Finding the one gun

[Dan458]

Having been through a phase of collecting more rifles than I need, I now feel an urge to get back to basics.
The idea of having one gun to do most everything is very appealing. I also like the idea of having many memories attached to one rifle.
Over the years I find myself reaching for a 30-06 more often than not. I would be confident using this for anything short of thick skinned dangerous game.
So the question is, what rifle. I’ve narrowed it down to two options. Either a Rigby Highland stalker or a semi custom based on a second hand rifle.
So, question is, what would you do? And if going the semi custom, would you choose a Brno Zkk, Brno ZG47 or Pre64 Mod70?
Thanks for your thoughts! This is half the fun

 

[VertigoBE]

That’s a wide range of budgets you are proposing. Perhaps first clarify how much you’d like to spend?

The Rigby HS is 12-15KEUR I believe, while a BRNO ZKK, can be had for 10KEUR less I believe. They are not comparable.

 

[BlueFlyer]

You could probably get a very nice custom made with much better wood for the same price as the Rigby. Dare I say, possibly even get a Sprinter barrel to have a little South Australia in it. I have 5 rifles with Sprinter barrels. They all shoot very well.
Pre 64 Mod 70 action.

 

[KJE81]

I would go with the semi custom rather then the Highland Stalker. I myself went with full custom, the only drawback aside from the higher costs is that it sure takes very long time to see the rifle completed.

 

[Tintin]

@Dan458 another option to possibly consider could be a used HS in 30-06. They do pop up from time to time. IIRC there was one listed recently on UG for AU$13k from memory (I can't see it now in a 'sold' search).

A Mauser 98 action is always a good start for a custom.

Given you are considering a custom build, I'm guessing you either have a very patient disposition, or wish to develop one.

 

[R eight]

Of the options you gave go the Rigby Highland Stalker . Mine’s in ‘06.

or

Go buy an R8. I also have a 30/06 barrel.

or


Buy both.

But……I wouldn’t go custom.

 

[Altitude sickness]

A local store to me has a beautiful newer Mauser brand 30:06 I think for $1850

 

[CBH Australia]

Tough call if you don’t have any budget constraints or are happy to wait.

You could probably still have quite a nice custom for less than a Rigby.

The problem might be finding someone who does the sort of work you want on a traditional custom hunting rifle. .

 

[KJE81]

Of the options you gave go the Rigby Highland Stalker . Mine’s in ‘06.

or

Go buy an R8. I also have a 30/06 barrel.

or


Buy both.

But……I wouldn’t go custom.

That was a really nice bull moose!

 

[Dewald]

Having been through a phase of collecting more rifles than I need, I now feel an urge to get back to basics.
The idea of having one gun to do most everything is very appealing. I also like the idea of having many memories attached to one rifle.
Over the years I find myself reaching for a 30-06 more often than not. I would be confident using this for anything short of thick skinned dangerous game.
So the question is, what rifle. I’ve narrowed it down to two options. Either a Rigby Highland stalker or a semi custom based on a second hand rifle.
So, question is, what would you do? And if going the semi custom, would you choose a Brno Zkk, Brno ZG47 or Pre64 Mod70?
Thanks for your thoughts! This is half the fun

With quite a few Brno ZG47’s available in Australia, I would not hesitate to build a rifle on that action, or even just add a custom stock to a ZG 30-06, 8x60S or 9,3x62 that still has a good barrel. The ZG actions are finished much better than the ZKKs in my opinion.

If you are going to go with a longer round like a .375 H&H the Winchester mod 70 is the way to go.

 

[BeeMaa]

Blaser R8 and done.

Add barrels to the stock of your choosing for a range of options.

My wife and I did this years ago with our hunting rifles. Sold off nearly everything else and reach for a Blaser when going into the field. My choice is a 375H&H while my wife prefers a wood stocked 300WM. Here they are all packed up and ready to go.

 

[Altitude sickness]

BeeMaa your wife has good taste in rifles and watches.