If you were to do it over

I'd have gotten an old model 7 LS in 17Rem. before they discontinued the laminate stock and before the x-crap trigger instead of several of my current guns.
 
Originally Posted By: bigsky_songdogsTim, im sure you have already said it, but what are the specs on that 223AI? By the way that's one of the nicest rigs I've EVER seen :thumbsup:

Fin

Thanks. The Mi guys here helped me with some choices.
Here you go...
223 AI Mtn rifle
M700 action
Pac-Nor barrel 8 twist
McMillan stock Mtn R
bolt work by Kampfeld customs
Leupold CDS 3.5-10x40

****
Rifle rings/scope weighs 7.1# IIRC
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20" SPR profile Specialized Dynamics 6x45 AR with a good trigger, FF tube, and an Ace skeleton stock.
 
Bushmaster preadator is just about ideal. Super accurate, quick follow up shots for doubles when the opportunity arises; what more could you want in a predator rifle? Dtech 243 WSSM might edge the predator out, but only on long shots and not very fur friendly.

Regards,
hm
 
Originally Posted By: jbuckHow about a Kimber Montana .223 with a Leupy 3.5-10 in some talley lightweight rings/bases. I think that the barrel is finished at 22". I really like the scaled down action for the smaller .223 based round.

I just think that I am going to have it Ceracoated to get rid of the shine.

Not a 223 and recently wears a Leupy 2.5x8, but I think this is what you were referring to. This one is in 204 which I prefer over the 223. This is a great Predator rifle and in a pelt saving caliber.

KimberMontana2.jpg


This is an early model 7 Rem. in 17Rem. (not 17 Fireball) that I've pillared in a Rem. youth model stock. It came with a pretty nice walnut stock that is still new. I took it off the day I bought this rifle and installed a synthetic stock. This is also a great Predator rifle in a pelt saving caliber.
Model72.jpg


I really like the Kimber Montana platform and have decided to get another one and have it rebarreled to a 17Rem. That to me will be a superb Predator calling rifle and caliber. I thought very hard on going with a 17/204, but the difference isn't that much between it and the standard 17Rem.. The brass for the 204 is sure cheaper which still makes it tempting.

My Predator calling and calling area does not require shots much farther than 100yds. with the normal being 20 to 60yds. With the mountainous terrain and the close shots, a 10 to 15lb. rifle is just not practical nor is it needed. Heck, the older I get (60 is just around the corner) anything over 7lbs. stays home.
 
I'd stick with my Rem M788 .243Win w/the 4-14X40 glass. I DO, however, intend to put in a lighter stock and Timney trigger within the next year.

Load the .243 w/65gr VMax, and you're good for cats, foxes, and anything else up to 25-30lb. Step up to the 90-100gr AMax or even the JSP, and you're good for anything from dogs up to deer.

I guess you can tell I'm sold on the .243Win.
 
I have the perfect rifle, so I'd do it all over again. Sako model 75 Hunter in .17 Rem.

However, I've been eyeballing my brothers Remington model 7 Classic in .17 Rem...nice little gun.
 
For all around predator hunting, I go with a .223 in an AR style rifle.. Add a scope [I like the Nikon BDC's] and you are good to go..
 
I love my CZ .223, 527 varmint. I wouldn't change a thing. The mini 14 that I had only made me appreciate what a fine rifle the CZ is.

I think it depends on what you really want. The better the optics, the more fun you will have.
 
I'm liking my Remington 700 Mountain guide Stainless in .243 Winchester. I have it topped with a Leupold VXII 3-9 scope. In an AR I'd choose another 16" Recon profile 6.8 SPC II. I have my 6.8 topped with a Leupold VXIII 3.5-10 in a Larue mount.
Now, if it really came down between these two, I'd have to favor the Mountain Guide. It shoots a bit flatter, and is easier to make hits with when the range gets out over 300 yards.
 
Originally Posted By: Tim Neitzke
Here you go...
223 AI Mtn rifle
M700 action
Pac-Nor barrel 8 twist
McMillan stock Mtn R
bolt work by Kampfeld customs
Leupold CDS 3.5-10x40

****
Rifle rings/scope weighs 7.1# IIRC
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Tim YOU RUINED IT! I thought it was wearing a classic stock. I even don't want it anymore
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I have a detech 6x45 that is my main pred rifle. Before that, it was a factory 700 classic in 223 that shoots GREAT for a stock gun. However, if I were to do another designated predator rifle (limited only to coyotes, no paper, no playing, no grnd hogs) it would be all over what Tim has put together. Really though; it would wear a classic stock. If you could find a great shooting factory rifle that would work, but you'll likley buy & sell enough of them looking for that needle in a haystack, that it would have been easier just to screw one together. If custom, I would go with a 223AI, 22-204 (alf has me really interested in one) or straight 22-250 (I could live with 22-250 AI pretty easy too). The 6mm has better ballistics & power but no need for it on called coyotes. I would want a scope that had a minimal power of 2.5 & prefer 10 on top but could live with the 2.5-8 lupy over less quality glass (I think 3.5 is almost too much in our woods). If we are not spending my money, I'd like one of the 2.5-10x32 NF with velocity retical. I'll likely end up with one on my Dtech before long... (if I don't sell it & build what I just described 1st)

So, lets put one together...
Rem 700 action
#3 or 4 (depending how much weight savings you need) Bartlin or Broughton 5C in 8 twist (at least 10 twist) @ 22" chambered in 223AI
McMillian Rem Classic stock ADL with factory BM (insert crazy color scheme here)
Favorite trigger here (I have been turned away from Shelin, I'll have to go Jewel)
Seekins rings & base
NF 2.5-10
---Should wind up ~8.5#





 
Sorry Bro,
I know you thought it was a classic, but I could not bring myself to tell you ! Now you know !
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It's ok you don't want it, I've got a waiting list on this one!
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If I could do it over again... I would have just ordered my AR-10 in 243 from SD from the get go. Instead I bought a factory dpms 308, Sold that upper (took it in the chops selling it). Bought a lighter 308 upper and then finally decided I'd just have it done the way I want and placed my order with Scott.

Quite honestly, I wouldn't have bought my plumb crazy/JSE "cheap" AR either. For not a whole lot more money, I could have had a custom put together. From here on out, if I'm not building it, I'm ordering it custom and the way I want.

Edit to add: AND I never would have spent a freakin dime on a piece of glass with the words "Vortex" or "Redfield" on it.
 
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Already have mine:



Remington R-15 Predator Carbine. Currently has a Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x36mm Scope, Larue Tactical LT-104 mount and AST Hogue grip. Also have a timney 3lb trigger and Magpul enhanced trigger guard that I installed after the picture was taken.
 
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