Highland Stalker Alternatives

[Tris88]

I’ve been stalking for a while now, I’m changing back to 308 and need a rifle.

I’m beginning to see rifles as not just a tool for a job. Shotguns have always been functional art to me, however rifles have remained tools until recently.

I’m swaying towards either another tool that I can wack a thermal scope on if required, or more likely a classic stalking rifle.

It will need to be accurate, using factory ammo.

So I can’t afford a highland stalker, what do people recommend? So far a S&L and Sako S90 have made the list.

 

[slider]

Almost all modern rifles are accurate out of the box. Tikka T3, Browning X Bolt, Sako etc. Handle as many as you can and buy whichever you feel most comfortable with

 

[JMikeyH]

As far as art goes, might be worth a look at this. I was offered the chance to buy it recently but it is far too pretty for what I'd put it through. On display and for sale at The Oxford Gunroom

Unboxing Review The Shultz & Larsen Victory 7mm08

Wild food; hunting, fishing, foraging, bushcraft, outdoor gear, rifles and adventure travel.

suburbanbushwacker.blogspot.com

 

[oxfordshirestalker]

Schultz and Larsen Victory - hard to go wrong. Accurate, look nice etc but you could also put a plastic stock on it for less smart purposes should you wish

 

[harrygrey382]

For me, life is too short to be using tools that aren’t a joy to handle as well as performing as they should. I hate the way synthetic stocks feel, handle and look, and a properly treated walnut stock is far more durable than many give them credit for. Obviously stainless/synthetic is more suitable for constantly extreme humidity, it’s up to you to make the all whether you need it. Can even run a synthetic stock as well if you want to go swimming with it.

If you have your heart set on a highland stalker, have you considered buying a second hand Mauser 98 actioned rifle in 308 with a good barrel (and preferably a steel bottom metal)? You can slowly turn it into a Rigby clone as funds dictate, starting with getting a stock pantographed (or orignal one reshaped so long as it has enough meat), then pillar bed it and you’ve got something 90% of the way there, can even checker layer to spread costs. Follow up with a bolt handle job, nice set of sights and a rust blue.

Push feeds struggle to replicate the timeless operational feel and positive extraction/ejection of a 98 that a Rigby will give you. I’m not claiming 98s are technically superior to a given push feed, they’re just a different feel. Remember accuracy comes from the barrel and stock bedding

 

[Tris88]

If you have your heart set on a highland stalker, have you considered buying a second hand Mauser 98 actioned rifle in 308 with a good barrel (and preferably a steel bottom metal)?

I had not, any ideas where I would start a search? I never really see barrelled actions for sale anywhere.

 

[Bo Diddley]

Buy a nice Parker Hale for a few hundred quid and be as cool as penguin pi$$

(Spend the money saved on having a good time )

 

[SSN100]

Does it have to be .308? HOLTS Auctioneers HOLTS Auctioneers

 

[harrygrey382]

I had not, any ideas where I would start a search? I never really see barrelled actions for sale anywhere.

It’s more likely you’ll find a complete rifle. Then you can use it at least while you’re choosing your route. Being 308 you should have a few to chose from (guntrader being a start, but also give Norman Clarke a call), and they’re not barrel burners so shouldn’t have too much of a risk on it being burnt out.

Holts will have some really nice rifles - like Rigby grade or similar, and at good prices often too

 

[cjm1066]

Rigby did finish some Parker Hale rifles on the past, they would make a nice option although secondhand.

 

[HonestJohn]

Might be able to help you locate a Parker hale m81 in .308. Or, @PostmanPat could.

But, you also wanting a variation to your certificate first, because it should be a 7x57 or perhaps 6.5x55.

There’s a Trevor Proctor in 6.5x55 going cheap on here by Adam if you can live with the scope mounts and scope setup, or have a smith remove the solder, drill the action, and re blue the rifle. It’s better than any highland stalker

 

[Ronin]

Nosler 21

Mauser M12/18

 

[HonestJohn]

Nosler 21

Mauser M12/18

So anywhere from a Mercedes GLC through to a Toyota Yaris ?

 

[HandB]

I’ve been stalking for a while now, I’m changing back to 308 and need a rifle.

I’m beginning to see rifles as not just a tool for a job. Shotguns have always been functional art to me, however rifles have remained tools until recently.

I’m swaying towards either another tool that I can wack a thermal scope on if required, or more likely a classic stalking rifle.

It will need to be accurate, using factory ammo.

So I can’t afford a highland stalker, what do people recommend? So far a S&L and Sako S90 have made the list.

I recommend getting a classic 1950s BSA like this one which I bought in mint condition for £215 from Holt's in 2019. These BSAs have a beefy Mauser style action, excellent metallurgy and barrels and general classic style. Mine is in 7x57 but they can be found in other chamberings too.

 

[HH375]

How about a new Mauser M98? Probably half of the price of the Rigby version of it, just the finishing is different from whatI understand.

 

[HH375]

How about a new Mauser M98? Probably half of the price of the Rigby version of it, just the finishing is different from whatI understand.

Sako powerhead 162gr groups very nicely with it, so drfinitely future proof

 

[VSS]

Buy a nice Parker Hale for a few hundred quid and be as cool as penguin pi$$

(Spend the money saved on having a good time )

This ^^^^

 

[stevec]

How about a new Mauser M98? Probably half of the price of the Rigby version of it, just the finishing is different from whatI understand.

They are more expensive

 

[HonestJohn]

How about a new Mauser M98? Probably half of the price of the Rigby version of it, just the finishing is different from whatI understand.

£14k

 

[SSN100]

How important are open sights? I have a Kimber 84 in .308. svelte action, CRF, walnut stock (mine is straight grained rather than fancy). At some point I would like to make a stock for it, a bit fancier and better fitted to me. On some of their models they do open sights so might be possible to get the relevant parts.