Your "Keeper" rifle?

[Guy Miner]

Not long after they were introduced, I bought a Rem 700 CDL in .25-06. Can't remember for sure if 2004 or 2005 was the first year I hunted with the CDL. Out here we can't shoot dozens of deer every year like some of the fellows back east & down south. We typically get tags for one a year. This rifle has done real well:

2005 3x3 mulie @ 125 yds
2006 zip... oooops, missed a longish range shot at a mulie
2007 4x4 mulie @ 25 yards
2008 4x4 mulie @ 230 yards
2009 3x3 mulie @ 175 yards
2009 mulie doe @ 400 yards
2010 - no deer, just a bear with the .375 H&H
2011 - used the .308 on a young whitetail buck
2012 - 3x4 mulie @ 260 yards
2012 - pronghorn @ 160 yards

Six mule deer and one pronghorn as well as coyotes & rockchucks off-season. I'm satisfied that it really has proven to be an excellent choice for the hunting I do. Have missed twice with it, one mulie buck in 2006 at roughly 400 yards. I was breathing too hard after running up a big ridge to get the shot. Missed because I couldn't get steady enough. Also missed once at a pronghorn last week, about 260 yards - was a little more wobbly than I thought and shot high. Each miss was clearly my fault. One thing we don't discuss much is how a rifle handles, or feels, in hand while carrying afield and shooting. The slim stock of the CDL makes it a real pleasure to carry afield, and fast to bring into action.

The first couple of years I used a 4.5-14x Leupold on it, but switched to the 6x Leupold prior to the 2008 season. It's proved to be a perfect match for the rifle. The rifle is exactly as Remington built it, including the dreaded J-Lock. All I did to it was tune the trigger a bit for a cleaner, lighter pull. I keep the rifle sighted in at 300 yards. It's no tack-driver, just a reliable slightly sub MOA rifle that has worked out real well for me. Light enough to pack into the high country, steady enough for 400 yard shots, low recoil which I appreciate and everything I've hit simply falls down instantly. Never have had to track game when using this rifle.

What's your "go-to" or "keeper" hunting rifle?

Guy

 

[DrMike]

I can see why that CDL would be your "go to" rifle. I wish I could say my decision was as easy. Likely, if I had to choose, it would be one of my .280s. I've taken quite a few head of deer (both mule deer and whitetail) with my Model 70 Featherweight, and I haven't shot a single animal with my Model 700 Anniversary model. However, were I constrained to keep only one rifle, it might be the unproven one, as it has a slightly longer barrel and holds a bit more potential for heavier bullets.

 

[FOTIS]

I wish I had one Guy. Even though it is still a virgin my keeper would have to be the sako Finnwolf 308 Win.

 

[.280 Remington]

My "Keeper" would be a Model 700 ADL that was originally a 30-06 but custom-ed into a .280 by my father as my 16th birthday gift. It has taken all deer/antelope I have killed since then. I just can't seem to leave it at home, although this year I will for the first time. I'll either be using the "new" .280 LSS I got from NW Hunter or the 6.5x55 I picked up. But the original .280 is one that'll never go anywhere....EVER!

It's killed every animal pictured in these, and 90% of those on the wall in the garage that didn't make the "cut"

 

[Mortis]

Man...this is a tough one for sure.....

But I'd have to keep my Browning Micro-Hunter in 7mm-08.

I actually bought it to shoot NRA High Powered Rifle Silhouette and did well with it. Load developement is Sub-MOA, reduced recoil, with enough downrange energy to remove a steel ram off it's stand at 500 meters.

I shoot 150 grain BT's in it on top of 4064.

Yes....it would be my keeper of all my rifles.

 

[preacher]

Its my Mod 700 Classic in .35 Whelen AI. My 200gr Barnes ( both the older X and the newer TTSX) outshine many 338 WM factory loads, and the 250X killed like a standard 375 H&H up close on Wildebeast/Zebra/Kudu. I even got the big Woodleigh 310 sn going 2424fps out of it with varmint rifle accuracy. I also would have to ad the Belgium BAR in 270 I bought after my dad died, back in 2001. It shoots like a very good bolt gun, and I had some commerotive engraving done to it. I like them all, but there two will stay. Now, I have a little Ruger Alaskan in 375 Ruger coming that just may earn a spot, ha.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Hunting rifles...

I've had a couple of keepers over the years...my first was also a 25-06 (Rem 700 BDL, circa 1988)...I kept it until it was completely shot out (probably had upwards of 6,000 rounds through it)

Since then I've bounced around alot...308's mostly but never really found one that "did it" for me...Then about 2 years ago I decided to buy a rifle and make it what I wanted...this is the Win M70 in 30-06 I've been talking about lately.

I originally wanted a 280 AI...and still do sorta...but the 30-06 is growing on me...anyway, its the rifle I want, calibers can be changed at any time.

 

[REDGREEN]

270 Weatherby magnum Lasermark. I have sold all of my other toys, and the only ones that I miss are the Kimber 25 06 and the 45 70.

 

[rjm158]

Mine would have to be my Sauer 202 in 25-06. I bought it many years ago to be my go-to whitetail rifle and it has certainly proved itself to be that. The Leupold 4.5X14 has been a great match to the rifle/cartridge.

As Guy said, anything I have shot with this rifle falls down right there, no tracking, chasing, etc.

I use 100 gr BT's over 4831 and, so far, they have worked wonderfully as well as being extremely accurate.

I like to experiment with other rifles/calibers but I always know I can depend on the Sauer to deliver.

Ron

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

Winchester model 70 classic sporter in you guessed it 25/06.

Bought this rifle new about 10 years ago and it doesn't amaze me anymore with its accuracy or on game performance...From squirrels to elk, from 6 yards to 600, its never let me down.

Its now my dedicated dog rifle with 100g NBTs at 3375fps and consistent 1/2 MOA or less groups at 100 yards.

Shoots a wide variety of bullets/powders extremely well.

I sold it to a buddy about 5 years ago and just recently got it back from him a few months ago. Told him if he ever went to sell it, let me know first because I kicked myself in the ass for selling it to him in the first place only a couple short months later, it was a long wait, lol. Its in a lot worse condidtion now also then when I sold it to him, but it still shoots just as good I kinda knew that going into the deal, he is kinda hard on rifles. When I sold it to him it still looked brand new, after I hunted with it for 5 years. After he had it for 5 years, it definately looks like a well used hunting rifle...oh well. Just means I cant get mad when I put a dent or scratch or ding in it lol.

Will never let this rifle go again....EVER!

 

[Hegland]

Although we've only had a high-power season for the last few years, during that time my Columbia .270 Featherweight has become the go-to. AccuBonds, E-Tips, the limited run of Solid Base bullets, whitetails hate them all. And it's wearing... a 6X42 Leupold. Turns out that scope fits the .270 as well as the .25-06. However, I'll be carrying the .280 this year, hoping it will prove as effective as the .270 has to date.

And Guy, I notice the bolt handles on your rifles all have the bluing worn clean off; could that have anything to do with their efficiency?! Congratulations on a great string of successful hunts!

 

[AzDak42]

A different tact... a rifle I've never shot anything other than paper and a watermelon with.

It's a Mauser bring back that my grandfather had transformed in the late 40s into a custom sporter. My grandfather probably spent a pretty penny on it at the time. It has a fit to length cherry stock, a dark, deep blueing and some a really nice match style rear peep. That rifle is still in fine shape.. which is surprising, as we have dozens of photos of him posing with it next to his trophies from all across Canada.

I'll have to see if I can kick them loose from mom. It might be a fun thread to post up the old time shots with some updated pictures of his rifle.

 

[Ridge_Runner]

though I love my heavy long range rigs, guess my true keeper would hafta be this one

its a bansner UR-1 built on a LH 700, has a high tech stock, 9 twist lilja 26" with a kdf brake, a 6.5x20 silver loopy. Its chambered 7mm STW the largest 100 yard group its fired was around .4, has taken alot of game from 100 yards to 626 yards.
RR

 

[AzDak42]

And if you don't get a clean shot at one, just reach forward and poke them with the barrel!

Quite a rifle sir!

 

[FOTIS]

Winchester model 70 classic sporter in you guessed it 25/06.

Bought this rifle new about 10 years ago and it doesn't amaze me anymore with its accuracy or on game performance...From squirrels to elk, from 6 yards to 600, its never let me down.

Its now my dedicated dog rifle with 100g NBTs at 3375fps and consistent 1/2 MOA or less groups at 100 yards.

Shoots a wide variety of bullets/powders extremely well.

I sold it to a buddy about 5 years ago and just recently got it back from him a few months ago. Told him if he ever went to sell it, let me know first because I kicked myself in the ass for selling it to him in the first place only a couple short months later, it was a long wait, lol. Its in a lot worse condidtion now also then when I sold it to him, but it still shoots just as good I kinda knew that going into the deal, he is kinda hard on rifles. When I sold it to him it still looked brand new, after I hunted with it for 5 years. After he had it for 5 years, it definately looks like a well used hunting rifle...oh well. Just means I cant get mad when I put a dent or scratch or ding in it lol.

Will never let this rifle go again....EVER!

What is your load Jorey?

 

[killdeernow]

Wow Guy, that’s an impressive list of recent successes.

After the passing of my 264 Win Mag I bought a cheap Winchester M70 in a 30-06 at Arizona Sportsman to cure my depression. As I learned more about guns, I started enhancing my new pet. I had a McMillan stock installed. Put in a Timney trigger and added a Leupold Vari-X II.
This baby shoots! Maybe I got lucky, I don’t know. But my ol’ 06 is still the King of Cabinet.

I have over 20 kills w/it (mostly coyote) but I have shot 7 deer w/it. Hopefully 8 after next week!

I find this subject amusing because I know exactly what Guy is talking about. I have a Remington M700 custom chambered in a 300 Rem Short Action Ultra Mag. This baby has a McMillan Stock, Timney Trigger, Hart Barrel, Vais Muzzle Brake, Talley Rings and Bases and a Swarovski 3-18 x 44 BT scope.

Every time I reach for it, my hand wanders over to the 30-06 and in the case it goes. I would sell the 300 SAUM in a heartbeat but my '06 is off limits. Why? No clue...

Take care,

 

[Horsethief]

My 300 Weatherby Magnum is my keeper rifle. It has the long-range I need for the shots that are typical where I live. It is as accurate as any other hunting rifle I've ever used. It has the WHUMP at long ranges to make a quick kill, as long as the nut behind the gun does things right.

If I couldn't keep my 300 Roy, I would want a 280 Remington or Ackley, a 308 Win, or a 7mm Rem Mag.

 

[cloverleaf]

Nice post Guy. I'll get back to this one when I get my NEW CAMERA into action. And no.... its not the one you think..... :wink: CL

 

[gerry]

For me I hope it wll be the new custom Rem 700 in 35 Whelen with 6x36 Leupold. As long as it is dependable and stays accurate it will be the go to gun for most anything here. It is going to be a shooter, my limited reloading for it so far shows that, hopefully it stays an honest gun. Just need to fill the slot on the smaller end, the Savage 260 Rem needs to arrive and we will see if it will becomes another keeper.

 

[JD338]

As much as I would like to say my custom 280 AI, I have to lean towards the M700 LSS 338 RUM.
For a factory rifle, it shoots in the .5's with several bullet weights. It way more horse power than needed for hunting but it sure hits game hard!
Some day when the accuracy goes, I will rebarrel it for the 338 RUM.

JD338