Really was into rifles years ago. Worked in a gun shop. Many guns are great hunting rifles. I have always preferred bolt actions for the strength, performance for a given cartridge, etc. When I was working at the shop, I picked up a used gun that I will use until I can't hunt anymore, then give it to my son. Husqvarna M 8000 with a silky smooth, very strong action, and light weight. Put it in a Brown Precision fiberglass stock. The rifle (30/06) shoots under MOA, handles loads that showed pressure signs in most of the other /06s that I had over the years. Just lucked into a gun that is good enough that I have no desire to buy any other. Never thought I would say that.

For me it's fit. A rifle that you can throw up and your already looking at your animal through the scope is perfect fit. Accuracy is a given your either shooting your rifle good or your not. Triggers depending on which rifle they all have a different feel but several can be close to the same feel and release. And that saying I don't want to know when the rifle is going to fire is a myth to me. I do a lot of offhand shooting and I don't mind a little pull but anything over 4lbs is not a very good trigger. Weight has never been a issue for me I actually prefer to hold the weight. I don't own a non accurate firearm, granted I've traded a few off that were sub par. So I say if your rifle don't fit how you shoot get rid of it. Living in elk country I'd say 80% of my shots have been under 10 second time frame. So being a successful hunter year after year means you may not get that perfect set up to make a perfect shot. So you better know your rifle well and be able to shoot it in all positions well. If you and the rifle can do that then you have a great hunting rifle.

Nice looks, effective caliber, effective range, light weight, and accuracy

1. Overall fit & balance

2. Trigger pull crisp & 2.5 lb. or a bit less

3. accuracy, which the first two play a large part in.

4. Very flat shooting. Exact caliber would depend on what I would use it for.

5. Action would depend on my intended use, bolt action most likely.

this right here. New Haven 70 in 300 wsm, high grade FW stock bedded to a stainless barrel and action. Zeiss and warne rings. To me thats pure hunting heaven right there.

Beautiful wood.................. nice gun !!!

Thank you sir. Sure is a fine shooter too.