What do you look for in a rifle

dev110

I don't want this thread to turn into a calibre debate thread but more so what do you look for when buying a rifle.

Do you look at the job that the rifle has to do? Example: Stalking, foxing or all purpose.

Do you look for quality regardless of price? Example: Go all out for something like a Sako or go for something that will get the job done the same as the more expensive rifle would like a CZ?

Would you look at a rifle that has plenty of after market parts like there is for Remington's?

I think we all know that it is hard to get a rifle that will do everything well.

What compromises would you make if you wanted a multi purpose rifle? Would you set it up more for the varminting side of things with a heavier barrel profile that will take more abuse and will allow you to fire more shots before the barrel gets to hot or would you prefer a lighter profile and try to watch how many shots you might fire in a string?

For varminting would you prefer a longer barrel or is 24" just a good al rounder?

It wasn't me!

Weight, handling, feel, fit and finish quality, trigger, accuracy. I don't do any high volume shooting with a hunting rifle (Not whacking three bunnies a minute with a centrefire!) so in terms of barrel weight, I only want it to balance right and hang steady. I like a lower overall weight, but balance is all-important. I like stocks that are thinner and more open around the grip, with high, straight, narrow combs, good checkering and narrow enough fore-ends. I like balance a little bit forward. Weight in the barrel just helps the gun hold steady from field positions, but I'd rather have a barrel around 24" in a standard cartridge and at least 22" in a short action cartridge than have a shorter, heavier barrel. I don't like short barrels and high muzzle blast. So, order of priority for me is probably pretty close to as follows:

-Stock fit and feel (Doesn't matter how accurate the gun is if *you* don't shoot it well from field positions comfortably)
-Finish and feel in terms of action and trigger and such (Same as above. It's got to be smooth and easy to operate, with a good, responsive trigger)
-Inherent accuracy (I'm not overly fussed. I can't kill a medium or big game animal with a 0.5MOA rifle that I can't kill with a 1.5MOA rifle. However, only accurate rifles are interesting, so I like it to shoot at least around an inch, consistently, to the same point of aim, whether warm or cold)
-Weight (Depending on the cartridge. I don't want a 10lb 7mm-08, and I don't want a 7lb .300 Weatherby. Overall weight will depend on the cartridge I want to shoot)
-Design (I like floorplates, no interest in set triggers, like trim stocks and don't like engraving, but if I really like the gun, I can live with the above issues)

Things like style, age and class have a lot to do with it as well, and have values even above sheer practicality. I'd absolutely love a classy single shot for absolutely no other reason than that there's something really rich and elegant about them. Similarly, there's something so attractive about the likes of the older Brno 21 and 22. Wouldn't touch anything about them.

dodderangler

One that hits target every time kills and skins the animal then goes carries it back to car drives home to me and cooks it there and then and give it to me in bed

But Havint found a rifle like that yet

hedzball

Weight... Lighter the better..

Trigger.. Has to be crisp..

Aftermarket parts.. Obvious choice is remington but never again..

a bit more tasty... something not everyone has (mid priced ish)

Tikka..