Modern Day Classics?

[txtrout75218]

Apologies to the OP if I got too off topic bringing sporters into the discussion. I took the "new/new to me" and the statement of liking older rifles to allow old guns into the equation.Please ignore my comments on the 1903 and the old sporterized military rifles. That will teach me to post after a long week at the office and a couple of bourbons.

Couple of qualifying questions for the OP. Are you considering a modern classic as a modern made rifle that needs nothing to stand on its own. Or, is modern more of a thought on more recent manufactured rifles?

If I wanted an off the shelf easy classic that I wouldn't have to do anything to it, then I would look hard at the Winchester M70 or Ruger Safari rifles, or jumping into the Park West in 30-06 as great modern classics that would need nothing.


If modern means recent manufactured rifles, what are your thoughts to just having a rifle reworked to your vision, such as having a M70, 700 or Ruger/other make, barreled/stocked/finished to your desires? You can have the specific stock, length of barrel, etc, you want. The Renner rifles mentioned are very nice. He does great work to replicate the "old" Africa style classics with modern rifles. He isn't the only person that does that type of work.

I ask your thoughts of "making your own" for I'm in the process of taking a modern off the shelf rifle and having it stocked into a classic styled walnut stock with ebony tip, cheek piece, barrel band and red recoil pad, etc. My thought is for an 280AI to become my modern Classic styled rifle for Africa and the Western US. It will give me a classic look with totally modern everything, including a modern cartridge.

I find the planning and execution of planning out a rifle build as a fun adventure in itself. I am blessed to have a teenage daughter that likes, as she calls them, "pretty guns" and is going to RSA this summer with me. She likes to help me plan out my builds. These builds are becoming family heirlooms for her. She said that it allows her to spend more time with me. Planning a build together would give you the start of that special generational rifle that is handed down through time.that you mentioned.

I hope that you are having fun on this quest by allowing the rest of us to live vicariously with you.

 

[BeeMaa]

Modern classic - IMO would be the Blaser R8, Sako 85, Kimber 84, Winchester M70 and CZ550.

For a traveling hunter, the Blaser R8 would be a wise decision. I'd stick with cartridges that have stood the test of time. 270WIN, 7RM, 30-06, 300WM and 375H&H...any of these would be a good first choice.

Personally, I believe there is very little you couldn't hunt with a 7RM/30-06/300WM (your choice) and a 375H&H. FYI - the 7RM, 300WM and 375H&H would all share the same bolt head. 30-06 would require it's own. Let me know if you choose this route, I'd be happy to assist.

 

[CamoManJ]

+1 for Winchester Model 70 CRF, esp New Haven made classics. That’s all I hunt with in various calibers. 30-06 & 300 WM are classic modern day African cartridges with ammo available just about anywhere. I prefer 300 WSM, of course.

 

[Doug3006]

I mentioned a Ruger No1 in 30-06, but Grumpy has it right on the nail, 300 H&H is even more classic. Lets ask @Doug3006 to please post a picture of his rifle, which I had the great pleasure to carry on a brief hunt in Limpopo.

Thanks Kevin. Here it is with a Blesbok I took later on that same trip. I hope we have the opportunity to share a campfire again soon.

The rifle is a Ruger No. 1 in 300 H&H. The stock was a semi inletted one that I fitted and finished myself. Didn’t turn out half bad.

 

[HookMeUpII]

Yeah but guys he’s asking for a “MODERN” classic not a classic… Modern to me means built in the last 25 years or so.
OP correct me if I’m wrong…

I was of the same mindset. I wouldn't even consider my 80's serial Ruger No 1 in 458WM a "modern" classic. I'm 42 and often forget that 2000 was 25 years ago and 1990 was 35 years ago.

There's not a lot of guns these days for sub-$5000k or more with old-soul, so to speak.

Like I said, the Kimber Caprivi is definitely in that category. I guess they're probably pushing $4k now but that's a gun with some modern-day African vibes. Big-bore, iron sights from the factory, nice recoil pad. It's probably the first one that comes to mind.

Sako, CZ, all have some guns with that sort of classic feel. I don't see any big-bore options though. If you're happy with something like 300WM though, definitely classic.

There's very limited production for 375HH on up. If you have Jeffrey, Rigby, or Blaser money, then you're good to go.

Ruger could/would be the only one, aside from the nepotistic pushing of all their proprietary calibers. I don't know the details as to why but...I'd imagine if they offered 375HH vs 375 Ruger, and 416 Rigby instead of 416 Ruger, they'd probably sell a lot more of their Hawkeye African.

I actually just purchased a modern-day, brand new production, big-bore bolt action from a mainstream manufacturer. As soon as it arrives, I'll share more details. I don't want to jinx myself at the moment as it hasn't shipped. There's apparently a couple dozen left for sale from exactly one gun retailer, specially made, for them.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

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.

That's exactly the way I would go. I have an older push feed version, which never failed me in NA or Africa, but I really want one of the CRF models.

 

[Doug3006]

Thanks for the clarification! My definition of a modern firearm is anything invented since and including Paul Mauser’s Model 98 and John Browning’s 1911. IMO we’ve chipped around the edges of these designs, but haven’t much improved on them

 

[Daniel Cary]

So long as the sons don't sell it, pawn it for nothing?

 

[jb1069]

My wording on “Modern Classic” meant to me was a gun that could be purchased new or fairly recent. This was simply due to thinking that many of the guns you have all suggested would be out of reach both financially and obtainability. More or less I wanted to know which newer guns would be worth handing down. Just a good quality rifle. Now I have a lot more search options!! Thanks to everyone.