"Unique Alpine" Rifles. Any experience?

[LukeM]

Hi all,

I have a slot for a 6.5 and was looking around at some more left field options than the usual tikka, bergara, sako etc etc. Each great rifles, but I think it's boring having the same thing as everyone else so long as you aren't giving up any performance in what you end up with.

I came across a German company by the name of "Unique Alpine". They seem reasonably well-established, with a range of guns that covers most bases, but there's very little information online about them, other than one fairly sparse review of the rifle I'm looking at (UPG1).

Link to rifle here: Unique Alpine UPG-1

It looks fairly interesting - in house action, slim chassis, controlled feed and aics compatible. Quite like the look of a few of their other offerings as well. Particularly the scout rifle.

Anyone have experience of Unique Alpine rifles? Would love to hear your thoughts if so.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

'Unique' - there appears to be a hint in the name. I've only seen them advertised a a couple of times in the UK. Probably very difficult to maintain or resell.
Regards
JCS

 

[long_range_rob]

You wouldn’t want to carry one far.

 

[The Singing Stalker]

I wasn’t expecting a U.K. address and phone number. That was a surprise.

 

[LukeM]

'Unique' - there appears to be a hint in the name. I've only seen them advertised a a couple of times in the UK. Probably very difficult to maintain or resell.
Regards
JCS

Cheers. I'd hope there wouldn't be too much maintenance involved... It's a bolt action rifle after all. If they are built well there's not much to go wrong.

I mostly subscribe to the "no sell only buy" ideology! But you are probably right. People are put off by having very little information. I've just had a look at warranties and there's nothing mentioned, but small companies are usually fairly good at trying to sort user experiences.

 

[The Singing Stalker]

Cheers. I'd hope there wouldn't be too much maintenance involved... It's a bolt action rifle after all. If they are built well there's not much to go wrong.

I mostly subscribe to the "no sell only buy" ideology! But you are probably right. People are put off by having very little information. I've just had a look at warranties and there's nothing mentioned, but small companies are usually fairly good at trying to sort user experiences.

Warranties are a waste of time until you need it and a verbal warranty is worth the paper it wasn't written on. So I would prefer to see something proper in writing.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Too tacticool for me, dog walkers will call in plod if they see you in the woods with that, plus it doesn't match my loden pants.

 

[LukeM]

Warranties are a waste of time until you need it and a verbal warranty is worth the paper it wasn't written on. So I would prefer to see something proper in writing.

Yep. Would have to have something in writing if I were to consider buying one.

 

[User00040]

Looks terrible, and very expensive for what it is.

Just buy a Tikka T3 and stick it in an MDT chassis.

 

[Terrydeer]

This looks quite good, just no UK reviews yet

 

[LukeM]

This looks quite good, just no UK reviews yet

It does look great.

But £1800 on a chassis can sod off!

 

[User00040]

It does look great.

But £1800 on a chassis can sod off!

It will still hold value better than such a 'unique' rifle...

 

[Dickie]

I remember seeing them in SGC Exeter many years back a friend was quite taken by them but never followed it up.
Not sure if SGC were the importers then.

 

[Totsy]

I have one ordered from Norman Clarke in Rugby. They have a few in stock. Speak to Peter in the shop, he seemed really knowledgeable on the brand.
I liked the 3 lug bolt like the sako 75. Seemed a lot of gun for the money. If I was in the market for a new stalking rifle I’d be looking at some of their other offerings.
Any modern day manufacturer who supplies to government agencies probably have their **** together in my book.

 

[LukeM]

I have one ordered from Norman Clarke in Rugby. They have a few in stock. Speak to Peter in the shop, he seemed really knowledgeable on the brand.
I liked the 3 lug bolt like the sako 75. Seemed a lot of gun for the money. If I was in the market for a new stalking rifle I’d be looking at some of their other offerings.
Any modern day manufacturer who supplies to government agencies probably have their **** together in my book.

Which one did you order?

I'd be very appreciative if you could do a little write up when you receive it!

Most European mil/LE suppliers have their **** together but you do get the odd lemon slip through - I got a brand new AI AT as a 21st birthday present last year, and the barrel was ****ed! Shot 4mrad to the left, and strung all over the place when hot. To their credit they fitted a new barrel with zero hassle and it's been plain sailing since.

 

[Totsy]

The rifle you’re asking about in 26”.

 

[sniper3]

I fired the Alpine TPG-1 in 338 version, having had an exchange day and my opposite used my AW in 308. I would say it was on par with AI rifles.
Being lefthanded I enjoyed shooting it. I hope that helps!

 

[Swedish]

Have you looked at Dolphin? Tactical Rifles - Dolphin Gun Company

I have no affiliation

 

[LukeM]

Have you looked at Dolphin? Tactical Rifles - Dolphin Gun Company

I have no affiliation

Yes, have come across their work before and been extremely impressed.

I did actually get a quote from them a while back, but somewhat unsurprisingly it was a little out of budget.

 

[Stalker-of-the-deer]

I am one of a lucky few in the world.

I've got a tpg 1 in 300 win mag and they are somthing else, had it since new.

The triggers are fantastic, the ergonomics are spot on and the accuracy is insane on them.

Also the 12 port muzzle break blows windows out if your not careful!

It's a rifle designed for a job and it's wasted punching hokes at 100m.

Weight wise I ain't carrying it so I don't care without a doubt one of the best rifles money can buy as said before its up there with AI.

Only issue is parts but if you look you can find them. Ewen and benchgrade brands is the official importer for them. Drop him an email and you can get parts no problem, I've had a few bits off of him.