WB
Have not messed with rifles too much in a while
Monday, May 14, 2018, 08:11

I like handgun hunting and have not played with rifles too much lately. I have mostly M98 type action long guns for my own uses. But for fun and a glimmer of some future hope I am game. I am looking at .338 caliber bolt guns. Most quality used guns are in the $750-1000 price ranges if they have a scope and mounts.

I have found a niche of various used models in the $500-700 range that show exceptional value and investment for a shooter. My first choice will be do I want a more traditional "wood" rifle or a "modern" synthetic TOOL oriented arm for my purposes. Bouncing around on a hunt stocks get dinged, blue gets rubbed, but that is not very often and adds character. But there are some mechanical advantages to synthetic rigs. Heat and cold do not effect the bedding and it's far more consistent in use and function of holding the parts consistently as to tension. For a real use hunting tool this might should not be overlooked. But it's just not as romantic as a well worn wood and blue rig. That will be a decision of a personal nature.

For wood stock guns I have found really good examples in the form of Remington BDL, Ruger 77R (tang safety, a favorite), Winchester M70 Sporter, and Browning A-Bolt in budget ($500-600). I have no experience with the A-bolt but they look serviceable. There are several of the same type sporting synthetic stocks and matte finish, some Brownings in stainless and I found a Tikka synthetic at a deal. Tikka's in my past have been real sleepers and basically factory target grade rifles. The synthetic mags worry me a little but they seem to last and feed buttery smooth.

Several come with serviceable scopes in the 3-9 or 3-10X range. A couple already have aftermarket muzzle brakes attached which would cost a fellow $200 or more to have done, a bonus! It's fun to sit in the living room and market shop prior to hitting the local shops for a look. Deals abound and it's never been a better time for enthusiasts.

I already have a .338 BAR to use and the reloading stuff. In the hunting handgun I also really like the .338 and feel the .338 Federal (.338-08) to be a very overlooked factory ready hunting handgun caliber. My .338 GNR was a delight to work with and great in the TC platform with that lovely rim. I make a 220 gr. RNGC cast bullet that works fine up to 2200-2400 fps or so using surplus .50 BMG powders (in the rifles). A bolt gun will simply be trading off a smaller rifle I no longer am interested in into something to play with for a while. If I shop right it will simply be a displacement for money and might even garner a small later profit as interest. IF I shop and buy right.