National Carry Academy10 Rifles You Should Possess
July 11, 2016
In The Rifle book’s introduction, Jack O’Connor stated, “To me the rifle has always been the most romantic of all weapons, and of all rifles the one I love most is the rifle for big game.” I like a handgun, I hold a shotgun in high regard; but rifles, well, I love the darned things. Here are the list of the ones I believe you should possess at some time in your life, and the reasons why.
The Winchester model 70
When we say the rifleman’s rifle, it is a phrase that was first used in an ad campaign before, 1952. This surely remains an appropriate slogan up to this day. The model 70, become the rifle that all other contemporary center-fire bowl-action rifles are compared, and it is the first on my list. Those shooters that won North American big-game trophies as well as many big-bore target championships, they collected this model more than other rifles. The finest custom rifles have been already built on its action. A few months ago in 2016, over 100 different variations, styles and grades are produced by every factory caliber, from .22 Hornet to .458 Win. Most Winchesters are collectors of the pre-’ 64 period, for this list. It would be right to have one from that era.
The Winchester model 94
Until the end of the 20th century, people who used the term “deer rifle”, were pointing at the lever-action.30-30, most likely a Winchester model 94. It was originally known as the 1894 model. In 1895, the .30-30 cartridge was introduced, honestly it is still a fine rifle and cartridge combination for most deer hunting. 94 is considered as the most popular sporting rifle of all time. The exact numbers are hard to come by, however, at least 7 million were sold. It is still present in the Winchester catalog, but only as a higher priced and custom grade model. There’s a lot of variation, styles and of course calibers in its almost 120 year history. For the classic lever-action deer rifle, .30-30 is the only one. Both hunter and writer Craig Boddington once wrote, he didn’t think anyone could be called a rifleman unless they had at least one .30-30. Yes, that’s true, and it’s really hard to disagree with that. Due to its unmatched popularity and superb handling qualities, everyone must have this model 94.
The Mannlicher/Schoenauer M1903 carbine
There’s something magical about the full length stocks of the popular Mannlicher-Schoenauer rifles and carbines, early 20th Century. The full length stock became known as Mannlicher. Ferdinand Ritter Von Mannlicher designed his last rifle ,the model 1903, which was manufactured in Steyr, Austria.
These carbines have a special attraction to many shooters, because of the 17.75 inch barrel, butter-knife bold handles and of course the double-set trigger. The model 1903 was chambered for the 6.5×54 mm cartridge, it became legend in Europe because of the accuracy, light recoil and of course, flat trajectory. I remember gazing at photos and descriptions of Mannlicher/Schoenauers in the well-word pages of my shooters bible, 1948. In New York, the Stoeger company was the importer of M/S rifles following World War II. In those days, shooters bible was the Stoeger catalog. From the designs, Mannlicher/Schoenauer in 6.5×54 or the 1952 and 1956 version, .257 Roberts would be my first choice.
The Ruger no. 1
Bill Ruger new that his no. 1 in 1996 was not for everyone, on the other hand, he knew it would have special appeal for the tradionalist, hunters who understood the sporting aspect of the single-shot fire. The Ruger no. 1 was one of Mr. Ruger’s favorite creations, an improved and modernized version of the 1879s Scottish Farquharson, with its handsome stock designed by the great man, Len Brownell. Many people considered it as one of the most attractive American rifles. When English-made Farquharsons sold with four figures, at that time, the Ruger no. 1 was, like most of Rogers, for the common man. The initial price was $280, in the middle century. The no. 1 has been chambered for more than 30 calibers, from.218 Bee to .458 Win. It also includes such fine old favorites, the 6 mm Rem., .257 Roberts and of course the 7×57 Mauser; every gun safe should have one. One shot, make it count. You should do your part, it’s all that you need, the code of the single-shot hunter.
The Savage 99
I expected that the company would offer a nice 100th Anniversary model the following year, however, Savage ceased production of the model 99 in 1998. I’m sure that Savage had many reasons why they did not do a commemorative edition, as well as the high cost today of producing one even close to the original. However, I would have been the first in life to buy one. Considered quite radical in 1899, the hammerless, streamlined model 99 had an art Deco look, and when the typical lever-action by Winchester or Marlin, surely had visible hammers and tubular magazines. A lot of variations and styles were made, as well as the high-grade 99k, which was presented to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The latest models had removable magazines and tang safeties, on the other hand, the original design had the rotary magazine, as well as a sliding safety on the lever. I had a lovely mid- ‘50s 99 in .308. And it was my favorite Texas whitetail rifle. In a weak moment, I traded it for some gun that I can’t even remember. Lesson that I learned? Never trade or sell a good weapon.
The Remington model seven ms
This modern-day woods-rifle has the best handling qualities of a slim, bolt-action carbine with a 20-inch barrel. That’s from the Remington custom shop, which added the visual appeal of a full-length Mannlcher laminated stock. It’s surely a short-action version of the famous model 700. The iron sights or a low-powered scope, makes it as fine as a whitetail rifle you can find. Of course, it comes from a wide range of short-action chambers, the classic .257 Roberts, .250 savage and the .35 rem. A model seven is available in several styles with a more moderately priced standard, however the version of the MS Mannlicher-style custom-shop is the top of the line.
The Winchester 52C sporting rifle.
For me, any list of must-have riles should have a high quality bolt-action .22, comparable in workmanship to a fine center-fire hunting rifle. My first choice would be the Winchester model 52 sporting rifle of the 1937 to 1958 era. It is considered by many experts in the field to the finest .22 that ever made and was built on the best accurate model 52 target action with fit, finish, checkering and, of course, the overall workmanship that rivaled the super grade model 70. Take note, I’m referring to the original 52 sporter, and not the reissues done by Winchester and Browning in the late 1990. An original in excellent condition would likely be priced at $4000 to $5000, that’s why it’s not for everyone. The good news is, other quality bolt-atom rim fires have been introduced over the years just like the Winchester model 75, Remington 40-X and 513 Sporter, and many other models that are available from Anschutz, Copper and Dakota Arms.
The Browning 22 auto
On our list, this is another rimfire, the browning 22 auto and known as SA-22. Created by Browning, few rifles fit their chambering better than this svelt little model. It’s over 5 pounds, measuring an inch over a yard and it’s a real delight to carry. It is also a takedown design. Browning makes a very handsome luggage type carrying case. This comes in several grades, including the beautiful wood and engraving. Of course, I always wanted to have one, chambered for the.22 Short together with hollow point ammo, it would be an ideal short-range squirrel rifle. The short model was made in Belgium and it is quite rare, the pre-1974. Sometimes you can find one on the used gun market, around 50 percent more than the regular price of a long rifle version. From 1976, SA-22s have been made in Japan, of course they do not have the collector appeal of the Belgina models.
The AR-15
For more than 50 years, this rifle has been the military issue standard for U.S. Armed forces, serving mostly as the selective-fire M-16. The AR-15 version or the civilian version was long ago branded an assault rifle by anti-gun forces and of course the media, however, in spite of its controversial image, it is well suited for all target shooting, as well as many types of hunting and and self-protection. Over 30 manufacturers are currently producing hundreds of variations of the rifle in dozens of calibers. One of the most popular is the.223/5.56 and you can check the chamber before using the 5.56 ammo in a rifle marked.223. Why is theAR-15 included in this list,? Because of its place in history, the fact that it is a well created and virtually indestructible weapon. Just in case the day ever comes, when there is a breakdown in our society, it would be great to have one.
The custom rifle
This is surely a wide-open category as it could be a simple military rifle, including a drop-in stock or one of the beautiful gems. It is created by our best custom gunmakers, utilizing AAAA-grade wood, engraving and anything in between. Any qualified rifle maker can create your barrel, action to an aftermarket stock. There will surely be numerous made to order or semi custom gunmakers who would create a rifle, with your own choice of features. A custom rifle will be expensive, especially if it is genuine,and it will take months or years to complete. You are limited only by the bank account and imagination. It’s very important to do your homework by knowing everything about the subject by doing reserach on the Internet or in the bookstores. They are many discussions in forums where you can find a lot of information on gunsmiths, wild cat, cartridges, parts and of course suppliers. One of the best sources is the American Custom Gun Makers Guide that has a lot of information on the craft of custom gunmaking. A kind of rifle made from your own specifications, tastes and needs. It’s something you will be proud to own for the rest of your life.
In 1977, a custom Ruger 77 was being made for the late Jack O’ Connor, created by renowned gunmaker Al Biesen, but was not completed after Jack’s death.
10 Rifles You Should Possess
July 11, 2016
In The Rifle book’s introduction, Jack O’Connor stated, “To me the rifle has always been the most romantic of all weapons, and of all rifles the one I love most is the rifle for big game.” I like a handgun, I hold a shotgun in high regard; but rifles, well, I love the darned things. Here are the list of the ones I believe you should possess at some time in your life, and the reasons why.
The Winchester model 70
When we say the rifleman’s rifle, it is a phrase that was first used in an ad campaign before, 1952. This surely remains an appropriate slogan up to this day. The model 70, become the rifle that all other contemporary center-fire bowl-action rifles are compared, and it is the first on my list. Those shooters that won North American big-game trophies as well as many big-bore target championships, they collected this model more than other rifles. The finest custom rifles have been already built on its action. A few months ago in 2016, over 100 different variations, styles and grades are produced by every factory caliber, from .22 Hornet to .458 Win. Most Winchesters are collectors of the pre-’ 64 period, for this list. It would be right to have one from that era.
The Winchester model 94
Until the end of the 20th century, people who used the term “deer rifle”, were pointing at the lever-action.30-30, most likely a Winchester model 94. It was originally known as the 1894 model. In 1895, the .30-30 cartridge was introduced, honestly it is still a fine rifle and cartridge combination for most deer hunting. 94 is considered as the most popular sporting rifle of all time. The exact numbers are hard to come by, however, at least 7 million were sold. It is still present in the Winchester catalog, but only as a higher priced and custom grade model. There’s a lot of variation, styles and of course calibers in its almost 120 year history. For the classic lever-action deer rifle, .30-30 is the only one. Both hunter and writer Craig Boddington once wrote, he didn’t think anyone could be called a rifleman unless they had at least one .30-30. Yes, that’s true, and it’s really hard to disagree with that. Due to its unmatched popularity and superb handling qualities, everyone must have this model 94.
The Mannlicher/Schoenauer M1903 carbine
There’s something magical about the full length stocks of the popular Mannlicher-Schoenauer rifles and carbines, early 20th Century. The full length stock became known as Mannlicher. Ferdinand Ritter Von Mannlicher designed his last rifle ,the model 1903, which was manufactured in Steyr, Austria.
These carbines have a special attraction to many shooters, because of the 17.75 inch barrel, butter-knife bold handles and of course the double-set trigger. The model 1903 was chambered for the 6.5×54 mm cartridge, it became legend in Europe because of the accuracy, light recoil and of course, flat trajectory. I remember gazing at photos and descriptions of Mannlicher/Schoenauers in the well-word pages of my shooters bible, 1948. In New York, the Stoeger company was the importer of M/S rifles following World War II. In those days, shooters bible was the Stoeger catalog. From the designs, Mannlicher/Schoenauer in 6.5×54 or the 1952 and 1956 version, .257 Roberts would be my first choice.
The Ruger no. 1
Bill Ruger new that his no. 1 in 1996 was not for everyone, on the other hand, he knew it would have special appeal for the tradionalist, hunters who understood the sporting aspect of the single-shot fire. The Ruger no. 1 was one of Mr. Ruger’s favorite creations, an improved and modernized version of the 1879s Scottish Farquharson, with its handsome stock designed by the great man, Len Brownell. Many people considered it as one of the most attractive American rifles. When English-made Farquharsons sold with four figures, at that time, the Ruger no. 1 was, like most of Rogers, for the common man. The initial price was $280, in the middle century. The no. 1 has been chambered for more than 30 calibers, from.218 Bee to .458 Win. It also includes such fine old favorites, the 6 mm Rem., .257 Roberts and of course the 7×57 Mauser; every gun safe should have one. One shot, make it count. You should do your part, it’s all that you need, the code of the single-shot hunter.
The Savage 99
I expected that the company would offer a nice 100th Anniversary model the following year, however, Savage ceased production of the model 99 in 1998. I’m sure that Savage had many reasons why they did not do a commemorative edition, as well as the high cost today of producing one even close to the original. However, I would have been the first in life to buy one. Considered quite radical in 1899, the hammerless, streamlined model 99 had an art Deco look, and when the typical lever-action by Winchester or Marlin, surely had visible hammers and tubular magazines. A lot of variations and styles were made, as well as the high-grade 99k, which was presented to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The latest models had removable magazines and tang safeties, on the other hand, the original design had the rotary magazine, as well as a sliding safety on the lever. I had a lovely mid- ‘50s 99 in .308. And it was my favorite Texas whitetail rifle. In a weak moment, I traded it for some gun that I can’t even remember. Lesson that I learned? Never trade or sell a good weapon.
The Remington model seven ms
This modern-day woods-rifle has the best handling qualities of a slim, bolt-action carbine with a 20-inch barrel. That’s from the Remington custom shop, which added the visual appeal of a full-length Mannlcher laminated stock. It’s surely a short-action version of the famous model 700. The iron sights or a low-powered scope, makes it as fine as a whitetail rifle you can find. Of course, it comes from a wide range of short-action chambers, the classic .257 Roberts, .250 savage and the .35 rem. A model seven is available in several styles with a more moderately priced standard, however the version of the MS Mannlicher-style custom-shop is the top of the line.
The Winchester 52C sporting rifle.
For me, any list of must-have riles should have a high quality bolt-action .22, comparable in workmanship to a fine center-fire hunting rifle. My first choice would be the Winchester model 52 sporting rifle of the 1937 to 1958 era. It is considered by many experts in the field to the finest .22 that ever made and was built on the best accurate model 52 target action with fit, finish, checkering and, of course, the overall workmanship that rivaled the super grade model 70. Take note, I’m referring to the original 52 sporter, and not the reissues done by Winchester and Browning in the late 1990. An original in excellent condition would likely be priced at $4000 to $5000, that’s why it’s not for everyone. The good news is, other quality bolt-atom rim fires have been introduced over the years just like the Winchester model 75, Remington 40-X and 513 Sporter, and many other models that are available from Anschutz, Copper and Dakota Arms.
The Browning 22 auto
On our list, this is another rimfire, the browning 22 auto and known as SA-22. Created by Browning, few rifles fit their chambering better than this svelt little model. It’s over 5 pounds, measuring an inch over a yard and it’s a real delight to carry. It is also a takedown design. Browning makes a very handsome luggage type carrying case. This comes in several grades, including the beautiful wood and engraving. Of course, I always wanted to have one, chambered for the.22 Short together with hollow point ammo, it would be an ideal short-range squirrel rifle. The short model was made in Belgium and it is quite rare, the pre-1974. Sometimes you can find one on the used gun market, around 50 percent more than the regular price of a long rifle version. From 1976, SA-22s have been made in Japan, of course they do not have the collector appeal of the Belgina models.
The AR-15
For more than 50 years, this rifle has been the military issue standard for U.S. Armed forces, serving mostly as the selective-fire M-16. The AR-15 version or the civilian version was long ago branded an assault rifle by anti-gun forces and of course the media, however, in spite of its controversial image, it is well suited for all target shooting, as well as many types of hunting and and self-protection. Over 30 manufacturers are currently producing hundreds of variations of the rifle in dozens of calibers. One of the most popular is the.223/5.56 and you can check the chamber before using the 5.56 ammo in a rifle marked.223. Why is theAR-15 included in this list,? Because of its place in history, the fact that it is a well created and virtually indestructible weapon. Just in case the day ever comes, when there is a breakdown in our society, it would be great to have one.
The custom rifle
This is surely a wide-open category as it could be a simple military rifle, including a drop-in stock or one of the beautiful gems. It is created by our best custom gunmakers, utilizing AAAA-grade wood, engraving and anything in between. Any qualified rifle maker can create your barrel, action to an aftermarket stock. There will surely be numerous made to order or semi custom gunmakers who would create a rifle, with your own choice of features. A custom rifle will be expensive, especially if it is genuine,and it will take months or years to complete. You are limited only by the bank account and imagination. It’s very important to do your homework by knowing everything about the subject by doing reserach on the Internet or in the bookstores. They are many discussions in forums where you can find a lot of information on gunsmiths, wild cat, cartridges, parts and of course suppliers. One of the best sources is the American Custom Gun Makers Guide that has a lot of information on the craft of custom gunmaking. A kind of rifle made from your own specifications, tastes and needs. It’s something you will be proud to own for the rest of your life.
In 1977, a custom Ruger 77 was being made for the late Jack O’ Connor, created by renowned gunmaker Al Biesen, but was not completed after Jack’s death.