griller

I am starting to do some building of a gun collection. Not a serious collection as such, but a nice hunting collection. I guess I am looking for ideas. Mid range is pretty covered already but I am looking for a 25 and a big bore. I was holding a remington lamintated 338 ultra at Cabelas the other day that I liked. Does anyone have one of these? Do you like it? In your opinion is that gun in 300 ultra better?

Also looking for a nice 25 cal. Anyone have a 257 Weatherby, a 25wssm Browning with Dura-touch, or a 257 Hot Tamale that they can give me their thoughts on? The article I read on the Hot Tamale was interesting but I think they run about 5K to get one? Yikes!

Any suggetions welcome. Keep in mind that I probably am only willing to part with about 2-3k for each rifle and scope package. I am trying to build the best that I can, matching looks function and optics. These rifles will be hunted, albeit gingerly. I have some synthetics for the tough hunts. I am looking to build a nice case to talk with the guys about between football and golf, and to hand down the heritage to my son someday.

All opinion are welcome and appreciated.

brother hal

What will you be hunting for? Need to know that first.

griller

Well... deer to sheep with the .25 and whatever I get the urge for with the big bore. The big bore probably wont get too much use. Just looking for some fun guns to pull out of the case every now and then. Thanks.

mossy33oak

WOW!!
2-3k for EACH rifle and scope package! I wished my wife would let me do this I honestly dont think any of my guns ever cost me that much. I guess my taste in guns is more in the Ford, Chevy line not Lincoln, Cadillac. But I guess to answer your question, in MY opinion, If I were looking for a nice looking yet functioning gun I would get a Ruger #1 in Stainless/Laminate in 25-06 topped with a Swarovski 4-12. That would probably come in at around 2K I guess. As far as big bore, you didnt say what you were hunting with the big bore, but lets assume you were talking Elk Moose and bigger bear, the 300 Rum would not be a bad choice, but can be a little punishing on the shooter. If I were looking for a "true" big bore it would probably be something along the lines of an 1895 Marlin. If you reload get the 45-70 if you dont get the 450 Marlin. Just my .02 worth.

griller

Yeah...it's finally my time. All you married guys can appreciate the pain you have to go through in what you have get for her before this can actually happen. It's sort of like golf points...but more expensive. Thanks for the response.

stubblejumper

I like the 25-06 as far as the .257's are concerned.If you are open to wildcats the 25wsm would be a great choice and is the cartridge that winchester should have brought out instead of the 25wssm.

Virginia7

For a 25cal. I'd recommend the 25-06. Check out a Ruger #1 as noted or maybe go a
Winchester mod.70 from their custom shop with extra fancy walnut stock, and some
engraving.
For a big bore I'd suggest a 375H&H. Again, take a look at Winchester or the Ruger77.

Todd1700

Ditto on the 25-06. I love mine. Make sure you get at least a 24 inch barrel to get the best performance out of it. I am amazed at how lethal my 25-06 is on deer even compared to the 7mm magnum that I own.

RedAllison

griller if you are looking for a "nice and purty" gun to hunt with occasionaly and want a hot 25 then get a Weatherby Mark V Deluxe in 257 Wby Mag. Its a badass round, and the gun is a beautiful piece for just such occasions like you mentioned with your buds during half-time. Now with this pretty of a gun I suggest sticking with gloss finished scopes so you might want to look at VX III Leupolds and Monarch Nikons. Pricewise you will be pushing the $3k limit of your range.

338 wise, to be honest I likewise would go for a really pretty one in your price range. Dont get in a hurry, look around (every gun shop you get a chance to call and visit and also on line auctions) and find some sort of custom/semi-custom gun of mid cal vintage. A beautifully stocked 338 Win 70 would really be a nice gun. Maybe even something with some engraving. Also look for customized Mausers with European woods and finishes. They can be had all day in that price range you mentioned and typically are in very good shape.

I mention beatiful rifles because of the reason you want them. I also think its a perfectly good waste of money to spend over $1k-$1.5k (rifle only) for a flat finished metal, fugly synthetic stocked gun that will only be used as a tool. You wouldnt bother getting such a gun out of the safe for your buddies to view as they wouldnt know what the hell it was. But a custom/semi-custom rifle with really nice woods, engraving enhancements and unique markings is something that can be appreciated by even non-shooters alike.

Good luck,
RA

WA7MM

I agree with Red Allison the 257 Wby is a very effective caliber and the Mark V Deluxe will turn some heads in the range.

I personally recomend a Kimber in 300 WSM. They have a really nice fit and finish and the performance of the 300 WSM is hard to beat.

For the amount of money you are willing to spend I say don't go cheap on the scopes. Leupold Vari x III will be your minimum to buy. Take a look at Zeiss and Swarovski.