Soon to be my do all hunting set up.

[bgoode]

I currently have the left bolt gun as my hunting center fire big game rifle. Compact set up in 7mm-08. Nothing at all wrong with it except I need a different stock I think that fits me better.....and the shorter 20" barrel doesn't sit as steady for me with it being lighter and smaller. It has it's place....and I'm keeping it. I just need a different well rounded gun/caliber combination.

Compact on left in Wood Stock
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/null_zps136cea6a.jpg

Enter in my decision. 24" sporter barreled in 30-06. I love the winchesters made in SC and really prefer the safety system and control feed system. I had my mind set on a 22" Extreme Weather gun but didn't like the stock that came on that gun. I am liking the Monte Carlo stock set up to get a more consistent cheek weld for me and more consistent position for my head. Repeatability equals consistency and that equals accuracy. I didn't see the extreme weathers stock sticking around so I decided on a lower price range M70 if I was going to toss the stock. I went with the Ultimate Shadow Model.

The 30-06 decision was tossed around for months.... I want something I can shoot larger grain bullets, larger selection off the shelf than my 7mm-08 and also availability. .308 is just too similar as the 7mm08 for my purpose (hunting). The 30-06 is flatter shooting than the 308 from what I researched. Large punch and less recoil than 300 Win Mag. Less recoil than 7rem mag........and this gun holds 5 rounds of 30-06.

Scope selection will more than likely be Leupold VX3 2.5x8x36 but may go 3.5-10 x 40. Not sure.

Back to the stock. Research after research I kept coming back to one model stock. McMillan Sako Hunter styled design for the M70. Called McMillan New Hunter. Has the same stock Monte Carlo feature I like in the Browning of my father in laws.

Browning BBR on bottom in 30-06
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/null_zps35875bf5.jpg


I had to scrape and dig but that McMillan stock was what I had to try out and like they say...cry once when buying something sometimes.

I can say after installing the rifle I have zero regret with that purchase!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/null_zps83e11435.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/null_zps0b7c9606.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/null_zps4d45bbc5.jpg

Can't wait to get the scope and rounds down range!

Rifle at this point weighs 7lbs using my bathroom scale minus my weight. Over all length it is 5" longer than my compact with shorter stock and 20" barrel.

I'll glass the rifle in before that time or after I shoot it. I'm undecided on that part at this time.

[SeriousStudent]

Brian, I am totally with you on the 7mm-08. I have a buddy that has one of the Model 7 KS rifles in 7mm-08 with a nice clear 4x fixed optic. It is very light, and very handy.

I think you have a great setup there. Be sure and show us the new deer harvest pics this fall!

[bgoode]

So far both my deer have been taken with a bow and a muzzle loader. I'd like 1 more with my rifle.

[mark5pt56]

Very nice! Like that stock color.

I have a couple of these and love them. Both on Extreme Weathers .308/06.
http://www.webyshops.com/brand/Leupold-VX-6-Rifle-Scopes-brand/LEUPOLD-VX-6-2-12x42-Rifle-Scope-Illuminated-Duplex-Reticle-Matte-Black-111979.html

While not as as pronounced, the BC stock on them has the MC cheekpiece, you didn't like them?
http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/the-459/Bell-and-Carlson-Browning/Detail

Try the Talley one piece aluminum rings.

Gotta love those Winchesters!

If you do any sling work, these are great as well
http://rifle-craft.com/product-category/rifle-slings/

[bgoode]

I didn't like that stock enough to spend the extra cash for it if I were to toss it down the road. This set up was about $150 more than the EWether set up.

[mark5pt56]

I didn't like that stock enough to spend the extra cash for it if I were to toss it down the road. This set up was about $150 more than the EWether set up.

Copy, oddly, the S Shadow in .308 I have seems to be more accurate than the EW. I think one day I will upgrade stocks on a couple Winchesters, I actually have a Manners on order right now.

[bgoode]

I'm hoping this set up will have tighter groups for me than my shorter 20" 7mm-08. The longer barrel should hold steadier and I know the stock fits me better.

[mark5pt56]

I'm hoping this set up will have tighter groups for me than my shorter 20" 7mm-08. The longer barrel should hold steadier and I know the stock fits me better.

As you already know-don't beat yourself and the wallet finding the golden bullet.

[bgoode]

True true!!! Hard to remember that sometimes.

[bgoode]

Hummmmm. Looks like my Bushnell Elite 4200 will be replaced that wasn't holding zero. Might be using the new replacement one until I can purchase the Leupold.
_________________________

[bgoode]

Now I'm getting somewhere!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/null_zps36d4b46a.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/null_zps228e036c.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/null_zpsf23771b7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/null_zpsf2de289c.jpg

[mark5pt56]

Very nice!

[bgoode]

I'm very surprised how I actually prefer the 24" barrel weight in the sporter profile to a similar weight in 22" I have. I thought it would be the opposite

[U4JF]

Nice setup. Love the stock.

[newyork]

Beautiful Brian

[bgoode]

A buddy of mine is kind enough to get the scope zero'd because I have time constraints. I'm going to shoot it myself Sunday and this bad boy will be in the Pisgah National Forest with me hunting Black Friday and coming back out Sunday!!! Whoo Hoo

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/null_zpsea26babf.jpg

I'll have more pictures of targets soon. This is what my buddy sent me at 100 yards before it got too dark to shoot.

[SeriousStudent]

And you will, of course, post pictures of the tasty venison you shoot with that new rig. :)

Good luck on your hunt, Brian!

[bgoode]

Here is one I shot with my muzzle loader this season. Going to roast the front leg tomorrow!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/bgoode/2014/null_zps3b86ca93.jpg