A Fudd rifle...
I want a scoped bolt action.
Not because I need one or have any use I'd put one to that I'd actually do.
I just think that every shooter should have one before they can say they've got the minimums covered.
But there's always something shinier or something that needs fixing.
Then there's conflicting emotions.
Because I don't have a use for one, a cheap one will suffice as well as an expensive one. A $400 Axis package with scope sits in the safe and collects dust just as well as a mega-buck minute-of-subatomic-particle gun.
But if I finally break down, save my pennies, and buy one; I want a nice one! Luxurious bluing, polished walnut... That's more expensive, but less than what a couple of the AR's have run.
Some features I have no doubts on. I do not want a blind magazine well. I don't think it's safe to unload by cycling the action repeatedly. I don't know if I care if the magazine is detachable or not.
I am ambivalent about iron sights.
I am uncertain what the ideal caliber for me is too. I've already got .308 and .30-06 in the house. Do I go with those or something like .270 Winchester or .280 Remington? .270 has appeal since it's the same bullet diameter in my beloved 6.8. If I reloaded I've have a stronger opinion, I am sure.
And all of that ignores the brand!
I've always had a soft spot for the Browning A-Bolt. But they're made by Miroku in Japan. That buts me for some ephemeral reason I can't put my finger on while I wouldn't think twice about buying a Weatherby made in Japan by Howa.
I don't own a Winchester anything, so a Model 70 has an appeal. This creates its own sub-debate about pre-64, post-64 and post-post-64.
Savage makes good guns that have a reputation for being more accurate than their price would suggest.
Ruger renamed their line-up and I don't know which is the entry level and which is the high end. Browning's X-Bolt caused the same confusion for me.
Not sure I'd buy a Howa branded gun, even if I'd happily own a Weatherby Vanguard.
Confusion and indecision reigns!
I want a scoped bolt action.
Not because I need one or have any use I'd put one to that I'd actually do.
I just think that every shooter should have one before they can say they've got the minimums covered.
But there's always something shinier or something that needs fixing.
Then there's conflicting emotions.
Because I don't have a use for one, a cheap one will suffice as well as an expensive one. A $400 Axis package with scope sits in the safe and collects dust just as well as a mega-buck minute-of-subatomic-particle gun.
But if I finally break down, save my pennies, and buy one; I want a nice one! Luxurious bluing, polished walnut... That's more expensive, but less than what a couple of the AR's have run.
Some features I have no doubts on. I do not want a blind magazine well. I don't think it's safe to unload by cycling the action repeatedly. I don't know if I care if the magazine is detachable or not.
I am ambivalent about iron sights.
I am uncertain what the ideal caliber for me is too. I've already got .308 and .30-06 in the house. Do I go with those or something like .270 Winchester or .280 Remington? .270 has appeal since it's the same bullet diameter in my beloved 6.8. If I reloaded I've have a stronger opinion, I am sure.
And all of that ignores the brand!
I've always had a soft spot for the Browning A-Bolt. But they're made by Miroku in Japan. That buts me for some ephemeral reason I can't put my finger on while I wouldn't think twice about buying a Weatherby made in Japan by Howa.
I don't own a Winchester anything, so a Model 70 has an appeal. This creates its own sub-debate about pre-64, post-64 and post-post-64.
Savage makes good guns that have a reputation for being more accurate than their price would suggest.
Ruger renamed their line-up and I don't know which is the entry level and which is the high end. Browning's X-Bolt caused the same confusion for me.
Not sure I'd buy a Howa branded gun, even if I'd happily own a Weatherby Vanguard.
Confusion and indecision reigns!