From reading your posts over the years, it seems like your NULA 30-06 is sort of your "go to" rifle. If for some reason you were to liquidate some rifles and select a new go to rifle for general Montana/Western US hunting, would you replace your NULA with another NULA? Would it still be a 30-06? What about the scope? Bullets?

If you don't mind getting caught up in the winter doldrums, I'm curious about what your idea of an ideal general purpose setup might be with all of today's new bullets/powders/cartridges. Discounting Grizzlies.

These days I'd still go with a similar NULA (the .30-06 has a #2 contour 24" barrel) but might go with the .280 Ackley Improved. It basically gets .30-06 muzzle velocities with the same-weight bullets, but the 7mm bullets have somewhat higher ballistic coefficients, so drift less in the wind. There are so many good bullets these days it would be hard to pick one, but as in .30 there are plenty to play with. Would probably go with a high-BC 162-168 grain for a basic all-around bullet, paired with a stouter bullet in the same weight range for certain uses.

I recently put a 3-10x42 Nightforce SHV with their new Forceplex reticle on the .30-06, which looks to be a good compromise for a hunter who usually doesn't shoot at long range, but might stretch a shot a little longer now and then. The Forceplex is a more visible in dark timber than many thin-lined "ballistic" reticles.

But the reality is that I'm probably never going to get rid of the .30-06. Have taken more big game with it than any other rifle over the 21 years since it showed up, and not only does it have plenty of memories, but it still shoots extremely well, and the .30-06 isn't all that different from the .280 AI.

Plus, I have a bunch of other rifles that will be headed down the road as my work schedule slows down over the next decade or so. Don't plan on ever totally retiring. What would I do? Go hunting? But have already started cutting back some.

Thanks for the input. I know your wife has gone down in recoil over the years, and wondered if you were having any of the same thoughts. It seems like a 30-06 would kick pretty good in such a light rifle, but I know you've praised the NULA stock design before for recoil management, and that Nightforce probably adds a bit of heft.

I had also wondered if all the reports of Creedmoors and similar cartridges being used to slay elk so frequently these days might influence your thinking.

Well, yeah--on both points.

I can still shoot hard-kicking rifles accurately, but simply don't see a reason to for most hunting anymore. The NULA stock shape doesn't fit everybody, but works very well for the "average" man, with a relatively short neck and square shoulders, which describes me.

Eileen would really like it if Melvin offered a more Monte-Carlo type stock, which fits her better, since she has the longer neck and sloping shoulders typical of more women. But he isn't going to, and her .257 Roberts NULA doesn't kick enough to bother her much. (Her other two big game rifles have better-fitting buttstocks, especially her Kilimanjaro Rifles .308 Winchester, which has a walnut stock custom fit to her by their stockmaker. But even that gave her headaches until she had a small muzzle-brake installed by John McLaughlin, the very good local gunsmith we've been using a for a couple years.)

I've thought about a NULA in 6.5 Creedmoor, a cartridge I like a lot, along with a bunch of other smaller 6.5's, and have full confidence in their ability to kill elk-sized game. But I already have several very accurate rifles chambered in such rounds, including a VERY accurate Ruger American 6.5 Creedmoor--along with a Mannlicher-Schoenauer carbine in 6.5x54, a custom FN Mauser in 6.5x55, and a Sauer drilling in 16x16/6.5x57R.

The drilling has a 1-8 twist and shoots VERY well, and the 6.5x57R is ballistically very much like the Creedmoor. I've killed plenty of big game and birds with it, and can't imagine a better all-around gun for most hunting. (It even has a .22 Magnum insert for the right-side shotgun barrel, which shoots accurately enough to take small game at 50+ yards. It weighs a little more than the NULA, but not much. Between them I have two rifles that cover 99% of the hunting I do.

What happened to your Serengeti 7x57? I though you were all in on that for awhile as your do-it-all retirement gun.

It's still here, and I have full confidence in it, having taken game from pronghorn and springbok at 400 yards, and wildebeest and moose at middling ranges. Will be using it too, but it weighs a pound more than the NULA .30-06, which has become more important as I get older!

But another side-effect of aging is there's more desire to hunt with rifles that provide emotional satisfaction. The 7x57 and .30-06 do that, but not as much as my grandmother's Remington 722 .257 Roberts, which I hunted with last fall for the first time anybody in the family had for over 20 years. It doesn't provide the ballistic advantages of my 6.5 Creedmoor, but it still worked fine on a pronghorn doe at 350 yards. Which felt better than any hunt with the 7x57 or .30-06.

Today, the 30-06 is about as much as I consider comfortable for shooting off a bench and then hunting. It does the job that I ask of it.

I use the 35 Whelen occasionally, but max loads with 250 gr. bullets is reaching or exceeding my comfort level for long shooting sessions. Best of all., the 30-06 can handle all North American game, properly loaded.

Glad to see you still have a .257 Roberts John. I may be wrong and please don't take offence but, just as Jack O'Conner was linked to the .270, somehow I always link you to the old .257 Roberts, even though you obviously hunt much more with other cartridges.

No offense taken at all! The .257 is a fine round.

Is "Grandma's 257" the one that you dropped into a Mountain Rifle walnut stock?

Have you settled on a do-it-all bullet for it?

I've had it in several stocks over the years, but eventually put it back in the original, with the original sheet-metal floorplate.

Right now am using 100-grain Ballistic Tips and Tipped TSX's with enough IMR4451 to get 3100+, and both shoot very well to the same POI. Which bullet gets used depends on the game and range.

The thread title alone is giving me the shakes. i gotta have a shot of scotch ;]

Kind of a shocking suggestion, ain't it?

Yes, I associate him with the 257. And "making" me discover it and spend a couple grand building rifles around it. I am a victim lol

Still my favorite round and if I were downsizing it would the be the one left in my safe. 75s to 120s. Barnes called it the most useful cartridge ever in his book.

YES!

I have three .257 Roberts rifles, all Rugers. Two are Hawkeyes. One has the matte blueing and the other the gloss blue. I thought that was reason enough to get both of them. The gloss blued rifle has also had the throat lengthened which means 115gn Ballistic Tips fit in really nice with the standard length magazine without taking up powder space. The third is a tang safety 77 in about 95 % condition. It is the least accurate of the three so I am getting it rebarreled to 7x64. Of the two Hawkeyes, I load 100gn bullets in the short throated one and 110 -120gn bullets in the long throated one.

My .25-06 has sat in the safe for about six or seven years and hasn't got a run as I like the .257 Roberts so much and it kills just as well. I find as the seasons go past I'm hunting more and more with the .257 Roberts, 6.5x55 and 7x57. All relatively mild for calibre, low recoiling rounds that put down deer and pigs well enough. The 100gn Swift Scirocco has been an outstanding bullet in the Roberts. A bit pricey but good things usually are.

Have you got any rifling left at all- or is it a smooth bore now? Can’t imagine needing/wanting a longer throat in a Roberts. Even for the 115bt

I'm in my 60th year. I am primarily a whitetail deer hunter, but I want to expand that after I retire. Moose is on the bucket list. Probably red stag and few other. However, watching my older hunting companions, I know that eventually recoil sensitivity will probably come into play.

In 2014, I decided to buy my last 30-06. I've got 8 of them. I just decided that with the decades I had left to hunt, I should start thinking about exploring downwards instead of upwards. I'm currently exploring 25-06.

35 Whelen was my high-water mark for big game rifles. I've still got The Whelenizer, and I intend to keep it, but I've recycled it to shoot cast lead. The loads are more like 35 REM.

I still shoot a 3" 12 GA at turkey. It's got the recoil of a 416 Rigby, but it's only a few shots a year.

Have to agree whole-heartedly. I have many rifles I use, but only a few that absolutely must stay for this very reason.

Have come to the conclusion that I don't need or will use all I have anymore. Since retiring I have become addicted to building them more than anything. I could get by with my 721 in 06 and the 722 twin of John's gun. I have some of good friends now gone. Memories will keep them here. My Swede which I finally fullstocked after 30 odd years of enjoying it. Various single shots of which I went nuts over at one time. Guess my sons will just have to divide them up one day.

Interesting you bring up the emotional aspect of hunting and sentimental attachment. My Dad says the same thing. He recently bought a Husqvarna 30-06 in original condition. He mounted his 50+ year old Pecar scope on and took it deer hunting. He proclaims it as his new deer rifle.

The back story - he bought a Husqvarna 30-06 back in 1961 or 62 while he was stationed in Germany in the Army. He hunted it a few times in Europe and used it extensively in the US after he was discharged. One day in about 1972 or so, he shot some reloads of an aquaintance. Rifle didn't fair to well and blew apart into a bunch of pieces. I was about 8-9 at the time and was standing 10 feet or so from him when things went south. Neither of us received any major injuries but was a hard learned lesson. He'd always talked of finding another Husky of the same vintage and mounting his old Pecar on it. He did last summer and shot a dandy buck this past November with it. He's 76 today and we talk alot about our memories. We both know we have more years behind than in front. I've only asked for 2 things when he goes - his Husky and an old M700 in 30-06 he used in the interim years between the Husky and more recent vintage rifles.

The NULA 30-06 is the way to go!~ I Mirror the idea of going with a 24" barrel. My own Forbes 24 B (I got a good one) has a 24" stainless barrel and gets 3070 with 150 grain bullets, Just under 3000 with 165 grain bullets and 2820 with 180's. All under MOA. It's Bison legal here in the Yukon and under 7 pounds scoped. I since upgraded to a 1.5-8X Razor Scope with G4 reticle but this video extols the virtues of the concept. Balance of trajectory, moderate recoil and muzzle blast, good hitting power and great versatility. Also..no need for a cursed muzzle break and hearing loss. What's not to like?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTOqouXUTBA

John,
In 1990 I bought a M722 in 257R from the widow of a gentleman I had known since I was young. It was his backup rifle and never hunted that his widow knew of. It was absolutely pristine with Balvar mounts and B&L scope from that era. I have taken it out and killed an elk with it a couple years after I bought it. It's one rifle I won't sell. And yes, it's a heavy sucker.........

Dakota, Dakota, Dakota,

You never ask such a question.
You ment well, and were curious.
But you never ask a guy about "The One",
If he hasn't mentioned it recently.


That's like running into a friend who has a date,
And mentioning the last woman you saw him with.

My downsize pile currently consists of my 6mm Fieldcraft, my Browning Low Walls in .44 and .22 Hornet, and probably the 1948 FN .270, simply because I just can't seem to stay Mauser-less for long. This excludes rimfires, shotguns and MLs, of course.

The others will all stick until they don't, but the newest, a Henry kipplauf .308, just might make the keeper list if it continues to impress me.

I downside some years back, the last 12 years or so I been shooting all my big game with a Blaser R-93 7mm RM. It shoots very well, I just launch 150 gr Bullets at stuff and well never more that one shot unless I just miss, and I do from time to time. I also have a 6.5 x 55, a 7 x 57 and a 338 Winchester. out of some 70 rifles I had. I don't count the 300 WSM that I have, it's pretty much a closet queen. I originally planned on it being the one rifle I would shoot for the rest of my hunting life, it was a disappointment from the day I took it to the range almost 18 years ago. crooked chamber. I may rebarrel it to 270 WSM or not or trade it for a good Marlin 336 in 30-30 plenty for the local whitetails. CT these days is a little funny about guns and I don't want to play!

Been reducing for a while. Last two centerfire rifles will be a 700 KS in .270 and a 6.5x55 custom. Then a toss up between a .30-06 and .300H&H for my "heavy" rifle...

I realized a couple years ago that i far enjoyed shooting and hunting with the rifles and shotguns that had significant emotional meaning to me...ie passed down from loved ones.

My shooting and hunting has never been better of more enjoyable.

Pretty cool replies here. I too have been selling off some firearms.

Keeping some with family ties, and also keeping those of most use for me. Two that I hunt with most often are my 25-06 & 30-06 Remington 700 CDL's. Each has a 6x, and they've been used to take most of the game I've shot over the past 15 years or so. I don't see parting with either of them.

Guy

Here's another way to look at it: As mentioned earlier, I have quite a few centerfire rifles, and they also keep coming and going, to the point where Eileen has suggested replacing our front door with a revolving "rifle door."

A few years ago I did an article for RIFLE magazine called "The Rifles That Stuck," which included the 10 or 12 (can't remember which) that had been around more than a decade, minus heirlooms. Here's an updated list:

.375 H&H Whitworth Mauser. Bought this as a barreled action in 1991, and it has been customized considerably since, with a Gentry 3-position safety and NECG sights installed by D'Arcy Echols. It has two stocks, one synthetic and one custom walnut.

9.3x62 CZ 550. Purchased new in 2001, then restocked in fancy European walnut by Serengeti Rifles in 2008.

9.3x74R German side-by-side double, purchased used in 2002.

.338 Winchester Magnum, custom rifle built on FN Mauser commercial action and Bansner synthetic stock around 1990.

.300 Winchester Magnum Heym SR-21 bolt action, purchased from fellow gun writer Richard Mann in 2009. The most accurate .300 Winchester I've ever owned, including custom rifles.

.30-06 Ultra Light Arms Model 24, ordered in 1996. It just so happened that a gun shop in Germany had previously ordered two .30-06's to the exact specs I wanted, but could only sell one. As a result I ended up with the other, which unlike most has a red-stag proof stamp.

.308 Winchester, Merkel K-1 break-action single-shot, purchased new in 2005.

7x57 built by Serengeti Rifles in 2005 on a Montana 1999 action, with a custom black walnut stock.

6.5x55 on an FN Mauser action. Originally a .270 J.C. Higgins purchased from my stepfather-in-law. Restocked it myself in New Zealand walnut maybe 20 years ago, and after shooting out the .270 barrel had Charlie Sisk turn it into a 6.5x55.

7x57 built by Serengeti Rifles in 2007, with an American walnut stock on a Montana 1999 action.

.25-35 Winchester Model 1894 made in 1898, with a 26-inch octagon barrel. Purchased at Capital Sports & Western Wear in 2004.

.223/5.56 Bushmaster AR-15, purchased from Capital Sports in 2007.

.22 Hornet Ruger No. 1B, obtained directly from Ruger in 2003.

.204 Ruger 700, won in a drawing in 2008. Originally a VTR, after frying the original barrel I screwed on a brand-new take-off stainless 700 sporter-weight, and replaced the Tupperware stock with a CDL.

Thanks John. I'll take the 375.

Hi Chet,

Well, you never know!

These days I often wonder if the .375 and 9.3x62 aren't too redundant....

I think the 7x57 and 6.5x55 may be the same. Let me know which one you decide to part with. Since you are downsizing and all.

Yes, yes......most definitely redundant!

gm, it seems to me there are fewer of us who appreciate the 7 RM. Mine will be THE last
that I would choose to trip. I’ll be 70 before the end of this year so I’m still waiting to get old.
Since I don’t have enuff vermin to be concerned about a varmint Rifle my 2nd or back up
will be my 270 W. I can load it with 49grs of 4064 under 130s and get 2900 FPS.

My Swede shoots 49 grs of 4350 so that’s Tit for Tat.

As for sentimental rifles I have a 284 on a 98 action that a friend gave me. Shoots
good, kills deer with ‘aplomb’ (haha). It ain’t for sale. I have told my friend that he can
have it back anytime he wants it ..... Besides I always liked the 284 case.

I have M Six 270 that I inherited from my Dad.
My Son has my FIRST Six in 270 that I have killed more with it than the rest combined.

My M Six in 06 is in Memory of my Dad. His first rifle was a 760 in 06.

The others can be dividied to Sons & G kids.

So, NO I ain’t downsizing !


Jerry

I like my 7RM, .308, 243, and new 6.5 crmr! They will never replace my 30-06! I take and carry all at different times! None fit and feel as good as my 30-06! I tried to like a .338 win mag, just didn't carry right for me!

I can't seem to downsize. I get attached to rifles and even though I may not fire them for a number of years I just can't get rid of them. They can sit up the back of the safe until I rediscover them. My .243 is a prime example. It was the first rifle I ever bought and I hunted with it for three or four years....until I discovered the .257 Roberts. Then it just sat in my safe. I don't think I fired it for 12 years. But last year I pulled it out and looked at it and thought I'd get it up and running again so I had it rebarreled to 6.5 Creedmoor. Now it sits in the front row of my safe and gets used again.

jwall,
I have a totally unfounded biased opinion against the 7 mag. Have never owned one, and never will.

Way back, circa 1985? Was out deer hunting at with Dad and a neighbor at a ranch. Having a good deer camp. Then another hunter who had permission on the same property came over and started a conversation.

Conversation turned to guns and he immediately started spouting off about how his 7 mag was so much better than the 270's my Dad and I were using and the 6.5-06 my neighbor had.

Long story short, he was a cluster, wounded a couple deer. Asked for help tracking etc. While all three of us seemed to get our deer with no issues.

Since then, I always think of that experience when someone starts extolling the virtues. Certainly was not the cartridge, but the hunter. It has stuck with me. The way he stated the 7 mag was SO much better.

As far as downsizing for me, I do not worry about it. I enjoy every rifle I own, if I don't, it will go down the road. If I find one I like, I buy it.

CRS -- I understand the background but IMO you should File 13 ---> sorry shooter.


Even tho I've killed deer at 12' (feet) and many other odd distances with a 7 RM

My longest shot kills have been with either 7mm RM or 300 WM.

OTOH, I have an 'irrational' affection FOR the 300 WM. I have NEVER needed the heavy bullet or energy but I've always liked the cartridge/case appearance.

Jerry

An old friend of mine hates pork and beans. Why? Because his older brother loved them, and he couldn't stand his brother.

I've heard it said the 7 mag isn't a good deer killer "'cause the bullet is going so fast it's out the far side before it does much damage".

I stated up front that it was an unfounded bias.


Definitely it was the nut pulling the trigger?

I feel the same way about my 270's and 338-06's. Irrational affection sums it up nicely.

I am down to three

30/06 Tikka T3x
270 wby Ultralight
7mm Wby Accumark

No plans to buy any other Hi Power rifle except possibly a straight case round for the midwest states that allow it and a Crossbow. I have 3 rifles and a benelli shotgun on consignment.

At seven decades, and though still able, weight when scrambling on rough ground has become a premium consideration for me also. From Iowa, any serious big game hunting for me means some travel and usually limited time which generally also means less of it. Which is fine for the stage of life I’m in.

Big game rifle-redux has left me with a custom 284 (140’s at 3100 fps) which with a Leupold 6x36 with LRD weighs in at short of 6.5 lbs. I have taken more than several trophy-to-me head of big game with it including a fine whitetail buck at a lasered 500 yds. After having used about every magnum from 7mm through 375 for years, this is a very pleasant stopping point for me.

I do have a bunch of smaller caliber rifles yet.

Relatedly, household redux in general is a good idea when one gets older. Imagine your wife (or kids) having to empty a house full of stuff if you suddenly depart. As a good friend of mine is want to say, he’s never seen a U-Haul behind a hearse. 🙂

Yea, in terms of hunting rifles I can relate.

I'm down to three now -
- 257 Bob - my pronghorn sausage rifle
- 30-06 - for the rest of NA
- 375 H&H - for the times I catch a plane ride Over There....

Finally let go of the 7x57 and 6.5x55. Awesome calibers. They're being packed around by nephews now.
Handed the .30-30 to a neighbors kid. I hadn't shot it in decades.

Now if I ever stumble across a 300 H&H I just might....

Big Game:
Ruger 77R 25-06 Teflon coated and bedded in a Brown Precision stock. More or less retired.
Kimber Montana 6.5 Creedmoor.
Kimber Montana 300WSM,

Truck Gun:
Kimber Hunter 308.

Dangerous Game:
Winchester Model 70 SS 375 H&H.

Predators:
Kimber Varmint 22-250 Ceracoted and bedded in a Wildcat stock.
Remington Model 7 Predator 17 Fireball (to be replaced by a Kimber Montana rebarreled to 17 Fireball or 17 Remington (makes no practical sense except I want to be rid of Remington rifles and want them all to be Kimbers or Winchesters))

Shotguns:
Remington 870 Express 12ga
Remington 870 SPS 12ga
Beretta A400

Rimfire:
Cooey Model 600 22LR (first gun I bought at age 14)
CZ 455 SS 22LR
CZ 455 SS 22Mag
Ruger 10/22 LR

Handguns:
Ruger
22/45 Lite
Bearcat SS with adj sights
Both Blued and Stainless Flattop Blackhawks 44 Spl
Smith & Wesson
Model 63 4"
Model 17-6
Model 19 2.5"
Model 686 4.25"
Model 41 - both Barrel lengths
M&P22
SAM
1911 9mm
Sig Sauer
1911 Tac Ops 45 ACP
1911 RCS 45 ACP

Yes. I've heard that too and not ONLY about the 7 RM but also the 270.

Jerry

Mathman, once back in the day I killed a SD whitetail buck on the run at about 250 yards (I am not claiming I can do that regularly) with a 7mm Rem Mag and 150-gr NP’s.

Upon coming up to the buck an acquaintance, noting the quarter-sized exit at the neck-shoulder juncture, opined neither the cartridge or the bullet were very good for deer

George,

I'll start by stating that I HAVE seen a U-Haul behind a hearse. A local friend of mine passed away, suddenly and too young at 59, and since he knew a heart condition would probably not allow him lots of time, had specified in writing (he was a lawyer) that certain items would be buried with him--and also made arrangements for a small U-Haul trailer to transport them, as well as making sure the local funeral home could deal with it.

That said, this fall I have four rifles ready for the big game hunts planned, all local. Don't elk hunt much anymore unless we "need" the meat, but this year have to freezer space if I run into one in a convenient place. When hunting in those areas where that might happen will be carrying my semi-custom Ruger 7mm-08 with 140 TTSX's.

Good hunting!

I could quite easily get by with my 270 Win Montana and my "tweaked" (deeply fluted factory barrel cut to 22" bedded in a Brown Pound'r) SS New Haven M70 375 H&H for the rest of my hunting.

John,

Well, there you go. There’s always the exception and the one-of-a-kind. That certainly would compel one to do a double-take and watch the procession go down the street.

Yeah, the 308- and ‘ought 6- based cartridges (like my 284 which isn’t quite either but yet the same) really can almost do it all after the vim, vigor, and vinegar and testosterone of youth when bigger is always more.

I’d advise you go get an elk. While I haven’t personally taken sheep or moose, I’ve tasted some and elk is still my favorite right along with the king of upland birds, the pheasant.

This is probably where I will end up for the duration.

George,

Thanks for your elk advice. Might go for one, but a lot will depend on our annual "inventory" of our three 15-cubic-foot freezers. One is our everyday chest freezer, located just off the kitchen, with the "oldest" game meat is kept--which might have been taken 2-3 years ago, depending on species. The other two are in the basement, one an upright mostly filled with Eileen's "special project" game, from big game to birds that weren't shot up much, then plucked carefully so they'll photograph well. The third is our "filling" freezer, where we put this fall's big game.

Each year we shuffle their contents around, to make sure the oldest meat is in the everyday freezer, and see what the hell is inside filling freezer. Haven't done that yet, but more than once Eileen has been worried that we don't have enough elk meat--then discovers we have 75-100 pounds of boned elk on hand.

Personally, I have kind of returned to my earlier years, when elk were a bonus of LOTS of meat--involving considerable work. Getting one as easily as possible means I can spend more enjoyable time chasing antelope, deer and gamebirds. This may seem strange to folks who don't live in elk country, but there it is.

John, you might consider a local freezer-full donation to free it up for that elk. I do understand about the “inconvenience” of dropping one in a creek bottom but what are friends for? 🙂

George,

Good suggestions, but we generally do "donate" some meat to friends who appreciate it. Though don't see any reason to donate an elk, just to guarantee we have to pack out the next one!

Our last "creek bottom" elk was a young cow Eileen killed with one shot from a .257 Roberts--not a calf but a "heifer," born the year before, dropped cleanly with one shot from her NULA .257 Roberts, near the bottom of a sagebrush draw in the middle of typical timbered country. Atter taking a few photos, we started to reduce the cow to pieces appropriate for our Neet-Kart, a nifty game cart with in-line wheels, so it can easily follow narrow trails, and go over foot-high rocks and downed timber. The wheels have bicycle-type brakes, controlled by levers the handles on the rear of the cart.

The cart was in our pickup, a mile uphill, so I left the last of the elk-reduction to Eileen and hiked back to get it. We loaded half on the cart, then started uphill, me pushing on the handles with the brake levers, while Eileen kept the front balanced with the handles on that end. When she got tired, I'd grab the brakes, and we'd breathe a while.

In two trips, we had all the elk parts in the pickup by 10:00 at night. Not bad for a pair of "experienced" hunters whose age averaged 64 years.

John,
Have you settled on the 140-gr TTSX for general use in that rifle?

Not exactly, For general use I use the 139-grain Hornady Interlock Spire Point, whether with handloads using Ramshot Big Game, orHornady's American Whitetail factory ammo. The handloads shoot a little better, but not enough to matter. The 139's land in exactly the same place as handloads with the same charge of Big Game with the 140 TTSX, so I use whatever seems to be appropriate for the terrain and game. Which means that I mostly shoot the Hornadys.

That's funny!

If push came to shove I could live with my 25-06 and 300 H&H. Of course I would still want my CZ 22mag, Winchester Model 69 22 and ....

I totally understand.

If I had to cull my rifles the 3 I would never part with are,
My 22k hornet full custom built on an original 1881 build low wall.

My 25/303 Epps Newton (every one should have a 25 cal)

My 35 Whelan built on a Stevens 200 action that I took to Namibia. Has a muzzle brake due to a shoulder injury. Boy I like that Whelan

I’ll probably have to do it sooner or later but all this talk about downsizing is making my head hurt 😀

It’s making me scared. I may have to buy another to calm myself

The hardest part about downsizing isn't selling off a few extras, it's passing on the great deals that come along in midst of restructuring.

I'm down to two 308s, 6CM, 257Roberts, 280 Remington, 300H&H and have a custom FN98 275Rigby in the works. I could see one of the 308s going down the road and maybe the 300H&H. The older I get, the less I like recoil.

This is a delightful thread. Glad it came back around again. Have to consider where I really am. Don't hunt much anymore. Like to tinker with my ridiculous amount of guns. Plan on passing them down to sons when I'm gone. Then they can have a ridiculous amount. That said maybe I should find that 55 Ford pickup I've always wanted...

I assume you like the Merkel if it's one of the few that stuck but beyond that, what are your thoughts on it overall? After a large divorce related downsizing myself a few years ago, I've planned to replace what I had with a few higher end rifles with top shelf glass instead of a bunch of run of the mill stuff. As a lifelong single shot fan, a Merkel is on my short list, 7x57R or 7mm-08 would be the likely choices.

Over the past few months I sold several rifles I hadn't been using much in recent years, either for hunting or articles. Then a couple weeks ago bought three--one off the Campfire Classifieds, one off Gunbroker, and one at Capital Sports in Helena, Montana....

Evidently it's hard to kick the rifle-loony habit....

It is very hard to kick. I downsized to a 223AI, 280 Rem, 300 Win Mag, and a 375 Ruger. Not sure what I cannot do with only these.

Super, I would never part with my H & H!!!!! Too cool..

A perfect example of what makes a rifle loony!

I have noticed you do same thing with scopes...:)



New or used...the Gun "churning" continues..

I had had to downsize today, I’d sell all my [bleep], and give up hunting. Already gave it up in Michigan. Wouldn’t be that hard!

Not MD - but Id keep my .270's and one Talkeetna. Oh, wait there are two 7x57's in the back just for Sunday hunting.

I’m down to my old Ruger tang safety .30-06 and a Tikka T3X 6.5 CM. And a Tikka T3 .243. And a 1981 JM stamped Marlin 336 .30-30. And a Savage .223. And a few more.

Ha!

John, looking at your updated list, and was surprised to see (or more precisely not see!) the 416.

FWIW, I am down to Kimber Montana’s in 223 and 243AI, and Pre-64 M70 twins in 280 and 9.3X62 in Brown Precision stocks. Four centerfire hunting rifles, and I have little interest in buying more.

Mine's not cool. It's a FrankenRem parts gun with a rechambered 30-06 bbl in an old beater Brown Precision.

I’ll be the next one to say it. This is a great, fun to read post. I’ll soon be 76 years old and own more guns now than I ever have, and will probably buy a few more before I quit. The only downsizing I have done is in caliber choice. I don’t like a lot of recoil anymore, so my 308 is my BIG rifle with pretty much all the bases covered below the 308. I also have a 7mm-08, a 6.5 Creedmoor, and a 223. I really don’t see anything else I need, but............................

RickF,

Yep, sold my .416 Rigby a few months ago. Among other things, odds are pretty long against my ever hunting Cape buffalo again (partly because I've spent more than enough time on international flights), and I have a fine .375 H&H--which in my experience is more than sufficient for buffalo.

Also, have no desire to do another article on handloading the Rigby, and there doesn't seem to be much demand among my editors for another anyway. So sent it down the road, along with some other rifles I'd written about so much there wasn't much demand for articles.

Then there's a phenomenon both I and some of my fellow gun writers have enountered now and then: After an article on a specific rifle appears, a reader contacts me, asking if I'd sell it--and what they offer indicates they want it more than I do!

When I look in the safe these days, I find myself assigning firearms to gift to a son, daughter or grandchild sometime down the road. I don’t have any heavy kickers anymore.....as there just isn’t any real need to put up with the recoil.
My deer and elk killing is handled just fine with my 6.5 CM, .270, and soon the new 7-08.
The only rifle I’ll probably sell off will be the Sako .358, as it’s primarily a hand loaders cartridge these days and none of the kids do that.......
My main interest these day tends to run towards upgrading optics on the rifles.

I agree this is a great post and fun reading. I will be 80 years old on my upcoming birthday and can relate to the dislike of recoil as I get older. But I have never been a fan of the magnum cartridges. Mainly do to the fact I had no pressing need for a magnum. My big game hunting has been basically limited to deer, black bear, and elk. In recent years, do to the influence of reading many articles and posts by Mule Deer, I have developed a love for the 7x57. So now I own two of them and most of the reloading I do is for that caliber. My first dedicated big came rife, a Ruger M77 in 308 win (first year of production 1968 and 3 digit serial number) is now my backup; and will be passed on to one of my sons. I have a sportified Persian Mauser 98 in 8mm Mauser which will handle all the above listed game as well. I keep it as a "loaner" back-up gun, for use by family or friends if needed. I have several Marlin lever actions in 30-30, 35 Rem, and 22lr.

So I am starting to see a need to thin out the gun safe. None of my sons or grandsons are into the hunting/shooting as much as I have been in my life. I may soon sell off some of my inventory. But the 7x57 Mausers and my 308 will be the last to go and they will go to family members.
I have probably seen my last elk hunt; do to health and age issues. But local deer are still in danger if I can find an easy access area in the thousands of logging and skid trails of Oregon!

CJ

I am there, at 86 I just sold my second and third last rifle. The third last was a 270 Weatherby Mag. I used for deer and hogs. The second last was a Ruger #1 B 25/06 I used for coyotes and ground hogs. The only rifle I have left is my newest, a Bergarra HMR 6.5 Creedmoor that does it all.

tack

Interesting to read this resurrected thread, I'm going through the making the list process now. I have lots of duplication and some stuff hasn't been to the range or taken hunting in years, I've given some to family and friends but still need to move a bunch along for someone else to enjoy. I'm working through what needs to find a new home.
Looking back over the last 10 years my big game killing has been done with a 257 Roberts, 6.5x55,7-08,308, 30-06, 338 Win.Mag, 348 WCF, 35 Rem, 35 Whelen and a 9.3x62; all of it could have been easily done with my Tikka T3 Hunter in 6.5x55mm or my Sako AII Hunter in 308 WCF. But, I've always been a rifle looney.
I did this once before about 10 years ago and sent all of my bigger guns (375 Weatherby, 404 Jeffery, 2 x 416 Rigby's and 2 x 458 Lott's) to new homes.
So we'll see how this next round goes.
Wish me luck.

StarchedCover

StarchedCover,

Good luck!

I sold my .416 Rigby this year, but have held onto several "mediums" from .338 Winchester Magnum to .375 H&H--not because I use them very much for hunting anymore, but, well, just because....

I'll be selling and giving some rifles away over the next couple years. Living in Washington state, I can't sell or give anything to someone unless we're related so nephews are going to be having some preference. I will sell those rifles and shotguns I no longer want at really good prices. The way I look at it, they aren't cash, will be turned into cash quickly if the price is good and giving somebody a great deal is better than letting a shop sell them for a 25-30% commission. Heck, giving away a rifle I haven't used in a long while doesn't leave me any poorer and can honor a long time friendship. Trying to get the count down won't be easy trying to keep sentimental favorites, avoid too much duplication and covering my hunting needs for the final chapters in life.

In my early 60's now, and over the past 5 years I've sold 11 rifles, bought two more. I'm gaining.........

I've enjoyed this post a lot. Interesting thoughts and choices from everyone. I really can't thing of any that I want to downsize, but my collection is probably smaller than most. Well into my 70's I don't hunt like I used to but my rifles have memories, I enjoy just holding them and remembering. Someday they will go to my Son and Grandkids, but for now I'll just shoot and enjoy them as long as I can.

I had to downsize because of a very serious eye problem (partially detached retina). I was highly advised not to shoot anything with much recoil again or else. So I sold all of my centerfire rifles except for a 222 and a 243. Only problem is that I now own four 243's instead of one. Sometimes downsizing just doesn't work for a gun nut. Ben