in your opinion ????

[u_cant_rope_the_wind]

for poops and giggles,
what makes a the best looking rifle in your opinion ,

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by u_cant_rope_the_wind

for poops and giggles,
what makes a the best looking rifle in your opinion ,

I like express guns for hunting , but for pure competition accuracy a single shot, three screw action bolt gun with a one piece stock.

Cat

[Kale_M]

Christensen arms carbon hunter bolt action

[Leeper]

For a bolt action hunting rifle, I kind of like what I think of as a refined 1950's classic. I like monte carlo combs if well done. I like the forarm to be about 45% of the length of the exposed barrel. A 22 inch barrel will have about 21 inches exposed and get a forarm of about 10 inches. Regardless of barrel length, about 11 1/2 is max for the forarm.
I like a reasonably open grip but not excessively so. It's hard to argue with D'Arcy Echol's grip angle on the legend stocks. I like to look of the stocks made by Matini or Hagn and wish I could do as well but I find the grip too open and the fararm a bit short for my taste. Still, everytime I look at one of their stocks, I want to throw rocks at mine!
For a single shot rifle, I think it's pretty hard to improve on the stock found on the early Ruger Number Ones. I don't really like the Alex Henry forend and prefer a rounded tip or even a schnabel. The forarms typically seen on the Winchester Hi-wall sporters were beautiful IMO.
For a target rifle, I like a well done Marksman-style stock. I think they are attractive and nice enough to shoot. An adjustable cheekpiece can be done without being too ugly. I made one for Jay Winfield which, while I wouldn't call it perfect, didn't suck too badly.
In general, on a target rifle of any type, form follows function but complete ugliness can be avoided and should be IMO.
The model 71 and model 64 Winchester rifles wear the perfect stock for a lever action hunting rifle and can only be improved in detail if that. Leeper

[32-40win]

There are lots of good looking guns out there. The doubles and singleshots turn my crank the most, but, there are a few bolt actions I'd be happy to own.

[Cyclops]

Talking strictly looks, I always loved the looks of a lever action, wood stock...no scope. Browning is probably my favorite.

[Richard B.]

Winchester 94 works for what I do and the way I do it

[Ryry4]

Can't go wrong with a classic double with some fine engraving.

[Cowtown guy]

Originally Posted by Ryry4

Can't go wrong with a classic double with some fine engraving.

I agree.

[Strange]

I think, the best looking rifle, is the one in the picture you took, that is resting on the coyote, deer, moose, or whatever it is that you shot with it. lol.
There's always a bolt action in my pics, not because I think they're prettier than any other style of rifle; they're just what I prefer.

[Hagalaz]

Pedersoli Brown Bess musket.

I LOVE the way that thing looks.

http://www.davide-pedersoli.com/tipo...rown-bess.html

[bdub]

One that has been well used by the owner, lots of nicks and dings with a story behind them, something with character but also well cared for.

[Alberta Bigbore]

Bolt actions for this Nate.

[Mekanik]

Originally Posted by Hagalaz

Pedersoli Brown Bess musket.

I LOVE the way that thing looks.

http://www.davide-pedersoli.com/tipo...rown-bess.html

Yp, and he has a lot of others that tweak my fancy too.

Originally Posted by bdub

One that has been well used by the owner, lots of nicks and dings with a story behind them, something with character but also well cared for.

X2

The new tactical style firearms, IMO are nice firing, utilitarian firearms that I can appreciate but I don't get warm fuzzies about. I like wooden furniture, classic styling, well done checker work, etc etc. that Boswell that gitrdun posted was absolutely stunning to me. Amazing workmanship and story.

[score]

Originally Posted by bdub

One that has been well used by the owner, lots of nicks and dings with a story behind them, something with character but also well cared for.

This is a good answer. I thought about the question and find that it is impossible for me to answer it. Some guns I don't like, but to come up with "the best"? That's my opinion.

[petew]

[petew]

[catnthehat]

Hawken guy myself, but here's one of Eric matins' guns I used to own that you would have enjoyed!
L&R set trigger and lock, Chambers barrel IIRC.
Bedford county school.....

Cat

[duffy4]

I like the looks of a nice wood stock. Never thought of it so much of an action type.

I have seen some Ruger number 1 single shots that had superb wood on them and were down right beautiful.

[catnthehat]

I love my Highwall falling blockl!
Cat

[petew]

I must like the Hawken too cat , I have 4 of them now, but I have a real fondness for the Flintlock longrifles with highly figured maple stocks. just need a couple grand to get the one I realy want.
..You are right about me liking that one of yours.

Pete

[Cyclops]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

I love my Highwall falling blockl!
Cat

Are you kidding me? That's just plain sexy right there!

[catnthehat]

Nope, not kidding, and here's a Haenel AYDT in 8.15X46, sort of like a 32/40

the Highwall is an original 38/55 BTW.
Cat

[rugatika]

As far as production rifles go, one of my favourites has always been a winchester featherweight. It just looks right. And you get one with some nice wood on it...superb! For the life of me I can't figure out why I only have one in my safe.

[oldgutpile]

Love the look and feel of the "classic" double. Usually come all decked out with engraving and "real purdy" wood to boot! Only wish I could afford more of them.
On the more practical side, I would throw another vote to the bolt-actions, and yes I love the model 70(especially the new CRF models) featherweights. I have three of them in the safe, and have to fight off the urge to buy more every time I see them listed! If its a particularly nice piece of wood, I just have to back away from the computer, keep my hands in my pockets, and let myself get distracted with another project for a bit!

[1899b]

I'm a diehard levergun guy. In particuliar love my 1908 Savage 1899b from my Great Grandfather. I got it with a busted buttstock and bought a new one from Western Gun Parts I inletted to fit. I love the lines of a classic levergun.........

[Cyclops]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

Nope, not kidding, and here's a Haenel AYDT in 8.15X46, sort of like a 32/40

the Highwall is an original 38/55 BTW.
Cat

Wow! Nice. Now you've gone and done it, I have no choice but to put you on my ignore list Cat. It's not you, it's the green-eyed monster that your posts sometimes bring out of me and I'm not talking about Lou Ferrigno.

Seriously though, you got some beautiful guns man.

[catnthehat]

The haenel is actually owned by hornnehad, but he doesn't shoot it so gave it to me to use - I plan to make him a very generous offer to buy it however, I'm thinking a new collar for his Griffon pointer and a box of 20 gaue Walmart shells should do it!!
Cat

[32-40win]

Something tells me, yer gonna have a tough time finding a Wallymart wit dat much ammo!! And you didn't say how big of a box.

[bowhunter9841]

Being the fact that I'm a hunter, and not a gun collector, it's gotta be a bolt action for this guy! I like a rugged looking synthetic stock. Scratches, and dirt, are what I like to decorate my guns with! I don't like going out with gear I'm affraid to wreck! Nothing against you guys with the fancy woodwork and engravings, they look awesome! My guns are tools, not show pieces!