Hunting Rifles: The Cost

In the not too distant future, cheap rifles were just that: cheap. The cheap hunting rifles of yesteryear were a bit disappointing. And while quite a lot of meat was made in my hunting circles with those budget-friendly guns, we could’ve done with a bit of improvement in the accuracy department.Fast-forward to the past decade or so, and the improvement in inexpensive rifles has shot up faster than the recent prices at the pump. Although the Heym Model 89B is a great value for hunters in the double rifle market it will still cost them over $20,000. Photo credit: Doug King. Trading Dollars for Performance Photo credit to Doug King. Trading Dollars for Performance. To be honest, I have owned and/or hunted some rifles that were embarrassing and very expensive… at least for someone of my means. The odds are that I won’t ever own a Holland & Holland Royal double rifle, or a Rigby rising Bite. However, I did purchase a Heym Model 89B double rifle and one of Heym’s Express by Martini bolt guns. These rifles are treasured possessions. Photo credit: Massaro Media Group. Massaro Media Group photo. When considering the vast array of hunting rifles on the market, and the correspondingly wide range of prices, buyers need to consider what features they want, what they’d use, and which frivolities. I know hunters who would not consider the idea of putting a “Tupperware” stock in their gun safe. I also know hunters who think that a rifle is a bullet launcher. A rifle is a partner in many adventures. A rifle is the partner in a million adventures. The sight, feel, and even smell of a rifle conjures up countless memories of hunting days with friends past and present, as well as those times alone in precarious situations. As with guitar players, being able to afford a premium Gibson or Fender doesn’t guarantee you can play the guitar like Jimmy Page or Jeff Beck. I’ve made easy shots with expensive rifles but failed to make them with budget guns. I try to have gear that is better than me in order to make my hunting or shooting skills the weakest link in the chain. However, I cannot and won’t try to compensate for a lack in either of these skills. The Heym Model 89B is the most affordable double rifle on the market. It has many of the same features as a rifle twice its cost. Photo credit Massaro Media Group. What exactly defines ‘expensive’? Let’s also define it. Merriam-Webster defines expensive as “involving high costs or sacrifice.” A double rifle can easily reach the six-figure mark. A Holland & Holland cost nearly $400,000 and my hands were shaking. To make my personal decision even more clear, I would rather have a few reliable rifles and travel to hunt the species that I long for than a safe full valuable queens that never see an airplane. Labor has become extremely expensive. The more intricate a rifle is, the more it will cost. Premium walnut is becoming scarcer for the stocks we love. Is it worth it? It doesn’t affect accuracy or velocity. But it is beautiful to look at and seems like a fine wine. I can say that synthetic-stocked rifles have given me some wonderful memories. The author shot this Zimbabwean kudu bull with a custom rifle built on a 1916 Mauser Gewehr98 action. It was re-barreled to obscure.318 Westley Ricks and was done on a tight budget. Massaro Media Group. Hunting rifle must-haves and no-waysThere are certain features that I will pay for or not use if they aren’t properly designed. Feeding is a major pet peeve. Feeding is a major issue for me. The.404 Jeffery is known for feeding well, but Heym has a unique magazine design that they use for each cartridge in the Express. This is a crucial feature for me as my Heym.404 Jeffery can be dangerous and a feeding issue could result in death. The Heym Express by Martini has a bespoke controlled round feed action, a magazine that is unique to each cartridge, and a stock designed by Ralf Martini. Massaro Media Group. I avoid expensive polymer magazines. Although I appreciate the simplicity of manufacture and affordability, the savings that were made up front often go to waste. I would prefer a hinged floorplate like that of the Winchester 70. It may be more expensive to make, but it will be worth it. And while we’re at that, I really appreciate those manufacturers who take the time and ensure that their magazine readers work flawlessly. Mark Bansner was adjusting my Bansner & Co..404 Jeffery’s stock length. He was fiddling around with the magazine follower, when he turned to me and said, “This isn’t quite right; please give me a few minutes to sort it out.” The rifle feeds like grease after Bansner’s adjustments. Bottom line: Cheap rifles don’t always feed well and that’s something I can’t deal with. The author’s Heym Model 89B in.470 Nitro Express is a perfect Cape buffalo medicine and a classic hunting experience. Photo credit Massaro Media Group. Personal Preferences Despite the debate about controlled-round feed (CRF versus push-feed) still rages, the bolt-action is undoubtedly the most popular hunting rifle. Although I am firmly in the CRF camp I also enjoy using several push-feed rifles. My Tikka T3X Lite 7mm-08 Remington and Browning X-Bolt 6.8 Western, as well as my Winchester Model 70 XTR Sporter, all feed and extract with great reliability. We have many great memories together. But when a game animal has teeth or claws that could end a hunter’s life, I prefer controlled-round feed. Stock design is another area where I don’t like to compromise. The stock designs and options of some of the more expensive rifles are superior to most off-the-shelf guns. Massaro Media Group. American rifles are married to their 13 3/4-inch length of pull. Just as all blue jeans should not have a 34-inch waist or 30-inch inseams, rifle stocks shouldn’t be one-size fits all. My length of pull is between 14 1/4 inches and 14 1/2 inches unless I plan on wearing a heavy hunting coat. I can compensate, but the longer stock feel better. Once you have the experience, you will realize that a stock is made to fit your frame. Heym made my 89B double rifle according to my dimensions. Mark Bansner fitted that.404 Jeffery to my frame, proving that even synthetic stocks can make hunters smile. The Czechoslovakian CZ550 is one example of such a stock. The CZ550’s sales numbers and the many hunters who have adopted it are proof of its reliability and affordability. Photo credit: Massaro Media Group. Few entry-level rifles consider balance. Massaro Media Group. The Rigby Highland Stagger is priced at around $10,000. You’ll notice the rifle’s balance and feel of the stock. I hope that everyone can have the chance to own a heirloom rifle. 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