Scout rifle, circa 2016

[GJM]

Just thought I'd say hi. Nothing really to add, as plenty of experienced riflemen seem to hang out on P-F.

As a huge fan of Col. Coopers work, and former scout rifle addict, Cooper never said that a scout scope was essential to the definition. His original scout rifle served very well for a time with just irons, and he clarified it some years later by saying that if one was to mount a scope, it should be an intermediate eye relief scope, for a variety of reasons, many of which are not applicable today.

I will also second or third what LR and GJM have said. If I was starting over today, I would start and stop with a Tikka/Sako. I have too many overpriced AI's, M70's and M700 custom rifles to abandon them, and while I do think they are "better", they are likely not worth the hassle and price compared to the Finn offering. At the least, it is a great way to learn to run a practical bolt gun, and learn what you like with a solid weapon.

SteveB, please stop posting pics, or I will have to visit you late one night...as it is, my wife thinks I'm cheating on her.

GJM, I'm still unclear on why a 30-06 instead of a 308. When I proposed the 30-06, it was because of the improved long range capability, while still being kind of short and kind of light. As a walking around defense gun, I don't fully get the 06 choice.

It warms my heart to see such intense rifle interest on P-F.

SLG, stick around, this thread was designed to lure you back into regularly posting.

As to .30-06, I head you mention "short barrel .06," was there more? Kidding aside, I had a pre-64 model 70 .06 around, and figured I should build it into something practical, and it seems a crime to make it into a .308, given it is an .06 length action. I do like that there are some quality 180-200 grain factory loads with premium, tough bullets available in .06 like the Federal 200 grain Trophy Bonded load.

[Dagga Boy]

Being that 06 will be inbound to me as soon as GJM and I can finalize the deal, I am good with it. Here is why. I have .308's in both bolt and semi that will do most anything I want the caliber for. For "walking around" (which for a guy who camps in condo's in the mountains) means usually "driving around", I love my lever guns in this role. Whether 30/30 for around town, or the 45/70 for serious stuff. The appeal of the 30-06 was that if I am looking at a bolt gun, I want the power, and range. The step up to that power level Ina semi isn't really there. In .308, we have semi's that finally work in.308, and stuff like 6.8 that gives me 80%. For a do it all bolt, 50 state and likely internationally legal gun with power for most anything that walks, and is a caliber easy to find almost anywhere and often reasonably priced. The gun that was originally going to fill this role for me was a similar gun to the Brockman 30-06, but it was a Pre 64 in .375 H&H that was sent to Robar.......and is now owned by the new owner of Robar (who is a close friend...they don't usually keep customer guns). Because I really don't hunt, the 06 is likely a better fit. At least that is how I am justifying giving up a Gray Guns HK 45C.......

[PNWTO]

GJM/All,

.338 Federal as an option for when AOs and animals demand? Commercial availability of ammo not an issue. It seems like a great round for its intent.

Case in point, Sako Black Bear in .338 Fed. 20" barrel, irons, lightweight, fluted barrel.

[SLG]

I'm now tracking on the 06, both from GJM, and to DB. Nothing wrong with it in the least, as everyone knows 3006 is one of the greats.

One of these days I'll put a special 06 together. I bought 2 Featherweight M70's a few years ago to use as a base. It will be a short, handy hunting gun, with the ability to really reach out there. Not because that is needed, but just because I like the exercise. Maybe as a treat for moving back out west, when the time comes. I suppose a pic is in order to round this post out before I go to bed. Sorry for the cell phone pics. Top gun is a full house Brockman in 9.3X62 that I got from a member here. Awesome gun, and is my version of GJM's current project. Second gun is also a Brockman, and is my version of a lightweight 308 for hunting and medium range shooting(500-800 yards.) The final pic is also a Brockman, and is a medium weight 308 for some hunting and lots of extreme mid range precision. It lacks a scope right now because it isn't getting much use these days, and I needed the NF for another gun. In case it's not obvious, all three are M70's, and 2 of the three have Brockman's pop up sights. That last gun is every bit as accurate as any of my M700's or AI's. An M70 can be made to be quite accurate.:-)

[PNWTO]

SLG, I would love to see more of #3 if you have the time.

[GJM]

GJM/All,

.338 Federal as an option for when AOs and animals demand? Commercial availability of ammo not an issue. It seems like a great round for its intent.

Case in point, Sako Black Bear in .338 Fed. 20" barrel, irons, lightweight, fluted barrel.

I have a 9.3x62 Black Bear that I got from SteveB, and I am looking at one in .308.

I'm now tracking on the 06, both from GJM, and to DB. Nothing wrong with it in the least, as everyone knows 3006 is one of the greats.

One of these days I'll put a special 06 together. I bought 2 Featherweight M70's a few years ago to use as a base. It will be a short, handy hunting gun, with the ability to really reach out there. Not because that is needed, but just because I like the exercise. Maybe as a treat for moving back out west, when the time comes. I suppose a pic is in order to round this post out before I go to bed. Sorry for the cell phone pics. Top gun is a full house Brockman in 9.3X62 that I got from a member here. Awesome gun, and is my version of GJM's current project. Second gun is also a Brockman, and is my version of a lightweight 308 for hunting and medium range shooting(500-800 yards.) The final pic is also a Brockman, and is a medium weight 308 for some hunting and lots of extreme mid range precision. It lacks a scope right now because it isn't getting much use these days, and I needed the NF for another gun. In case it's not obvious, all three are M70's, and 2 of the three have Brockman's pop up sights. That last gun is every bit as accurate as any of my M700's or AI's. An M70 can be made to be quite accurate.:-)

Good looking rifles! Also like the S&W bar stools -- do you know someone there?

[SLG]

SLG, I would love to see more of #3 if you have the time.

They're locked up for the night, but it is a 308 M70, with a Kreiger barrel (#3, I think), threaded and capped with a TBA muzzle break for a can. M40 stock, trigger work, talley bases, etc. Jim sent me a test target with 3 rds shot at 100 yards into like .3. I have not been able to recreate that, but it pretty easily holds .5 for me.

[PNWTO]

They're locked up for the night, but it is a 308 M70, with a Kreiger barrel (#3, I think), threaded and capped with a TBA muzzle break for a can. M40 stock, trigger work, talley bases, etc. Jim sent me a test target with 3 rds shot at 100 yards into like .3. I have not been able to recreate that, but it pretty easily holds .5 for me.

Damn. Is the barrel fluted or is just the light?

[SLG]

Non fluted. I'm not usually a fan of fluting.

[SteveB]

I will also second or third what LR and GJM have said. If I was starting over today, I would start and stop with a Tikka/Sako. I have too many overpriced AI's, M70's and M700 custom rifles to abandon them, and while I do think they are "better", they are likely not worth the hassle and price compared to the Finn offering. At the least, it is a great way to learn to run a practical bolt gun, and learn what you like with a solid weapon.

SteveB, please stop posting pics, or I will have to visit you late one night...as it is, my wife thinks I'm cheating on her.

Lots of truth here; getting a bolt rifle just the way you wanted it in the 90's involved way more time and money than is necessary today.

And if gun porn is what's required to keep you active here, better clear out your inbox.