Available in six calibers, TTAG gave the $609 MSRP .308 Winchester flavor a test drive. Franchi Momentum .308 Win Threaded 22" Bbl Htr Gry BA Rifle 41533. I just purchased a Rival this week. I just have to say thank you I really appreciate your unbiased and honest opinions. Surprisingly accurate. Dont get me wrong. I just wish there was a better feeling about the Ridgeline. Ive got a line on a used Seekins Havak Element in 6.5 PRC. Thank you. PS. Thanks for your time Jim, love the channel! You mentioned the seekins havoc, but not in detail. Never shot 6.5 but all I hear are good things whats your opinion. And the thought of upgrades on a new rifle seems stupid to me. The only competitor would be a full custom on the amazing MDT HNT 26 chassis. High comb, rigid, modern stock lines. Its a scaled down, lighter weight Sako TRG action with a Sako barrel and trigger. A lot of older rifles are very superior to these entry level rifles. Excellent in every way but its expensive. Thanks for your thoughts and time! Both the Momentum Elite and the newer Tikka Veil are . Fierce is about $400 more and almost a pound heavier. Its way more fun to shoot than the other guns. Im looking for a great elk rifle/big game in left handed. A stock upgrade is also an option, Stockys is producing several different carbon fiber drop-in stocks for the Vanguard/Howa rifle line. and the weathermark? Italy has crazy gun control laws, like most of Europe. No doubt, it has s lot to offer. The best part of learning how much I love hunting was how little I first put in. Im holding my breath for the comments section on this post. Wondering your opinion on those I understand theyre not hunting rifles I just thought you would enjoy those rigles as I do. Cannot find the Federal rounds anymore so Shooting the Hornady Precision Hunter 110s now. Thank you for your time and effort. Forearm checkering extends nearly all the way forward, ending just short of another molded-in and recessed sling swivel mount. The Momentum is Franchi's hunting rifle, introduced by the Italian firm in 2018. I like the Bergara B-14 ridge. Copyright 2000-2023 24hourcampfire.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Would like a rifle that print a sub MOA with factory ammo. It uses the same barrel as the more expensive Bergara B14 rifles, because they are both owned by the same parent company and come out of the same factories in Spain. See also Gluck. Any thoughts? Wondering if you have a reason for this I appreciate your knowledge and insight. One might think that in this price range, youd have a multitude of choices, but in my opinion, there are really only three hunting rifles Id consider. You have entered an incorrect email address! I have not seen a semi-auto in 6.5 PRC, should I wait? The only downsides I have read of it is its screw-on bolt-knob and the fact that you may need a few more tools to disassemble the rifle. Base Price: $816.99: Tax: - In Stock: Back in stock . As I completely dislike sporter pencil barrels. My personal favorite elk cartridge is a 7mm Rem Mag. This rifle broke two scopes I highly recommend the Leupold which I have on it now .team this up with the Barnes TTPX BT. Moreover, the firearm boasts an excellent light and smooth trigger. I am looking for an all purpose dependable rifle to handle more than one role. Action is very heavy and clunky. A fine rifle like this is perfect for beating to shit while you learn the other basics. Went on my first hunt (elk) this October. JavaScript is disabled. Today, though, I would buy a Dead Air Nomad or a CGS Hyperion given the choice of anything on the market. Thanks. bolt turn was a bit rough out of the box. It has become one of my favorite guns. under 9 lb 7 mm or 300 w m. Jim, I know you are a fierce fan. The 300 win mag barrel twist is a little slow, but if you arent going to handload, it should shoot up the 200 grain bullets in factory Ammo just fine. It is so fun to shoot and is extremely accurate! Hey Jim, Gun #: 999725884. Way sub-MOA. It seems to boast a sturdier stock. How about a Bergara Wilderness Ridge in 7 mag? Trigger pull is most critical for me. Most of the videos I see you get two shots touching and a flier on the mod 70. I have a slue of rifles in many calibers 22LR up to 338WM, except the 7mm mag. Specifically, I am looking at 300 PRC and .28 Nolser, or 300 Weatherby Magnum. it just feels right. I can stretch the budget to a Browning if I have to, but the Winchester XPR is more in my price range. Am I wrong in my logic? I\ve hunted since high school age but always small game/birds. Thanks. You are using an out of date browser. I would love a 300 Win Mag. Bought a vanguard series 2 in 270cant wait to shoot it put a leupold 3x9x50 ..I have 1400.00 in it first expensive gun Ive ever owned.wish me luck, The rifle you are selling that is under $350 thats quiet what caliber is it and who makes it need more information please thank you. I have been taking in everyone of ur vids I can find and sincerely appreciate your work and am interested in your take on the Seekins product? It truly needs to be able to handle rough handling. I like the straight comb with minimal drop and I found the cheek weld comfortable. Thats a nice collection. Get one , in 30-06 for the purest experience , and youll be convinced ! I am between a Bergara B-14 Hunter and the Weatherby Vanguard. Its a 3-lug design with a decently large extractor and ejector and large locking lugs. Jim. I was considering the Sig Cross, but the safe selector issue concerns me. You sound like the new guy that is 25 and has 150 years experience. Its a crisp, clean, single-stage trigger with no slack or take-up and a nice break. can you give me your thoughts on This post contains affiliate links to help monetize this site. My 2 favorite calibers are 270( I have 6 of them) and 300H&H ( one pre 64 Winchester Model 70 and one Cooper). I ended up buying a Bergara Mountain 2.0, which checked all the boxes for me as a hunting rifle. Can't see enough difference to make a difference. Good Morning Jim I cannot give a better example than that. Though the tightest of those were from outlets that shoot 3-round groups, for what thats worth (well, its worth a tighter average group size). We hunt in northern Utah. Yes its more than that modern piece of shit for $300 but I have found other used Mauser sporters including commercially made ones in the $300 dollar range not once but many , many times. (The extra mags are also only like $20 which is nice, too.) Sure, its the same action and barrel, but its dressed up completely differently, and I think it changes the gun significantly. My two next rifles will be a Weatherby Mark V and a Sako 85. Loved this article keep em coming! After getting what I believe to be a bad copy of a Ruger American in 308, I am looking to upgrade. Since recording the review of the Sig Cross, my copy of the gun did develop the issue with the safety where it doesnt quite go to the correct position. I just dont shoot the Weatherby as well as I used to, and even reloading is expensive enough I dont do much plinking with it. Plus, it uses an old-school sporter stock that just isnt what todays long-range shooter is looking for. These are deal breakers. Im looking for another LR hunting rifle and was seriously looking at Christianson arms but not so much now. Mine shoots 1/2 MOA with handloads, Available in: 6 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, Available in: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, 300 Win Mag. Would you take the Waypoint over the Seekins? Hello Jim, great article. Every Weatherby Ive ever shot has been exceptionally accurate and well-built. With a Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 scope mounted on Leupold dual dovetail rings and loaded with a maximum of five rounds of ammunition, the Momentum I tested weighed almost exactly eight poundslight enough to carry on long hikes through steep country but not unpleasant to shoot. Id pick the CVA Cascade from that group. The stock is not very rigid, the butt pad is too stiff, and the stock geometry is only acceptable. Scope bases follow the Remington 700 mounting footprint, but the action length does not so only 2-piece R700 bases or separate rings will work. A very solid four stars here for the Franchi Momentum bolt-action rifle. In this day and age, there is really no reason to not have a removable magazine that you could top load also. Hi Jim, Thank you! I have my moments of trigger snobbery, but if I owned a Momentum I wouldnt spend money seeking a trigger upgrade or smithing work. I think in theory controlled feed is better, but they also generally dont feed well (or at all) if you try to feed by dropping one in, rather than mag feeding. I know you get requests for reviews a lot but Id be very interested in hearing your thoughts on the CVA Cascade line of bolt action rifles. Agreed on the MarkV. Thank you and keep up the great job! Interesting comparison. The data-driven nature of the content is extremely helpful. Ive got a lot of autoloader pistol and AR experience, but my only bolt action is an old Mosin Nagant. New for 2021: Franchi Momentum Elite Rifle - YouTube 0:00 / 1:38 New for 2021: Franchi Momentum Elite Rifle NRApubs 129K subscribers Subscribe 148 24K views 1 year ago American Hunter Executive. Adjustable from 2 pounds to 4 pounds, my sample fell right in the middle of that range. LOL. If you had a choice between XBolt Pro & Dako finnlight 85 in 300wm what one would you choose. Does that make sense from what I\ve mentioned? There are a few really nice ergonomic details that Franchi has implemented on their stocks. I would also love a video on the Winchester model 70 extreme weather! I verified it with factory ammo, Guaranteed 1 MOA accuracy, but probably beats that, Guaranteed 1 MOA. Obviously your not going to buy one move on. For my boy. You must log in or register to reply here. What ammo are you shooting in your cross? 7mm mag, 300 Win mag and 30-06. I am looking into ordering a 20 Super Sniper chambered in .308 and was curious to know if you have had any experience with it? It feels almost as rigid as concrete, and thats a good thing. I recently purchased a Franchi Momentum 300 win mag w/24 in. Been looking at the franchi momentum has anyone got this rifle ? I might just know about a new rifle coming in January 2023 that might change your mind, Awesome reviews Jim. You lost when you bought junk because it will always be low cost junk and you lost when you went to purchase something of quality because the price went way up because you fked around too long before you realized you should have bought quality to begin with when it was still relatively affordable. Jim Harmer is a host of the Backfire Youtube channel. What is your opinion on the Edge vs Rival? Glad that rifle is a shooter. Looks to me like an Apples to Oranges request. Not real excited about paying for a custom build so wondering what you would recommend I consider? Thanks! However, if this was not a ringer and indicative of the accuracy to be expected, it would be a great entry level rifle. Feeler gauges became shims for my lathe and mill. Premium recoil pad, pic rail, fluted barrel, muzzle break.MOA guaranteed accuracy like the Tikka. I found not too long ago a Husqvarna Mauser for $400 bucks in like new condition. TIKKA is proven, Franchi has some good reports. I would love those see a review of the Benelli Lupo.Ive been shooting mine for little while now and I have to say it is a very accurate hunting rifle with a great ability to conform to just about anybody.Hope to see a review in the near future.Da Butcher. And true to their ads, it is a sub-MOA shooter. I would love to see you review a Lithgow la102 from Australia. Just my two cents, but would love to hear an honest review of these rifles. Saving a penny by not buying grease and oil costs you hundreds of dollars in rust repair. I have a Momentum elite varmint in 224 Valkyrie. The action quality, as well as the barrel, produces a very accurate rifle. Likely sub-half-MOA. What do you think about the CZ 557 line and the new 600s? Two shots were thrown right out of the group and the barrel was not yet even very warm. The Tikka action is by far the best in this price point because it cycles ammo perfectly, has a silky smooth bolt slide and is manufactured to a high tolerance so every last one I pick up feels just as good as the one next to it. I looked at the Tikas as well and for the calibers Im looking at, I just think theyll beat the hell outta my shoulder. Hi Jim. I am looking to spend around $1200, and I am between the Savage ultralite and the Howa carbon kratos. Beater rifles go until they cant. Overall, the rifle is kinda heavy so itd be nice to reduce recoil a bit. They do have a more expensive option for a titanium action that is even lighter, but I feel the titanium actions just arent as smooth in the hand. Gun #: 932303293. Accurate, lightweight, and comfortable with a great trigger, its a solid choice to fill your freezer this season. funny, I was between the FME and the CVA cascade for a 350L. First let me say your videos are absolutely fantastic. They are reviewing new rifles not old ones. Performance is really good. Both have V block bedding blocks (But Ruger's are Y blocks for pillar bedding the action bolts.) Thanks for the content you put out! Thanks. They have shot the ruger and no problem but alittle heavy to be packing around the mountain. Accuracy * * * * * Which leaves Winchester, Weatherby, Tikka/Sako. Great deal. Ive never shot one that couldnt achieve a 1 group at 100 yards. Ruger precision is really heavy for hunting, but a cool rifle. Trying to decide which roughly $1k or less rifle to get has been no easy task, and I still dont feel that Im close to deciding. Tikka T3X or Franchi Momentum Elite - ALDEER.COM Aldeer.com Copyright 2001-2022 Aldeer LLP. Review: Franchi Momentum .308 Winchester. I havent heard you talk much about the Seekins rifles, any thoughts on them? Gear up as your favorite Delsin Rowe Vest. The trigger however appears to be decent and I like the one piece bolt but I think the internal magazine is a deal breaker for me. Although, I think Vlad is optimistic on price, but you can find a deal. I am from Canada- and watching your channel for quite a time. Powered by UBB.threads PHP Forum Software 7.7.5. Might want to hold off a month or so. I guess Im looking for an under 2K rifle chambered in a 300 win mag. I try to ruin stuff like this and am always amazed how much it will take. Thanks and keep up the great content! The Sig Cross is the rifle that I have consistently used more than any other hunting rifle in my gun vault. I would definitely buy the Winchester XPR SR version, which means suppressor ready, so you get a threaded barrel. What about the Winchester Model 70? Commissions are earned for links to Brownell's, Amazon, MidwayUSA, GoHunt, OpticsPlanet, Sportsman's Warehouse, and other retailers. or browning. The CVA Cascade is an exceptional rifle for the price. Sorry youtube is being such a pain in the ass to you as well. I want to buy a new rifle in 30-06. Ive fallen in love. Its just so short, light, and accurate. In case anyone is wondering and didnt click the link, its available in 6.5Creedmore. The reason I put the CVA Cascade above the Ruger American is: (1) It has a better action with more reliable feeding, (2) Its stock is more rigid, (3) It doesnt have a super loud safety like the Ruger American, which I found to be tricky to hunt with. Nearly every touch-point Ive had with the company shows obvious signs of errors. My brother and another buddy bought one (223 and 22-250) because mine shot so well and they had similar results. There are quality inexpensive rifles being made, but if you step up into the $500-$1,000 price range, almost every option will shoot accurately and have more consistent quality control. Any thoughts. Solid brass bullet ,which I really like. Like you I love the idea of the cerakote on it and I think a stiffer stock lends itself to shooters well. The action is butter smooth and the stock has a palm swell the sold me when I first picked the gun up. Fierce rifles are accurate, built well, look great, come with good triggers, and feed perfectly. My arms are a bit short and most hunting rifles are just too long for me, length of pull wise. I bought a Tikka M550 in 308 while stationed in Germany back in 1984. You havent included Winchester in your reviews. Plus all the pros of the above B-14 review. I used to not care about if the bolt locked on safe but after a walk in the woods of ND with a Ruger American and the bolt falling out, to not be recovered on the opener, I now only have guns that lock the bolt on safe. I dont own one. Was very happy with all of it. Are you familiar with this cartridge? I really love your channel. You never mentioned. Magazine Comparison: The Browning X-Bolt features a 4 round detachable polymer rotary magazine. I just took the first shots with the Winchester XPR in 6.8 Western today. You mention that you felt the Browning X-Bolt Pro was not a good fit for a heavy recoil gun. They are also slippery when wet and ice cold to touch in winter. I just want an all around deer rifle that is easy to find ammo for. Its a good option for light cartridges, but the light weight and stock design dont make for a good match on heavy cartridges. Christensen MPR The MPR looks fantastic, but I do feel like its a little bit of lipstick on a pig. Length of Pull: 14 inches (adjustable with spacers) I appreciate the blunt honesty. Do you have any other recommendations or would you like to sell the Savage? Franchi talks up the ergonomics of the Momentum big time on their website. Do you know a lot about rifles. Thanks for the info , it will certainly help those with no interest in spending too much to have a good rifle. So how do you choose between them? I like the reviews on the CVA but the Bergara is hard to beat, the Terrain Wilderness is the one Im leaning towards. The rings came with friction paper. So if you are shooting 300 win mag, will it throw inaccurate shots on the 3rd shot (or even the 2nd)? Never spent over $500 before. $799.00 Add To Cart For Price. 2. have a metal finish at the trigger-guard, What is your opinion on this gun? Id probably go with the Weatherby, but both guns will be very accurate. I can be an affiliate for just about any gun brand, so it doesnt impact my recommendations. I do have a question that I hope you will address. Keep up the good work! Jim, It doesnt snag or grab clothes but somehow its still plenty soft and grippy. Fierce Rival I really like my Fierce Rival chambered in 6.5 PRC. Yes, it shipped with a knurled thread protector but I immediately lost it when I slapped my Dead Air Sandman Ti on. So with 6.5CM its sure to take the deers soul. I had a question on my first rifle purchase. You know Beretta will not support either rifle. Have you fired the Sako 85 Finnlight? Is the bergara name worth it? Also would be cool to see you do a semi-custom rifle (Bighorn action, prefit barrel, Ag composites stock, trigger tech, etc.) I am finally biting the bullet and having a custom gun made. Hold on to it. Made in Italy? In regards to the CVA and the Bergara, Im looking at getting one or the other in 7mm Mag. Keep up the good work! I looked at the Waypoint locally and thought is was a really nice gun. Nor do my groups appear to be outliers for the Momentum. I reload, so Ive been able to work on the load. The one I tested was in Badlands camo, and is probably the most common edition I see on store shelves. Jim, It shoots some factory ammo sub moa as advertised but has been and uphill battle to get hand loaded 88grn eldm's to group consistent. Why would anyone purchase a rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor when 7mm-08 will do everything the 6.5 can but with a bigger bullet, flatter trajectory, and comparable wind drift at typical hunting ranges? Thank you, October 15 2022 Christiansen Arms Traverse, 28 Nos. Swelled and checkered grip areas are molded into both sides of the stock over the internal magazine and again at the beginning of the forearm section. That limits my choice of rifles. Id also like to hear more about the threading on the various barrels and if they are suitable for use with a suppressor i.e. The other option is the Springfield 2020 Waypoint. I too had nailed it down to the Savage or the Ruger American Rifle. Ive owned a Lupo chambered in 30-06 for several months now. We watch all your videos on YouTube. Manse, he actually has a point this time. I enjoy watching your videos but havent found any with this specific manufacture. Franchi Momentum .300 Win Mag 24" Black / Hunter Gray 4 Rds 41553. My experience as well Tim! Ill keep one in mind next time Im in the market. Its like the girl you almost dated because you were such good friends and got along with great, but just never could fall in love with. Jim, Ive owed most of the brands youve mention here. In fact, I frequently find myself out shooting with a Sig Cross even when I have much more expensive guns that I could be choosing. ITs one of hte most versatile calibers since you can load down to 125 gr bullets and turn it into a .243 in recoil to train kids with a light load. To this day when I pull that out for fun it still shoots tight groups. The forend felt fat and a bit chunky, and the detachable mag looks like it could get in the way when carrying, hunting, using rests, etc. As you can see I am a gun collector and have not used my 7 mm Mag. I really enjoy your reviews and opinions. Shut up Vlad. I want a lightweight rifle that has mild Recoil with ballistics similar to 270 Winchester but in a short action. Have you had a chance to look over or review the Savage Impulse? I havent seen you review any CZ rifle, any cause un particular? Like, sure. stock not sticky yet? Great comment, Frank. So happy you out this together as it brings all of your work together and I hope you link to it. How is it Franchis fault again? Is it like the other cheap stocks you mentioned love the mauser style trigger guard/magazine. Overall Length: 42.3 inches Very impressed. Its an expensive gun but Ive been hearing good things. So in general, pick the Tikka T3X Lite if you want a lightweight rifle with a fantastic action, and youre going to be shooting cartridges lighter than a 7mm Rem Mag or .30-06. Id say Im in the sub-$1,500 range. Yes please, there is a major lack of opinions out there on the LUPO. Very accurate, handles recoil well, and easily in your price point with room to spare. The controlled-round feed action is great. I like the Sig Cross because its lightweight, easily adjustable to fit me or my kids, very accurate, and the short barrel and folding stock make it easily packable for hunts. Those all sound like good options. (weight) The stock is cheesy feeling, but nicely shaped and rigid. Which one do you recommend, God-bless you for being a second amendment supporter I will pray for you your wife and your family God-bless, Wow! Bergara is intriguing, but I cant understand why its heavier. My main gun is a Tikka T3 in 30-06. Id love to hear if the model 70 is still relevant. It's my 1st long-bolt (actually 2nd, I'd had Win 70 Ultimate Shadow 338 win mag. My search is with an elk/mule deer hunt in mind. Im going to let it cure for a day or so before testing it, if I still have an issue with slippage or it effects accuracy, I will switch out for new rings. Usage for the rifle would be long distance hobby shooting, but also potentially taking it on everything from whitetail up to moose for a hunt should I ever get in to the sport with my brothers and dad. Even though Im happy with my decision, the Ultralite might have been the better way to go. Just hasnt been available. Floorplate, spring, and follower tilt out. Zero quality control issues. The rifles are accurate, reliable, and built well. It talks about every calibre Savage Arms is selling in Canada but dont talk about calibre I purchased. Thanks for any input. Second is the on top the receiver scope mounts are based on Savage Accutrigger not Remington. If you had 1500-2500 just for one, which make would you drop that cash on? Im thinking a 6 creedmoore with a proof carbon barrel, MDT onyx chassis, timmey trigger but cant decide on the action. I purchased a Stockys carbon stock for my Vanguard 6.5 PRC Meateater rifle and was able to shoot a suppressed 5 shot group at 100 yards that measured under 1/2 moa. Keep up the good work of educating shooters in a neutral way. Can you review the Sako S20 or why havent you done it yet? Tikka T3X Compact Bolt-Action Rifle - Best .308 Lightweight Hunting Rifle. For the record the cheapest gun Ive ever owned is a TC compass in 6.5 Creedmoor and it has shot sub MOA with most factory offerings from day one and consistently shoots sub 1/2 moa with handloads. If youre patient and know what youre doing. Im at a point that I can spend $1500+ for a hunting rifle. Regards kjetil A B Strandengen. Really, the only thing that keeps me from owning more of them is that I can rarely find them in the chamberings I want. I like the action of the Howa better but the Proof barrel on the Savage. However, I kill a lot of elk where Im from, and my smaller 6.5s dont produce the knock down effect I had with the Weatherby. I am looking at loading with heavier grain bullets such as the Berger 30 cal 215 Hybrid or Berger 7mm 180 or 195 Grain bullets. If youre going to buy a Ruger American, know there are dozens of different configurations available. Thanks! I have the weather extreme in 25-05 that I purchased for a Pronghorn hunt topped with a Leupold VX6 HD. Jim, based on your reviews and several others, Id really like go with the 6.8 Western. Its an interesting concept but I prefer a traditional bolt. Fancy for an affordable rifle, the Franchi Momentum sports a one-piece, fluted bolt. Removing the bolt, however, is easier thanks to a release lever located on the side of the action. Both have cold hammer forged barrels 2. Hornady Precision hunter was working well in mine. Jan 18, 2020 #3 C clockworkgator No. that blew my mind that an OOB rifle would have that much contact. It is very expensive. Will be used for 100-500 yd plinking and occasional deer hunting. Unlocking the Momentums bolt took more effort than a typical Remington 700. Hello Jim, Capacity: 4+1 Two of them shoot 270s and one in 25-06. One issue that has come up with all three of their guns is having to check and tighten the front and rear action assembly screws. I\ve been perusing the site trying to find it as my rifle should be here today or tomorrow. So if I review it and love my copy, Id be convincing people to buy one and they very likely may not have the same experience. **sorry for posting this comment on another article, but I guess this is the more suitable article for this discussion. Seller: Ammo And Arms. If you go slow while trying to be quiet in a hunting situation, it may not feed right. It and the Fierce Rogue are tight competitors. I even bought one Mauser with a shot out barrel knowing it was shot out for $240 dollars complete with scope and had a local gunsmith rebarrel it for me and reblue the whole gun and I had only $600 in it. If youre into Italian and youre into affordable, but you still want some Ferrari performance at the Fiat price, Franchis Momentum delivers the goods. There are many rifles above the $2k price point. Good luck wearing one out with your old ass, you could have the best or worst and it wouldnt matter since its seeing all of a day of use once a season. Can Italian go to a local gun store and buy one (or any firearm) without a government license or permission? Watch my review here. So I do still think they have some QC issues to deal with. Is it worth it? Threaded barrel for a brake. You have probably heard this before but I am not really a hunter, at least not yet. I came over the years to loath short action rifles. It might be Franchi just trying to stay ahead of magazine restrictions in some (less free) parts of the world. Nor did it entirely love the excellent Hornady Black ammo, putting two rounds through the O that I was aiming at and three in another very tight group some distance away. The ammo is inexpensive and widely available, the recoil in manageable for most shooters, and the cartridge is unquestionably capable of taking elk cleanly. I have 13 riffles in calibers from 7mm08 , 270 ( my favorite caliber), 300H&H and 300 WM and 300WSM in Weatherby Mark V and Vanguard, Sako, Tika, Winchester model 70 pre 64 and new one, Kleingunther, Browning Xbolt, Browning medallion, BAR in 270 and 300 WM, 7mmMag in Weatherby Vanguard and Sako composite, Bennelli Lupo in 270. 1. can be top loaded, They will be on sale at cabelas this next week, and I havent heard that much about them. I see that you really like the Savage, but I was wondering if you have shot the Howa? Lets weed out a few rifles I DONT recommend first. A shiny one. This gun is very accurate, has a great bump pad to absorb recoil (unlike most wood rifles) and has a threaded barrel for good measure. At the back of the bolt shroud, the firing pin protrudes to show cocked status (as seen above) and is flush with the rear of the bolt shroud when not cocked.