Classic/traditional sporting rifle recommendations
- Thread starter Jack3
- Start date
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
I would have a good look at the Heym SR20 - its a beautiful rifle with none of the issues of the SR21.
Otherwise
Mauser Actioned rifles built by the likes of Rigby, TT Proctor, Ronald Wharton or Mauser are all well made and lovely rifles.
I also have a soft spot for old Mannlicher Schoeneurs - especially ones that have shot and regulated by British Gunmakers. I am talking the older pre 1970’s with machined metal fixed rotary magazines and butter knife bolt handles half way along the action.
The later Model M is also a nice rifle but they have a plastic rotary magazine and the plastics are going brittle.
If you want something a bit different go for a Ferlach or Suhl built single shot or combination gun.
Otherwise
Mauser Actioned rifles built by the likes of Rigby, TT Proctor, Ronald Wharton or Mauser are all well made and lovely rifles.
I also have a soft spot for old Mannlicher Schoeneurs - especially ones that have shot and regulated by British Gunmakers. I am talking the older pre 1970’s with machined metal fixed rotary magazines and butter knife bolt handles half way along the action.
The later Model M is also a nice rifle but they have a plastic rotary magazine and the plastics are going brittle.
If you want something a bit different go for a Ferlach or Suhl built single shot or combination gun.
Fat wallet = Rigby Highland Stalker in .275
Thin wallet = CZ 600 Lux in .308
Thin wallet = CZ 600 Lux in .308
NickJ
Well-Known Member
The Steyr Mannichers are reliable rifles and good value, especially used. They fell out of fashion for some reason hence the used value
The only possible downside of the wooden stocked ones is the wood is thin either side of the (wide) rotary mag but I never had/heard of issues
For Africa PG the obvious advantage of 30:06 is the availability of ammo out there should the airline lose that bit of your luggage! As 85% of clients there are Yanks the ought six is probably the prevalent PG calibre
The only possible downside of the wooden stocked ones is the wood is thin either side of the (wide) rotary mag but I never had/heard of issues
For Africa PG the obvious advantage of 30:06 is the availability of ammo out there should the airline lose that bit of your luggage! As 85% of clients there are Yanks the ought six is probably the prevalent PG calibre
I would have a look for a CZ550 in 30-06
My only other thought is that I have used both a 30-06 and more recently on the advice of a stalking directory member a 375 H and H with a moderator for plains game. I was really impressed with the 375 and would be reluctant to swap back to a 30-06
I keep thinking about swapping the 30-06 for something a bit smaller but I am not sure there is a lot of point really
My only other thought is that I have used both a 30-06 and more recently on the advice of a stalking directory member a 375 H and H with a moderator for plains game. I was really impressed with the 375 and would be reluctant to swap back to a 30-06
I keep thinking about swapping the 30-06 for something a bit smaller but I am not sure there is a lot of point really
Thinking about my earlier reply, I spoke to a professional hunter recently and he said that he didn’t understand why most people didn’t just have a .222 and a 9.3x62 with a ballistic scope. He used his out to very long (by UK standards) ranges on a huge variety of plains game.
I am sure he is absolutely correct, although I would be amazed if the police ever allowed me one for UK use.
I am sure he is absolutely correct, although I would be amazed if the police ever allowed me one for UK use.
Wind drift on a 9.3x62 is nasty!
welshwarrior
Well-Known Member
When I was living in SA I had a 222 and a 375 for most of the time did everything I needed only got a 404 as I could.
harrygrey382
Well-Known Member
Classic/traditional screams CRF I reckon. So ultimately should be Mauser 98 based (this includes ZG47 for me), but BRNO ZKK, Winchester M70, CZ550 would also tick the boxes
billy_boyle_2010
Well-Known Member
I can't really add anything to this post- other than to say I admire the OPs taste. I would love a traditional looking gun. They really are things of beauty.
dpaterson
Well-Known Member
I had a styer for sometime and I couldn’t fault it. Reliable, loved the stylish twist of the barrel, lovely stock shape, liked everything about it. You won’t go far wrong and it won’t break the bank either.
375win
Well-Known Member
Sound choice, either Mannlicher or Heym will not disappoint.
Husqvarna and Carl Gustav made solid rifles, some with seriously slick actions.
As mentioned, some bargains to be had. If opting for an auction: i) view, ii) remember to include auctioneer's fees in total cost, iii) no warranty or aftersales service you would expect from dealer.
Good luck.
Husqvarna and Carl Gustav made solid rifles, some with seriously slick actions.
As mentioned, some bargains to be had. If opting for an auction: i) view, ii) remember to include auctioneer's fees in total cost, iii) no warranty or aftersales service you would expect from dealer.
Good luck.
In the past I have owned 3 Steyr rifles, had issues with 2 of them. I had a Heym SR30 in 308 as my first stalking rifle in 1999, superb quality, Krupp special barrel steel, and light weight. I was talked into switching to a 6.5x55 by my then stalking mentor. Great calibre but I regret parting with the Heym. My shooting partner had the next consecutive serial number, also in 308, he still has his, it shoots tiny groups with reloads and MOA with decent factory ammo. IMHO go with the Heym.
Bought it 2nd hand (but unused) from a member of this site. It's an ITC cheekrest model CR139 in suede.
I'd like to get another the same (as I have another identical rifle), but not having much luck sourcing one.
Yes. Just been outside hosing down around the larder, which was quite enough exposure for a day like today!
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