Thread: So I was perusing/window shopping for a "lightweight" .243 when.... (Grail gun?)

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

But the win model70 in .243 you own/owned would do it all too,just as well lol

Here in Oz they have minimum caliber for sambar, your fav 270.

Originally Posted by 199p

There is no perfect gun or stock or cal or bullet or scope for everything,

this thread is not about perfect its simply a chance for fellow firearms nuts to have rave about what they would really like and its been really enjoyable - sure beats how much powder ya .223 can hold - please let us have a rave bloody good fun

For me, as well as fitting well and functioning flawlessly it would have to be tough, elegant and simple, doing and having no more than it needs to.

For a 243, if you carry something that will fit a Rem Mag into the action and you cant top load thats not grail. Soft wobbly turrets and fancy reticles are another waste of space ( unless you’re grailing for Precision Rifle shooting). So are two piece bolts and long extractor spring claws. Aan older action thats worn a lot and is hard to get parts for is also out.

There must be alternatives but the Sako 90 meets most of this and its models can accomodate a variety of preferences from hares to tahr.

One I will likely never have the money for is the Sako M10, but its elegant and extreme at once. A newer model S&B with just a P4F reticle would fill the order out nicely for me. And no, Im not trading off a House or a Car to own one. We’re talking about a dream not a goal.

I think I looked at the '90 and my brain subconsciously absorbed what I was looking at and said...yep, that one!
The M10 is a tool and a half and I get what you mean by elegant AND extreme but with a matching price tag, could you compromise on the '42?

Originally Posted by Stocky

You could buy a tikka 243 with 1 in 8 twist (so you have the option to use modern bullets like the 103 eld x etc. And put it in a precision platforms stock and use the stock spacers to suit. Its would run you around 3k all in and you have a more functional twist rate and will likely lose less on resale as there's very little market for an 7.5 sako (heaps for a 5k sako).

People who build customs usually think the want something until they have it then they realise it's not that great and they would prefer the money back out. Hence why all the customs sell on here for a huge discount VS new. As much as I think Tikkas are dumb. What does a custom action give you a tikka doesn't except a short action?

Mate calls his T3 .. KUKA as in Kuka Robotics. Ever watched the VW car manufacturing you will get the drift.

Sako's say much about their owners lack of knowledge on quality and poor taste. They (Sakos) are what a playboy centerfold is to Rueben' original, they have the look but the depth is sadly lacking. Pick up a custom built by Pat Neville, Dave McClunie or more recently Alan Carr and you'll discover what quality really is. And they are well overshadowed by the top gunmakers of Ferlac and the USA.

This: Browning 1885 LowWall in 260Rem (built by Miroku)

I've owned quite a few 'name' and expensive rifles, including a Westley Richards and a Holland & Holland etc.

The bugger is when you buy a 'Grail' gun and for some reason you just don't like it! :-(

Like women, cars, wine and whisky, I've learnt over a lifetime that what one ACTUALLY likes /loves has an indefinable quality, not typically just based on looks or price (although looks do help! :-))

For me, a 'Grail' gun might be a fully engraved Mauser. But my FAVOURITE gun - the one I love the most - is my 1949 BRNO Model 21H in 8x57. I just love the way it feels in the hand and shoots!

And, so far I'm also loving my new Savage 110 Superlight in 7mm PRC! Seems a fantastic rifle.

The moral: enjoyment don't always come from where you think it will.

Just my 2 cents on an interesting topic.

Originally Posted by Tentman

Sako's say much about their owners lack of knowledge on quality and poor taste. They (Sakos) are what a playboy centerfold is to Rueben' original, they have the look but the depth is sadly lacking. Pick up a custom built by Pat Neville, Dave McClunie or more recently Alan Carr and you'll discover what quality really is. And they are well overshadowed by the top gunmakers of Ferlac and the USA.

Well that's definitely an opinion, the problem with denigrating a slew of people because they choose/like something and then comparing said preference to something else that is not comparable may appear to be patronising and pretentious

....which is also just an opinion.

You COULD have chosen to respond within the intention of the OP and told us what you're grail gun might be and why, with pictures even...............

Originally Posted by Copelli

I've owned quite a few 'name' and expensive rifles, including a Westley Richards and a Holland & Holland etc.

The bugger is when you buy a 'Grail' gun and for some reason you just don't like it! :-(


Like women, cars, wine and whisky, I've learnt over a lifetime that what one ACTUALLY likes /loves has an indefinable quality, not typically just based on looks or price (although looks do help! :-))

For me, a 'Grail' gun might be a fully engraved Mauser. But my FAVOURITE gun - the one I love the most - is my 1949 BRNO Model 21H in 8x57. I just love the way it feels in the hand and shoots!

And, so far I'm also loving my new Savage 110 Superlight in 7mm PRC! Seems a fantastic rifle.

The moral: enjoyment don't always come from where you think it will.

Just my 2 cents on an interesting topic.

Agreed, especially whisky (I prefer the Scottish to the Irish/American whiskey) nose and taste are far more important than looks! I think that for me a grail gun has to be one that I would use and probably would be my preferred hunting rifle rather than a safe queen. I'm not big on acquiring things that are nice to look at that also can't be used with the exception of art/photography

Originally Posted by Sidetrack

This: Browning 1885 LowWall in 260Rem (built by Miroku)

Attachment 278590

That merited an "open image in new tab" so I could zoom in and have a proper gander and then a google where I learned about low wall and high wall and falling block actions...awesome
WHat is it about this rifle and...most importantly do you have one nestled away in your collection?

Originally Posted by Sidetrack

This: Browning 1885 LowWall in 260Rem (built by Miroku)

Attachment 278590

I do hope that's in a proper flanged or at least a belted cartridge

For far less money than most of examples/options given....and looking back to your original post and reasons given for looking in first place,better gun fit. You could find a light smooth action you like...Winchester model 70 lightweight comes to mind. Then pay one of the clever fellas who do so,to make you lightweight stock to dimensions that fit YOU.... Sort of like Purdey does.... Make it uniquely yours. That way you do get all your required wants without compromise.addition of faster twist barrel and suppressor is a given.

Originally Posted by Tentman

Sako's say much about their owners lack of knowledge on quality and poor taste. They (Sakos) are what a playboy centerfold is to Rueben' original, they have the look but the depth is sadly lacking. Pick up a custom built by Pat Neville, Dave McClunie or more recently Alan Carr and you'll discover what quality really is. And they are well overshadowed by the top gunmakers of Ferlac and the USA.

I have been following this with great amusement and can only marvel at the variety of opinions. One of my grail guns was a commemorative issue Berretta U/O muzzleloader made in 1986 which still sits unfired in my safe. A Pat Neville stocked 308 sits unused because the thumbhole stock feels unfamiliar. A Winslow rifle I once owned was rarely used because I was scared I may scratch it yet a model 70 bought new in 1971 is now the most cherished gun in my safe although it looks as if it has been dragged behind the truck.

My grail guns are the ones that hold the memories of the hunts they have been on, the places they have been, and the animals they have accounted for. I have a couple of them.