Top 10 Hunting rifles of All Time

[trax]

Rumor has it I've done a bit of hunting in my day, who knows? But Esther has my admiration and respect, so do the guys who've been giving her the "squeeze".

[trax]

i prefer my .303 british it has several things in common with esther.
in fact several deer have died of fright just knowing it was in the woods

Yeah, moose just give up and die when they hear I'm up there with a .303 Brit

[FVR]

If my house was on fire, as long as my family was safe, the fire can burn it all. Just not going to risk my life for a tool.

But I do understand the connection to a particular firearm, or knife.

[RBB]

Yeah, moose just give up and die when they hear I'm up there with a .303 Brit

I recall my grandfather saying it would be a good thing to have a little more powerful rifle for deer. I asked him, "How about moose"? He said, "No, 30-30 is plenty good for moose, moose can't run on three legs."

[Justin Case]

The list is incomplete in that it fails to include "Esther," the model 94 Winchester used by four generations of my family to bring home deer, moose, and caribou.

This gun knows more about hunting than most of the people on this list.

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While this rifle has obvious shortcomings in caliber and age, it consistently brings home meat. The rifle is uncanny. Whoever, in our family, is carrying old Esther - is most likely to get a deer.

Esther was made in 1904. My g-grandfather purchased it from a German national in 1914. It was the only rifle my grandfather, and my uncle, ever used. My grandfather, too poor to buy my grandmother a ring when they were engaged, carved her name (Esther) in large letters on the stock to show grandmother he was serious. Though I own six deer rifles (and have owned many more), Esther has always been my best deer killing machine.

A few of "Esther's" exploits over the years: Killed fourteen moose, one of them a one handed "jump" shot. Shot six caribou before they disappeared from Minnesota in 1918. Made a 1/4 mile one shot kill at a running 12 point buck - a perfect (aimed) neck shot. At least three neck shots at a deer running away from the hunter (deer hunters will be aware of how small a target this is). 1/4 mile one shot bear kill - from the top of a fire tower.

At one hundred yards, Esther can, from a rest, do a group which factory 30-30 specs advise is not possible.

I like other guns I own. I love Esther. It would be the first piece of property I would rescue if my house were on fire.

What a great heirloom to have ! None of my family was into guns as far as I know,, were simple farmers in Colorado plains,,, Something like "Esther" would be a cherished item to be sure

[hunter63]

Good to know there are others out there that name their weapons..LOL

[Alaskan Survivalist]

Amoung the stupid things our state government is doing is naming a state rifle...like a state bird or state flower. The Pre 64 Model 70 has the most support. The only reason I care is they are spending my tax dollars to do it.

[finallyME]

Dang Justin...."firing up" another old thread I see.

[finallyME]

Amoung the stupid things our state government is doing is naming a state rifle...like a state bird or state flower. The Pre 64 Model 70 has the most support. The only reason I care is they are spending my tax dollars to do it.

My state just made the 1911 the official State Firearm.

[Rick]

Pal will be so proud.

At least this thread was only 2 years old.

[Justin Case]

Amoung the stupid things our state government is doing is naming a state rifle...like a state bird or state flower. The Pre 64 Model 70 has the most support. The only reason I care is they are spending my tax dollars to do it.

Is that the model that "won the west" ?

[Alaskan Survivalist]

Is that the model that "won the west" ?

No. It is a classic bolt action rifle. I guess it is better than having politcians deal with anything that matters.

[Justin Case]

No. It is a classic bolt action rifle. I guess it is better than having politcians deal with anything that matters.

Why would they want to make it that one ? what is the significance to Alaska ?

[Alaskan Survivalist]

Why would they want to make it that one ? what is the significance to Alaska ?

It's a good solid shooter. I think that is what most Alaskans adhere too not the lastest trend or gun magazine review.

[huntermj]

two numbers one word, Winchester 30-30

[hunter63]

two numbers one word, Winchester 30-30

I guess I would wonder why the Win lever action wasn't included, Model '94 30-30 as well as the older versions?
I mean The "Duke" can't be wrong?

[Alaskan Survivalist]

I guess I would wonder why the Win lever action wasn't included, Model '94 30-30 as well as the older versions?
I mean The "Duke" can't be wrong?

I had the John Wayne commerative Winchester. It was as 30-40. Maybe a 32-40? My memory is not clear but it was hard to find ammo for.

[OhioGrizzLapp]

Absolute all around best and greatest Hunting Rifle of all time is the Savage Model 99F Take Down in .300 Savage.............close second would be a Pre-64 Winchester 94 Mounty (18" barrel with flat bands and micro click tangent sight) 30-30......IMHO............all others are just wanna be copies or misdirections........

[huntermj]

I guess I would wonder why the Win lever action wasn't included, Model '94 30-30 as well as the older versions?
I mean The "Duke" can't be wrong?

The Duke was never wrong.

[MidWestMat]

"And on the third day, God created the Remington bolt-action rifle, so that Man could fight the dinosaurs"

Model 70 of course in my personal favorite 30-06 Springfield.