Mustangs Rule
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2021
- Messages
- 1,044
How many of you have wanted or have a gorgeous vintage rifle
I am not talking about a super expensive custom-made rifle. Not talking a near NIB used rifle that has never been scratched and needs excess TLC. I am talking about a used but never abused rifle well beyond the Plain Jane level of production run rifles from companies that have earned long term respect.
Beautiful wood, swirls, whirls, grain that seems to have stories to tell. Of course these stocks need the action and barrel fully bedded to keep them from shifting POI with weather changes.
Not rifles that shoot 5 shot groups under a half inch at 100 yards off a bench but can shoot the first three shots just under an inch from a double contoured barrel that required so much patience and experience for the wood to metal fit.
For bolt guns it are so African Ready with classy iron sights, and have safeties that block the firing pin not simply the trigger.
I just feel so solid with those forged steel and hand fitted CRF extractor claws. New Winchester model 70’s make them from investment castings now and to allow them to be “Push Feed, the claws sit looser in the receiver.
Seeing how close, but not perfect hand done checkering adds a human touch of patience which transfers to my being more patient in the field. Seeing, feeling all that handwork and fine millwork opens my eyes.
Examples Are,
Winchester model 70’s, 54’s, 94’s,95’s and more, Sako, Springfield, Manchester England made Interarm. Mauser, Mannlichers, Belgium Browning Safari Grade Bolt action, FN High Power, Savage 99, and Savage Bolt Action model 1920 especially in 250-3000 counts big,,,,but sorry,,,
Not modern Remington's from the models 722 and 721 though the model 700. Remington did everything possible to take out all the handwork, woodwork and machine millwork. Plus, to save a few pennies gave us very compromised trigger/safety. They shot well, BUT,,,,they were the turning point.
Anyway, any shared experience or thoughts about vintage Walnut (or Maple) and Blue rifles made in the Golden Age of fine craftmanship, maybe even with a tad of hand engraving.
MR
I am not talking about a super expensive custom-made rifle. Not talking a near NIB used rifle that has never been scratched and needs excess TLC. I am talking about a used but never abused rifle well beyond the Plain Jane level of production run rifles from companies that have earned long term respect.
Beautiful wood, swirls, whirls, grain that seems to have stories to tell. Of course these stocks need the action and barrel fully bedded to keep them from shifting POI with weather changes.
Not rifles that shoot 5 shot groups under a half inch at 100 yards off a bench but can shoot the first three shots just under an inch from a double contoured barrel that required so much patience and experience for the wood to metal fit.
For bolt guns it are so African Ready with classy iron sights, and have safeties that block the firing pin not simply the trigger.
I just feel so solid with those forged steel and hand fitted CRF extractor claws. New Winchester model 70’s make them from investment castings now and to allow them to be “Push Feed, the claws sit looser in the receiver.
Seeing how close, but not perfect hand done checkering adds a human touch of patience which transfers to my being more patient in the field. Seeing, feeling all that handwork and fine millwork opens my eyes.
Examples Are,
Winchester model 70’s, 54’s, 94’s,95’s and more, Sako, Springfield, Manchester England made Interarm. Mauser, Mannlichers, Belgium Browning Safari Grade Bolt action, FN High Power, Savage 99, and Savage Bolt Action model 1920 especially in 250-3000 counts big,,,,but sorry,,,
Not modern Remington's from the models 722 and 721 though the model 700. Remington did everything possible to take out all the handwork, woodwork and machine millwork. Plus, to save a few pennies gave us very compromised trigger/safety. They shot well, BUT,,,,they were the turning point.
Anyway, any shared experience or thoughts about vintage Walnut (or Maple) and Blue rifles made in the Golden Age of fine craftmanship, maybe even with a tad of hand engraving.
MR
