Finding the one gun

[cajunchefray]

There’s always a better caliber but I can’t imagine being unhappy with the 30-06 to hunt the world. The only competition in my mind was the 300WM but most of my hunting is medium sized deer so the extra noise and recoil just isn’t necessary. Having had my ammo lost on a recent safari, ammo availability is a factor in the decision.

What caliber would you choose?

No doubt 30-06. Ammunition is widely available, 130 TSX to 220 grain RN.
And just classic.
The older I get, the simpler I view life decisions.
First choice a ZG 47, but I wouldn’t spit on an early post war Husqvarna FN 98 action.
But I did rebarrel mine to .35 Whelen, because I have a nice Ruger Express rifle.

 

[cajunchefray]

No doubt 30-06. Ammunition is widely available, 130 TSX to 220 grain RN.
And just classic.
The older I get, the simpler I view life decisions.
First choice a ZG 47, but I wouldn’t spit on an early post war Husqvarna FN 98 action.
But I did rebarrel mine to .35 Whelen, because I have a nice Ruger Express rifle.

Of course a fine custom stock!

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Barring the .375 Holland & Holland Magnum and the 7x57mm Mauser, the .30-06 Springfield is the rifle caliber which I have been hunting with the most over the years.

As for favorite custom/semi custom makes ?
I’ve always been partial to the excellent Springfield Model 1903A3s that were sporterized by Griffin & Howe. A true American classic.

GRIFFIN & HOWE CLASSIC SPORTER .30-06 CALIBER - Griffin & Howe

Korngrath engraved, original G&H sling and sidemount. Hensoldt scope. Butt pad has some small damage.

griffinhowe.com

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Some of the most popular rifle calibers in Australia include:

• .243 Winchester
  A popular choice for hunting, with a minimum projectile weight of 85 grains.

SAKO makes a nice one!

Sorry Bob, just a fact…

 

[odonata]

As for favorite custom/semi custom makes ?
I’ve always been partial to the excellent Springfield Model 1903A3s that were sporterized by Griffin & Howe. A true American classic.

FYI - There's three of them in RIA's December auction. Their FAQ says they ship internationally.

 

[roverandbrew]

I own semi customs in 7x57, 30-06, and 375H&H. I also own a Rigby Highland Stalker in 275. The Rigby has been flown to Africa four times this year, Colorado, Texas and Tennessee to hunt. Its my go to and makes me happy every time I hold it and hunt hard with it. Most likely I will sell the three customs and buy a Rigby Big Game. You know what you are getting before you buy the Rigby along with some of the best customer service in the world. A custom or semi custom can be a surprise.

 

[R eight]

I can see you using this now.

 

[Puddle]

23 years ago, I had a rifle built around a M70 CRF action in .30-06.

It needed to go anywhere and everywhere, so it was built with the usual suspects of that time.
Lilja stainless, fluted, standard twist, standard grooves, and length at 24". Chamber cut using a Serengeti reamer to aid handloads, yet still chamber factory rounds in a pinch.
Bansner composite stock, Decelerator, Talley steel bases and rings, Leupold glass. Factory trigger tuned to 3 lbs. All the metal (and I do mean all) except the glass was finished in Tef-cote OD green. Rifle fits me like a glove and balances effortlessly.

Today, I'm thinking of hopping a plane over to Parkwest Arms and spend a day chatting with them about building either a 9.3x62mm or .375 H&H field rifle, but with extra nice wood just for grins. I can almost hear the howls of outrage coming from the gun safe.