Re: last new rifle
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Zanshin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Your plan is unsound.
Generally speaking, long range precision rifles are very different than hunting rigs.
LR rifles are big and bulky while hunting rifles tend to be light and portable. Different stock designs. LR stocks are closer to benchrest stocks than they are to hunting stocks (think McMillan A5 vs. McMillan Hunter's Edge).
LR rifles have heavy barrels so you can shoot multiple shots without poi shift. Hunting rifles have light barrels to make them easier to heft as poi shift isn't a factor when at most you are shooting 2-3 rounds (and usually just 1).
LR rifles have heavier scopes, more magnification, more options which make the scope havier and are not necessary on a hunting rig. They also generally have bulkier mounts and rings as well vs lightweight mounts on a hunting rig.
Sure you could use a hunting rifle for LR shooting, or a LR precision rifle for hunting, but neither is really well suited for the other. If you want to lug around a bulky pig of a 300wm (like a 5R) in the woods then that is your perogative. You won't enjoy it.
The two rifles you listed, a 5R and a Win Supergrade, other than being bolt actions in 300 wm, are night and day apart. Not even close to similar rifles. Do youself a favor; if the rifle is for primarily hunting uses get a hunting rifle. If you decide to get into LR precision shooting get a LR precision rifle.
And 300 win mag is way overkill unless you are gunning for Elk/Moose/Bear, not to mention expensive to reload for and likely uncomfortable to shoot. There are much better choices for hunting calibers. Better choices for LR shooting as well. </div></div>
Couldn't disagree more, it's perfectly sound plan, used by many of us. I have 5 rifles, the lightest one is probably 11 lbs, the heaviest is 19, all of them have been hauled around through the mountains chasing game. The qualities you've mentioned that make a good precision rifle also make them great for hunting, The Tacticle style rifle has evolved from "hunting rifles" to engage the deadliest and most difficult game of all, the two legged rascally type. I've killed 20+ big game animals with 11-18lbs rifles and never regretted my "bulky pig" for a minute, but I did enjoy every one of those minutes.
To the OP, I respect your choice to go with just one. I could never do it, the house and cars would go first
The 300WM is a fine choice, and I wish you luck in your search for the perfect One Gun.
