I cannot believe that some of these rifles are over 100 years old but still operating so well. A testament to the creator and the manufacturing of the time. They just have so much character.
They where built to last that's for sure. To get that same quality today you have to pay quite a price. It's nice that cheap bolt guns exist and are so functional but they won't hold up like these sweet babies.
My family has a tendency to pass on firearms. Have percussion cap .75 cal all the way up to late 1800’s and early 1900’s bolt, lever and semi-auto shotguns and rifles and of course modern sporting and SHTF stuff. Just gave my newborn Grandson an early .30WCF Winchester...Just wanted to make sure Papa was the FIRST to pass along something with a bit of history. There are so many with very storied histories that we need to keep them alive and working. I hope our future generations will be able to enjoy many lifetimes of enjoyment in shooting sports and be prepared to hold on to our Second Amendment Rights as Americans.
I have a trap door Springfield that is older than 100.... The quality of parts was held to a higher standard. Now Ammo is much more reliable today for sure, better accurately loaded, no hot or underloaded rounds.
@@MatiasAimone me too I have a M1893 Mauser 7x57 and its my fav in my collection .. but must admit , the M1896 Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55 is the King 👑 imho 👍
@@MatiasAimone I have a K98k , 03a3 , K31 Swiss and a No4 mk2 smelly and a Krag and they would all have to go if I had to choose , except the 1893 Mauser ❤️
The Gewehr 98!!! Three reasons: 1) I'm not sure I'd disqualify a rifle based solely on the appearance of the stock; 2) It's comparative rarity nowadays; 3) Finally; I have a very MINT one, and of my entire collection that'd be the first firearm I'd save if my home ever caught fire ;-)
My oh my... My father built all of his sporters off the 03-A3 action. His buddies were in the K98 crowd in the 1970's. Sure the Sako is nice to look at and may fit you better without adjustment, but the 30-06 in bullet selection alone took this contest for me. I'd rock the Win 70 forever.
I have a sporterized Enfiled that was my Grandfathers. He had about every military rifle you could think of. And if he didn't have it one of his brothers did. That's what I grew up around. He loved showing off that Enfield because it was not a common platform to sporterize without removing the ring which this one had not been.
Ever since I’ve watched you video on that 6.5 Sako I’ve known it’s one of your favorites. The joy just pours out of you when you’re shouldering that beautiful rifle.
Man that first BA he picked up “the old krag” he said that is the most interesting one I have ever seen ! I’m new to older rifles but the loading mechanism and look of the Krag just screams OLDSCHOOL. Love it
Wow! Talk about “Click Bait!” I literally had to pull my truck off the road and watch this one immediately! Haha! Hickock, I cannot blame you for your choice. As more of a “utility” guy, though, I would have had to go with a more readily available cartridge. And that, in America, would have been the -06. The 03-A3 quality notwithstanding, the Winchester is more practical. My logic for the choice is based on “hunt-ability,” for food, and the aforementioned availability of ammunition...if Freedom is assumed to have fallen. Great video!!
I was thinking exactly the same thing. Ammunition availability is a key factor for me. If you had to choose just one. I think I’d have had to throw in the towel and keep the last two.
My Uncle gave me my first rifle when I was about 12yrs old. 40 years later I still have it, it looks exactly the same, and it's still very accurate. Sears & Roebuck -J.C. Higgins model 103.18. Single shot 22.
My Grandpap gave me my first gun when I was 14yrs old. Kar98k Mauser 1944, likely used by Not-C in the 2nd world war. (No I am not german) I plan and hope to never sell my rifle, and maybe one day pass it down to my grandchild.
For an all purpose shooter, including ammunition availability, I'd go with the model 70. I can get ammunition at the hardware store. The fact that it's a sweet shooter and versatile, is a bonus.
Every time I see you shoot a bolt action rifle, I kick myself for parting with my Carl Gustav M38 Short Rifle, in 6.5 Swedish. It was the sweetest shooting and smoothest operating of any bolt gun I have handled. All Mausers (and variants) *ROCK!!!* Thanks for the video!!
Ditto, pretty much. I know nothing of the other bolt actions so I can't judge, but way back when I didn't know an Enfield from an outfield I bought a sporterized Enfield at a gun show for sixty bucks. First love is the best.
Good choice, hickok... one that fits and shoots the best for you...and, you know, maybe a lot of us don't verbalize it, but we truly do appreciate the time and effort that you two put into making these videos. Highly entertaining and informative. Your marksmanship with whatever you pick up is outstanding. Hoosier41 is envious! Thank you, and God bless...
Mine is my Ruger M77 MII 308Win. I’m in love with it for sure but it’s the rifle my wife bought for me when we dated. She walked into a gun shop and showed them a .308Win cartridge she found in her dads gun case and said “I want to buy my boyfriend a rifle that fits this”.
I reckon I'd a married her too. The Ruger M77 is a great modern interpretation of the classic Mauser 98. Good thing that cartridge wasn't a 250 Savage or a 356 Winchester or something . . .
Back in the early 1970’s, at 15 years old I purchased a M96 6.5X55. It had a very scard stock, the barrel had been shortened to 16.25”. It mounted a peep sight. If I could go back in time, I never would have sold it. $40.00 and it came with a half box of shells(shells were spendy/ Norma). So I would have to go with your choice. It was one that I dreamed of as a young man. Great Choice! Great Video
He said he didn’t like the clip on the .303. I wonder if he is aware of the three up two down clip loading procedure. That maybe why he has issues with them.
@@jackmclane1826 I had a "beater" of a No 1 Mk III from WWI that still shot accurate even with original barrel (obviously not AS accurate as my better condition L.E.'s but not too far off really)
@@therabbitcanada That's what I mean... any of these rifles in a good condition exceeds the precision that the vast majority of shooters can make use of.
Looks like you came to the same conclusion I did, I have both Sako 85s and Winchester Model 70s. The absolute best rifle would be a hybrid of both rifles. The Sako 85 rifle with the Winchester Long extractor with the Winchester wing safety…. Absolutely fabulous rifles.
@@mwmcbroom I have the British 303 Jungle carbine Enfield Rife. That is the only one I have in bolt action. It holds 10 round in the mag and is a very fast operating bolt action. I think it is the fastest in the world it was said? I bought it for 19 dollars in 1959 and freight on it was 30 dollars. It is still in the same condition as when I got it...I love it...
@@WB8BRA My dad gave me my first Enfield, which happens also to be a Jungle Carbine. That was back in the mid-60s. I think he paid $30 for it in unfired condition.
@@WB8BRA The Jungle carbine is one of the only ones I haven't picked up yet. I love all things Enfield. You got a steal on that, even if it was in 1959!
The Sako fits you, has the smoothest action, and is in your favorite bolt action cartridge! It's a natural choice, for your only rifle. Good video guys!
I inherited my grandfather's model 70 30-06 just like the one you have. My grandfather bought it to hunt mule deer out west. Now the one he bought came with a Zeiss 4x optic and he only shot it 8 times. He got sick from cancer and never got a chance to go out west to hunt with it. But yes the model 70 Winchester 30-06 would be my pic. Awesome video as usual.
Bolt actions are the best! Just got my first recently, a 1938 Soviet-made Mosin-Nagant. Lovin’ it! Eventually I’d love to have a German Mauser and British Enfield too.
I have the same Longbranch Enfield in this video. It was the fastest bolt action gun in WW1 and WW2. The bolt is like a typewriter. You barely touch it, and it shoots all the way back ready to chamber another round. Got mine for 300 at a gun show.
I managed to buy a collection of guns from a guy whose dad passed away and he didn't know anything about them. I walked out with a Savage No4, steyer 44 k98k, model 97 winchester td riot, Danzig G98, and my favorite... an M1 Garand with the bayonet and 2 boxes of Talon Black tip 30-06. Unfortunately the garand was in 308 but I paid about a 1000 usd for all of them.
A friend of mine carried a model 70 in early Vietnam. He swore by it's performance. A model 70 and or 1903 would be my choices. I have a number of the other rifles also. By the way you are an excellent shot! Thanks a lot, it was fun. Best wishes.
There's a Krag! My favorite rifle, still use mine to hunt out here in Alaska! Too many people don't even know about them, but it's the smoothest action ever and a unique design.
@@fedup3582 I'm nowhere near as dedicated a hunter as a lot of people up here, so my stories are pretty limited. A buddy and I did go for black bear one year. Found a nice field with a creek running through, signs of salmon being eaten, so we posted up. After about 40 minutes of quiet waiting, I got too hot and took off my jacket. Apparently the sound and/or scent woke up a brownie that was sleeping about 20 feet away that we didn't know was there. Luckily he chose flight over fight because when he stood up he was a good 7+ feet.
@@tybertimus great story! Did you ever get your black bear? I have a couple of 30-40 krags, a sporterized 98 krag rifle and a new 1885 saddle ring carbine. I took the carbine antelope hunting and dropped a doe in her tracks at 110 yds. I hope to do a lot more hunting with them, get me a deer at least. I love shooting the 30-40 and the history and nostalgia that comes with it. Somewhere i read a guy had an 1895 in 30-40, that his parents had given him as a teenager. Apparently it was the preferred rifle in his family. Grandpa, dad, and siblings had them. They all hunted extensively with them. 180 gr for caribou and deer, 220 for moose and bear. Apparently they all had great success with the 30-40 krag, over decades of use. Would love to hear more of their stories. Thank you very much for your story, would love to hear more if you have them. Hopefully I can get my health back on track, and create more of my own.
Is your krag still military original or sporterized? I myself am not so interested in one military original (nothing against them), just more interested in hunting and sporterized is just fine with me, especially if they did a nice job of it.
@fed up It's been sportorized. It was originally the 1898 Carbine model. Old stock is gone, sights replaced with a front blade and plain rear, barrel cut down...overall only 36 but feels comfy even for a bigger guy like me. Everything seems well done, but I'd like to make a new stock (it's not original but it's old and beat up)
Personally I would have went with either the model 70 or the 03 Springfield. I love 30-06. I have a model 70 featherlight in 30-06 and the action is like glass and i cant miss with it if i try. It was the last birthday gift from my mom before she passed and I would never part with it
The one bolt action rifle i would keep over all others in my Yugo M24/47. Bought it when i was 21, it was the first hunting rifle I bought for myself, and it cost me $200 from a relative at the time. You couldn't get me to sell that rifle for life eternal in exchange.
I love my Yugo24/47. It’s the only bolt action I own but I decided that it was the one for me as I always wanted a Mauser and as a left hander the straight bolt makes cycling much easier and faster than a bent bolt.
Mine would have to be my Lee Enfield I bought three years ago when I was 15 cost me a pretty penny 1200 cad. Brand new mind you still in the mummy wrap.
I thought you'd end up with the pre-war Winchester 70, but your reasons for keeping the Sako make sense. I'd have gone with the Winchester 70. I have a pre-war just like yours. Same caliber, too.
A number of publications in the hunting/outdoors industry voted the Winchester Model 70 the "bolt-action rifle of the 20th century," shortly before the turn of the millennium. It is known as "the rifleman's rifle" for very good reason. And for versatility and the ability to do just about anything any hunter or sportsman would want (and more than a few soldiers and Marines, too), the 30-06 cartridge is very tough to top. It is today the single most-popular center-fire rifle cartridge in the world, and many firearm historians view it as the most-influential cartridge of the 20th century, hands down. The .303 Enfield and 8mm Mauser have their proponents, but the sales figures do not lie, nor do the history books. The Winchester M70 should get the nod over the Sako because it delivers comparable -perhaps even better - performance for less money. There's no doubt that an old Finn Bear Sako in 30-06 makes sweet music for a hunter's ears, but in today's dollars, you can't get one for under $1500 used, and a new Sako comparable to it runs $2000 or more. Whereas one can get into a very nice new Model 70 for around $850-1000, and a new Super Grade for less than $1500. Used, prices are even better.
I've always been partial to the Krag. Between the unique loading method, and so many of them seemed to come with really beautiful stocks. Just really cool pieces of history.
@@Brad-ic4bp It's the style, a Mannlicher stock. The Winchester Model 70 is an icon, especially that pre-war example with the stripper clip guide. I think '45 erred in not choosing the Model 70.
You broke my heart when you pushed the Swedish M96 aside. But the Sako is the only other rifle there that I probably would have chosen over it too. 👍🏻👍🏻
Hard to pick between all my bolt actions but from the ones I have I’d definitely have a toss up between my SMLE and my Gewehr98 Both are beautiful fun rifles with their own personalities and quirks and it’s hard to choose!
honestly i'd have to choose the model 70 pre 64 winchester in 30-06. main reason- availability of ammo and reliability of the action. the one you chose seemed to have a smoother action, but i'm thinking 06 is cheaper to repair and reload due to availability of parts and ammo components. thanks for the video, and NEVER grab the Mosen-Nagant...lolol
Skipped straight to the conclusion as I was certain the Pre-64 Model 70 would be in the semi-final. The winner is hardly fair given the first Model 70 was made in 1936. I have a '37 in 30 GOV'T 06 and love it. Full disclosure, my precision rifle is a Tikka in 6.5 CM (SAKO subsidiary). The old man has lost it; Finnish rifles and German gun oil. What's next, Norma ammo? The mind reels!
I have one .303 British my grandfather had in ww2, he told me at a young age what the secret bullet compartment was for in the buttstock. I will never sell, pass down until our government destroys that as well. Cheers from Canada.
It was for a brass oil can. Believe me the enfields does not like dust. I have one i hunt with. On a 4 day hunt here in africa you need to clean oil the bolt every second day other wise you struggle to close it. You will see in front of you magazine there is a little ring for a string. You where issued a cloth bolt cover you tie down on that ring.
I the British 303 Jungle carbine Enfield Rife. That is the only one I have in bolt action. It holds 10 round in the mag and is a very fast operating bolt action. I think it is the fastest in the world it was said? I bought it for 19 dollars in 1959 and freight on it was 30 dollars. It is still in the same condition as when I got it...
@@gmoney6595 I ask myself that daily. My province Sask. and Alberta are the last standing bastions of sanity. We gave Trudeau a hard no by swiping all ridings conservative. He won with 35%. Welfare recipients, immigrants and blue haired liberals turned the tides. Need I say more..
I am new to firearms and have a wish list. The bolt action rifle on my list is a current Winchester 70 model chambered in .308. The Featherweight is very cool. Hickok45 never fails to impress and inform.!!
If you are into military bolt-action rifles, an inexpensive and common one that everyone has is the Mosin Nagant. My personal favorites are the Lee Enfield and K31.
I have a 1970s Winchester Model 70 in 300 Win Mag. It's my most favorite, non AR15 long gun to shoot. It is fun, it is ridiculously accurate and it is a beautiful piece of equipment. Enough power to knock your pants off when you shoot it.
I'd love to see hickok45's full gun collection. I bet he has some really nice firearms. That fact that he still shoots slugs from a 12 gauge amazes me. I know some guys that won't shoot slugs anymore and they are 20 years younger than hickok45. But his collection would put me in AWE!!!
As an Australian, I would probably have gone for the No.4, but I would more likely to actually have a SMLE MkIII* in the first place, as we did not adopt the No.4. If I was an American, I would probably have picked the Winchester. Firstly for the range and availability of ammunition, then for the bigger variety of game animals that you can take with a .30/06, compared to a 6.5mm.
I agree, it's too hard! When it comes to beauty, craftsmanship, and accuracy, my FN Commercial Mauser in 308 gets the nod. But for that Zombie attack, end of the world apocalypse, my nod has to go to one of my 303 Enfields, with its detachable 10-round magazine. I commend you on your choice though. That Sako, with its Mannlicher stock and 6.5x55 chambering, is a sweet choice indeed.
Always been partial to the k98's and i love my Savage 30-06 and i did hate to see the American made Winchester lose, but i have to agree...the Sako's are absolutely amazing
I'm considering purchasing a model 70 featherweight hutin 308 cus I'm kind of puny but wanted the rifle hathcock used in Vietnam . Idk if 3006 is big recoil I never shot it. I was considering a garand too or an aero precision solus
1906 U.S. caliber .308 is overrated-- I'd go with the 7.65x53mm Belgian Mauser (Argentine Mauser) as "God's caliber" as Paul Mauser designed that for his first military contract rifle.
G98 rifle. My mother bought one for my dad that had been sportarized into a hunting rifle chambered in 30.06. Bolt turned down, monte carlo stock. Its a sweet shooter. Sadly its now mine as he passed away in November. Rip dad. I also bought him a 6.5 swede. Bought it for 90 dollars at roses many years back. 100 percent an absolute great shooter just like it came from factory. Great video.
Ok course lets not forget just how efficient the 6.5 swede cartridge actually is, in any rifle you shoot it in. That he choose the Sako is easy to understand, it fits him better, has the better sights, is easy to hit with in the sporter version and will actually fit any of us better in that configuration over any of the military issue versions he has on the table, so form an ergonomic viewpoint the Sako is the best gun on the table, easy to hit with, handle with ease and comes in a very effective and well thought out caliber. I honestly thought he would just go for the swede mauser, but I get it, anyone shooting either of the rifles offhand would choose the Sako!
I've loved the 6.5 ever since I saw your video on the swede YEARS ago! I was looking for a k98 but couldn't afford them. I picked up a Swedish Mauser m96 1905 and fell in love with the 6.5x55
Do people who buy these old guns use them for hunting or are they like a nice gun ya barely shoot? Cuz I wish i had a few of these rifles to go hunting with
@@bubsterjohnson7438 Yes folks hunt with them, but please don't bubba an original milsurp. There are plenty of others out there folks have done that to.
Out of my big pile of surplus, Id opt for the Enfields. There are a ton of variants from a ton of countries, the action is fun to work, the collar is cool, the 303 is a nice round, and I just really enjoy the profile of a No 1. K31s are a close second if you find one in a walnut stock, and the troop tags are pretty rad.
Just about every country except Russia that built Mosins had higher production standards and produced higher quality pieces. My Polish M44 is a beast of beauty that I'll never trade.
Beautiful collection. Really enjoyed this video, always learning something from one of your videos and I can listen to you talk about the firearms for ages. The only bolt action I have left is an almost perfect Mosin. Sold off a 98k years ago and I still regret it purely for having a war rifle for the collection.
A Lee Enfield 30-06 chambered model 4. I have a Sport-erized model 1 in .303 cal....I'd like to Re barrel that one with the original full length furniture.... German soldiers, in encounters with British soldiers in 4 man teams equipped with model 4s, reported being under fire by a machine gun. A true war machine.
WHAT! NO MOSIN!!! The Rodney Dangerfield of the bolt action rifles I guess. Maybe you can give us "The Last Mosin I'd Ever Sell...or trade to John for a Hi Point." :-)
Amazing how you two managed to comment 2 days before the video was published. I didn't realize Hickok45 could bend time. Maybe that explains why he is such a great shot! He can move the target before the bullet gets there.
What people don't realize is that Mosins vary a great deal in quality, ranging from junk to well finished and accurate sweeties. I own a pile of them and have sold on even more than I have kept.
@@tltc191 that is a brilliant observation! I suspected it was some type of space time manipulation. Nobody is that good of a marksman! Thanks for confirming 👍
My "never get rid of" rifle is a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight (30-06) It's not the earlier model, but I have had it for 40 yrs. now and it's dependable and accurate. I said I would never get rid of it, but actually, I gave it to my son for Christmas last year. Up until then, he was using an old Savage Model 99 in the .303 Savage for deer hunting but ammo for it is hard to find.
In the "one that got away" category, my greatest mistake was letting go of a Remington Model 510 bolt action single shot .22 rifle. No fussing with ammunition (it had a loading ramp), and the smoothest action imaginable. Oh, what a sweet rifle.
My favorite rifle, bolt action or otherwise, is my Swiss K31. I just love everything about it. Sweet to shoot, clock work action, ridiculously accurate….it can hunt, fight or just be pretty. I’ll never part with it.
I messed up my knee and can't hike down to my range here in MO. I've had a Model 70 in 300 Win mag with 6 shots through it. Can't wait to heal up and do some plinking soon! This is what I needed today! Thanks, love that SAKO.
if the trail is favorable for electric wheelchair trailblazeing vs hobbling it, I suggest shopping for one. I had a botched hip revision and my brother got me one for $400
I have three; a Pattern 14 in 303, all numbers matching; a 1917 Kar 98 in 8mm, (sporterized); and a 1917 Hembrug in 6.5x53 (Manlicher) (which I can't fire). Both the Pattern 14 and the Kar 98 are tack drivers and I wouldn't get rid of either of them. But I'd have to choose the 303.
I have several of these. My great grandfather brought back his krag carbine after serving in the USV during the spanam war with TR up Kettle hill. My grandfather was the eldest and he inherited it. I was the eldest of his grandchildren so I inherited it. It's last bolt action I'd ever sell.
I HOPE so. I'd probably starve and be living on the street before I'd sell that rifle. Hope you have a solid gun safe and good security at your home so that you can pass that rifle and its history on down through many generations. What a prize you have there.
@@hickok45 I don't consider myself the owner of any of my guns...just the caretaker that passes them down to the next generation. In the meantime....I do shoot it, and have enjoyed having it very much. I think i was 10 when my grandfather taught me how to clean it. He used gasoline to get the gunk out. then he'd oil it all up and wipe it down really good before it went in the attic in a gun sock so the kids couldn't reach it. Today...i use froglube...haha.
Keep your MK4 Lee Enfield!!..No Contest ..Learned on one shot one for years and loved it especially when you put a good scope on it . Just a joy to shoot !
My two most favourite rifles; the Husquvarna m38 and the Sako 75, both in 6.5x55…. No matter what my head says, I always go for one of these, depending on the mood.😁
For a civilian-pattern bolt-action, the Winchester Model 70 30-06 for the win. The most-influential and significant cartridge of the 20th century, being shot by the ultimate rifleman's rifle - the prototypical hunting rifle since 1936. For a military-pattern bolt-action, for historical significance, you'd be hard-pressed to top the Mauser 98K or its derivatives and relations in the Mauser family tree, or the Lee-Enfield Mk. IV .303. One arm not there is also very significant historically, the Mosin-Nagant. It fires the longest-serving military cartridge in history, the 7.62x54R - which is still in use today by the Russian military. But for an all-around shooter, the Springfield M1903 is tough to top, and for many of the same reasons that the Model 70 is: The M1903 excelled whether on the field of battle, in competition, or afield hunting, and it too fires the most-influential cartridge of the 20th century, the amazing 30-06. The Swedish Mauser is a wonderful cartridge which has been amply proven in the field, in competition and as a military load - but not withstanding the fine ballistics of 6.5mm (.264-cal.) cartridges, it doesn't quite rank with the 30-06 in terms of versatility or power. That chambering tops out at 160 grains or so, whereas the 30-06 can handle bullets as heavy as 220-230 grains with aplomb. And it can also handle ones as light as 100-110 grains equally well. And everything in between. The Lee-Enfield is still the fastest-cycling turn-bolt repeater ever used by a national military, but in order to attain that speed, the designers had to make compromises in the action and bolt, neither of which is as-robust as those found on Mauser pattern rifles (including the M1903, which is Mauser-based). The .303 is certainly no slouch, in terms of power, being roughly 90% the power of .308 Winchester, but it is a rimmed cartridge, which makes it instantly archaic in today's world - and it simply can't stack up to the 7.62x54, 8mm Mauser or 30-06 for punch. It is powerful enough for military use, but it stretching it to use it on the largest North American game, let alone the largest and toughest African game. Have giant brown and polar bears been taken with the .303 cartridge? Sure, but you're better off with something harder-hitting. As far as long range ballistics are concerned, the Lee-Enfield proved to be a highly-capable precision weapon out to 800 yards or so, perhaps a bit further - but its powder capacity is significantly less than the 30-06, whose long-range performance outstrips the rimmed Brit by a considerable margin. As do the 7.62x54 R and 8mm Mauser, for that matter. As brilliant as the Lee-Enfield was in its particular sphere, it is telling that no modern manufacturer of turn-bolt hunting rifles makes one patterned by the venerable British design. Virtually all pattern their rifles upon Mauser's timeless receiver and bolt design, which is tougher, stronger and more-rigid than the Lee-Enfield. All of which are qualities prized by manufacturers of fine hunting rifles.
Being a transplanted Canadian into unoccupied Florida, I just can't play by the rules. As my mom would tell me when I was a lad, I seemingly enjoy being different....and difficult. My choice? A Pre-War M70....but in that 6.5x55!
@profpudwick I had one back in the early 90s when they were cheap and very easy to find. That rifle was pristine. And I love the cartridge. But prefer the grace and the cock-on-opening of those older M70s.
I'm a bit partial, but all the rifles here look awesome. I already have the last bolt action I would ever sell. It was my Dad's. It is old. I have never operated a nicer bolt action. I have always put venison in the freezer with it. It is the 30-40 Krag sporterized carbine.
Sporterized old military rifles are unique, just like the person that passed it down to you. I think the sentimental value supersedes the value of if they had just left them stock.
@@robertgarcia6634 it's a fun hobby that will surround you with incredibly nice people. It's a combination of showing off your favorites, playing with targets, shooting others guns, and good conversation every time I get to the range. I would recommend it highly.
What a beautiful selection of rifles. I love how the basic bolt action design is over 100 years old, yet they still execute their tasks effectively...We have many of the same rifles, but for us, the keeper is our pair of Steyr Mannlicher Schoenauer MCAs in 30-06. It is just rifle making at the next level.
My choice would be Lee Enfield the first rifle I ever shot when I was 10 and my father gave it to me when I became 18 I loved it , but idk if I can give up any of the others great collection
For me, the video ended when you said Model 70, in ,30-06, pre-war. I did not even need to hear the other choices. So you chose the Sako...I would love to take the Model 70 off of your hands and give it the #1 spot in the home it deserves, ( if that situation were ever to present itself).
As an army cadet in 1970's we used Lee Enfield .303 smle and they are fantastic weapons powerful and accurate put a scope on on its a snipers dream, keep em clean and they'll never let you down maybe more of a diesel van than a Ferrari but my choice everytime.
Hickok45 thank you for all your videos. I’ve watched you for a long time. I’m finally just now figured out. Hey subscribe! I’m a little late to the party but better late than never. Lol! I have the same love and passion as you do for those old war horses. I love the history and I love listening to you. I used to shoot quite a bit but when I turned 39 I had a stroke to my optic nerve on the right eye so I’ve had to learn how to shoot on my left so I’m not giving up. I’ve slowed down a little bit but still with it. Man, it would be cool to get to shoot with you and just pick your brain and listen to the knowledge! Knowledge is power knowledge is priceless. But thank you to you and your son for the work that you do and bringing this knowledge to people. 🙌
I admit to an American rifle bias and would never let the Model 70 or the '03 go for all the riches in the world. Adding on top the relative availability of .30-06 compared to most of the other rounds, at least in my neck of the woods, the choice is clear.
Thats my biggest concern when looking at them side by side.... there will always be 3006, and it will always be cheaper than the 6.5 swed. So does the Swed have enough of a benefit to be worth the extra?
@@jongustavsson5874 Pig and goat carcass tests, U.S. Army, by Major (later MG) J. S. Hatcher-- he found that 6.5x55 and 7x57 Mauser equaled everything the 1906 30 caliber U.S. round could do out to 700 yards. .30-'06 only better at a thousand yards, and for vehicles and light aircraft.
@@profpudwick Equaled in what way? Damage done shouldn't be equal as a 30-06 has both more mass in the bullets and higher velocity on average than either of those. What ammo where they shooting in respective caliber?
If I had to choose one of my bolt actions, I'd have to go with my SAKO L579 Forester in 243 Winchester. It is an older (Bofors Steel) model. Extremely accurate and smooth with a more or less perfect trigger. Lightweight, fairly handy and very good looking too.
Hey Greg.....Before you started your count down, I also selected the two finalists that you chose, namely the Winchester Model 70 and the Sako! I would also agree with your final choice. Incidentally, the Finlanders who make that gun pronounce their company name "Sacko". Any way you say it, it's the "Cadillac" of bolt actions.
Playlist for this series: ua-cam.com/play/PLThWr6EloFzkwBQxKigzXE1vKUm_nGjKF.html
Give me as a 🎁.. I want to own one
i need hunting rifle sir
@@samsungraee1517 hi oii ll b
Moi@@Petlover-1y ay
Vap yZy
I cannot believe that some of these rifles are over 100 years old but still operating so well. A testament to the creator and the manufacturing of the time. They just have so much character.
They where built to last that's for sure. To get that same quality today you have to pay quite a price. It's nice that cheap bolt guns exist and are so functional but they won't hold up like these sweet babies.
Agree. We used these types in drills for cadets, and it is really cool that people are still interested in them.
There isn’t much to go wrong
My family has a tendency to pass on firearms. Have percussion cap .75 cal all the way up to late 1800’s and early 1900’s bolt, lever and semi-auto shotguns and rifles and of course modern sporting and SHTF stuff. Just gave my newborn Grandson an early .30WCF Winchester...Just wanted to make sure Papa was the FIRST to pass along something with a bit of history. There are so many with very storied histories that we need to keep them alive and working.
I hope our future generations will be able to enjoy many lifetimes of enjoyment in shooting sports and be prepared to hold on to our Second Amendment Rights as Americans.
I have a trap door Springfield that is older than 100.... The quality of parts was held to a higher standard. Now Ammo is much more reliable today for sure, better accurately loaded, no hot or underloaded rounds.
They might be obsolete by modern standards, but I just love them. I'd never part with my 1908 Swedish Mauser. It's such a sweet old rifle.
You bet , they are awesome 👍
If I had to choose I'd go with either the Swede Mauser or G 98 I just love the Mausers.
@@MatiasAimone me too I have a M1893 Mauser 7x57 and its my fav in my collection .. but must admit , the M1896 Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55 is the King 👑 imho 👍
@@davegeisler7802 That's awesome! Amazing that you get to fire these rifles. Do you have the Gewehr 98? Or the legendary Kar98k? Lmk
@@MatiasAimone I have a K98k , 03a3 , K31 Swiss and a No4 mk2 smelly and a Krag and they would all have to go if I had to choose , except the 1893 Mauser ❤️
The Gewehr 98!!! Three reasons: 1) I'm not sure I'd disqualify a rifle based solely on the appearance of the stock; 2) It's comparative rarity nowadays; 3) Finally; I have a very MINT one, and of my entire collection that'd be the first firearm I'd save if my home ever caught fire ;-)
That Sako's a honey... simply a beautiful piece of gunsmithing and engineering.
My oh my... My father built all of his sporters off the 03-A3 action. His buddies were in the K98 crowd in the 1970's. Sure the Sako is nice to look at and may fit you better without adjustment, but the 30-06 in bullet selection alone took this contest for me. I'd rock the Win 70 forever.
I have a sporterized Enfiled that was my Grandfathers. He had about every military rifle you could think of. And if he didn't have it one of his brothers did. That's what I grew up around. He loved showing off that Enfield because it was not a common platform to sporterize without removing the ring which this one had not been.
Ever since I’ve watched you video on that 6.5 Sako I’ve known it’s one of your favorites. The joy just pours out of you when you’re shouldering that beautiful rifle.
My choice, too.
sako is from finland and really works
6.5 x 55 ❤️
It's so ruggedly built too, and the reliability is off the charts. Sako also perfected the Controlled Feed mechanism.
Man that first BA he picked up “the old krag” he said that is the most interesting one I have ever seen ! I’m new to older rifles but the loading mechanism and look of the Krag just screams OLDSCHOOL. Love it
Wow! Talk about “Click Bait!” I literally had to pull my truck off the road and watch this one immediately! Haha! Hickock, I cannot blame you for your choice. As more of a “utility” guy, though, I would have had to go with a more readily available cartridge. And that, in America, would have been the -06. The 03-A3 quality notwithstanding, the Winchester is more practical. My logic for the choice is based on “hunt-ability,” for food, and the aforementioned availability of ammunition...if Freedom is assumed to have fallen. Great video!!
Is your truck ok?
Me too I had just walked out of the oncologist office and had to watch before I left the parking lot. Now I'm watching on my TV!
I was thinking exactly the same thing. Ammunition availability is a key factor for me. If you had to choose just one. I think I’d have had to throw in the towel and keep the last two.
@@jackwoods535, I just saw the notification. I wasn’t browsing LOL
I have a sporterized 03/A3 Remington….. I was offered 1200 for it 10 years ago.
I will never sell it.
My Uncle gave me my first rifle when I was about 12yrs old. 40 years later I still have it, it looks exactly the same, and it's still very accurate. Sears & Roebuck -J.C. Higgins model 103.18. Single shot 22.
My Grandpap gave me my first gun when I was 14yrs old. Kar98k Mauser 1944, likely used by Not-C in the 2nd world war. (No I am not german) I plan and hope to never sell my rifle, and maybe one day pass it down to my grandchild.
For an all purpose shooter, including ammunition availability, I'd go with the model 70. I can get ammunition at the hardware store. The fact that it's a sweet shooter and versatile, is a bonus.
For me the choice is easy, I love the .303 and the No4 in particular. Hard to argue with the Sako or the model 70 either though.
✌🏻👋🏻
As a fellow Canadian, I can confirm we have a love for the enfield, that and the mosin. They are everywhere here lol
I had a number 4 then purchased a number 1 MARK III*, the rear sight set well forward on the rifle suits my ageing far-sighted eyes a lot better.
Choice is easy; picks 4.
Agree about the Sako and the 6.5x55se is a fine caliber.
Every time I see you shoot a bolt action rifle, I kick myself for parting with my Carl Gustav M38 Short Rifle, in 6.5 Swedish.
It was the sweetest shooting and smoothest operating of any bolt gun I have handled. All Mausers (and variants) *ROCK!!!*
Thanks for the video!!
I’m a big fan of the Mauser action , But the British 303 have a special place in my heart , It was the 1st rifle I ever fired and owned .
I have lots of rifles but my 303 is my very best and my favorite deer rifle
Ditto, pretty much. I know nothing of the other bolt actions so I can't judge, but way back when I didn't know an Enfield from an outfield I bought a sporterized Enfield at a gun show for sixty bucks. First love is the best.
Agree Mr Hickok! My Sako 85 Bavarian Carbine 308 is my fav rifle. Fantastic design and fit
Good choice, hickok... one that fits and shoots the best for you...and, you know, maybe a lot of us don't verbalize it, but we truly do appreciate the time and effort that you two put into making these videos. Highly entertaining and informative. Your marksmanship with whatever you pick up is outstanding. Hoosier41 is envious! Thank you, and God bless...
Mine is my Ruger M77 MII 308Win. I’m in love with it for sure but it’s the rifle my wife bought for me when we dated. She walked into a gun shop and showed them a .308Win cartridge she found in her dads gun case and said “I want to buy my boyfriend a rifle that fits this”.
Sweetness from yur lady! Awesomeness
No secret why you put a ring on that finger
I reckon I'd a married her too. The Ruger M77 is a great modern interpretation of the classic Mauser 98. Good thing that cartridge wasn't a 250 Savage or a 356 Winchester or something . . .
I agree with the M77. The tang safety guns were so sweet. I loved the M77 RL. And the flatbolts! So smooth!
No wonder you married that up, she’s definitely a keeper.
There is no way to decide. All those rifles are nostalgic and worth keeping. I could never decide what to keep from such a fantastic collection.
Back in the early 1970’s, at 15 years old I purchased a M96 6.5X55. It had a very scard stock, the barrel had been shortened to 16.25”. It mounted a peep sight. If I could go back in time, I never would have sold it. $40.00 and it came with a half box of shells(shells were spendy/ Norma). So I would have to go with your choice. It was one that I dreamed of as a young man. Great Choice!
Great Video
The No4 by a mile. Decent caliber, easy to cycle without removing it from the shoulder, and pretty dang accurate
Any of these rifles in good condition is capable to shoot more accurate than 99% of all shooters actually can.
He said he didn’t like the clip on the .303. I wonder if he is aware of the three up two down clip loading procedure. That maybe why he has issues with them.
@@TheMattlockyer possible.
@@jackmclane1826 I had a "beater" of a No 1 Mk III from WWI that still shot accurate even with original barrel (obviously not AS accurate as my better condition L.E.'s but not too far off really)
@@therabbitcanada That's what I mean... any of these rifles in a good condition exceeds the precision that the vast majority of shooters can make use of.
Looks like you came to the same conclusion I did, I have both Sako 85s and Winchester Model 70s. The absolute best rifle would be a hybrid of both rifles. The Sako 85 rifle with the Winchester Long extractor with the Winchester wing safety…. Absolutely fabulous rifles.
I love my new Model 70 but the design of the safety seems weak. It's been back to Winchester and it's still less than smooth.
I’d have to go with my personal favorite, the British 303. I’ve enjoyed hunting with it for better than thirty years.
An underappreciated firearm -- and honestly, I'd just as soon it stayed that way. Means I can afford to buy more!
@@mwmcbroom I have the British 303 Jungle carbine Enfield Rife. That is the only one I have in bolt action. It holds 10 round in the mag and is a very fast operating bolt action. I think it is the fastest in the world it was said? I bought it for 19 dollars in 1959 and freight on it was 30 dollars. It is still in the same condition as when I got it...I love it...
@@WB8BRA My dad gave me my first Enfield, which happens also to be a Jungle Carbine. That was back in the mid-60s. I think he paid $30 for it in unfired condition.
Which rifle though?
@@WB8BRA The Jungle carbine is one of the only ones I haven't picked up yet. I love all things Enfield. You got a steal on that, even if it was in 1959!
The Sako fits you, has the smoothest action, and is in your favorite bolt action cartridge! It's a natural choice, for your only rifle. Good video guys!
What caliber was it?
I had mod 70 30-06 that caliber killed my shoulder, hit so hard
@@HDHD-yv9np 6.5 x 55 ❤️
I inherited my grandfather's model 70 30-06 just like the one you have. My grandfather bought it to hunt mule deer out west. Now the one he bought came with a Zeiss 4x optic and he only shot it 8 times. He got sick from cancer and never got a chance to go out west to hunt with it. But yes the model 70 Winchester 30-06 would be my pic. Awesome video as usual.
You have a wonderful collection of those great firearms.
Bolt actions are the best! Just got my first recently, a 1938 Soviet-made Mosin-Nagant. Lovin’ it! Eventually I’d love to have a German Mauser and British Enfield too.
I have one made that year as well! It's a great rifle!
Mosin in capable hands is a beast!
I have the same Longbranch Enfield in this video. It was the fastest bolt action gun in WW1 and WW2. The bolt is like a typewriter. You barely touch it, and it shoots all the way back ready to chamber another round. Got mine for 300 at a gun show.
I have all three. Get them,you won’t regret it.
I managed to buy a collection of guns from a guy whose dad passed away and he didn't know anything about them. I walked out with a Savage No4, steyer 44 k98k, model 97 winchester td riot, Danzig G98, and my favorite... an M1 Garand with the bayonet and 2 boxes of Talon Black tip 30-06. Unfortunately the garand was in 308 but I paid about a 1000 usd for all of them.
A friend of mine carried a model 70 in early Vietnam. He swore by it's performance. A model 70 and or 1903 would be my choices. I have a number of the other rifles also. By the way you are an excellent shot! Thanks a lot, it was fun. Best wishes.
He was sent in by JFK as a military advisor.
Hickok laughing while shooting is such a classic meme
There's a Krag! My favorite rifle, still use mine to hunt out here in Alaska! Too many people don't even know about them, but it's the smoothest action ever and a unique design.
👍👍👍 Would love to hear some of your hunting experiences.
@@fedup3582 I'm nowhere near as dedicated a hunter as a lot of people up here, so my stories are pretty limited.
A buddy and I did go for black bear one year. Found a nice field with a creek running through, signs of salmon being eaten, so we posted up. After about 40 minutes of quiet waiting, I got too hot and took off my jacket. Apparently the sound and/or scent woke up a brownie that was sleeping about 20 feet away that we didn't know was there. Luckily he chose flight over fight because when he stood up he was a good 7+ feet.
@@tybertimus great story! Did you ever get your black bear? I have a couple of 30-40 krags, a sporterized 98 krag rifle and a new 1885 saddle ring carbine. I took the carbine antelope hunting and dropped a doe in her tracks at 110 yds. I hope to do a lot more hunting with them, get me a deer at least. I love shooting the 30-40 and the history and nostalgia that comes with it. Somewhere i read a guy had an 1895 in 30-40, that his parents had given him as a teenager. Apparently it was the preferred rifle in his family. Grandpa, dad, and siblings had them. They all hunted extensively with them. 180 gr for caribou and deer, 220 for moose and bear. Apparently they all had great success with the 30-40 krag, over decades of use. Would love to hear more of their stories. Thank you very much for your story, would love to hear more if you have them. Hopefully I can get my health back on track, and create more of my own.
Is your krag still military original or sporterized? I myself am not so interested in one military original (nothing against them), just more interested in hunting and sporterized is just fine with me, especially if they did a nice job of it.
@fed up It's been sportorized. It was originally the 1898 Carbine model. Old stock is gone, sights replaced with a front blade and plain rear, barrel cut down...overall only 36 but feels comfy even for a bigger guy like me. Everything seems well done, but I'd like to make a new stock (it's not original but it's old and beat up)
Personally I would have went with either the model 70 or the 03 Springfield. I love 30-06. I have a model 70 featherlight in 30-06 and the action is like glass and i cant miss with it if i try. It was the last birthday gift from my mom before she passed and I would never part with it
The one bolt action rifle i would keep over all others in my Yugo M24/47. Bought it when i was 21, it was the first hunting rifle I bought for myself, and it cost me $200 from a relative at the time. You couldn't get me to sell that rifle for life eternal in exchange.
Mine would either be my mosin or my 10/22
I love my Yugo24/47. It’s the only bolt action I own but I decided that it was the one for me as I always wanted a Mauser and as a left hander the straight bolt makes cycling much easier and faster than a bent bolt.
Tall order indeed❗️
Mine would have to be my Lee Enfield I bought three years ago when I was 15 cost me a pretty penny 1200 cad. Brand new mind you still in the mummy wrap.
I thought you'd end up with the pre-war Winchester 70, but your reasons for keeping the Sako make sense. I'd have gone with the Winchester 70. I have a pre-war just like yours. Same caliber, too.
A number of publications in the hunting/outdoors industry voted the Winchester Model 70 the "bolt-action rifle of the 20th century," shortly before the turn of the millennium. It is known as "the rifleman's rifle" for very good reason. And for versatility and the ability to do just about anything any hunter or sportsman would want (and more than a few soldiers and Marines, too), the 30-06 cartridge is very tough to top. It is today the single most-popular center-fire rifle cartridge in the world, and many firearm historians view it as the most-influential cartridge of the 20th century, hands down. The .303 Enfield and 8mm Mauser have their proponents, but the sales figures do not lie, nor do the history books.
The Winchester M70 should get the nod over the Sako because it delivers comparable -perhaps even better - performance for less money. There's no doubt that an old Finn Bear Sako in 30-06 makes sweet music for a hunter's ears, but in today's dollars, you can't get one for under $1500 used, and a new Sako comparable to it runs $2000 or more. Whereas one can get into a very nice new Model 70 for around $850-1000, and a new Super Grade for less than $1500. Used, prices are even better.
Your body language alone throughout this video was enough for me to know what you were going to pick. I respect the utilitarian focus.
I've always been partial to the Krag. Between the unique loading method, and so many of them seemed to come with really beautiful stocks. Just really cool pieces of history.
Hunt with it . Carbine . Rattle . Wonder thought .
Awesome bolt guns Hard decision for sure. Personally I’d chose the Winchester Model 70
Good choice brother it's a classic.
@@Brad-ic4bp It's the style, a Mannlicher stock. The Winchester Model 70 is an icon, especially that pre-war example with the stripper clip guide. I think '45 erred in not choosing the Model 70.
Nyet mosin nagant
But have you tried both rifles, or just pick because of nation bias?
@@Ronaldopopkings The Sako is a very fine rifle but the Winchester is an icon.
As a pre 64 Mod 70 supergrade owner myself, Im biased towards your 1940 Mod 70. Love that thing!!!
You broke my heart when you pushed the Swedish M96 aside. But the Sako is the only other rifle there that I probably would have chosen over it too. 👍🏻👍🏻
+1
Its a great club when you have no ammo
My Swedish Mauser stays for life
Hard to pick between all my bolt actions but from the ones I have I’d definitely have a toss up between my SMLE and my Gewehr98
Both are beautiful fun rifles with their own personalities and quirks and it’s hard to choose!
honestly i'd have to choose the model 70 pre 64 winchester in 30-06. main reason- availability of ammo and reliability of the action. the one you chose seemed to have a smoother action, but i'm thinking 06 is cheaper to repair and reload due to availability of parts and ammo components.
thanks for the video, and NEVER grab the Mosen-Nagant...lolol
I would choose the model 70 over the Sako because that model 70 is way harder to replace.
Gotta tell you ... I have ALWAYS wanted a Model 70.
Now that's a hard choice! For me it would be in between the K98, 03 Springfield. And the Model 70. Of course pre 1964.
My deer rifle is a scoped and sporterized K98. No problems since I bough it in 1985.
@@DBCisco german quality since 1898 :) how much did it cost back in ´85?
@@Chris-pu7lu $125
The full length stock of the Sako is just gorgeous. Satin finish looks much nicer than the semigloss of the model 70
Always makes me smile watching Hickok :)
Skipped straight to the conclusion as I was certain the Pre-64 Model 70 would be in the semi-final. The winner is hardly fair given the first Model 70 was made in 1936. I have a '37 in 30 GOV'T 06 and love it. Full disclosure, my precision rifle is a Tikka in 6.5 CM (SAKO subsidiary). The old man has lost it; Finnish rifles and German gun oil. What's next, Norma ammo? The mind reels!
I have one .303 British my grandfather had in ww2, he told me at a young age what the secret bullet compartment was for in the buttstock. I will never sell, pass down until our government destroys that as well.
Cheers from Canada.
It was for a brass oil can. Believe me the enfields does not like dust. I have one i hunt with. On a 4 day hunt here in africa you need to clean oil the bolt every second day other wise you struggle to close it. You will see in front of you magazine there is a little ring for a string. You where issued a cloth bolt cover you tie down on that ring.
@@gmoney6595 We don't have bidey's head do we? Same-O Same.O
I the British 303 Jungle carbine Enfield Rife. That is the only one I have in bolt action. It holds 10 round in the mag and is a very fast operating bolt action. I think it is the fastest in the world it was said? I bought it for 19 dollars in 1959 and freight on it was 30 dollars. It is still in the same condition as when I got it...
Maybe it’s time to stop your government destroying things?… lol
@@gmoney6595 I ask myself that daily. My province Sask. and Alberta are the last standing bastions of sanity. We gave Trudeau a hard no by swiping all ridings conservative. He won with 35%. Welfare recipients, immigrants and blue haired liberals turned the tides. Need I say more..
I am new to firearms and have a wish list. The bolt action rifle on my list is a current Winchester 70 model chambered in .308. The Featherweight is very cool. Hickok45 never fails to impress and inform.!!
You will not go wrong with real weight
White Feather was used 30-06.
Can't go wrong with a model 70, a firearm that will last a lifetime with minimal care required.
If you are into military bolt-action rifles, an inexpensive and common one that everyone has is the Mosin Nagant. My personal favorites are the Lee Enfield and K31.
I have a 1970s Winchester Model 70 in 300 Win Mag. It's my most favorite, non AR15 long gun to shoot. It is fun, it is ridiculously accurate and it is a beautiful piece of equipment. Enough power to knock your pants off when you shoot it.
My guess: Sako Bavarian Carbine 6.5 x 55. Ever since I saw this one I’ve wanted it too.
Ditto
I'd love to see hickok45's full gun collection. I bet he has some really nice firearms. That fact that he still shoots slugs from a 12 gauge amazes me. I know some guys that won't shoot slugs anymore and they are 20 years younger than hickok45. But his collection would put me in AWE!!!
As an Australian, I would probably have gone for the No.4, but I would more likely to actually have a SMLE MkIII* in the first place, as we did not adopt the No.4.
If I was an American, I would probably have picked the Winchester. Firstly for the range and availability of ammunition, then for the bigger variety of game animals that you can take with a .30/06, compared to a 6.5mm.
Light aircraft and vehicles, wrote J.S. Hatcher following his U.S. Army testing of .30-'06 versus 7x57 and 6.5x55 mm ammo. And at 1000 yards.
I agree, it's too hard! When it comes to beauty, craftsmanship, and accuracy, my FN Commercial Mauser in 308 gets the nod. But for that Zombie attack, end of the world apocalypse, my nod has to go to one of my 303 Enfields, with its detachable 10-round magazine. I commend you on your choice though. That Sako, with its Mannlicher stock and 6.5x55 chambering, is a sweet choice indeed.
Where you gonna get .303s
@@coomr419 I have several hundred safely tucked away. Should last me a day or two . . .
good luck finding 303
Enfields are awful in the mud, and we all know about the trench warfare in zombie apocalypse!
I would vote for a .308 commercial mauser too.
Always been partial to the k98's and i love my Savage 30-06 and i did hate to see the American made Winchester lose, but i have to agree...the Sako's are absolutely amazing
Pre-64 Model 70 chambered in Gods' caliber. The "Riflemans' Rifle".
I'm considering purchasing a model 70 featherweight hutin 308 cus I'm kind of puny but wanted the rifle hathcock used in Vietnam . Idk if 3006 is big recoil I never shot it. I was considering a garand too or an aero precision solus
What is your opinion
3006 is pretty big recoil you can buy ammo thats loaded more to 308 specs. Some people hate recoil other don't mind.
Not really .. the 30-06 is still producing at least 450-500lb ft /lb of energy more than the .308. The only similar specs would be bullet velocity.
1906 U.S. caliber .308 is overrated-- I'd go with the 7.65x53mm Belgian Mauser (Argentine Mauser) as "God's caliber" as Paul Mauser designed that for his first military contract rifle.
G98 rifle. My mother bought one for my dad that had been sportarized into a hunting rifle chambered in 30.06. Bolt turned down, monte carlo stock. Its a sweet shooter. Sadly its now mine as he passed away in November. Rip dad. I also bought him a 6.5 swede. Bought it for 90 dollars at roses many years back. 100 percent an absolute great shooter just like it came from factory. Great video.
Ok course lets not forget just how efficient the 6.5 swede cartridge actually is, in any rifle you shoot it in. That he choose the Sako is easy to understand, it fits him better, has the better sights, is easy to hit with in the sporter version and will actually fit any of us better in that configuration over any of the military issue versions he has on the table, so form an ergonomic viewpoint the Sako is the best gun on the table, easy to hit with, handle with ease and comes in a very effective and well thought out caliber. I honestly thought he would just go for the swede mauser, but I get it, anyone shooting either of the rifles offhand would choose the Sako!
As soon as I saw the Sako was included I knew it would win. It would be my choice too, and the Model 70 would have been my runner up as well.
for me I knew it the moment the camera glanced over them and I spotted the sako logo, I'd go with that anytime as well
I've loved the 6.5 ever since I saw your video on the swede YEARS ago! I was looking for a k98 but couldn't afford them. I picked up a Swedish Mauser m96 1905 and fell in love with the 6.5x55
Excellent caliber. If you look at ballistics of this round vs the 6.5 Creedmoor, there isn't much difference in velocity and fpe.
Do people who buy these old guns use them for hunting or are they like a nice gun ya barely shoot? Cuz I wish i had a few of these rifles to go hunting with
@@bubsterjohnson7438 They are exelent at range. In Sweden finding a stock one is rare, most are rebuilt.
@@bubsterjohnson7438 Yes folks hunt with them, but please don't bubba an original milsurp. There are plenty of others out there folks have done that to.
@@dkruitz haha i wouldnt do such a thing my man those rifles are beautuful
I say the model 70. I love the .30-06 round; it's so American.
The last one I'd ever sell is the 6.5 swede... mine was made in 1915. All matching numbers.
Out of my big pile of surplus, Id opt for the Enfields. There are a ton of variants from a ton of countries, the action is fun to work, the collar is cool, the 303 is a nice round, and I just really enjoy the profile of a No 1. K31s are a close second if you find one in a walnut stock, and the troop tags are pretty rad.
as much as i love my model 70, seeing what the Finns could do with MOSINS is a very real testament to the firearms craftsmanship over there.
Just about every country except Russia that built Mosins had higher production standards and produced higher quality pieces. My Polish M44 is a beast of beauty that I'll never trade.
The German army was knocking on the door it wasn't about quality. Poland made a the best ever m-44 own one my self.
@dennisparker3786 that's true. It's also not easy to find a Russian made Mosin that didn't see heavy use.
Beautiful collection. Really enjoyed this video, always learning something from one of your videos and I can listen to you talk about the firearms for ages. The only bolt action I have left is an almost perfect Mosin. Sold off a 98k years ago and I still regret it purely for having a war rifle for the collection.
A Lee Enfield 30-06 chambered model 4. I have a Sport-erized model 1 in .303 cal....I'd like to Re barrel that one with the original full length furniture....
German soldiers, in encounters with British soldiers in 4 man teams equipped with model 4s, reported being under fire by a machine gun. A true war machine.
Hickok45 is literally the most amazing guy in the firearm industry. Much respect and love to you brother
Model 94 in 30-30 for the utility, sks in 7.62 for cheap ammo, model 720 in 6mm when it has to go down. AR in multi calibers for the horses.
WHAT! NO MOSIN!!! The Rodney Dangerfield of the bolt action rifles I guess. Maybe you can give us "The Last Mosin I'd Ever Sell...or trade to John for a Hi Point." :-)
I think I have enough Mosin's to actually do that video. :-)
@@hickok45 Springfield 03 from ww2 is a dream to me my grandfather had one it was nice iron sights a quarter size shot group at 100 yards
Amazing how you two managed to comment 2 days before the video was published. I didn't realize Hickok45 could bend time. Maybe that explains why he is such a great shot! He can move the target before the bullet gets there.
What people don't realize is that Mosins vary a great deal in quality, ranging from junk to well finished and accurate sweeties. I own a pile of them and have sold on even more than I have kept.
@@tltc191 that is a brilliant observation! I suspected it was some type of space time manipulation. Nobody is that good of a marksman!
Thanks for confirming 👍
Thought it would be the Sako based on how you acted when you shot it and how accurate it was. Great choice.
My "never get rid of" rifle is a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight (30-06) It's not the earlier model, but I have had it for 40 yrs. now and it's dependable and accurate. I said I would never get rid of it, but actually, I gave it to my son for Christmas last year. Up until then, he was using an old Savage Model 99 in the .303 Savage for deer hunting but ammo for it is hard to find.
living on the country side, owning more guns than the army, all peace and quiet. that man is living the dream.
In the "one that got away" category, my greatest mistake was letting go of a Remington Model 510 bolt action single shot .22 rifle. No fussing with ammunition (it had a loading ramp), and the smoothest action imaginable. Oh, what a sweet rifle.
My favorite rifle, bolt action or otherwise, is my Swiss K31. I just love everything about it. Sweet to shoot, clock work action, ridiculously accurate….it can hunt, fight or just be pretty. I’ll never part with it.
Yeah, I like mine too.
Agree…love mine
I have 2 one with the walnut stock and one with the birch stock. Love them!
I saw a .308 one at a gun show...kickin my butt i didnt grab it! But i wondered who did and how good was the conversion, right?
Model 70. It’s a 30-06 too. Ideal caliber. Ideal rifle.
I messed up my knee and can't hike down to my range here in MO. I've had a Model 70 in 300 Win mag with 6 shots through it. Can't wait to heal up and do some plinking soon! This is what I needed today! Thanks, love that SAKO.
if the trail is favorable for electric wheelchair trailblazeing vs hobbling it, I suggest shopping for one. I had a botched hip revision and my brother got me one for $400
Rotsa Ruc grasshopper!
It should heal up OK, plus it’ll get warmer when I’m ready to head back down. Thanks for the idea though.
@Jeremy Chapman Super Deal.
I have three; a Pattern 14 in 303, all numbers matching; a 1917 Kar 98 in 8mm, (sporterized); and a 1917 Hembrug in 6.5x53 (Manlicher) (which I can't fire). Both the Pattern 14 and the Kar 98 are tack drivers and I wouldn't get rid of either of them. But I'd have to choose the 303.
I have several of these. My great grandfather brought back his krag carbine after serving in the USV during the spanam war with TR up Kettle hill. My grandfather was the eldest and he inherited it. I was the eldest of his grandchildren so I inherited it. It's last bolt action I'd ever sell.
I HOPE so. I'd probably starve and be living on the street before I'd sell that rifle. Hope you have a solid gun safe and good security at your home so that you can pass that rifle and its history on down through many generations. What a prize you have there.
@@hickok45 I don't consider myself the owner of any of my guns...just the caretaker that passes them down to the next generation. In the meantime....I do shoot it, and have enjoyed having it very much. I think i was 10 when my grandfather taught me how to clean it. He used gasoline to get the gunk out. then he'd oil it all up and wipe it down really good before it went in the attic in a gun sock so the kids couldn't reach it. Today...i use froglube...haha.
Always a better day when you upload just know that man!!
Keep your MK4 Lee Enfield!!..No Contest ..Learned on one shot one for years and loved it especially when you put a good scope on it . Just a joy to shoot !
My two most favourite rifles; the Husquvarna m38 and the Sako 75, both in 6.5x55….
No matter what my head says, I always go for one of these, depending on the mood.😁
For a civilian-pattern bolt-action, the Winchester Model 70 30-06 for the win. The most-influential and significant cartridge of the 20th century, being shot by the ultimate rifleman's rifle - the prototypical hunting rifle since 1936. For a military-pattern bolt-action, for historical significance, you'd be hard-pressed to top the Mauser 98K or its derivatives and relations in the Mauser family tree, or the Lee-Enfield Mk. IV .303. One arm not there is also very significant historically, the Mosin-Nagant. It fires the longest-serving military cartridge in history, the 7.62x54R - which is still in use today by the Russian military. But for an all-around shooter, the Springfield M1903 is tough to top, and for many of the same reasons that the Model 70 is: The M1903 excelled whether on the field of battle, in competition, or afield hunting, and it too fires the most-influential cartridge of the 20th century, the amazing 30-06.
The Swedish Mauser is a wonderful cartridge which has been amply proven in the field, in competition and as a military load - but not withstanding the fine ballistics of 6.5mm (.264-cal.) cartridges, it doesn't quite rank with the 30-06 in terms of versatility or power. That chambering tops out at 160 grains or so, whereas the 30-06 can handle bullets as heavy as 220-230 grains with aplomb. And it can also handle ones as light as 100-110 grains equally well. And everything in between.
The Lee-Enfield is still the fastest-cycling turn-bolt repeater ever used by a national military, but in order to attain that speed, the designers had to make compromises in the action and bolt, neither of which is as-robust as those found on Mauser pattern rifles (including the M1903, which is Mauser-based). The .303 is certainly no slouch, in terms of power, being roughly 90% the power of .308 Winchester, but it is a rimmed cartridge, which makes it instantly archaic in today's world - and it simply can't stack up to the 7.62x54, 8mm Mauser or 30-06 for punch.
It is powerful enough for military use, but it stretching it to use it on the largest North American game, let alone the largest and toughest African game. Have giant brown and polar bears been taken with the .303 cartridge? Sure, but you're better off with something harder-hitting. As far as long range ballistics are concerned, the Lee-Enfield proved to be a highly-capable precision weapon out to 800 yards or so, perhaps a bit further - but its powder capacity is significantly less than the 30-06, whose long-range performance outstrips the rimmed Brit by a considerable margin. As do the 7.62x54 R and 8mm Mauser, for that matter.
As brilliant as the Lee-Enfield was in its particular sphere, it is telling that no modern manufacturer of turn-bolt hunting rifles makes one patterned by the venerable British design. Virtually all pattern their rifles upon Mauser's timeless receiver and bolt design, which is tougher, stronger and more-rigid than the Lee-Enfield. All of which are qualities prized by manufacturers of fine hunting rifles.
Being a transplanted Canadian into unoccupied Florida, I just can't play by the rules. As my mom would tell me when I was a lad, I seemingly enjoy being different....and difficult. My choice? A Pre-War M70....but in that 6.5x55!
Look at the m/94 Swedish Mauser Carbine.
@profpudwick I had one back in the early 90s when they were cheap and very easy to find. That rifle was pristine. And I love the cartridge. But prefer the grace and the cock-on-opening of those older M70s.
I'm a bit partial, but all the rifles here look awesome. I already have the last bolt action I would ever sell. It was my Dad's. It is old. I have never operated a nicer bolt action. I have always put venison in the freezer with it. It is the 30-40 Krag sporterized carbine.
Sporterized old military rifles are unique, just like the person that passed it down to you. I think the sentimental value supersedes the value of if they had just left them stock.
I don't have firearms. But I can appreciate this guy's love for them. Great content 👍
Are you not able to get one?
@@actinganimal885 Tbh I only know one person with one. So it never got my interest. But Hickok does make me want to get one
@@robertgarcia6634 so you live in the US where it’s generally easier to acquire one. If so then you definitely should
@@actinganimal885 SoCal unfortunately 😕
@@robertgarcia6634 it's a fun hobby that will surround you with incredibly nice people. It's a combination of showing off your favorites, playing with targets, shooting others guns, and good conversation every time I get to the range. I would recommend it highly.
I would have chosen the Model 70, but I'm biased. I totally respect his decision.
What a beautiful selection of rifles. I love how the basic bolt action design is over 100 years old, yet they still execute their tasks effectively...We have many of the same rifles, but for us, the keeper is our pair of Steyr Mannlicher Schoenauer MCAs in 30-06. It is just rifle making at the next level.
My choice would be Lee Enfield the first rifle I ever shot when I was 10 and my father gave it to me when I became 18 I loved it , but idk if I can give up any of the others great collection
For me, the video ended when you said Model 70, in ,30-06, pre-war. I did not even need to hear the other choices.
So you chose the Sako...I would love to take the Model 70 off of your hands and give it the #1 spot in the home it deserves, ( if that situation were ever to present itself).
As an army cadet in 1970's we used Lee Enfield .303 smle and they are fantastic weapons powerful and accurate put a scope on on its a snipers dream, keep em clean and they'll never let you down maybe more of a diesel van than a Ferrari but my choice everytime.
That pristine-looking Gewehr 98 is my choice!
I have 2 of them, in fair (shot out) condition. Great wall hangers, esp. with the saw bayonet!
tough choice for sure especially the last 2. Have to say though I would have gone with the model 70 just for the caliber
Hickok45 thank you for all your videos. I’ve watched you for a long time. I’m finally just now figured out. Hey subscribe! I’m a little late to the party but better late than never. Lol! I have the same love and passion as you do for those old war horses. I love the history and I love listening to you. I used to shoot quite a bit but when I turned 39 I had a stroke to my optic nerve on the right eye so I’ve had to learn how to shoot on my left so I’m not giving up. I’ve slowed down a little bit but still with it. Man, it would be cool to get to shoot with you and just pick your brain and listen to the knowledge! Knowledge is power knowledge is priceless. But thank you to you and your son for the work that you do and bringing this knowledge to people. 🙌
I admit to an American rifle bias and would never let the Model 70 or the '03 go for all the riches in the world. Adding on top the relative availability of .30-06 compared to most of the other rounds, at least in my neck of the woods, the choice is clear.
I think you’ll miss the 30-06 especially when the 6.5/55 ammo is hard to find compared to the venerable 30-06.
You can just buy the 85 in 30-06.
Thats my biggest concern when looking at them side by side.... there will always be 3006, and it will always be cheaper than the 6.5 swed. So does the Swed have enough of a benefit to be worth the extra?
@@J.sh_CDN depends on what you use it for. Plenty of hunting where 30-06 is way overkill but 6,5 shines.
@@jongustavsson5874 Pig and goat carcass tests, U.S. Army, by Major (later MG) J. S. Hatcher-- he found that 6.5x55 and 7x57 Mauser equaled everything the 1906 30 caliber U.S. round could do out to 700 yards. .30-'06 only better at a thousand yards, and for vehicles and light aircraft.
@@profpudwick Equaled in what way? Damage done shouldn't be equal as a 30-06 has both more mass in the bullets and higher velocity on average than either of those. What ammo where they shooting in respective caliber?
If I had to choose one of my bolt actions, I'd have to go with my SAKO L579 Forester in 243 Winchester. It is an older (Bofors Steel) model. Extremely accurate and smooth with a more or less perfect trigger. Lightweight, fairly handy and very good looking too.
absolutely beautiful model 70!
"the freedom police" hahaha, laughed loudly when you said that Mr.
This guy does the best videos about guns and rifles
Hey Greg.....Before you started your count down, I also selected the two finalists that you chose, namely the Winchester Model 70 and the Sako! I would also agree with your final choice. Incidentally, the Finlanders who make that gun pronounce their company name "Sacko". Any way you say it, it's the "Cadillac" of bolt actions.
Wait, is Hickock45’s real name Greg??
@@nfaisnfgay Yes it is....haven't you seen his "up close and personal" video?
@@pbegich4235 No, not yet, didn’t know he had something like that. Thanks man, I’ll have to check it out!
id have to pick the model 70...it's elegant with the Monte Carlo stock and its a hard hitter .
There's no doubt the 30.06 is a beast round, and for some reason I never liked the aesthetics of full length wood furniture. Model 70 for me.
Just stay with all of them, that 6.5x55 keep it as you golden one
anybody who can appreciate a no 4 longbranch is a canadian in my eyes!