ORIGINAL: schoolcraft
I don't know what to say.....I'm stuck. I simply CAN NOT seem to decide between 2 rifles and 3 calibers. Both rifles are GREAT and all 3 calibers are GREAT.
I would really value some opinions from you guys. You've been really helpfull so far to me as a new member to the forum.
The 2 rifles.....Left Handed Reminton CDL -or- Left Handed Browning Stainless Stalker.
I know these are total opposites (wood/blue steel vs. synthetic/stainless)
I like both of them SO MUCH.I would eventually want to weatherproof the CDL more (maybe a teflon finish on the metal and a McMillian syn. stock)
The 3 calibers....nothing out of the ordinary here...270, .30-06, or 7mm Rem. Mag.
All 3 capable (and then some) for my hunting needs.
All 3 shoot plenty flat for what I need and pack plenty of punch.
Please folks, don't pound me for not being able to make up my mind. Surely some of you have been in the same boat at some point. I have bought and sold and bought and sold so many rifles and calibersover the years I really want to buy one and hang on to it. Something my son can use when he gets a little older.
Just looking for some opinions that might help me make up my mind.
If you have shot both of these rifles, does either one of them seem to have more/lessperceived recoil? I know the Remington will have more options for "customizing", but the Browning is pretty much already there.
I'm seriously leaning toward the A-Bolt Stainless Stalker in 7mm Rem. Mag. But I've never had the chance to shoot the CDL.
I really don't want to get down to flipping a coin. If it helps any, I'll primarily be hunting whitetails and hogs. The hogs here get bigger than average. A 400-500 pounder is not uncommon.
Anyway, I've finally grown up enough to want a rifle I'll hang onto for good, and I would really appreciate ANY pros or cons you could give me on the rifles or calibers I listed.
Schoolcraft
As you note, all three calibers are good ones, and all will do your job for you.
Therefore, I will more orless quote Captain Jim Crossman, a gun guru of the 1930's: "It is the right of every free-born American to choose a rifle chambered for a cartridge other than the .30/'06 Springfield. But it is no great tribute to his intelligence if he does so!" This is as true today as it was in 1930. But the reasons why have changed. The .30/'06 is one of the most popular rounds EVER, all over the world. You can buy ammo for it ANYWHERE that hunting is legal. More time, effort, and money has been spent developing it than on any other cartridge. The old '06therefore represents the pinnacle of rifle cartridge development, even today with all the newfangled stuff floating around.