Advice: New All Weather Rifle - What is your call?

[MDGrand]

So, I just returned from Alaska on a spring black bear hunt (unsuccessful)... saw 5 bears.. only one let me put a stalk on and she ended up being a sow.. large but oh man was she rubbed up! Almost bald on one side! Bit disappointed but apparently the winter was REALLY mild in SE Alaska this year and black bears have been out for a while and getting more skiddish. Anyway.. came home with 150lbs of fish so I am happy.

ANYWAY.. that leads me to my topic of discussion. SO.. I brought my Mauser 300 wetherby custom rifle with me.. and it got a bit rusted up and required a good cleaning. It has some barely noticeable new scrapes too.. and even though I fall in the camp of "life is too short to hunt with an ugly rifle" .. I am starting to fall into the camp of composite stock and stainless steel. Thinking about getting the same caliber, 300 weatherby that way I can switch rifles if I want to on a nice weather hunting trip (because I just love my mauser).

Accuracy is KEY for me.. and love the Weatherby Sub MOA vanguard.. and the price, 8-900 bucks is a pretty smokin deal. That being said, Weatherby vanguard does not come with a 26" barrel.. something I like having in my mauser.

What are your guys thoughts? Just to rehash: All Weather, Durrable, Accuracy guarantee, Nothing less than a 24" barrel

?

[Austrian Hunter]

Remington 700 XCR .300 WSM
Extreme conditions call for an extreme gun. And never before has a rifle this durable and rugged been introduced to the world of hunting. The cutting edge in rifle design, the Model 700™ XCR™ (Xtreme Conditions Rifle) uses Remington’s proprietary new TriNyte™ Corrosion Control System to make the Model 700™ XCR™ virtually impervious to even the most extreme conditions. The TriNyte System takes firearm protection further than it’s ever been before by using proven corrosion-fighting materials and an innovative, state-of-the-art application process. The result is a finish that provides scratch and corrosion resistance far superior to stainless steel alone and better than any other gun on the market.
Designed for shooters by shooters, the Model 700™ XCR™ is built for superior handling in adverse conditions. Its feature laden synthetic stock is not only stylish and comfortable, but a technological marvel. Features patented rubber overmolding technology from Hogue® – a revolutionary technique incorporated into the grip and fore-end areas to provide the surest grip even in the slickest environments. The new standard in rugged durability, the Model 700™ XCR™ Xtreme Conditions Rifle will have you delivering your appointed rounds while the others stay home.

Key Features:
Proprietary TriNyte™ Corrosion Control System provides unprecedented corrosion resistance
New stock featuring patented rubber overmolding technology from Hogue® on grip and fore-end areas and swivel studs
Features a 24" standard caliber, or 26" magnum clean barrel
Drilled and tapped for scope mounts
Receiver machined from solid-steel bar stock resulting in uniformity and strength
Cylindrical receiver design provides a solid bedding area in the stock for consistent shot placement
Recessed bolt face locks up inside the counter-bored breech of the barrel which is surrounded by the receiver, forming “three-rings-of-steel” enclosing the cartridge case head for unparalleled strength
Integral extractor is set in a groove inside the rim of the bolt face, uniformly supporting the cartridge head
New X-Mark Pro™ Trigger on select models – featuring super-tight tolerances and mirror-like surface finishes, it breaks like glass and is adjustable for trigger pull weight

[bobcat]

Is the Vanguard really only a 24 inch barrel in the 300 Weatherby? I wouldn't want that, you need a 26 inch barrel with that cartridge. Otherwise, the Vanguard would be a great choice. They are relatively heavy, but that may be a good thing with the 300 Weatherby, as it would help to reduce felt recoil.

[longrange7mm]

Remington 700 XCR .300 WSM
Extreme conditions call for an extreme gun. And never before has a rifle this durable and rugged been introduced to the world of hunting. The cutting edge in rifle design, the Model 700™ XCR™ (Xtreme Conditions Rifle) uses Remington’s proprietary new TriNyte™ Corrosion Control System to make the Model 700™ XCR™ virtually impervious to even the most extreme conditions. The TriNyte System takes firearm protection further than it’s ever been before by using proven corrosion-fighting materials and an innovative, state-of-the-art application process. The result is a finish that provides scratch and corrosion resistance far superior to stainless steel alone and better than any other gun on the market.
Designed for shooters by shooters, the Model 700™ XCR™ is built for superior handling in adverse conditions. Its feature laden synthetic stock is not only stylish and comfortable, but a technological marvel. Features patented rubber overmolding technology from Hogue® – a revolutionary technique incorporated into the grip and fore-end areas to provide the surest grip even in the slickest environments. The new standard in rugged durability, the Model 700™ XCR™ Xtreme Conditions Rifle will have you delivering your appointed rounds while the others stay home.

Key Features:
Proprietary TriNyte™ Corrosion Control System provides unprecedented corrosion resistance
New stock featuring patented rubber overmolding technology from Hogue® on grip and fore-end areas and swivel studs
Features a 24" standard caliber, or 26" magnum clean barrel
Drilled and tapped for scope mounts
Receiver machined from solid-steel bar stock resulting in uniformity and strength
Cylindrical receiver design provides a solid bedding area in the stock for consistent shot placement
Recessed bolt face locks up inside the counter-bored breech of the barrel which is surrounded by the receiver, forming “three-rings-of-steel” enclosing the cartridge case head for unparalleled strength
Integral extractor is set in a groove inside the rim of the bolt face, uniformly supporting the cartridge head
New X-Mark Pro™ Trigger on select models – featuring super-tight tolerances and mirror-like surface finishes, it breaks like glass and is adjustable for trigger pull weight

 

[MDGrand]

Is the Vanguard really only a 24 inch barrel in the 300 Weatherby? I wouldn't want that, you need a 26 inch barrel with that cartridge. Otherwise, the Vanguard would be a great choice. They are relatively heavy, but that may be a good thing with the 300 Weatherby, as it would help to reduce felt recoil.

Yep.. unless you order a 26" barrel from Weatherby's custom shop.. you get a 24" barrel. Honestly.. that is the standard for MOST production rifles.. I rarely see a 26" barrel anymore.. you pretty much have to ask for one. But yes, I am with you... for a 300 weathery cartridge, 26" is the ideal..  BUT.. I am starting to consider it.

Think I like best about the vanguard Sub-MOA is the accuracy gaurantee and the fact you can get one for UNDER 1K.. thats pretty great for a production rifle!

[WDFW-SUX]

I rusted out a stainless rifle in alaska on the the salt. the only thing that wont rust are the ceramic coatings and titanium nitride.  I have falcon coat on my Weatherbys and its bomb proof. I highly recommend it.

http://www.falcongunfinishing.com/falcon/index.php

I wouldnt own a 300wby if it didnt have a 26in pipe on it.  Ive got an ultralight with the 26in.

[bobcat]

Maybe you could consider a 300 Win. Mag. or even a 300 WSM (if it's an option) in the Vanguard? The 24 inch barrel would be better suited to those cartridges. I don't think having both rifles in 300 Weatherby would be that much of an advantage anyway, because they each may not "like" the same load, and if that was the case you'd have to try to keep the ammo separated somehow. It would be easier, in my opinion, if they were different cartridges altogether. 

[MDGrand]

Remington 700 XCR .300 WSM
Extreme conditions call for an extreme gun. And never before has a rifle this durable and rugged been introduced to the world of hunting. The cutting edge in rifle design, the Model 700™ XCR™ (Xtreme Conditions Rifle) uses Remington’s proprietary new TriNyte™ Corrosion Control System to make the Model 700™ XCR™ virtually impervious to even the most extreme conditions. The TriNyte System takes firearm protection further than it’s ever been before by using proven corrosion-fighting materials and an innovative, state-of-the-art application process. The result is a finish that provides scratch and corrosion resistance far superior to stainless steel alone and better than any other gun on the market.
Designed for shooters by shooters, the Model 700™ XCR™ is built for superior handling in adverse conditions. Its feature laden synthetic stock is not only stylish and comfortable, but a technological marvel. Features patented rubber overmolding technology from Hogue® – a revolutionary technique incorporated into the grip and fore-end areas to provide the surest grip even in the slickest environments. The new standard in rugged durability, the Model 700™ XCR™ Xtreme Conditions Rifle will have you delivering your appointed rounds while the others stay home.

Key Features:
Proprietary TriNyte™ Corrosion Control System provides unprecedented corrosion resistance
New stock featuring patented rubber overmolding technology from Hogue® on grip and fore-end areas and swivel studs
Features a 24" standard caliber, or 26" magnum clean barrel
Drilled and tapped for scope mounts
Receiver machined from solid-steel bar stock resulting in uniformity and strength
Cylindrical receiver design provides a solid bedding area in the stock for consistent shot placement
Recessed bolt face locks up inside the counter-bored breech of the barrel which is surrounded by the receiver, forming “three-rings-of-steel” enclosing the cartridge case head for unparalleled strength
Integral extractor is set in a groove inside the rim of the bolt face, uniformly supporting the cartridge head
New X-Mark Pro™ Trigger on select models – featuring super-tight tolerances and mirror-like surface finishes, it breaks like glass and is adjustable for trigger pull weight

How about this one?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=170843278


ACCURACY THOUGH!.. what can I really expect from these rifles?

[MtnMuley]

I would have to agree on the XCR.  I'd go with something other than a short mag though.  One thing you must do if you decide to go with an XCR  --  Completely check the gun thoroughly before you walk out the door.  The last 3 Remington guns that I know that were purchased were sent back to Remington immediately for flaws.  One was a problem with the magazine (300wsm).  One had a good sized ding in the crown.  One had two dings in the barrel and a chip out of the stock.  I'm a big Remington fan, but they've been kicking out some flawed guns lately.

[longrange7mm]

remingtons shoot great and the 700 is one of the most solid actions you can get off the shelf. For all around accuracy and durabilty
 in the 300 rum I think you found a deadly replacement rifle  

[Austrian Hunter]

How about this one?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=170843278


ACCURACY THOUGH!.. what can I really expect from these rifles?
[/quote]

That's one of them!  I love it!!

[MountainWalk]

keep the rifle and get a new stock and get some bake on laquer. Not a new gun, but cheap.

[MDGrand]

keep the rifle and get a new stock and get some bake on laquer. Not a new gun, but cheap.

Cant do that.. its a custom mauser mark X action, shilen barrel and walnut stock. To nice to devalue by putting laquer on. Good idea though for a lower grade firearm.

[littlemac]

I made the move to synthetic after a similar trip to Alaska.  I have three Weatherby MK V's and the 378 I ordered thorugh Kesselring's and the Weatherby Custom Shop in synthetic.

One thing i have found in the synthetics fromt the custom shop, they group way better than my wood stocks.

But back to the need for synthetic.  after using my .340 Wthrby as a walking stick while climibing an avalanche chute, I decided two things.  Get a synthetic stock and don't try climbing another avalanche chute in waders

[MountainWalk]

A high grade gun that doesn't do you any good can't be worth much to you.  Naw, brownells sells a wonderfull bake on paint for metal work. Save the good walnut.

[MDGrand]

A high grade gun that doesn't do you any good can't be worth much to you.  Naw, brownells sells a wonderfull bake on paint for metal work. Save the good walnut.

yeah, but what if I want to sell the rifle and their is paint on the barrel and action? Seems like a good way to devalue a firearm that was originally supposed to be a looker. In any account, perhaps this is my learning lesson.. nice looking wood rifles are nice and CAN be used to hunt with.. but either you have to be pefectly ok with some dents and dings or get a shooter.

Getting awefully interested in the XCR!

[GoldTip]

My brother has an XCR in 7RUM and loves it.  I will say it's a damn good shooter with handloads.

I have a Ruger and a Browning both in stainless synthetic, and love them both.  Both can shoot better than I am capable of with handloads.

I agree that I would try a different caliber than your 300 Weatherby, the last thing you want is to have two guns in the same caliber that don't end up shooting the same load well.  I think you could get a Weatherby sub Moa in a 338 win mag which would satisfy any and hunting situations you could run into in the North America.

[Elk-aholic]

I own a Thompson ProHunter its all Stainless with a composite stock in 300 Win Mag. I used it each day last year in the Sol duc unit and it saw some serious rain and abuse the rifle still looks new and it's extremely accurate. 

[SkookumHntr]

-I hunt the salty air coastal units and my Browning Stainless Stalkers still look brand new! There great tough as Nell's guns, I always wipe them down with gun lube when I get home though and run the snake through them after shooting

[woodswalker]

An unfortunate incident in the late 1990s put me on a SS/Composite diet for serious poor weather hunting.  I use the SS Winchester M-70 Classics, have a 30-06 Featherweight All-Terrain and a 300 WM All-Terrain.  Both rifles are in the if-can-see-it-I-can-hit-it class with my handloads and i have a selected factory load in case of troubles.

Take a look at what is being made now for Winchesters...think you will like what you see.

[wsmnut]

I have a new Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather SS in 325 wsm.  It is easily the leeast finicky rifle I own to reload for.  Load work up has been a breeze.  Action and safety are very smooth.  Several powders have resulted in sub MOA groups.  It's lighter than my wife's SS 270 classic.  I highly recommend one of these.  Several calibers available.


wsmnut

[MDGrand]

I bought the XCR:

Here is a link: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=170843278

BTW.. to anyone who might be curious.. when searching gunbroker, for retail sellers that own their own shop.. you can get a better deal by calling them up! Beats the hassle of bidding

[FC]

Good looking rifle there, what did you end up having to pay for it?

[Austrian Hunter]

I bought the XCR:

Here is a link: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=170843278

BTW.. to anyone who might be curious.. when searching gunbroker, for retail sellers that own their own shop.. you can get a better deal by calling them up! Beats the hassle of bidding

You won't regret that purchase!!!! 

[MDGrand]

Good looking rifle there, what did you end up having to pay for it?

10% off including no tax.. $750

[bearpaw]

I bought the XCR:

Here is a link: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=170843278

BTW.. to anyone who might be curious.. when searching gunbroker, for retail sellers that own their own shop.. you can get a better deal by calling them up! Beats the hassle of bidding

Nice looking gun, should be a shooter. Can you get it with a stainless barrel?

[MDGrand]

Nice talking to you bearpaw. Long time no see.

Rifle comes in black matt trynyte coating on top of a stainless steel barrel and action... that is the difference between the XCR and the XCR II. I am cool with the black matte finish.. I have several shiney show rifles already. I want a real worker.

[Mookie]

Savage 116 FCSS
Stainless, accustock, accutrigger, synthetic, and is about $700 new.

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/116FCSS

And yes, they are accurate.

[Bscman]

All I know is my Vanguard MOA series in stainless (.338WinMag) will do 5/8" at 100yds with 210gr Barnes Triple Shock HPBT's...

Very comfy and light enough...and I definitely don't feel under-gunned. For being synthetic, it's one of the better looking/feeling rifles I came across for the price.

[scout88]

the rem model 700 was used as sniper rifle in vietnam when an accurate and dependable rifle was needed. even now in the military versions of the 700 as sniper rifles, the army uses the M24 and the marines use the M40 series of rifles. pretty cool if ya ask me that the 700 model is built so well that and is so accurate that the military trust it and still uses it. cant go wrong with a 700 model in my opinion. just thought i throw my thoughts in the convo

[FC]

Comparing an M24 to a Remington 700 is about like comparing Dale Earnhardt's race car to an off-the-lot Chevrolet.

[scout88]

Comparing an M24 to a Remington 700 is about like comparing Dale Earnhardt's race car to an off-the-lot Chevrolet.

yes i understand that, im just saying that the M24 uses the 700 action. which means that it is a solid base for a very good rifle

[MADMAX]

I dumped the stainless Encore because of misfires (firing pin short) google it.
Picked up a stainless 7MM mag  Rem 700 XCR via gunbroker.
Great shooter and good deals on there I paid $690 brand new no tax including shipping