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The 10 Best Whitetail Rifles Ever Made

The 10 Best Whitetail Rifles Ever Made

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from theBassMaster wrote 45 weeks 1 day ago

Great list. That Mannlicher Schoenauer is a thing of beauty.

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from Beekeeper wrote 44 weeks 1 day ago

Hard to beat a lever gun in the deer woods, Savage 99 or other wise. I lament all the 99's I let slip by over the years. Most all were bargains at the time, especially a .358 Winchester with a rotary magazine whose owner couldn't find ammo for it and complained about recoil. There was also a great little .250 Savage...

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from Thundarr wrote 43 weeks 5 days ago

The uncle who taught me most of what I know about hunting carried a '60s era model 99 in .300 Savage. It has iron sights and the rotary magazine, and it still shoots like a dream. If I were building my ideal whitetail rifle, it would be a model 99 in 7mm-08.

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from Edward J. Palumbo wrote 43 weeks 5 days ago

I believe many of us can recall the rifles we should NEVER have sold, and I can generate a list of my own. Among them, a Savage 99 in .250 Savage, sold in lean times to address other priorities. I don't disagree with any of the choices illustrated, though I'd generate a different list based on other preferences, but I won't disagree with any of these.

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from peter wrote 43 weeks 4 days ago

i have always loved wincester 94. i wish i had one, the has a great hold and feel to it

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from thewoodenduck wrote 43 weeks 2 days ago

Excellent list. I would suggest an honorable mention to the .257 Roberts by BSA.

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from Clay Cooper wrote 43 weeks 2 days ago

The Springfield 30-06 03-A3, the forgotten one!

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from Clay Cooper wrote 43 weeks 2 days ago

Lets not forget the Savage Model 99!

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from Jesse wrote 43 weeks 1 day ago

the windcester 94 was my ferst deer rifle as a kid and i just bought another one last week thay have the best feel to them of any deer rifle iv ever held in my hands

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from buckslayer33 wrote 43 weeks 1 day ago

the winchester model 94 is probably the most versitle rifle in the bunch. at close range a 30.30 will take down most everything in north america and the winchester action is very relaible one rifle that i can not believe didn`t make the cut is the remington model 700

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from Whackdaddy wrote 43 weeks 1 day ago

I won't hunt with anything called a Man-Licker but thank you.

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from jwallen wrote 43 weeks 15 hours ago

The model 64 Winchester was a blend of the 94 action and the style of the 71. It still is the rifle I choose when the distance is 150 yards or less. The accuracy is good but hampered by the open sights and trajectory. A good peep sight and the LeverEvolution ammo will stretch that another 100 yards. Part of the experience is the feeling of tradition and the Winchester is the lever action deer rifle. I would hunt with any of the 10 and each has it's place. Let's check in 100 years and see what is still here.

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from jamisrdr wrote 42 weeks 4 days ago

My pop died when I was youn leaving me a Savage Model 99 in .308 and my Uncle recently had surgery leaving him unable to shoot shouldered firearms (he's now using a pistol, of course) letting me buy a few of his guns, including a Remington 760 in .300 sav. a few months ago. Then I get the Dec/Jan issue of F&S and on page 94 are these 2 at #1 and #4 respectively. Guess those old farts knew a thing or 2 on choosing Whitetail rifles. Thanks for the article.

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from yukonjack wrote 42 weeks 23 hours ago

Let's not forget the Ruger Model 77 (.308) or the good old 45/70 Trapdoor. How many whitetails were harvested for subsistance during the 1800's to the 1930's?
Cheers

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from shane wrote 42 weeks 7 hours ago

there is a 3 generation model 1899 in .300 savage sitting in my safe, calling to me every night. when it finally lets me sleep, i dream about flattening a lion with a 7600 in .35 whelen. speaking of africa, that 660 in .350 would be pretty handy-dandy there.

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from Dale Hayden wrote 42 weeks 1 hour ago

Trimming the spring in the trigger assemble carefully made the rem 760 very satisfactory!

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from rabbitpolice88 wrote 41 weeks 5 days ago

A good list over all, I would have liked to have seen the Remington model 700 listed in the top 10. Some of the guns are a little out there in price but over all not bad.

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from ShowMe2 wrote 41 weeks 2 days ago

C'mon Dave...a rifle you shoot in a bean field and a shotgun in the 10 best RIFLE list.

How about the 2 most popular bolt actions ever produced? I'll give you a hint...a Mannlicher is NOT one of them.

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from Taylor Fitzpatrick wrote 41 weeks 1 day ago

Good list would to better with more information on the guns though.

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from duckslayerz71 wrote 41 weeks 1 day ago

I would have to agree about the model 94 winchester but I'm disapointed that the model 70 didn''t make the list

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from buckslayer33 wrote 41 weeks 1 day ago

what i want to know is where is the remigton model 700.

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from CPT BRAD wrote 40 weeks 3 days ago

Where are all the bolt guns? Come on Dave, no 70s, 700, or 77s??? Wow, and a 600??? Good lord how long did that one last 20 years with miserable sales?
I do like the guide gun in 45-70 though that is a little powerhouse and fun to shoot.

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from Bigbuck14 wrote 38 weeks 6 days ago

YOu guys no what is a good deer gun 700 ultra bolt that is a good deer gun it kicks hard though

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from markpangler@aol.com wrote 37 weeks 1 day ago

I'm glad that the model 94 made it into the top ten deer rifles, the model 94 rifle that I use is in the 44 mag. caliber, it's light and easy to carry through thich brush and nasty terrain. And it pack's a wollop.

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from hjohn429 wrote 37 weeks 16 hours ago

I think that you should have mentioned the marlin 1894 44 magnum. I don't think it would be worth the light-loading to hunt deer with a 45/70.

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from hjohn429 wrote 37 weeks 16 hours ago

I think the savage model 99 should have been chambered in 444 marlin-would be a great elk rifle as well.

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from Deep Shit wrote 36 weeks 6 days ago

The country I come from, doesnt allow any kind of "self defence weapons", The government has PC'ed their backbone out!....they will only allow hunting weapons IF you observe very strict rules, and in fact will only let you do a class for your firearm licence IF you pass various state security tests (much like those imposed on possible terrorists entering the country from abroad)
...so I can only comment very vaguely based on my limited experience.... But am an avid big game fisherman/and would be hunter... I think the pics are great. but wonder if the guns are a little dated??... surely there are more modern/efficient weapons available that may not yet have had time enough to be proven to joe public based on historical reputation???..."I cant know without the comments of experience from blokes like you"
I have had the absolute pleasure to visit a bloody beautiful part of the world known as northern California, and while there, was able to shoot almost any kind of rifle I could think of,at almost anything I cared to... some dating all the way back to the "Sharps" era right up to fairly modern rifles/handguns... The opinion I have, is that though the older types of guns are about the most fun you can have in the vertical position...."that is without commenting on the fact that they are by far the most elegant of their kind to look at and handle"... but just as with cars, the more modern.... surely has to be the most efficient?...and if not?.... "in the respect of accuracy"... the most satisfying to work with??... I am just not in it to shoot a whitetail at 1400 yards, much like I am with fishing, "I would rather catch and release"... for me, its all about tecnique... "If I know I can bag it, thats enough for me" (unless I am looking at sharks or coyotes.)... Deep Shit. ... he he

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from hickboy518 wrote 36 weeks 6 days ago

Modle 94 and marlin 336 that all i go near the woods with for a rifle

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from Griz wrote 36 weeks 3 days ago

could or should you use a 300 win mag for deer hunting. I'm new to hunting and my buddy said if want just one gun get a 300 win mag it will be good for every thing including deer. What are your thoughts on this ?. Thanks Griz.

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from rserwe44 wrote 36 weeks 1 day ago

i really like this article but i see no point in a blaze orange gun

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from rserwe44 wrote 36 weeks 1 day ago

i really like this article but i see no point in a blaze orange gun

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from Huntandtrap09 wrote 35 weeks 1 day ago

agree with rserwe

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from Huntandtrap09 wrote 33 weeks 6 days ago

i love that savage

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from BigWoodsHunter57 wrote 21 weeks 1 hour ago

Great story...some people forget that it doesnt take a custom made 6,000 dollar to kill large or medium size game...Some of the most successful hunters I know (some of which have passed on) hunt with used and abused level actions in calibers like 30-30. Today no one would "recommend" this caliber for large game like moose, but I dont know how many people I know that have killed moose in this caliber. Regardless of your rifle...SHOT PLACEMENT!!

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from buddyboy564 wrote 15 weeks 2 days ago

the win. model 100 should be on there

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from Seth Sell wrote 14 weeks 3 days ago

I just bought a Ruger M77 Hawkeye International, it has the full mannlicher style stock but sadly not the butter knife bolt handle. It still points wonderfully and has a nice light feel to it though.

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from fisherus wrote 4 weeks 5 days ago

Oh boy, here goes the old spoon stirring the crap again. If you want to get a hunter fired up, don't include his favorite gun in the article writer's top ten list.
I really wonder just how many of the guns on his list he's actually shot. It appears to me that he plagerized a list out of a 1955 Outdoor Life article.
With the recent past 15 years of bullet and powder developement, why would one continue on stating the top ten are only the ones that Great Grandpa shot?
I will say again, and hold to it, that the best gun a hunter can kill an animal with expediently is the one he shoots well. The shot placement and the ability of the firearm and shooter to put it in the vitals is the most important factor over anyone's top ten list.
Also, I agree with many of you responding to this article. There are definately some very exceptional guns missing from this list.

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from poleski wrote 2 weeks 4 days ago

guys,everyone has what i call the gun they were raised on.that usually is your gun of guns.the f&s list is that editors personal picks.my list is based on the guns that i still think are worth owning on a middle class budget.1)remington 760.2)winchester model 70.3)winchester 94.4)marlin 336.5)savage 99.6)remington 700.7)ruger m77.8)tc icon.9)browning bar.10)just for you guy from ohio 870 remington rifle slud.and that is only my personal picks

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from theBassMaster wrote 45 weeks 1 day ago

Great list. That Mannlicher Schoenauer is a thing of beauty.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 43 weeks 2 days ago

Lets not forget the Savage Model 99!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Beekeeper wrote 44 weeks 1 day ago

Hard to beat a lever gun in the deer woods, Savage 99 or other wise. I lament all the 99's I let slip by over the years. Most all were bargains at the time, especially a .358 Winchester with a rotary magazine whose owner couldn't find ammo for it and complained about recoil. There was also a great little .250 Savage...

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from peter wrote 43 weeks 4 days ago

i have always loved wincester 94. i wish i had one, the has a great hold and feel to it

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 43 weeks 2 days ago

The Springfield 30-06 03-A3, the forgotten one!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Jesse wrote 43 weeks 1 day ago

the windcester 94 was my ferst deer rifle as a kid and i just bought another one last week thay have the best feel to them of any deer rifle iv ever held in my hands

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from jamisrdr wrote 42 weeks 4 days ago

My pop died when I was youn leaving me a Savage Model 99 in .308 and my Uncle recently had surgery leaving him unable to shoot shouldered firearms (he's now using a pistol, of course) letting me buy a few of his guns, including a Remington 760 in .300 sav. a few months ago. Then I get the Dec/Jan issue of F&S and on page 94 are these 2 at #1 and #4 respectively. Guess those old farts knew a thing or 2 on choosing Whitetail rifles. Thanks for the article.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Dale Hayden wrote 42 weeks 1 hour ago

Trimming the spring in the trigger assemble carefully made the rem 760 very satisfactory!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from ShowMe2 wrote 41 weeks 2 days ago

C'mon Dave...a rifle you shoot in a bean field and a shotgun in the 10 best RIFLE list.

How about the 2 most popular bolt actions ever produced? I'll give you a hint...a Mannlicher is NOT one of them.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Taylor Fitzpatrick wrote 41 weeks 1 day ago

Good list would to better with more information on the guns though.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from duckslayerz71 wrote 41 weeks 1 day ago

I would have to agree about the model 94 winchester but I'm disapointed that the model 70 didn''t make the list

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from fisherus wrote 4 weeks 5 days ago

Oh boy, here goes the old spoon stirring the crap again. If you want to get a hunter fired up, don't include his favorite gun in the article writer's top ten list.
I really wonder just how many of the guns on his list he's actually shot. It appears to me that he plagerized a list out of a 1955 Outdoor Life article.
With the recent past 15 years of bullet and powder developement, why would one continue on stating the top ten are only the ones that Great Grandpa shot?
I will say again, and hold to it, that the best gun a hunter can kill an animal with expediently is the one he shoots well. The shot placement and the ability of the firearm and shooter to put it in the vitals is the most important factor over anyone's top ten list.
Also, I agree with many of you responding to this article. There are definately some very exceptional guns missing from this list.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Thundarr wrote 43 weeks 5 days ago

The uncle who taught me most of what I know about hunting carried a '60s era model 99 in .300 Savage. It has iron sights and the rotary magazine, and it still shoots like a dream. If I were building my ideal whitetail rifle, it would be a model 99 in 7mm-08.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Edward J. Palumbo wrote 43 weeks 5 days ago

I believe many of us can recall the rifles we should NEVER have sold, and I can generate a list of my own. Among them, a Savage 99 in .250 Savage, sold in lean times to address other priorities. I don't disagree with any of the choices illustrated, though I'd generate a different list based on other preferences, but I won't disagree with any of these.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from thewoodenduck wrote 43 weeks 2 days ago

Excellent list. I would suggest an honorable mention to the .257 Roberts by BSA.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from buckslayer33 wrote 43 weeks 1 day ago

the winchester model 94 is probably the most versitle rifle in the bunch. at close range a 30.30 will take down most everything in north america and the winchester action is very relaible one rifle that i can not believe didn`t make the cut is the remington model 700

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Whackdaddy wrote 43 weeks 1 day ago

I won't hunt with anything called a Man-Licker but thank you.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from jwallen wrote 43 weeks 15 hours ago

The model 64 Winchester was a blend of the 94 action and the style of the 71. It still is the rifle I choose when the distance is 150 yards or less. The accuracy is good but hampered by the open sights and trajectory. A good peep sight and the LeverEvolution ammo will stretch that another 100 yards. Part of the experience is the feeling of tradition and the Winchester is the lever action deer rifle. I would hunt with any of the 10 and each has it's place. Let's check in 100 years and see what is still here.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from yukonjack wrote 42 weeks 23 hours ago

Let's not forget the Ruger Model 77 (.308) or the good old 45/70 Trapdoor. How many whitetails were harvested for subsistance during the 1800's to the 1930's?
Cheers

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from shane wrote 42 weeks 7 hours ago

there is a 3 generation model 1899 in .300 savage sitting in my safe, calling to me every night. when it finally lets me sleep, i dream about flattening a lion with a 7600 in .35 whelen. speaking of africa, that 660 in .350 would be pretty handy-dandy there.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from rabbitpolice88 wrote 41 weeks 5 days ago

A good list over all, I would have liked to have seen the Remington model 700 listed in the top 10. Some of the guns are a little out there in price but over all not bad.

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from buckslayer33 wrote 41 weeks 1 day ago

what i want to know is where is the remigton model 700.

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from CPT BRAD wrote 40 weeks 3 days ago

Where are all the bolt guns? Come on Dave, no 70s, 700, or 77s??? Wow, and a 600??? Good lord how long did that one last 20 years with miserable sales?
I do like the guide gun in 45-70 though that is a little powerhouse and fun to shoot.

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from Bigbuck14 wrote 38 weeks 6 days ago

YOu guys no what is a good deer gun 700 ultra bolt that is a good deer gun it kicks hard though

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from markpangler@aol.com wrote 37 weeks 1 day ago

I'm glad that the model 94 made it into the top ten deer rifles, the model 94 rifle that I use is in the 44 mag. caliber, it's light and easy to carry through thich brush and nasty terrain. And it pack's a wollop.

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from hjohn429 wrote 37 weeks 16 hours ago

I think that you should have mentioned the marlin 1894 44 magnum. I don't think it would be worth the light-loading to hunt deer with a 45/70.

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from hjohn429 wrote 37 weeks 16 hours ago

I think the savage model 99 should have been chambered in 444 marlin-would be a great elk rifle as well.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Deep Shit wrote 36 weeks 6 days ago

The country I come from, doesnt allow any kind of "self defence weapons", The government has PC'ed their backbone out!....they will only allow hunting weapons IF you observe very strict rules, and in fact will only let you do a class for your firearm licence IF you pass various state security tests (much like those imposed on possible terrorists entering the country from abroad)
...so I can only comment very vaguely based on my limited experience.... But am an avid big game fisherman/and would be hunter... I think the pics are great. but wonder if the guns are a little dated??... surely there are more modern/efficient weapons available that may not yet have had time enough to be proven to joe public based on historical reputation???..."I cant know without the comments of experience from blokes like you"
I have had the absolute pleasure to visit a bloody beautiful part of the world known as northern California, and while there, was able to shoot almost any kind of rifle I could think of,at almost anything I cared to... some dating all the way back to the "Sharps" era right up to fairly modern rifles/handguns... The opinion I have, is that though the older types of guns are about the most fun you can have in the vertical position...."that is without commenting on the fact that they are by far the most elegant of their kind to look at and handle"... but just as with cars, the more modern.... surely has to be the most efficient?...and if not?.... "in the respect of accuracy"... the most satisfying to work with??... I am just not in it to shoot a whitetail at 1400 yards, much like I am with fishing, "I would rather catch and release"... for me, its all about tecnique... "If I know I can bag it, thats enough for me" (unless I am looking at sharks or coyotes.)... Deep Shit. ... he he

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from hickboy518 wrote 36 weeks 6 days ago

Modle 94 and marlin 336 that all i go near the woods with for a rifle

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from Griz wrote 36 weeks 3 days ago

could or should you use a 300 win mag for deer hunting. I'm new to hunting and my buddy said if want just one gun get a 300 win mag it will be good for every thing including deer. What are your thoughts on this ?. Thanks Griz.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from rserwe44 wrote 36 weeks 1 day ago

i really like this article but i see no point in a blaze orange gun

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from rserwe44 wrote 36 weeks 1 day ago

i really like this article but i see no point in a blaze orange gun

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from Huntandtrap09 wrote 35 weeks 1 day ago

agree with rserwe

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from Huntandtrap09 wrote 33 weeks 6 days ago

i love that savage

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from BigWoodsHunter57 wrote 21 weeks 1 hour ago

Great story...some people forget that it doesnt take a custom made 6,000 dollar to kill large or medium size game...Some of the most successful hunters I know (some of which have passed on) hunt with used and abused level actions in calibers like 30-30. Today no one would "recommend" this caliber for large game like moose, but I dont know how many people I know that have killed moose in this caliber. Regardless of your rifle...SHOT PLACEMENT!!

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from buddyboy564 wrote 15 weeks 2 days ago

the win. model 100 should be on there

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from Seth Sell wrote 14 weeks 3 days ago

I just bought a Ruger M77 Hawkeye International, it has the full mannlicher style stock but sadly not the butter knife bolt handle. It still points wonderfully and has a nice light feel to it though.

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from poleski wrote 2 weeks 4 days ago

guys,everyone has what i call the gun they were raised on.that usually is your gun of guns.the f&s list is that editors personal picks.my list is based on the guns that i still think are worth owning on a middle class budget.1)remington 760.2)winchester model 70.3)winchester 94.4)marlin 336.5)savage 99.6)remington 700.7)ruger m77.8)tc icon.9)browning bar.10)just for you guy from ohio 870 remington rifle slud.and that is only my personal picks

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