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.

 

[Dan458]

There is a big price difference in the rifles but other factors to consider. HS stalker is very nice and can be had off the shelf.
Custom would probably come in cheaper and could use higher grade wood Etc but likely long wait time.
Leaning towards the HS..