i am about to buy a premium big game rifle. I have looked around, and I think that I have found the set up that I can't go wrong with. although it will set me back around $3,700.00 I think this maybe the best rifle in its class. It is a Weatherby Mark V Deluxe chambered in 300 wby mag. The scope is the Leupold VX-7 4.5-18x56mm. I know it is pricey but I think it will be the only big game rifle I will ever need(not want), and a great heirloom.
I was just curious whats your idea of A perfect big game rifle? i would like to hear it, and what do think about mine? I will post pics when I bring her home
It is a beautiful and very functional rifle. The ammo is a bit expensive, and overkill for a lot of game, but then again...dead is dead.
When I was growing up (20 years ago or so), there was a bank in Colorodo that had a sweet deal going...just did not have the $$ to invest. Anyway, you would send them $1000. They would send you a Weatherby rifle (very much as you described). They would in turn put the money in a high yield CD as payment. In 7 years (they kept the interest as payment), they returned your $1000 upfront cost.
Basically, a Weatherby rifle for free. The bank was the largest distrubutor of Weatherby rifles for 10-15 years there, and a number of people I know took advantage of that plan.
Naturally, the anti-gun crowd screamed and moaned about the bank.
That rifle will be a wonderful gun to pass along to your children.
Although I would never consider it a family heirloom per se. If the money was right I'd own an HS Precision ultra light in .300 WSM, fluted barrel, less scope would run about $2600-2700 to my door. Leupold Mark 4 on top.
Yours is certainly a good choice. Weatherby's are fine rifles. However, there are many others I would want if it were my choice such as: Ed Brown, Empire, Dakota and the Nosler offerings. The VX7 Leupy is a dandy scope, but why so big (56mm wow) and 18X at the top seems high to me? Weight may be a factor to consider depending on what, where and when you hunt. Food for thought.
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If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got.
personally unless it was a big game african rifle, I'm no longer much of a fan of wood stocked rifles, or shiny barrels, glossy stocks, I'm sure at 300yds an elk won't notice it, but just a preference I suppose.
Certainly a solid setup though, 300wby in a quality rifle, with a quality scope.
those 56mm scopes are huge, certainly bright though.
Have you bought it yet? is this a new rifle? used? you know you can customize many weatherby rifles, such as stock colors/finishes, same with barrel finishes, all from the factory, something to consider.
Also for that price you could build a decent custom I believe, something also to consider.
Any quality rifle, in a quality cartridge that'll be around down the road, with a quality scope certainly would be a great heirloom though.
I think the Deluxe is the best looking factory rifle out there. Its aesthetics fit the bill very well. I would not spend that much on a rifle but if I had my choice the deluxe would be at the top of the list. I also like the Kimber rifles you could get one of those in 300 WM or 338 WM for around $2,000.00 in the Super America model.
For $3700 I'd go the full custom route. The Weatherbys are nice, and very pretty, but they still won't hold a candle to a truly professionally built custom gun with a Rem 700 action as the basis for the rifle. I'd listen to Ridge Runner, he know what he's talking about. If it were me, and I had a lot of money to spend, I'd be looking at a custom M700 built by Kirby Allen in 7mm Allen Mag or .338 Edge. You want to talk about a long range rig, there it is. From what I gather, they'll shoot the wings of a gnat at 200 yards and both cartridges are legit 1k+ yard shooters.
For $3700 I'd go the full custom route. The Weatherbys are nice, and very pretty, but they still won't hold a candle to a truly professionally built custom gun with a Rem 700 action as the basis for the rifle. I'd listen to Ridge Runner, he know what he's talking about. If it were me, and I had a lot of money to spend, I'd be looking at a custom M700 built by Kirby Allen in 7mm Allen Mag or .338 Edge. You want to talk about a long range rig, there it is. From what I gather, they'll shoot the wings of a gnat at 200 yards and both cartridges are legit 1k+ yard shooters.
Mike
+1
this is what kirby's rifles are capable of
this deer was taken with a chipshot at 702 yards, if you decide to push the 7mm Allen Mag, this is easily achievable
total investment including a 6.5x20 mark IV loopy, a PDA running exbal, a kestrel 2800, dies, and 100 lapua brass was 3100.00.
RR
buying a premium big game rifle?
premium BG rifle...
