Don't like it but do I keep it

wvbuckbuster

Handloader
Nov 5, 2015
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Anybody have a rifle you don't really like, warmed up to but keep it anyway? Maybe for a spare, loaner or whatever. Traded up a Weatherby Vanguard Compact 7mm08. Haven't really give it much of a chance yet but not sure if I should keep it. So far, it's a 1-1.5 in group rifle. That would be adequate for deer. Might not have found what it likes. Kinda like the compact size just riding the fence. Anybody else do this or is it just a senior moment? Dan.
 
I have always made an informal pact with myself that if I buy a gun, I'm stuck with it. That being said, I picked up a " used" Savage Model 14 in 204 Ruger a few years back from Cabelas. It was out of state, so it had to be shipped in to my FFL. It was listed as factory re-conditioned. When I talked to them, they said it was technically NIB, but sent back to factory for warranty reasons. The price was right and I always wanted a 204, so I took a gamble on it. When I picked it up, it was like new and even had the factory stickers still on it. I took it home, mounted a scope and took it to my backyard range. It was very accurate, but unfortunately wouldn't feed from the clip, the next round just jammed. I did some internet searching and found this is a common problem with them. It recommended bending the lips if the clip. Didn't help. It is basically a single shot, which isn't bad for punching paper, but I bought it for nighttime predator hunting, and the big selling point for it was the clip. Much easier to load/ unload at night in the woods or fields. I guess this is my closest to don't like it but stuck with it gun.
 
Anybody have a rifle you don't really like, warmed up to but keep it anyway? Maybe for a spare, loaner or whatever. Traded up a Weatherby Vanguard Compact 7mm08. Haven't really give it much of a chance yet but not sure if I should keep it. So far, it's a 1-1.5 in group rifle. That would be adequate for deer. Might not have found what it likes. Kinda like the compact size just riding the fence. Anybody else do this or is it just a senior moment? Dan.
I will continue fixing it till I’m forced to rebarrel. It’s a bad tick.
 
I have a pair of Savages that I wasn’t fond of.
After a little tinkering of the 7-08 Striker , like a new barrel in 25 Creed now that one is good. The second Savage is a rebarreled 458 WM I bought used and I know why. Picky barrel on it , the plan is to hang a new 458 WM barrel on it sometime.
 
If it fills a need for a loaner gun then keep it. Sounds like it functions well and is reasonably accurate. If you find something you like better later then maybe unload it then.
 
I don't have any rifles in this category. I think my oldest stepson hit the nail on the head when he said that while a rifle that shoots 1.5 inch groups will kill deer, we have become spoiled by the rifles shooting sub-MOA and it's become difficult to like one that doesn't. The exceptions, of course, are ones with sentimental value, adding to a collection, old military rifles, etc.
YMMV.

Ron
 
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Yep, that's where I am with my Ruger American 7-08. Now that I picked up this Franchi Momentum 6.5CM, it seems to be a better option than the Ruger. Going to hunt with it this fall and if that goes well, the Ruger will go down the road.
 
I agree with the feedback that you've already received. If it doesn't meet expectations or fill a need don't keep in the safe gathering dust.
 
Thanks for all the ideas and onions. Going to play around with it some more. Wasn't planning on hunting with it this year. Took to the range today for couple ladder tests. Got some loaded for next trip will see how it goes. As stated, if it doesn't perform to my expectations then could be traded for something else. Do like the trigger for out of the box pull. Action ok. Dan.
 
I get them to shoot MOA or better, then loose interest.

I’ll keep my Simillion 270 till I’m dead, and really liking my new Seekins. My Ithaca SKB 200e and my benelli also have a home till I acquire room temperature.


But everything else can go, so I can find a new toy to play with….
 
Send it packing. somewhere out there is someone looking to enjoy it.
The sixth and final rule of Marie Kondo's “KonMari Method for a tidy life” is to ask yourself if an item sparks joy when you pick it up. If not, it has to go…….never question the Japanese when it comes to tidying and efficiency.. 😉😉
 
Thanks for all the ideas and onions. Going to play around with it some more. Wasn't planning on hunting with it this year. Took to the range today for couple ladder tests. Got some loaded for next trip will see how it goes. As stated, if it doesn't perform to my expectations then could be traded for something else. Do like the trigger for out of the box pull. Action ok. Dan.
For me it’s kinda heartbreaking that your Vanguard isn’t performing to your standards. I’m a huge fan of that action. Between my daughter , son and myself we have huge number of these. The only stinker is the 338 WM I bought used last year.
 
For me it’s kinda heartbreaking that your Vanguard isn’t performing to your standards. I’m a huge fan of that action. Between my daughter , son and myself we have huge number of these. The only stinker is the 338 WM I bought used last year.
I guess I've gotten spoiled by other rifles that group well with minimal effort. I'm going to give it some time and effort to see if it will be better. I know they have a good reputation and it was a trade on a whim so just try some more combos. Dan.
 
Well today's range trip proved more successful. Once again the Nosler BT comes through. If it repeats, I'll be a happy camper. Best of 3 shots out of four for group size. Dan.
 

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