Very sad and hard choice?

[wisconsinteacher]

My mother-in-law is giving me the first choice out of my father-in-laws gun cabinet. It is an honor but very sad all at the same time. All of his rifles are beautiful and in great shape. He did not buy junk. Please help me pick the one that I will use to honor him in the woods and on the bench.

Sauer model 202 30-06 w/Leupold VX-III 3.5-10
Browning Medallion 7mmRem with same scope as Sako
Browning Medallion 270 with same scope as Sako
Browning X bolt 243 with Nikon Monarch 2-8
Mauser 98 in 8mm what was from WWII and sporterized here in America

I know all of them are great and that it is not an easy choice. Every time I look at them, I see him and how proud of his rifles he was and how he loved to keep them clean and in great shape.(it is hard to look at them) I want to get the one I pick out in the woods and make him proud as he watches me from above.

 

[DrMike]

I would lean toward either the Sauer or one of the Medallions. My rationale is that these are chambered in cartridges that will stand you in good stead should you hunt anything bigger than deer. If you are able one day to make a trip for elk, these are cartridges that will work well for you. You already have some lighter cartridges in your inventory. Whatever you pick, I have no doubt that it will be special for you, bringing great memories each time you lift it to your shoulder.

 

[russ808]

I am with Mike on the top three.
Russ

 

[rjm158]

I have two of the 202's and would highly recommend them. The bolts are silky smooth and the accuracy is far above adequate.

Just my .02.

Ron

 

[FOTIS]

Sauer model 202 30-06 w/Leupold VX-III 3.5-10 though not a huge 30-06 fan

 

[Oldtrader3]

That would be easy for me: the Sauer .30-06 would be my choice. That rifle is a wonderfully designed and built rifle which you could keep. certainly would remember him by and would eventually pass on to your family. You were awarded first choice, I would use it!

As I pass 70 and my not really too good health gets worse, I will further thin the herd and keep the rifles that I used the most and that best represent me for my kids and grandkids. These will be the best rifles, shotguns and pistols that I own. Hopefully the people that get them will think highly enough of them to remember me, use them and not sell them the week after they get these carefully selected pieces.

 

[Anonymous]

Easy choice- the Sauer 202.

No disrespect to the Browning brand, but they can't compete with the Bavarians for classy rifles!

 

[IdahoCTD]

Without hesitation it would be the Sauer. They are very slick actions and are in a league of their own in that list IMO.

 

[BK]

I'd jean towards the Sauer as well.

Are the Brownings based off of Mauser actions, or one of their modern actions?

 

[Kodiak]

If you may have heard him favor one rifle over all the others, thats the one I would like to see you choose to honor him..

Why?

Because if it were me, thats how I would (have to) do it.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

Kodiak, I like your thinking and it is the same rifle that all the others so far have picked. The Sauer 30-06. The 7mm would be my runner up.

 

[SJB358]

I'm with the others, those Sauers are some awesome rifles although those Brownings are pretty slick as well. That Sauer sounds like a rifle that would be happy back out in the field again. Bet it's accurate too!

 

[FOTIS]

And you will pick.........

 

[wildgene]

...which one do you remember seeing him handle, which one brought a tale to his lips, which one brought a faraway gleam to his eye of remembered days afield, which one do you think would bring a smile to know it was being treasured??? No deer, bear, or even elk is likely to notice the difference between the '06, 7mm. or .270. I'd probably go for the one w/ the patina of memories...

 

[DrMike]

Well said, Gene.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I'd jean towards the Sauer as well.

Are the Brownings based off of Mauser actions, or one of their modern actions?

The Browning's are a Japanese designed clone of the recently shrouded and slicked up Mauser design. Nothing wrong with them.

 

[Mud]

I would pick the one with the most sentimental value. Does one of the rifles remind you of a special hunt or outing?

Larry

 

[wisconsinteacher]

I am leaning towards the Sauer but I am not going to bring the topic up with my mother in law until she talks to me about it. They can sit there until she is ready to talk about it.

 

[Hegland]

Sounds like you're making a wise choice, as difficult as it is. All in due course. Sympathies to your family.