Modern Day Classics?

[jb1069]

Looking to buy a new/new to me rifle that I plan to use for my future African Safaris. Looking first for a PG rifle probably a 30-06 after reading much on it and hits history. My plans are to have this gun for many adventures and put some of my own history into it. If all goes like I have planned this would be a gun I would hand down to my son then to his son and so on. Realizing if I buy something and it doesn't shoot as well as I would like I will be back to square 1. I am more partial to the older guns but not against new. Which guns/gun makers would you consider worthy with these plans? I understand sentimental and value do not always go hand in hand. But an 870 Express just doesn't hold the same value to me as an 870 Wingmaster if that makes sense. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mekaniks]

Winchester model 70 post 1949- pre 1964 that is original (no extra holes or modifications) so will accept modern scope mounts.
They were originally very accurate, functional and will be a perfect gun to pass down, IMO….

 

[Joker12]

Looking to buy a new/new to me rifle that I plan to use for my future African Safaris. Looking first for a PG rifle probably a 30-06 after reading much on it and hits history. My plans are to have this gun for many adventures and put some of my own history into it. If all goes like I have planned this would be a gun I would hand down to my son then to his son and so on. Realizing if I buy something and it doesn't shoot as well as I would like I will be back to square 1. I am more partial to the older guns but not against new. Which guns/gun makers would you consider worthy with these plans? I understand sentimental and value do not always go hand in hand. But an 870 Express just doesn't hold the same value to me as an 870 Wingmaster if that makes sense. Thanks in advance.

For me as an American that would be a pre64 M70 Winchester. Restock it if you wish but its as good or better than any standard production rifle ever built.

 

[coreydb]

Winchester, Remington, Sako, Browning, and Savage all have illustrious histories. I wouldn't get too wrapped up around the current written opinions of them. I have them all, killed with them all and have no complaints at all.

 

[SETH RINGER]

BASER R8 AMBI STOCK (GRANDKID MIGHT BE A LEFTY), UPGRADED WOOD (NO LEATHER, WOUNT LAST AS A HAND-ME-DOWN) WITH RIGHT AND LEFT BOLTS, ADD CALIBURS AS NEEDED (WITH RIGHT & LEFT BOLT HEADS). GOT ALL YOUR BASES COVERED.

 

[Zinz]

You can also look for the Winchester Model 70 in the "Classic" series built in the New Haven factory in the '90s. They have the controlled round feed action and are good rifles. My go-to .30-06 is a Classic Featherweight and shoots very well.

 

[BourbonTrail]

Second to the Model 70, I would add in there the Springfield 1903. I have an A3 sporter variant, but it is my most accurate rifle and very comparable to a Winchester M70 (except for the safety latch and trigger).

I love the Model 70. However, as far as historical 30-06’s go, the Springfield is the original rifle for the cartridge.

 

[BGHNTR416]

Winchester M70 Classic Super Grade would be nice. Depending on budget, I would be tempted to look for a nice custom on either an M70 or a mauser action.

 

[HunterX]

Check out rifles by RJ Renner. He can build you a custom or take an old Model [emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]] or Ruger [emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]] and turn it into an African or British style prewar rifle. This is one he built me from an English walnut stock I found on eBay and an old FN action. It’s in [emoji[emoji6][emoji6]].x[emoji6], very classic.

It’s not cheap, but it is your legacy.

 

[Russ16]

Very budget dependent.

I would get some form of model 70 CRF. Basic classic model at the low end, super grade above that, and full custom if I could afford it.

 

[Tex .416]

Another vote for the Winchester Model 70. A 1949 M70 was my only rifle for over thirty years. So with that in mind, to me the current FN made Model 70’s being turned out now may be the best quality M70 ever made. The Super Grades are an incredible value and certainly heirloom worthy. Also, dig around on gunsinternational for customs as some go for relatively low prices for high quality.

 

[CBeck]

Definitely worth a look @Altitude sickness has a beauty

Thread 'RJ Renner “Old African” for sale'

Feb 25, 2025

For sale is this RJ Renner custom Model 70 post 64 in .300 WinMag.

It is Mr Renners “Old African” model with several upgrades beyond his basic conversion.

7.2 pounds

13.5 LOP

23” barrel

Oil finished walnut stock

$2800 shipped

From his website
The Model 70 Winchester represents the Mauser System in a sleek and slender form and is the basis for our Old African Medium Rifle. We begin with your Model 70 and slenderize the stock by reducing the forearm length, adding a genuine ebony tip and slenderizing it along with the buttstock. We install the...

• Altitude sickness
• Replies: 40
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[NIGHTHAWK]

Browning A-Bolt

 

[ThreeJacks]

I have one of the current production Winchester Model 70 Alaskan in .30-06, it is a very nice looking and shooting rifle with open sights.

 

[Bush Buck]

For multiple-lifetime quality at a reasonable price I would look for a Winchester 70 Featherweight or a Ruger M77. The current version of the Ruger M77 is the Hawkeye. It is controlled round feed like most of the Win 70s if that matters to you. Both can be found in satin blue steel and walnut. They are still occasionally made.
If USA made is important then Ruger or used Win 70.
If budget is no concern then Dakota 76, Park West Arms, Rigby Highlander.
In between in terms of price, Sako made some beautiful Model 85s in blue and walnut - used market.

 

[MS 9x56]

Pre war commercial Mauser 98 in 7x57.

 

[jb1069]

The Ruger has my attention. I already own the 77/22. These rifles would compliment each other to hand down to my son and seems like I already have a platform I am used to if these rifles are as similar as they appear. Understandably different going from 22lr to 30-06.

 

[SaintPanzer]

Knowing your budget would be very helpful. I am very pleased with my Steyr Classic II in .30-06. Not a CRF, but my hand loads have given between .5 and .75 MOA. I do like the Safe Bolt System.

 

[OxfordTheCat]

BASER R8 AMBI STOCK (GRANDKID MIGHT BE A LEFTY),

This is sensible advice: Avoid cut-outs and cheek swells.
Future generations might be left eye dominant (or left handed).

Easy to should and shoot from the left shoulder with a right-handed bolt action on a plain stock (as I do - right handed, left eye dominant).

 

[Hunter-Habib]

I recently had a chance to fire a new production Ruger Hawkeye Hunter in .300 Winchester Magnum. The rifle made it's debut on production lines in 2019, but is styled extremely traditionally.

I highly endorse this one. And extremely accurate with 200Gr Nosler Partition factory loads.

Were I ever to buy a new plains game rifle, this one would get my vote hands down.