

fence post .....


comprende' ?


Jerry

wink
Originally Posted by moosemike
Once again Blackheart that was not the issue. The hindquarter hit proved lethal but didn't give me so much as a drop of blood to tell me I connected. And the deer ran quartering away so that explains why no exit out the other side. Even so the 30-30 lacked the penetration to even reach the guts even though it was enroute.
Did the bullet come apart ? Seems strange it didn't reach the guts as I've put a 170 into the brisket and recovered it from the hip of a large buck.Course that was a 170 core lokt and as I said I've never used the power point.
Originally Posted by jwall
Mike,

brick wall .......

fence post .....


comprende' ?


Jerry
FOAD tou penis faced old jackass.
Originally Posted by Blackheart
Originally Posted by jwall
Mike,

brick wall .......

fence post .....


comprende' ?


Jerry
FOAD tou penis faced old jackass.


You and others know what you are !! You responded. LOL

Jerry
My Rem 760 30-06.
nb
So many great rifles. I like them all for their uses. The rifle that stands above the pack for me is my Colt AR15 HBAR Match with a Geissele trigger.The natural fit of this gun is what speaks to me. It feels like I can shoot better than I can.
Originally Posted by Dave_in_WV
My Rem 760 30-06.


Yes, Dave I like my 6-06 too. smile

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]


[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Same as ^^, named him Freak in Oct '16

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]


[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]


It doesn't discriminate! Buck OR Doe no matter. grin

All you gotta do is RATTLE the fore end! wink


Jerry
My Kimber 84M Classic with the excellent Leupold VX3 2.5-8X. Outstanding accuracy, light weight and very pretty.
It’s my perfect mountain rifle.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/gallery/80/full/115992.jpeg




[quote=jwall]

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

The Model Sixes are SEXY as rifles go.
The FTWT is lighter, thinner, sleeker and handles so sweetly.

Don't ask me why I don't have more 70 FTWTs. I ask myself that.


My Son inherited the 3rd one - My first Six, 270 Win.
HE put the.Bubbas on it & the irons.


[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]


Jerry

'94 Marlin 25-20
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]
Originally Posted by Blackheart
Originally Posted by moosemike
Once again Blackheart that was not the issue. The hindquarter hit proved lethal but didn't give me so much as a drop of blood to tell me I connected. And the deer ran quartering away so that explains why no exit out the other side. Even so the 30-30 lacked the penetration to even reach the guts even though it was enroute.
Did the bullet come apart ? Seems strange it didn't reach the guts as I've put a 170 into the brisket and recovered it from the hip of a large buck.Course that was a 170 core lokt and as I said I've never used the power point.


Yes it did come apart.
My favorite factory rifles would be in order of #1 Sako Big Game in 308. #2 Weatherby Mark V in .270 Win. #3 Browning Abolt2 in 270wsm.
Nostalgia would be my featherweight pre 64 308
Actual hunting Barrett Fieldcraft in 30-06
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