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Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: beave on November 09, 2015, 08:44:58 PM


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Title: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: beave on November 09, 2015, 08:44:58 PM
I am looking to pick up a new 7mm rem mag for deer hunting .Will spend up to 1200 bucks. What would be your choice for a new one.I have been using a Remington 700 for quite a few years now and it is getting beat up. Thanks. 
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: bobcat on November 09, 2015, 08:46:32 PM
$1200 not counting the scope? For that you could almost have a custom rifle built. Or, go with a Sako.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Reidus on November 09, 2015, 08:49:55 PM
Tikka t3 lite. Pretty tough to beat for an out of the box gun. Lightweight, accurate and  a good trigger for a factory rifle. I'd go with a stainless model and some dnz or Talley rings and have money left for a good scope.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: JJB11B on November 09, 2015, 08:51:55 PM
for $1200 you could have it re-barreled by RBros and keep using it
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: ghosthunter on November 09, 2015, 08:56:43 PM
I have the rem 7 mm Long range on my list. For 1200 you can buy it and a nice scope.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 09, 2015, 09:07:02 PM
Probably the best all around caliber ever chambered. 1200 will get you a nice rifle. I'd hold out and either get a Ruger#1 or a Pre64 Winch.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Bean Counter on November 09, 2015, 09:11:27 PM
I've shot a few different 7mm before. Not a fan. Expensive ammo and no real reason to give up my .270 Winny or .30-06 Springfield for it. Sorry I'm not much help, I just turn my nose to the 'magnum' obsession in favor of actually killing deer. That's my opinion on a new 7mm rem mag. HTH.  :)
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 09, 2015, 09:24:55 PM
7mm STW
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: PlateauNDN on November 09, 2015, 09:27:50 PM
I had a 7 mm and honestly I preferred my .270. For deer and elk though I've been using the .308 as of recently. Best of luck on your selection  :tup:
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Crunchy on November 09, 2015, 09:28:12 PM
Probably the best all around caliber ever chambered. 1200 will get you a nice rifle. I'd hold out and either get a Ruger#1 or a Pre64 Winch.

I have a pre 64 winch and have a hard time hunting with it.  Such a pretty gun, and they aint cheap
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Crunchy on November 09, 2015, 09:30:52 PM
I have a Rem 7mag and its a darn good shooting gun.  I think I paid 600 new, and threw on a nice Leupold 4.5x14-40mm scope on with the CDS for another 550.  I have killed bear, deer, and elk with it.  Very good all around caliber
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: bobcat on November 09, 2015, 09:33:12 PM
7mm Remington Mag is a very good and versatile cartridge. Personally I'd go with something that doesn't have a belt, like maybe the 7 WSM.   :dunno:

But again, absolutely nothing wrong with the standard 7 mag.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Simcoe hunter on November 09, 2015, 09:52:01 PM
My vote is for the 7mm Remington Magnum.  Ammo is easier to find if yours got left at home than any of the other 7mm's.  While I have no experience with it I have heard the 7WSM, and its siblings, can be a problem to feed.  Anything bigger is overkill.

There are so many good rifles to choose from today that I guess we'd have to know more details.  My rifle is a tool for a couple of specific jobs, so- I prefer synthetic and stainless.

And it just plain old works.  I'm not saying it's the magic laser beam from heaven, but it just flat works.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Bob33 on November 09, 2015, 09:58:08 PM
Funny how someone posts "I want a 7mm" and everyone tells him he doesn't.

If you want value and out of box accuracy I'd look at Savage and Tikka. If you want better fit and finish look at Sako. Ciustomization look at Rem 700.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Greenhorn on November 09, 2015, 09:59:32 PM
I have three 7mm mags, a Browning BAR, HS Precision and a Remington 700.  I reload using a 180gr Berger VLD and would shoot any one of them anytime at anything.  I love the ballistics of the 7mm.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: UBA on November 09, 2015, 09:59:48 PM
Tika or savage is what I would do. I have a savage 7 rem mag and love it. I have another savage that I ripped the barrel off and threw another caliber on. Love the fact u can change barrels at home atleast on the older ones. Don't know why people hate on the belted rounds
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: TheHunt on November 09, 2015, 10:01:59 PM
This is the only rifle that I own.  I got it many, many years ago.  I love the 7 MM Mag.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: timberfaller on November 09, 2015, 10:02:37 PM
My new 7mm mag,  its a 280 Remington AI  :chuckle:

Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: C-Money on November 09, 2015, 10:04:44 PM
A BAR would be nice, as it would soak up recoil. They are accurate, and reliable. BLR? The A-Bolt is another dandy. Maybe an offering from Weatherby? Hope you enjoy maknig your decision.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: 2labs on November 09, 2015, 10:14:28 PM
Check out Howa. They have a new mountain rifle that's 5.7 pounds. Or the  standard 1500. Twice the quality you'll get from Rem. or Savage :twocents:
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: huntnphool on November 09, 2015, 10:19:22 PM
 I own "a couple" rifles, in multiple calibers, and always reach for the same 7mm when it comes to hunting season, regardless which state or which critter I'm after.

 For $1200 I would be looking to pick up a pre owned Kimber or Cooper, you will never need another rifle for hunting anything in the Americas! :twocents:
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: PlateauNDN on November 09, 2015, 10:21:07 PM
Tika or savage is what I would do. I have a savage 7 rem mag and love it. I have another savage that I ripped the barrel off and threw another caliber on. Love the fact u can change barrels at home atleast on the older ones. Don't know why people hate on the belted rounds

 :yeah: have a savage 7 and 270, both nice. I just prefer the 270
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: fisheral87 on November 09, 2015, 10:33:32 PM
I really like my 7mm Weatherby Vanguard S2 Stainless.

Al
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Vo2max on November 09, 2015, 10:45:58 PM
Tikka t3 lite. Pretty tough to beat for an out of the box gun. Lightweight, accurate and  a good trigger for a factory rifle. I'd go with a stainless model and some dnz or Talley rings and have money left for a good scope.

 :yeah:       :yeah:            :yeah:
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: skeeter 20i on November 10, 2015, 07:09:13 AM
Tikka t3 lite. Pretty tough to beat for an out of the box gun. Lightweight, accurate and  a good trigger for a factory rifle. I'd go with a stainless model and some dnz or Talley rings and have money left for a good scope.

 :yeah:       :yeah:            :yeah:
:yeah: :yeah: :yeah:
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: bullfisher on November 10, 2015, 08:45:52 AM
You can rebarrel, re-stock and fully blueprint your current rem 700 for less then that. And maybe even lengthen the magwell for longer handloads. The new berger 7mm 195grn has a g1 bc of .755, that is incredible! Too bad it won't fit in anything off the shelf.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: rudysts on November 10, 2015, 01:20:26 PM
 :yeah:

you will have no regrets if you blue print and rebarrel that 700 also put a Jewell trigger on it. 7 RM is a very capable cartridge you can confidently push a 180 vld over 3000 fps that's some serious smack down.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: AWS on November 10, 2015, 01:46:17 PM
Refurbishing your old Rem would make more sense to me if your going to stay with the same caliber.  By the way I haven't owned  a 7mm Rem Mag for 36 yrs but when I did shoot one it was a great round. I hunted deer in northern MN and my go to round was the 175 RN.  I never found a place to stretch it out enough to use anything sleeker than that.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Bofire on November 10, 2015, 02:26:26 PM
7 Rem mag is not a cartridge I like,( more noise than performance) but AWS summed it up, if that is what you want rebuild it!!!
you can make a great gun!!!
Carl
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: 7mm Bob on November 10, 2015, 02:54:20 PM
I hunt with the same 7mm Rem Mag Model 700 my dad bought me new when I was 15 (I'm 51 now). I have a gun safe full of options that I never use. About 10 years a ago my brother in law rebarreled it with a stainless steel, put on a composite stock on it, a new 3-9 Leopold and the old soldier was ready to go again. I recommend you do the same!
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: beave on November 10, 2015, 06:10:24 PM
Thanks guys for all the good input . THe 7mm has been good to me so I will stick with the same caliber.I have one more hunt coming up so I hope to get 1 more buck with it then off to the store to pick up a new one.Will probably fix up the old one and pass it on to grandson once he is old enough.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Wingin it on November 11, 2015, 02:58:03 PM
New stock,  have a new barrel spun up, blueprint the action, cerekote... done.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Mark251 on November 11, 2015, 05:35:20 PM
Tikka t3 lite. Pretty tough to beat for an out of the box gun. Lightweight, accurate and  a good trigger for a factory rifle. I'd go with a stainless model and some dnz or Talley rings and have money left for a good scope.

 :yeah: I have three Tikkas in different calibers ranging from a 22-250 to a 300 Win Mag.  I'd go with a stainless version of the T3 lite and definitely replace the rings.  My stepson shoots a Weatherby Vanguard chambered in 7mm Rem Mag and loves it.  It's quite a bit heavier to pack around but might also be a good option for you to consider...
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Pnwrider on November 11, 2015, 07:07:32 PM
7mm for deer. Didn't scan through the replies, but my buddy went on his first deer hunt with a 7mm and shot the heck out of the deer with it. It's a good elk round but I wouldn't be looking at it for deer.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: huntnphool on November 11, 2015, 07:18:05 PM
7mm for deer. Didn't scan through the replies, but my buddy went on his first deer hunt with a 7mm and shot the heck out of the deer with it. It's a good elk round but I wouldn't be looking at it for deer.

  :chuckle: I've got more than a couple with mine, it works just fine!

 Perhaps if your buddy was a better shot he would not have needed to "shoot the heck out of the deer with it" ;)
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Pnwrider on November 11, 2015, 07:29:34 PM
7mm for deer. Didn't scan through the replies, but my buddy went on his first deer hunt with a 7mm and shot the heck out of the deer with it. It's a good elk round but I wouldn't be looking at it for deer.

  :chuckle: I've got more than a couple with mine, it works just fine!

 Perhaps if your buddy was a better shot he would not have needed to "shoot the heck out of the deer with it" ;)
That might be accurate. All I know as I was shocked how bad it was when I was skinning the deer and saw the huge holes and shot up meat.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: jackelope on November 11, 2015, 07:45:16 PM
Either bad shooting or bad bullet choice would be my guess. Look at the construction of the bullet. If it splatters on impact like a Ballistic tip, that will ruin meat.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: jackelope on November 11, 2015, 07:47:08 PM
Why not take the $1200 and put it into turning your rifle into a nice custom. New stock, barrel, trigger, ....
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Curly on November 11, 2015, 08:09:22 PM
Turning it into a custom would be the way to go, but if you just want a new off the shelf rifle then check out a nosler model 48 patriot. It is a couple hundred over budget though.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=522142332

Here is a pretty nice x bolt for $1300. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=520718526
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: M_ray on November 11, 2015, 11:18:53 PM
I've shot a few different 7mm before. Not a fan. Expensive ammo and no real reason to give up my .270 Winny or .30-06 Springfield for it. Sorry I'm not much help, I just turn my nose to the 'magnum' obsession in favor of actually killing deer. That's my opinion on a new 7mm rem mag. HTH.  :)

Not sure I understand this comment??? Doesn't a Magnum "actually Kill" deer just the same as a non Magnum?  :dunno:
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Bean Counter on November 12, 2015, 12:04:59 AM
Sure! ... As long as:

 :)
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: thinkingman on November 12, 2015, 08:26:15 AM
Tikka t3 lite. Pretty tough to beat for an out of the box gun. Lightweight, accurate and  a good trigger for a factory rifle. I'd go with a stainless model and some dnz or Talley rings and have money left for a good scope.

 :yeah: I have three Tikkas in different calibers ranging from a 22-250 to a 300 Win Mag.  I'd go with a stainless version of the T3 lite and definitely replace the rings.  My stepson shoots a Weatherby Vanguard chambered in 7mm Rem Mag and loves it.  It's quite a bit heavier to pack around but might also be a good option for you to consider...
Definitely the better option.
You will have a lighter-weight, more accurate and more desirable rifle.
A 'custom' R700 is a crapshoot and you will be stuck with it....Like the guys who put 20k in customization into their truck and find out nobody want to buy it.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: M_ray on November 12, 2015, 08:28:56 AM
Sure! ... As long as:
  • The hunter isn't fliching because of the punshing recoil
  • The hunter doesn't run out of ammo as magnum rounds tend to be more expensive
  • The hunter doesn't acquiesce to poor marksmanship at the range under the guise that "a hit from a magnum drops 'em in their tracks" or sth to the like.

 :)

Lol  :chuckle: your joking right? Your probably talking about less than 10% of the guys that don't set up a rifle right, if you take it out of the box and slap 180-200 grn shelf ammo then yes it could be the way you describe. If done correctly and to the right specs, proper load, a new trigger there is no more recoil in a 300WM than a 30-06 and with my 300 or my 7mm I'm able to reach distances accurately over  twice that of your factory 30-06. That could be the difference between taking the shot at a big buck or watching him walk cause he's out of range. When you buy a magnum round you know what your in for ...  :hello:
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Curly on November 12, 2015, 08:30:23 AM
How could a custom rifle based off a Remington 700 action be a "crapshoot"?  Get a competent gunsmith to put a quality barrel, quality trigger, true the action, good bedded stock, and you are sure to have a good shooting rifle that you should love.  I don't understand the crapshoot comment? :dunno:
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Bean Counter on November 12, 2015, 10:10:42 AM
Sure! ... As long as:
  • The hunter isn't fliching because of the punshing recoil
  • The hunter doesn't run out of ammo as magnum rounds tend to be more expensive
  • The hunter doesn't acquiesce to poor marksmanship at the range under the guise that "a hit from a magnum drops 'em in their tracks" or sth to the like.

 :)

Lol  :chuckle: your joking right? Your probably talking about less than 10% of the guys that don't set up a rifle right, if you take it out of the box and slap 180-200 grn shelf ammo then yes it could be the way you describe. If done correctly and to the right specs, proper load, a new trigger there is no more recoil in a 300WM than a 30-06 and with my 300 or my 7mm I'm able to reach distances accurately over  twice that of your factory 30-06. That could be the difference between taking the shot at a big buck or watching him walk cause he's out of range. When you buy a magnum round you should know what your in for ...  :hello:

There we go.  ;) I hunted with a guy in New Mexico who 'upgraded' to his 300 Win mag because he wanted "More reach" that was also "flatter shooting." He wound up shooting off hand at a buck at 130 yards and injuring it  :bash:  Also had no money left over for optics and planned to use his riflescope for glass  :bash:  :bash:  I haven't hunted with him again.  :rolleyes:

I certainly hope that 90% of the guys who buy a magnum rifle and have the long range itch know the difference between mils and MOA, why its important to shoot to wait for a break in the close wind and shoot into the distant cross wind, and have a communication lingo set up with their spotter. I'm not optimistic that this is the case though. My impression is that there's far way too many who get caught up in thinking a magnum round being "flatter shooting" has no drop coefficient to study and can buck any wind. I just don't see a 'magnum' being the deciding factor as to whether or not a hunter can ethically pull the trigger on a deer @ 630 yards  or the next ridge @865 yards.

I've been privileged to hunt various Western states over the past several years and haven't had occasion to shoot at more than 300-400 yards tops. Most of my shots have been at 100-200 yards.  Just this hunters experience.

I understand that the longest recorded sniper shots from 1,700-2,500 are with the .50 mags and .338 Laupuas but there have been plenty at 800-1,200 with the good old .308.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: 2labs on November 12, 2015, 10:23:30 AM
Throw away all the Remington parts. Accept the action guess your stuck with that, and you'll have a nice rifle. :peep:
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Bob33 on November 12, 2015, 10:24:16 AM
Flinching has less to do with caliber than it does with proper training, proper gun fit, proper ear protection, rifle weight, and ammunition.

A poorly trained and poorly equipped shooter can develop a flinch with a .22. Most shooters, if properly trained and equipped, can learn to effectively shoot larger caliber firearms.

My son is 14 and has been effectively shooting (read "no flinch") 300 magnum rifles since he was 10.  :twocents:
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: arrowflinger on November 12, 2015, 10:49:37 AM
Why not take the $1200 and put it into turning your rifle into a nice custom. New stock, barrel, trigger, ....

 :yeah:
I agree with all the others that said to modify the one you have. If I'm going to spend 1200 I'm dropping it on another rifle in a different caliber.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: rbros on November 12, 2015, 12:30:43 PM
Use the action you have and build from it. You can get exactly what you want a guaranteed performance spec. 
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Rich_S on November 12, 2015, 02:14:14 PM
Check out Howa. They have a new mountain rifle that's 5.7 pounds. Or the  standard 1500. Twice the quality you'll get from Rem. or Savage :twocents:

 :yeah:  You could buy the bare action/barrel and either outfit it with a Bishop stock or an all-weather synthetic and still have plenty left over for a good scope.

This one's a Weatherby Vanguard, but it's the same rifle as the Howa.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi256.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh171%2FClark_Savage_Jr%2FTemp%2FWeatherby%2520sm004_zpst3mw39ys.jpg&hash=9596d70d8cfef7b9939990bc41599090f1fc559e) (http://s256.photobucket.com/user/Clark_Savage_Jr/media/Temp/Weatherby%20sm004_zpst3mw39ys.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: M_ray on November 12, 2015, 02:25:50 PM
I would be with others in saying that I would sink the money and time into re-barreling this one but I'm not mistaken a page or two ago it sounds like the OP wants to pass the one he has on to his son or grandson? In which case I'm partial to Savage myself and would love to tell you that's the best gun in the world and buy it. But I buy savages cause that's what I am familiar with so I would say if you shot a rem 700 for that many years build another!   :tup:
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: M_ray on November 12, 2015, 02:41:00 PM
Oh and Beancounter, your comments make a lot of assumptions that every magnum hunter is going to be like this one guy you had a bad expirence with. I can tell you that there are just as many people that can shoot them up and pin cushion a deer's butt, take shots farther than they are capable and pull shots with a 243 or 30/06 just as with a magnum. So I'd caution you to understand that it is probably more about the individual than the caliber.   ;)
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: high country on November 12, 2015, 09:56:20 PM
Once you have a nicely built custom......you'll wonder why it took so,long to buy it.
Title: Re: Opinions on new 7 mm rem mag
Post by: Dan-o on November 12, 2015, 10:06:03 PM
I've always been partial to the 7MM Rem Mag, and I still am.

I shot a Browning for a lot of years, and also a Remington.

I never knew how good a shot I was til I bought my Savage 111.....     8)

I got  the 111 and put a  Nikon 4X16 on it........    It actually is a laser beam from heaven (to quote Simcoe).

And if your budget is $1,200, that leaves about $400 for ammo.     
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