Rifle suggestions please - specifically double stack detachable magazine

[freid]

I'm looking for a new rifle, specifically for poor weather, and the hill, and had originally thought I'd go down the T3 route, and put a PSE stock on and crack on. However, the single stack magazine element of the T3 is niggling on my mind. All my other rifles have double stack magazines, and as such top loading is second nature. I suspect I could learn to live with a single stack mag, but it would irritate me, so I was hoping some might be able to suggest a suitable alternative.

I currently have an R93 in 7x57 which is what is being replaced, but as I've another 7x57 (George Gibbs Mauser 98 Walnut - hence the want of something synthetic), I'm thinking of going down the 7x64 route for this one.

I like the R93 Pro in terms of compactness, and the ability to top load, but I'm not a huge fan of the straight pull action, and whilst I like the shape and fit of the pro stock, I think it could be stiffer in the forend.

I'm looking for something that has:
Traditional bolt action
Double stack detachable magazine
Good quality stiff synthetic stock - or the availability of a decent aftermarket stock like PSE.
Happy to go down the custom route, or buy off the shelf.

I've had a look at:

Sako 85's - but the things that put me off are the stories about ejected cases bouncing off the scope, and bedding arrangement (although this could be overcome).

Sako 75 - not a fan of the standard synthetic stock, and limited options for aftermarket stocks.

Remmy 700 - I've had a 700 in the past, and just didn't like the action - it wasn't particularly smooth, but maybe this can be improved on. The one I had previous was a floorplate, but I understand you can convert to a detachable magazine.

Howa - floorplate that can be converted, but sounds like the mag conversions are not fit for purpose.

Sauer 101 - haven't handled a synthetic version, so not sure what the stock is like. They do a carbon version, but seems overpriced. Also not sure if these can be re-barrelled - not a deal breaker but worth considering.

Mauser M12 Extreme - believe these are near enough the same as the 101, but haven't had a chance to handle one yet.



At the moment it feels like either go down the 75 route, and hope/wait for a decent stock to turn up, or just grab a 101/M12 off the shelf.



Am I overlooking anything? Suggestions welcome, but please don't tell me to just get a T3 and learn to live with the single stack magazine - I'd rather not!

 

[andyk]

Does it need to be detachable?

If not, I’ve had 2 Ruger M77 Hawkeyes (still have 1) and they both shot/shoot well and have a double stack floor plate mag.

The standard synthetic stock leaves a bit to be desired but Hogue will export to the U.K. and I believe Barton Gunworks import HS Precision stocks.

They aren’t too popular so can be had for very good money 2nd hand.

 

[Kalahari]

I like youir idea of a 7 x 64,but then I would! As andy says, nothing wrong with a floorplate. You can't lose or forget your magazine which is an advantage. It just takes a bit if practice to dump the contents in a controlled fashion when you need to unload.

David.

 

[oxfordshirestalker]

Sauer 100 or Mauser M12 seem to fit the bill well here…

 

[T.eddie]

I've got a sako 85 and haven't noticed the ejected casing hitting the scope

 

[NickJ]

I have had three Sako 85s since they came out, fire a lot of rounds and never had or heard of the issues you refer to.

Tikka's are great too especially if you, as you say put a 'firmer' stock on.

Personally I would speak to @Ronin and get something custom or semi custom on a used 75 or T3 action for not much more than new.

 

[andyk]

Sorry, just seen the reference to detachable being a must further down your post.

A bit left field would be the Sako A7 if you can find one, although they aren’t available in those cartridges. They have a single stack mag but can be top fed as the feed lips are designed to flex outwards if sufficient pressure is applied.

I’d probably go with a 75 or 85 though. Maybe get a laminate stock if you go 75? Boyds make them and will export.

 

[freid]

Thanks for the replies so far guys.

Floorplate not necessarily an issue - I've got a rifle with one - but would be keen to try and find a detach mag if possible.

85's - I understand that these issues are universal, but it would be sods law the one I got had these problems. I think the ejecting issue is only with larger calibres.

Speaking to Ronin - I was discussing a T3 job with him, but having spent a few days stalking with a friend and trying his T3, the single stack mag element is the niggle I want to avoid.

 

[wytonpjs]

Sako S20 Started with a 75 (which I still have), went for an 85 and didn't really have confidence in it (frequent fliers) and early adopter of the S20 which I really rate

 

[wytonpjs]

Sako S20 Started with a 75 (which I still have), went for an 85 and didn't really have confidence in it (frequent fliers) and early adopter of the S20 which I really rate

Double stack 5 or 10-round mags but not top-loadable

 

[Bowland blades]

Why would an 85 bounce cases off the scope ? Its tge same naual ejector stem thats on the 75 is it not .? Perhaps its an issue that someone mounted a scope different, maybe a rail ?
I dontbthink it gets better than a 75 with some tape to prevent the dreaded " wherscme mag gone ?

 

[freid]

Why would an 85 bounce cases off the scope ? Its tge same naual ejector stem thats on the 75 is it not .? Perhaps its an issue that someone mounted a scope different, maybe a rail ?
I dontbthink it gets better than a 75 with some tape to prevent the dreaded " wherscme mag gone ?

Sako 85 ejection issue, dented case neck

An FYI for all who claim the 85 does not do this: Maybe it only happens when you shoot a proper cartridge? ;)

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

 

[Bowland blades]

Sako 85 ejection issue, dented case neck

An FYI for all who claim the 85 does not do this: Maybe it only happens when you shoot a proper cartridge? ;)

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

Thanks !
Imo it's looking like some very low mounts in a large 9.3 mm cartridge that creating the issue

 

[freid]

Thanks !
Imo it's looking like some very low mounts in a large 9.3 mm cartridge that creating the issue

That's quite possibly the issue - I just know it would be my luck that if I got one it would do the same! ha!

 

[Jamsie]

How about a Steyr Pro Hunter in an appropriate calibre ...?

Jamsie

 

[mealiejimmy]

Just buy a Tikka and get on with it - too much thinking about it will do your head in - and you won't shoot any more or less deer

Cheers

Bruce

 

[jcampbellsmith]

I'm not sure that setting magazine type as a key selection criteria is productive. I have or have had floor plates, double stack magazines, single stack magazines, AI magazines and single shot rifles. I use each one as it's designed. I don't lose any sleep over magazine type.

Regards

JCS

 

[Bowland blades]

That's quite possibly the issue - I just know it would be my luck that if I got one it would do the same! ha!

Insanely low mounts , with a large carrige if you bout a 9.3 and put a real low scope on it I think you would. Tge 75 was certainly designed for a correctly mounted 50 mm objective . In the correct optilok mounts , surely they did similar with the next model

 

[25 Sharps]

Sorry, just seen the reference to detachable being a must further down your post.

A bit left field would be the Sako A7 if you can find one, although they aren’t available in those cartridges. They have a single stack mag but can be top fed as the feed lips are designed to flex outwards if sufficient pressure is applied.

I’d probably go with a 75 or 85 though. Maybe get a laminate stock if you go 75? Boyds make them and will export.

75 options are very limited from Boyd’s and if wanting 7x64 (or any other long action cartridge) they won’t cater for it.

 

[Sharpie]

Dare I suggest that a Howa, with standard floor plate, might be a consideration. Buy the barrelled action (they include the floor plate metal), stock of your choice, (everyone makes their own flavour for them). Very good out of the box, never heard of a dud, and well regarded for re-barrelling, alternate chamberings, aftermarket upgrades e.g. triggers, but the standard triggers are pretty good.

Based on a Sako heritage, for whom they used to make them under license, but since refined. Into the 1500, which has been stable for many years (not broken, no need to fix).

They double stack, top feed of course, and depending on chambering you can get up to five in the magazine. And of course top load between shots, so never empty. Really loved my 24" heavy barrelled one .223 in laminate stock, which shamed several other target shooters with far less humble kit. Since moved on, stupidly.

Single load perfectly, for my sort of target shooting where I rarely use the magazine.

A seconds work to empty them out into e.g. your hat. No mags. to lose, forget, swap around, or go bad.

No magazine sticking out of the bottom.

CZ do the 557 Eclipse. also might float your boat. Top of my list for next rifle. 30-06, .308, 6.5CM A very nice rifle with a good stock. Integral floorplate mag. albeit made from polymer, but good material. Top loading. Single load perfectly. Under rated if not ignored.

Otherwise of course there are the Lee Enfields in .303, but probably not what you are thinking of. 10 round dual stack detachable mag, also stripper clip, or top load. Synth stocks are (or at least were) available.

One can but dream that someone might make a reprise of the action to fit modern ideas, but brought fully up to date.