The five mid-calibre rifles
Read the whole A mid-calibre rifle project story
Official Australian Hunter review
| Chosen rifle and scope combinations | |||
| Rifle | Calibre | Scope | RRP |
| Kimber 8400 Montana | .25-06 | Leupold VX-II 4-12x40mm AO | $2200 |
| Sako 85 Hunter Laminated Stainless | .270 Winchester | Burris 2-12x40mm | $2700 |
| Remington 700 CDL Stainless Fluted | 7mm-08 | Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40mm | $2150 |
| Thompson/Center Icon Precision Hunter | .308 Winchester | Meopta Meostar 4-12x40mm | $2550 |
| Weatherby Mark V Accumark | .308 Winchester | Leupold VX-II 3-9x40mm | $2600 |
Sako 85 Hunter Laminated Stainless
Considered by many (read: Sako fanatics) to be the pinnacle of affordable firearms, the Sako rifle range is much sought-after by centrefire aficionados. The current model is the 85 and of course, there are Sako lovers who argue that the previous models were better. How many times and with how many products have we heard that? Nevertheless, the Sako 85 with its stainless metalwork and grey laminated stock is a very nice looking rifle and we were keen to see just how it stacked up in this classy field.
Our test rifle was chambered for the .270 Winchester cartridge, which means that it has the M action length - the actions are matched to cartridge sizes. The action features controlled feeding of cartridges for reliable performance. We can confirm that this worked flawlessly during our testing. The top of the action has integral tapered scope rails and with Opti-Lok mounts matched to this system, nothing is going to move. The bolt features three locking lugs set 120 degrees apart, which allows for a 60-degree bolt lift, and a mechanical ejector. The extractor, of course, is the well-known and much-copied Sako arrangement.
The trigger is single-stage and claimed to be adjustable between 2 and 4lb. A single-set trigger can be obtained on special order. The safety has an on and off position. Just in front of the safety is a small lever and by depressing it, the bolt may be removed and the rifle unloaded with the trigger locked.
The magazine is detachable, but can actually be loaded while in place through the loading port. This is a handy feature and one not possible on many detachable magazine set-ups. On our test rifle, it held five rounds. Getting the magazine out can be tricky and requires some upward pressure at the front before attempting to activate the release catch.
In Sako fashion, the cold hammer-forged barrel is completely free floating. It features a rifling twist of one turn in 10" and has a length of just less than 22.5". There are no open sights provided.
The stock is formed from laminated hardwood and is an attractive grey/black pattern. Some purists may prefer walnut or the like, but I must confess that I have a genuine liking for laminated stocks. Sling swivel mounts are supplied front and rear and a hard rubber recoil pad helps soak up some of the kick. The chequering on the fore-end and pistol grip was simply flawless.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Sako, Finland
Model: 85 Hunter Laminated Stainless
Distributor: Beretta Australia
Calibre: .270 Winchester
Action: Sako turn-bolt repeater
Trigger: Single-stage fully adjustable
Magazine: Detachable, holds five rounds
Barrel: Stainless sporterweight, one turn in 10" twist
Stock: Laminated timber
Overall Length: 42.75" (1085mm)
Weight: 7.5lb (3.4kg)
Thompson/Center Icon Precision Hunter
I have reviewed several rifles from the Thompson/Center stable and they are just a little different from the usual run-of-the-mill offering. All of them have performed in an impressive manner.
One look at the Icon Precision Hunter will reveal that this is no lightweight sporter. I am not sure that I would like to carry this outfit around all day, as it weighs in at just a little more than 8lb bare and by the time it is fitted out with optics, that is going to increase. However, I would bet there are plenty of people who would happily take it into the field, as this is one very accurate rifle.
The Icon Precision Hunter was introduced in 2007 and is a bolt-action repeater with a detachable magazine. The CNC-machined action is made from 4140 steel and all metalwork is finished in a matte blue/black. In a move away from the drilling and tapping of the receiver to accept scope mounts, the Icon has an integral base, which will accept Picatinny-style scope rings - these are available from a number of manufacturers, so there are no dramas there.
The bolt, described by Thompson/Center as a ‘fat tactical’, is massive - it is a three-lug arrangement and is treated with black nitride and roller burnished. This ensures a very smooth operation with a 60-degree lift. The bolt handle is removable (called Switchbolt) and other bolt options are available on special order.
The two-position safety has an off/on position, but the Icon Precision Hunter features BoltLock, which allows the bolt to be removed with the trigger firmly locked up. The trigger was quite good as issued and claimed to be adjustable between 3.5 and 5lb.
The 22" match-grade barrel is heavy by hunter standards and is fluted and match crowned. This rifle was supplied in .308 Winchester calibre and so has a one turn in 10" twist. It features 5R rifling, which is claimed to be more accurate and easier to clean - I will go along with the latter claim, but as for more accurate, well, I have shot a lot of custom-built Benchrest barrels and there is not a 5R among them. Nevertheless, it did shoot very well.
The stock is laminated timber and is a very attractive blond-on-brown coloring. It looks good against the black metal in my opinion. There is some neat laser-stippled chequering on the pistol grip and a cheekpiece for a right-handed shooter. Sling swivel mounts are provided and a black rubber recoil pad finishes it off. There is one interesting feature with this stock called a Cooling Enhancement System. Under the fore-end, there are a series of holes drilled through to the barrel channel - the idea is that cooling air will circulate up through these holes and assist barrel cooling during prolonged firing sessions.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Thompson/Center Arms, USA
Model: Icon Precision Hunter
Distributor: Frontier Arms
Calibre: .308 Winchester
Action: Thompson/Center turn-bolt repeater
Trigger: Adjustable
Magazine: Detachable, holds three rounds
Barrel: Medium-weight fluted
Stock: Laminated timber
Overall Length: 42" (1066mm)
Weight: 9.1lb (4.13kg)
Remington 700 CDL Stainless Fluted
There is not very much about the Remington Model 700 series that has not been written and published many times over - not entirely surprising, as the 700 has been around for more than 40 years and shows no sign of slowing down. For those who might not be aware, we will run a description of this time-proven performer.
The Remington 700 is a cylindrical bolt-action repeater (single-shots are available on special order) with a two-lug bolt, jewelled on this model. It is available in action lengths to suit a variety of cartridges, but as our test rifle was chambered for the 7mm-08 cartridge, it had the shorter action length. The top of the action is drilled and tapped for the attachment of scope mounts, and rings and mounts are available for the Remington from every manufacturer possible. The safety is a thumb-operated on/off switch. The magazine will hold four cartridges and has a hinged floorplate for easy removal of unfired rounds.
The trigger is a Remington X-Mark Pro and was quite good as issued - a far cry from the very heavy triggers that we used to get, which were like trying to pull a cat off a flyscreen door! The Remington trigger has been much modified ever since it appeared and it can be adjusted down to a much crisper weight without too much trouble by an experienced gunsmith.
The metalwork on this rifle is all in 416 stainless steel and looks very nice, especially on the fluted barrel, which would not be out of place at a Benchrest match. The barrel is 24" in length and features a rifling twist of one turn in 9.25" to stabilise the 7mm bullets.
The straight comb timber stock is of American walnut and on this particular rifle is a very good example of how wooden stocks should look. It has a right-hand cheekpiece and a black grip piece and fore-end tip. A black firm rubber recoil pad finishes it off. The stock finish is described as ‘satin’ and that’s an excellent description. The chequering is neat and sharp and offers good grip on both the pistol grip and fore-end. The overall finish is excellent and the fit of wood to metal is very good. Looking at this rifle reminds me of the centrefire rifles of years ago, when traditional actually meant something.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Remington, USA
Model: 700 CDL Stainless Fluted
Distributor: Raytrade
Calibre: 7mm-08
Action: Remington 700 turn-bolt repeater
Trigger: X-Mark Pro, fully adjustable
Magazine: Hinged floorplate, holds four rounds
Barrel: 416 Stainless, 24"
Stock: Classic American walnut
Overall Length: 43.5" (1105mm)
Weight: 6.6lb (3kg)
Kimber 8400 Montana
There seems to be a certain mystique about Kimber rifles - many shooters talk about them, but how many have actually seen or handled one? I must admit they are a bit of a rarity on local ranges, so the one we had attracted considerable attention. Opinions from our reviewers varied as to its looks from ‘neat and tidy’ to a real ‘plain Jane’. The latter is predictable, as this rifle features stainless metalwork in a plain grey synthetic stock.
The Kimber 84L (Long) action on this rifle is manufactured from stainless steel. It is given a satin finish, as are all metal parts. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for mounts. The internal magazine holds three rounds of .25-06 ammunition.
The bolt is a Mauser style, with two locking lugs and a large claw extractor. The safety is similar to a Winchester Model 70 - forward to fire, the middle position locks the trigger but not the bolt, and all the way back locks everything. The trigger is claimed to be adjustable between 3.5 and 4lb. It was acceptable as issued, but our gunsmith did some good work on it for a more usable weight.
The 24" stainless barrel has a sporter contour for lightweight - it has four grooves and a one turn in 10" twist. The crown is a semi-target recessed type. There is no provision for open sights.
The stock is a plain grey in color and is manufactured from Kevlar and carbon fibre - it is certainly light and strong! The recoil pad as fitted is a Pachmayr Decelerator and it has sling swivels provided. Pillar bedding is standard and it was the only rifle in our collection that did not require attention in this area from our gunsmith.
The 8400 Montana is a lightweight and weighed in at around 6lb, which makes it an ideal carry-around rifle for those long walks around the paddocks or in mountainous country.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Kimber, USA
Model: 8400 Montana
Distributor: Nioa
Calibre: .25-06
Action: Turn-bolt repeater
Trigger: Adjustable single-stage
Magazine: Holds four rounds
Barrel: Stainless 24"
Stock: Synthetic
Overall Length: 42" (1066cm)
Weight: 6.6lb (3kg)
Weatherby Mark V Accumark
The name Weatherby conjures up visions of large belted Magnum cartridges with enough knockdown power for the largest game on the planet. That’s true in some calibres, but there are a lot of variations of the Weatherby rifle and a vast range of chamberings. For our test rifle, we chose a Mark V in the Accumark version and ordered it chambered in .308 Winchester - a good calibre for Australian conditions.
The Mark V action is a turn-bolt repeater with a five-round magazine capacity. The magazine may be emptied via a hinged floorplate. The bolt features six locking lugs, set 120 degrees apart, which allows for a bolt lift of only 54 degrees - that makes fast follow-up shots a breeze. The thumb-operated two-position safety is mounted on the bolt shroud - it is either on or off. The trigger is factory tuned and is fully adjustable. The sear engagement is set between .008 and .014" and the factory pull is set at 3.5lb.
The button rifled and fluted #3 barrel is 24" in length, stainless steel and .705" at the muzzle. A recessed target-style crown is fitted. For the .308 Winchester cartridge, they quote a one turn in 12" twist rate. No provision for open sights is made.
The hand-laminated Monte Carlo stock is black with a grey spiderweb pattern over it, which most of our reviewers considered to be attractive. The stock is manufactured from a composite material and has a raised comb and cheekpiece. Sling swivel mounts are provided and a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad fitted.
Weatherby gives a guarantee that its Mark V rifle will shoot a group better than 1.5 MOA at 100 yards with premium ammunition.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Weatherby Inc, USA
Model: Mark V Accumark
Distributor: Nioa
Calibre: .308 Winchester
Action: Weatherby Mark V
Trigger: Weatherby adjustable
Magazine: Holds five rounds
Barrel: Stainless fluted
Stock: Synthetic Monte Carlo design
Overall Length: 42" (1066mm)
Weight: 7lb (3.22kg)
Read about Range testing, gunsmithing and handloading for accuracy
Read about Technical and hunting information on the calibres
View the photo gallery