Rifle Reviews

[blast and cast]

Being left handed I always seem to be on the short end of the stick when looking for rifles. I currently shoot the browning stainless stalker a-bolt in two calibers and lever actions in others.
I am in the market for a new .270. My options include going with the browning a-bolt again, the browning BLR lever action, or a remington 700, but they do not make a stainless or sythetic in left hand, Winchester makes a left model, again not in synthetic. Ruger makes the M77 Mark II in left hand but I have little experience with Ruger. The Ruger is quite a bit less in cost than the others. Beside the notoriously poor triggers in Rugers, any input for current or past Ruger owners???? :whazzup: :smile:

[Chukrchaser]

I had a Ruger M77 in 280 -- It was "OK" but I had to bed the barrel to get it to shoot consistantly and the bolt seemed sticky-- and for quick shots the saftey is a pain in the neck -- I now shoot Browning A-bolts -- very sweet and smooth. -- Worth the extra coin.

Chuck

[Flatfish]

Have all that you mention except the lever guns.Rugers are fine guns for the money.They will need trigger work to be a hunter though.The skeleton stock on some of the older stainless models should be outlawed.The newer design that actually looks like a rifle stock is acceptable.
Lotsa folks like the Brownings.I don't.Nothing really wrong with them mechanically.But I like a more traditional design then Browning presently offers.I did have an A-Bolt in 338,and it was accurate enough.The trigger was rough and very creepy.Never liked the whole magazine thing either.Mauser solved that riddle over 100 years ago.Why fight what is proven?
As far as models that are weatherproof and left handed,I am honestly not up to date.An excellent option would be to buy a blued gun and have the barreled action plated to resist the elements.If you choose this route the cost will be about the same as a Browning(give or take here)and your gun options would certianly open from the models that you have mentioned here.Another wonderful option is a single shot.The Ruger #1 and Browning and fine guns,and elegant to boot.The Ruger is available in stainless synthetic too.
It probably sounds like a Ruger commercial here and that is not my intent.But,in my humble opinion,the A-Bolt is designed around marketing gimmics and is overpriced for its workmanship.It is my opinion so I can feel this way.They will certianly kill most critters,so if you choose one because you like it.More power to ya.Had you mentioned Rem. 700s or Controlled feed Winchesters I would have applauded any of their guns(detatchable magazines not included).
Good luck in your search.
Mark.

[Artwo]

blast and cast,
Here's a link to Browning, see stainless stalker A-bolt in 270 cal. LH code number 035-009224.

[URL=http://204.29.171.80/framer/navigation.asp?charset=utf-8&cc=US&frameid=1565&lc=en-us&providerid=262&realname=Browning+firearms&uid=3 638239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.browning.com%2F ]http://204.29.171.80/framer/navigation.asp?charset=utf-8&cc=US&frameid=1565&lc=en-us&providerid=262&realname=Browning+firearms&uid=3 638239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.browning.com%2F[/UR L]

JK

[ 05-31-2002, 01:04 PM: Message edited by: Artwo ]