Classic stalking rifles - today

Find an old sporter Mauser I think I paid $600 for this 8x57
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When I think of a stalking rifle, I think Kipplauf rifles like the Blaser K95, Kreighoff Hubertus and Merkel K5. Elegant & svelte rifles made for packing light and stalking close to game before taking a shot.

I know there are Blaser & Merkel are available under your $10K limit.
 
JPbowhunter said:
I just realised Steyr don’t offer 7x57 as an option which is a bummer.

Also on the pricier side being around $24k here.
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Your avatar doesn't list your location. Just as an FYI, the Danish company Schultz & Larsen makes rifles in 7x57mm. I've seen their rifles rarely in America (often older models in 7x61 Sharpe & Hart) but depending on where you are, I just wanted you to be aware of this option.
 
JPbowhunter said:
Unfortunately there are a lot less of them in Aus and they tend to go for quite a bit of money. That is right at the top and I’m always keeping an eye out for one.
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Matt Robert’s from MNR had this one squirreled away.
 
Any thoughts on a Wilson Combat NULA rifle? If you are looking for an ultra lightweight and accurate magazine rifle, this should be in the running. A 308WIN coming in at 5 lbs and taking 4+1 cartridges for less than $5K is a goat & sheep hunters dream.
 
BeeMaa said:
Any thoughts on a Wilson Combat NULA rifle? If you are looking for an ultra lightweight and accurate magazine rifle, this should be in the running. A 308WIN coming in at 5 lbs and taking 4+1 cartridges for less than $5K is a goat & sheep hunters dream.
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A synthetic, straight stocked rifle with no sights in 308 is about as far away as you could get from what I’m after. But I do appreciate the suggestion mate and I agree that if you’re going down the ultralight path it’s hard to beat a NULA (y)
 
A lot of wisdom in this thread. If you're really cost conscious and patient, actively search the gun websites and big gun shops like Bud's Gun Shop until you find one. Old (and I mean old) Winchester 70s, and Remington 700s offered them, but to my knowledge, no manufacturer currently offers the 7x57 except Rigby. Ruger occasionally offers that caliber, although I can't remember their last offering.

Best cheap choice is to find a surplus Mauser 96 or 98 receiver and go from there. The Mauser 96 was specifically designed for the 7mm Mauser so there is no re-working the bolt face. Nothing wrong with the receiver as long as it remains 7mm Mauser/7x57. Pacific Tool and Die in Oregon offers them (when they can obtain them). The actions are gone over so you get a solid and serviceable action. A gunsmith can accurize the action, re-barrel with a barrel of your choice, and replace the trigger with a good aftermarket trigger, and you have a tack driver. I built two myself; both are beautiful and both are tack drivers. Don't let anyone tell you the Mauser 96 is weak and a poor action, because it is not. The model 96 was designed just for the 7x57 175 grain bullet. This is just my input, but you can go custom as well.
 
With a strict laws in Australia, are you working with an importer to bring one in? Or trying to find something in Australia?
 
coreydb said:
A lot of wisdom in this thread. If you're really cost conscious and patient, actively search the gun websites and big gun shops like Bud's Gun Shop until you find one. Old (and I mean old) Winchester 70s, and Remington 700s offered them, but to my knowledge, no manufacturer currently offers the 7x57 except Rigby. Ruger occasionally offers that caliber, although I can't remember their last offering.

Best cheap choice is to find a surplus Mauser 96 or 98 receiver and go from there. The Mauser 96 was specifically designed for the 7mm Mauser so there is no re-working the bolt face. Nothing wrong with the receiver as long as it remains 7mm Mauser/7x57. Pacific Tool and Die in Oregon offers them (when they can obtain them). The actions are gone over so you get a solid and serviceable action. A gunsmith can accurize the action, re-barrel with a barrel of your choice, and replace the trigger with a good aftermarket trigger, and you have a tack driver. I built two myself; both are beautiful and both are tack drivers. Don't let anyone tell you the Mauser 96 is weak and a poor action, because it is not. The model 96 was designed just for the 7x57 175 grain bullet. This is just my input, but you can go custom as well.
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I wouldn’t say I’m cost conscious, I just don’t want to spend top tier dollars.

There are a few manufacturers of 7x57, although I am surprised it hasn’t made a resurgence into more maintstream rifles.

No experience with a 96 action personally, but old calibres like the 7x57 don’t really ask too much of an action in terms of pressure.
 
HunterX said:
With a strict laws in Australia, are you working with an importer to bring one in? Or trying to find something in Australia?
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I guess it depends where you are in the country as to what’s considered “strict”. My state is pretty easy, semi auto’s are not worth the hassle but most else is straightforward to get. Guns can be imported but I haven’t gone down that path as it does include another layer of cost. I’d probably do it for a pre war Rigby in 275 but they seem to be getting pricier with collectors chasing them more now.
Most production rifles are available here, we do have some custom makers but finding one that has a genuine understanding of classic stalking rifles that is taking orders is a challenge.
 
Jack - that Lee Speed is very special!
 
coreydb said:
A lot of wisdom in this thread. If you're really cost conscious and patient, actively search the gun websites and big gun shops like Bud's Gun Shop until you find one. Old (and I mean old) Winchester 70s, and Remington 700s offered them, but to my knowledge, no manufacturer currently offers the 7x57 except Rigby. Ruger occasionally offers that caliber, although I can't remember their last offering.

Best cheap choice is to find a surplus Mauser 96 or 98 receiver and go from there. The Mauser 96 was specifically designed for the 7mm Mauser so there is no re-working the bolt face. Nothing wrong with the receiver as long as it remains 7mm Mauser/7x57. Pacific Tool and Die in Oregon offers them (when they can obtain them). The actions are gone over so you get a solid and serviceable action. A gunsmith can accurize the action, re-barrel with a barrel of your choice, and replace the trigger with a good aftermarket trigger, and you have a tack driver. I built two myself; both are beautiful and both are tack drivers. Don't let anyone tell you the Mauser 96 is weak and a poor action, because it is not. The model 96 was designed just for the 7x57 175 grain bullet. This is just my input, but you can go custom as well.
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He beat me to it. Yes, why not build your own stalking rifle? This is my WWII 30-06 Springfield 03-A3. It doesn't have a British gunmaker's name. It's got my name on it. Not another like it.
PXL_20260902_172901496.jpg

In fifteen minutes I could pull the scope and base off, replace the scope relief safety with the military flag safety, and presto it's a "stalking rifle." If anyone cared ... which is doubtful because I typically hunt alone. The rifle cost $15 in 1962. Donor sporterized rifles or barreled actions can be had today for $300-$500 US. I think I paid $80 for the Timney trigger and about the same amount for the Winchester Express iron sights, both bought off eBay. A decent looking stock goes for $200-$300 + some elbow grease. Checkering artisans and gun bluing shops can be found on the net. Prices vary. This rifle was reblued in 2021 for $150 Canadian.
 
Ontario Hunter said:
He beat me to it. Yes, why not build your own stalking rifle? This is my WWII 30-06 Springfield 03-A3. It doesn't have a British gunmaker's name. It's got my name on it. Not another like it.
View attachment 793658
In fifteen minutes I could pull the scope and base off, replace the scope relief safety with the military flag safety, and presto it's a "stalking rifle." If anyone cared ... which is doubtful because I typically hunt alone. The rifle cost $15 in 1962. Donor sporterized rifles or barreled actions can be had today for $300-$500 US. I think I paid $80 for the Timney trigger and about the same amount for the Winchester Express iron sights, both bought off eBay. A decent looking stock goes for $200-$300 + some elbow grease. Checkering artisans and gun bluing shops can be found on the net. Prices vary. This rifle was reblued in 2021 for $150 Canadian.
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Long story short, I’d all be arranged to have a custom rifle done. Some shit happened in the state of NSW where the maker is based and he’s no longer going to be able to do it by the looks. He can’t think of anyone else worth asking although there may be a couple…if you can get on the books for them.
 
Tintin said:
Jack - If you have plenty of patience, I reckon you'd get a very nice custom 7x57 built to your specs and preferences for under AU$10k on a 98, or MS action.
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My thoughts exactly, although finding an honest gunsmith with the skill, timeline, and understanding is the hard part. Unfortunately, I am in the same boat as JP Hunter, and I am struggling to find someone. Open to any suggestions people might have
 
I have the same problem when enterimg the gunshop.
90% of new models do not deserve second look.

New or second hand, classics, some of them
Cz 550
Zkk 600 line
Winchester m70
Zastava m70
Sako 85
Tilka t3x and t3, modernized classic
Sauer 101
Sauer 505, 202 that line
Mauser m12
Older versions or clones of m98
Steyr m12
remington 700

In most of the cases it will be european rifle

I understamd tactical, and i have some tactical.pieces. but worst part is now that modern classic hunting rifles get some of ergonomics or features of tactical rifles.
It looks bad to say at least. No taste.

My view is either take tactical, or take classic.
 
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