What Five Rifles Would YOU List on Your Bucket List?

hm1996

hm1996

Moderator
Staff member


Quote:
5 Rifles You Should Shoot Before You Die

By M. Christopher published on October 28, 2015 in Firearms


I want to let all you in on a little secret. Some guns are just too impactful on a shooter to let you go through life without shooting them. Many of you may already have spent some time behind some of these rifles, but I have a feeling that some of you shooters haven’t shot all five. Let’s take a look at what I feel are five rifles that you should shoot at least once.

1. Ruger 10/22

The Best To Date. The Ruger10/22
The Best To Date. The Ruger10/22

The Ruger 10/22 has been a staple for many new and experienced shooters alike for over 50 years. Not only is it incredibly accurate and reliable, but it is infinitely customizable with thousands of options for aftermarket stocks, barrels, triggers and so on. With the price to get into one of these rifles at right around the $220-$240 mark, not having one in your collection is a disservice to yourself. Right out of the box, they provide a very pure shooting experience that will make even the best shooter better for pennies on the dollar.

2. Remington Model 700

Remington 700 SPS in .22-250
Remington 700 SPS in .22-250

The Remington 700 is the first choice for precision shooters, hunters, police, and military since the early 1960s. A proven platform that lends itself well to whatever task you might have at hand while being almost as customizable as the 10/22. Working on your rifle shooting fundamentals with the strong and accurate bolt action will teach a shooter many things—along with how to handle a good bit of recoil. There are few things as much fun as lobbing big .30 caliber bullets hundreds of yards onto a tiny target. Going through life without experiencing the Remington 700 would be just wrong. Some of my most enjoyable range days have been spent behind one on the 500-yard bench.

3. Marlin Model 336 in .30-30



Marlin Model 336 lever-action rifle with wood stock
Marlin introduced the 336 in 1948. Since then, no rifle in America that has put more food on hunters’ tables.

Marlin introduced the 336 in 1948. Since then, no rifle in America that has put more food on hunters’ tables. I almost chose the Winchester 94, but felt the side ejecting 336 would be a better fit for the modern shooter because it allows you to mount a scope low to the receiver. It is hard not feeling like a cowboy when cycling the lever action. I have to admit, the 336 is quickly becoming a fast favorite of mine. I really enjoy the hard-hitting .30-30 cartridge when milling around in the hunting lease’s dense forest. The 336 rides with me in the truck just in case I run out to the lease on a whim. Getting into a good lever gun can be done for under the cost of a name brand handgun making it an affordable rifle to add to your collection.

4. AR-15 Chambered in 5.56

CTD Mike's AR-15
Customized AR-15 carbine

The thought of going through life without experiencing America’s most popular self-loading rifle gives me chills. It has become one of the most adaptable rifles on the market with a blue million calibers to choose from, barrel lengths, different stocks, and accessories coming out the wazoo. The AR-15 in its purest form is the rifle that you really should get behind. The 5.56 (or .223 Remington) is incredibly light recoiling while still packing a nice punch downrange. I personally introduce most new shooters to a self-loading rifle on a 20-inch AR-15 with standard A2 carry handle with iron sights. The beautiful thing about the AR-15 is that after you spend some time on the rifle, you can modify the rifle to your taste.

5. The AK-47 in the Classic 7.62×39

Century Arms C39v2 American AK right side profile view
Century Arms C39v2 American AK

Who can say no to the classic AK-47 chambered in the powerful 7.62×39 cartridge? It isn’t me, that’s for darned sure. Right now is an exciting time for those of you that are after an AK-pattern rifle with so many great options on the market and big manufactures—Magpul et. al—getting behind the accessory market. The rugged reliability that has made the AK legendary is something that every shooter is sure to enjoy. Out of all the centerfire rifles on this list this one is the most economical to shoot steel-cased 7.62×39 ammo coming in at under a quarter per round. Couple the inexpensive nature of the ammo with the industrial feel that the rifle has in your hands and you have something really special that you should really treat yourself to.

There you have it. Now get out there and shoot these fine rifles, your trigger finger will thank you.

What five rifles would you say everyone should shoot before they die?

http://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/5-rifles-shoot-die-2/

Having fired all of the above, can't say much for the AK as I am not impressed with its accuracy. I agree with the AR15, 10/22 (Particularly enjoy an accurized one), but my last three favorites: NM M1 Garand, Percussion Hawken Rifle, Pre 64 Mod 70 NM.

Regards,
hm
 
I want to own and shoot a well used Holland and Holland .470 Nitro Express double rifle. One that has seen extensive use in Africa and Asia. Every pull of the trigger would send my brain to the Dark Continent with thoughts of elephants and lions and tigers and cape buffalo. Sigh.

Your fantasies may not be the same as mine, but they should be.

The other guns would be fine to have too. But not nearly as much.
 
A new in box 722 in 222, my grandpas is still tied for the most accurate rifle I have.

Model 70 in 284 Win. (Currently gathering parts for this)

A Side by side 375, made by H&H

A handcrafted woodstocked magnum, probably 338 win mag, with Exhibition wood, irons and a little swaro on top

My 6 WOA built on a CZ 527, wanted it for years and it's all I could have asked for.
 
WWII style Browning BAR machine gun would be on my list and an original Thompson sub machine gun.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: AdamTWWII style Browning BAR machine gun would be on my list and an original Thompson sub machine gun.

BAR IS fun to shoot, but too darn heavy to carry. 24# IIRC. We had two members of the winning USAREUR BAR team on our AMU and those guys could stitch up a beer can @ 200 yds. Their team matches required that the selector be on full auto, but they were able to control trigger for single shots.

Regards,
hm
 
That doesn't really strike me as a "bucket list," but more of a list of "gun-guy guns that all gun-guys have to know to be a gun-guy"...

I'd agree, I could leave the AK behind, unless you change it to be a full rattle-trap AK. That's an important milestone for gun guys.

I'd probably scrub the 10/22 off of the list. Other than for customization, the 10/22 doesn't really stand out as THAT IMPORTANT to me. I have a bunch, and have built a bunch, but they just aren't that great - if I want a reliable knock around rifle, I shoot a Marlin 60 (highest selling firearm of all time), if I want an accurate rifle, I shoot a CZ452 or 455, a super accurate rifle, an Annie or a Win52.

I'll second that the experience of running a levergun should be on the list, and it HAS to be a Marlin. I could flip a coin between 44mag, 35rem, or 45-70. The 30-30 is a tried and true round, but I have a lot more fun shooting any of these other 3.

If I made a list of 5 rifles I'd feel at a loss if I hadn't experienced owning or at least handling:

Marlin 1895 45-70 (own a couple)
Full Rattle-trap Thompson 1928A1 45acp (family member owns)
M82A1 50BMG (owned)
Krieghoff Double 470NE (borrowed temporarily)
Winchester 52 22lr (owned)

Catch me on a different day, I might change that list, but I like to think it wouldn't by much. I feel bad not including an AR on that list, because it absolutely changed my paradigm when I took my first AR after coyotes. Also very hard to not include an M1A on this list - they've always been a guilty pleasure of mine that I enjoy far too greatly. I'm also hard pressed to limit the list to rifles - very tempted to put the Benelli M1S90 or M4 on the list, as well as a Super Redhawk 475Linebaugh.
 
Last edited:
See this isn't fair, only 5??? I could think of all kinds. But their list I think covers it pretty well. I am with Todd though, a 50 of some sort, and suppressed rifles are up there.

My buddies and I used to kid about something similar. What guns you have to have for a minimum.

Remington 700
Remington 870
AR15
S&W revolver
1911
glock
 
CZ527 there was just a 722 .222 in the pawn shop here in my town for 350$ dies n brass included. being 54 yrs old my recollection goes back to the Rem 600s,after a bit of internet surfing on it I went back a few days later to grab it n it was gone.... here's mine/ ar-15, 50 bmg, ma duece, RPG,m60.
 
Thompson machine gun in .45 with the drum mag.
Barret .50 cal, out to 1 mile.
the new Ruger LDR in .308, cuss it's cheaper to shoot then the other calibers offered.
a .416 Rigby at a big mature Lion.
and can't leave off the list, a Springfield Armory M1A, my favorite rifle in the safe right now.
 
Is this to own or shoot?
I need a .17 fb in a trued rem 700
22/250 ai in a cooper phoenix
Left hand 375 h&h model 70 in a glass stock
.470 nitro double

Thats it, just 4 more for me. A big 50 would be nice but I can ljve without it.
 
Win 1885 Hi Wall 45-70 (got it)
Swiss K31 (got two)
Tikka T3 Lite .223 (got one)
SKS (almost useless but everybody should have one, I do)
Lancaster style flinter (collecting parts)
 
I grew up with a Remington nylon 66, so a 10-22 to me was nothing extra. I have four 10-22's in my family, but the kids all want me to will them my 66's. Seems that every time we're playing they lay down their 10-22 and grab one of my 66's. Then the 541's come out, and the Rugers go quiet.

To me others that should be on the list is Marlin's 39A, CZ 452, Rem 541S, 40X, or Annie.

If you never sat behind a 6BR, PPC, or something similar, you need to. Talk about bug holes!

You need to also fire a M1 Garand, and hear the "ping" at least once.

A good accurate AR should be on the list, as well as a AK.

Everyone needs to shoot a 375 H and H at least once, but don't be surprised if you want to do it again! Same goes for a 50 BMG in a Barret.

What about a Savage 99?

Too many to list, too little time.
 
Originally Posted By: ninehorses
Everyone needs to shoot a 375 H and H at least once, but don't be surprised if you want to do it again!

Happened to me, when I recently fired a suppressed .338 Lapua Mag. Very reluctant to let anyone else have their chance.
thumbup1.gif
 
Quote: I'd probably scrub the 10/22 off of the list. Other than for customization, the 10/22 doesn't really stand out as THAT IMPORTANT to me. I have a bunch, and have built a bunch, but they just aren't that great

Quote: Winchester 52 22lr (owned)

Pretty much agree on the stock 10/22's but I have a CLARK accurized that shoots lights out, as did the 52 prone rifle I sold when I had to give up competition.






Have to agree this is an impossible exercise....too many choices, too little time.
frown.gif


Regards,
hm
 
Not a rifle, but I've been kicking myself for not buying a truckload of mateba .44mags for $350/each when I had the chance. I've been wanting one ever since.
 
My list of 5 bucket list guns to use.

I would love to shoot a fitted 415 McMillian Sniper shooting system. I would love to spend a day shooting metal plate at 1600-2000yrds

It should also include the MK-19. If you have never seen this belt fed machine gun that fires 40mm grenades rip apart cars, you have missed out. All the machine guns are fun to shoot, Tommy to AK fully auto is fun, a M2 fifty in a chopper is a lot of fun, as well as the one mounted to a tank, but anyone that has fired a MK-19 would gladly give up a day of shooting any of them to shoot the MK-19

M4 fully auto in a house to house clearing center.

pre 64 model 70 in any caliber above .224

an extended barrel 1911 wilson combat in 45 auto and flash suppressor on the end of the barrel. That porting makes it incredibly easy to shoot really well, and stay on target through the recoil.


I have, while in the military, fired a Dragon missle, Tow, AT4s. I even have a serialized Shoulder strap of a authentic Stinger missle system I was part of recovering in Afghanistan in 2001 from when they were sold as part of Iran Contra. (we armed the afghanis' to fight the russians)
I have pulled the string on a 144 Howitzer, Fired a M1A1 abram tank main gun, coax gun, and the M2 machine gun on a tank, amtrack, LAV, and out the side of a CH-53 super stalion. The 249, 240g, M60, machine guns, m16, M4. 9mm, 45auto pistols. I have also done familiar fires with a host of countries weapons from Japan, Thailand, Ausies, Brits, denmark, and a few others.

On thing that has always amazed me is that after all of the guns in all the world, the AK-47 is the worst piece of junk of all. The simplicity and reliability of them is remarkable, but the accuracy, and overall I feel safe shooting it, were terrible.
 
MG42
CheyTac USA “PERSES”™ .338 Lapua Mag
Barrett 82A1
Bravo company EAG tactical carbine
Winchester Model 70 pre 64 in 30-06
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top