The value of identical rifles

Pathfinder76 · #1 12-11-2009, 10:34 PM

I've got the itch to do something rifle wise again. But I don't want to spend a fortune. Customized rifles are expensive especially when donor actions have to be purchased as new rifles. Then you have to add glass.

In a recent thread Dick284 eluded to the idea of a similar set of rifles with one being a .223. I think matched sets of rifles are a good idea, and I have one friend who built a fairly substantial battery around that idea with many sets inside that battery in the same caliber. Joe Bishop also comes to mind with his matched set of Sako's in 7MM Rem Mag and 375 H&H that he has hunted all over the world with.

I have a .223 based on a LH SA 700 that I like allot and another LH SA 700 in 7MM-08. I am considering re barreling the 08 to another 7MM-08 with a barrel contour to match the .223 and swapping out the stock so it matches as well.

What does everyone think of a matched set if rifles with .223 as the anchor?

noneck180 · #2 12-11-2009, 11:00 PM

I have had my rifles matching until lately, exactly what you are saying, I think. I had Sendero 7mm Rem mag and 300 Win mag and 223 and and 204 ruger in VSSF.
Identical rifles as far as fit, feel, and weight but for two seperate purposes, it made switching to shoot a cake walk, I even had mathching Zeiss conquests. I think this what you are talking about I'm not a very good reader.

shortaction · #3 12-12-2009, 06:26 AM

I think it is a great way to go.

The KISS rule is always a good idea.

Wrongside · #4 12-12-2009, 06:35 AM

I like your premise, except for the Remington700 part.

(My .223 is a LH M700...)

I've long thought that I'd do something along those lines but can't find/settle on an action that's available in SS LH LA and SA... Well maybe the Montana M99.

Wishing that Winchester had made SA 70s here...

duffy4 · #5 12-12-2009, 07:53 AM

What is the reasoning for wanting identical rifles in different cartridges? Fashion or function?

I have a friend who got himself a .22 that was as close in fit and weight and such as he could, to his big game rifles. Then he did a heap of shooting the .22 all year long. Figured it would help keep him sharp with the other guns (which he also shot a fair bit)

I also know a person who has two Rem. model 700s. One in .280 and one in 30/06. They say its kind of a worry that they keep the right ammo in their pockets and they fear some day getting excited and somehow sticking a .280 into the /06.

I have two Win. 100s and my son and I both use them. One is in .308 and one in .284.

elkhunter11 · #6 12-12-2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

What is the reasoning for wanting identical rifles in different cartridges? Fashion or function?

For me it is function,I always have two big game rifles that are close to identical with identical scopes,shooting the same cartridge.If something happens to one gun,while on a hunt,I simply use the second rifle.I only need to learn one sight in,one trajectory,and the triggers and scopes are identical as is the fit of the gun.

Pathfinder76 · #7 12-12-2009, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duffy4

What is the reasoning for wanting identical rifles in different cartridges? Fashion or function?

Form follows function.

Pathfinder76 · #8 12-12-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrongside

I like your premise, except for the Remington700 part.

(My .223 is a LH M700...)

I've long thought that I'd do something along those lines but can't find/settle on an action that's available in SS LH LA and SA... Well maybe the Montana M99.

Wishing that Winchester had made SA 70s here...

Don't worry, my next big build will be a mate to my Model 70 280 AI.

#9 12-12-2009, 09:45 AM

Sounds boring to me...I love the variety!

Wrongside · #10 12-12-2009, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

Don't worry, my next big build will be a mate to my Model 70 280 AI.

Oh really? Any details you're willing to share yet?

I like the 700s plenty, just more as varmint/range rifles. Just my being weird though...

If Kimber would start making the Montana84 in LH I'd be pretty much set... one in 223 and one in 708 would cover most of what I do.

Battle River · #11 12-13-2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

I've got the itch to do something rifle wise again. But I don't want to spend a fortune.
What does everyone think of a matched set if rifles with .223 as the anchor?

What about this? I put together this tandem of Kimbers 3 years ago.

22RF and a 270 WSM, I shoot the 22 all summer at gophers, then fut the WSM to work in the fall. the 223 is a great idea, and an excuse to get another new rifle without anyone finding out!!!!!

Pathfinder76 · #12 12-13-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battle River

What about this? I put together this tandem of Kimbers 3 years ago.

22RF and a 270 WSM, I shoot the 22 all summer at gophers, then fut the WSM to work in the fall. the 223 is a great idea, and an excuse to get another new rifle without anyone finding out!!!!!

Definitely a great idea, but I'm a lefty.

Battle River · #13 12-13-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

Definitely a great idea, but I'm a lefty.

Sorry, I forgot about your handicap

Pathfinder76 · #14 12-13-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battle River

Sorry, I forgot about your handicap

Aint that the truth.

BallCoeff.435 · #15 12-13-2009, 05:18 PM

No rifle duplicates better than the exact same rifle. (Sort of like the tightest group you'll ever shoot is a one-shot group).

So, just get a Blaser 93 with interchangable barrels/calibers. Each additional barrel should be cheaper than a whole new rifle especially if you've got a lot invested in stock cosmetics.
( As long as you don't get freaked out by the straight-pull bolt ).