Forever Rifle suggestions

[Mitch@Ripley]

Hey all, so I'm looking into buying a set of rifles to keep forever that I can pass down through the generations. I turn 18 in a few months and I would like my first official purchase (already have my own firearms in dad's name) to be my forever rifles. Basically I am looking for 2 rifles, one .22LR and one small centerfire (17 hornet up to 222rem) to use as both my pretty, show guns, but also something reliable that I can use in competitions occasionally and out hunting. Must have a timber stock (preferably walnut, no laminate or painted stocks) and I would love for at least the .22 to have ironsights.

So far I'm interested in the Weihrauch HW 60 J in .22LR and .222Rem, or .17 hornet. Also the Anschutz 1712 (I think) and the CF equivalent, however they are getting right up there in price.

Hoping to spend less than 3000 for both. also looking for scope recommendations in a low power range about 3-12 max

[deanp100]

Hi mate. I am currently working through my pile of guns and culling out the crap and replacing with a series of guns that I think are all forever guns. The main criteria is uniqueness , quality and the ability to hold value forever. I am hunting in the 60’s and 70’s for the real masterpieces. I picked up a pristine sako varmint 222 this week and a beautiful zkk 222 last week. New in box classics turn up occasionally and you have to be ready to jump on them. I would looking at the European guns of the 60’s for both centrefire and rimfire and you will find all the elements you want. Walnut, blueing, open sights and quality. Synthetic stocks are ruining society in my opinion. Most of the worlds problems can be attributed to a lack of walnut and blueing. Just my opinion.
Good luck in your search but when you buy something new, think of all the elements that make guns really attractive in 50 years time and it is the little things like keeping the original box, the shop receipt, the price tags, the factory target etc. it mightn’t mean much now but is an interesting point for you kids to have.

[Daddybang]

Out of the rifles I own only two I consider "forever rifles" are the model 70 featherweight classic in 243 and my missus's cz527-2 in 222.
I don't personally care if these hold their price tag in years to come cause I'll never get rid of'em !!

[deanp100]

oops.double post

[bigrich]

Out of the rifles I own only two I consider "forever rifles" are the model 70 featherweight classic in 243 and my missus's cz527-2 in 222.
I don't personally care if these hold their price tag in years to come cause I'll never get rid of'em !!

The old model 70 is a good thing hey mate. I got a 1975 xtr in 222, and a FN made model 70 in 6.5x55 . They are my forever guns. Once you get used to the trigger their great. They don’t have a trigger pull as such, but zero creep is awesome

[sungazer]

A small centerfire is never really going to be a forever rifle. Forever rifles have to be either somewhat uniquely Australian like a Lithgow 303. They should also be a recognized hunting rifle and if that can also cover a recognized and used by the family to win competitions even better. The rifle that could fit this bill is the 308 again an Australian centric popular gun. IMHO these will be forever guns.

[Daddybang]

Out of the rifles I own only two I consider "forever rifles" are the model 70 featherweight classic in 243 and my missus's cz527-2 in 222.
I don't personally care if these hold their price tag in years to come cause I'll never get rid of'em !!

The old model 70 is a good thing hey mate. I got a 1975 xtr in 222, and a FN made model 70 in 6.5x55 . They are my forever guns. Once you get used to the trigger their great. They don’t have a trigger pull as such, but zero creep is awesome

The trigger on the 70 I absolutely love for the field . Not sure of its year of build but suspect it's in the early nineties. Have been told everything from " that serial number can't exist" to "it's a custom shop job" so I figure its just a standard rifle and it's records were probably lost in the fire.

[Daddybang]

A small centerfire is never really going to be a forever rifle. Forever rifles have to be either somewhat uniquely Australian like a Lithgow 303. They should also be a recognized hunting rifle and if that can also cover a recognized and used by the family to win competitions even better. The rifle that could fit this bill is the 308 again an Australian centric popular gun. IMHO these will be forever guns.

I reckon any rifle can be a forever rifle. ..to me a forever rifle isn't the same as a collection piece it's that rifle ya own that you're never gonna sell. For some that might be the .222 that granmpa handed down or the brand spanking new 308 that ya love to shoot or the .22 model that ya learn to shoot with.

[bigrich]

Amen mate. It’s whatever gels with ya , for sentimental reasons or just because. Some folks love 22 hornet ta bits

[bigfellascott]

I reckon any rifle can be a forever rifle. ..to me a forever rifle isn't the same as a collection piece it's that rifle ya own that you're never gonna sell. For some that might be the .222 that granmpa handed down or the brand spanking new 308 that ya love to shoot or the .22 model that ya learn to shoot with.

Spot on DB to me it’s not about brand or cal it’s more about a rifle you have fond memories using out hunting or at the range - a rifle that has great sentimental value and not monetary value and just lives in a safe collecting dust.

[allan]

The WH HW60J rifles could be classed as "forever" rifles if bought new and well maintained. The compact Leupolds are a nice choice for these rifles.
The Anschutz 1710DKL would be about as nice as they come for a 22 with sights but one of these will cost nearly as much as two Weihrauch rifles.
If ever you had to sell, the Anschutz will hold value better than most.
The latest Anschutz 222R offerings feature a number of up-grades over the original 54 action rifles but as you have noted, the price is right up there!
As Deano says, the old classics are still out there but you have to be patient and do your homework - Buying 60 - 80's era rifles is a gamble unless you can actually see them or know their history from a reliable source.
I recently sold a German 222R which I'd owned for over 50 years - It will last another 50 if the new owner treats it well. It was a "forever" rifle but I'm getting old with no dependants so I'd rather see it go to a good home than finish up in a Weapons Branch crusher when I'm gone!
Good luck with whatever path you choose.

https://www.leupold.com/scopes/rifle-sc ... efr-3-9x33
https://www.nioa.com.au/products/view/1710DKL
https://jga.anschuetz-sport.com/index.p ... how=detail

[Gaznazdiak]

Well Mitch, if you want heirloom firearms and have the money, the place to go is Fuch's Fine Guns.

http://fuchsfineguns.com/index.php/fine-guns/

[bigfellascott]

Well Mitch, if you want heirloom firearms and have the money, the place to go is Fuch's Fine Guns.

http://fuchsfineguns.com/index.php/fine-guns/

Nice looking rifles alright, not something I'd ever want to use Only good for safe queen use I reckon (I'd cry if I ever damaged one using it)

[Gaznazdiak]

Well Mitch, if you want heirloom firearms and have the money, the place to go is Fuch's Fine Guns.

http://fuchsfineguns.com/index.php/fine-guns/

Nice looking rifles alright, not something I'd ever want to use Only good for safe queen use I reckon (I'd cry if I ever damaged one using it)

Definitely. I can imagine it, out Ninja-ing around the scrub, roll an ankle in an old rabbit hole, go tits up and drop it on a rock and do a couple grands worth of scratch damage.

They are a thing of mechanica and artisticl beauty though.

[Gun nut.]

For a .22 I would go for a good old Brno or a CZ 452. Centrrfire would be a CZ527 in .223 if you want a smaller caliber. I like heavy varmint barrels because my rifles do more range work then hunting. Can't go wrong with a .223 or .308, Factory ammo for both is getting cheaper than it was a few years back. I reload for both but I'm hearing good things about Aussie outback ammo which would be worth a try. I bet you won't stop at two rifles either. My rifles and handguns are still breeding .

[bigfellascott]

Well Mitch, if you want heirloom firearms and have the money, the place to go is Fuch's Fine Guns.

http://fuchsfineguns.com/index.php/fine-guns/

Nice looking rifles alright, not something I'd ever want to use Only good for safe queen use I reckon (I'd cry if I ever damaged one using it)

Definitely. I can imagine it, out Ninja-ing around the scrub, roll an ankle in an old rabbit hole, go tits up and drop it on a rock and do a couple grands worth of scratch damage.

They are a thing of mechanica and artisticl beauty though.

You’d need a few extra moonshines to get over it

[Gaznazdiak]

You’d need a few extra moonshines to get over it

I'd be so damn shiny, I'd probably catch fire

[bigfellascott]

You’d need a few extra moonshines to get over it

I'd be so damn shiny, I'd probably catch fire

[deye243]

I reckon any rifle can be a forever rifle. ..to me a forever rifle isn't the same as a collection piece it's that rifle ya own that you're never gonna sell. For some that might be the .222 that grampa handed down or the brand spanking new 308 that ya love to shoot or the .22 model that ya learn to shoot with.

One of the best posts I have read ......

[Gaznazdiak]

Have to agree with both of you there, my forever rifle is my Winchester Model 04 .22 that my Mum gave me for my 13th birthday. The rifling is only a rumor of its former self and I'm more likely to hit something by throwing a brick at it, but I'd part with both stones first.

[deanp100]

Yes to all , but there is a difference between I gun that is part of your life through circumstance, and one that you plan to buy to keep forever. A Chinese air rifle might mean something to you but no one else will ever look at it and go “ holy s**t, I wish I had one of them”.

[bigfellascott]

Yes to all , but there is a difference between I gun that is part of your life through circumstance, and one that you plan to buy to keep forever. A Chinese air rifle might mean something to you but no one else will ever look at it and go “ holy s**t, I wish I had one of them”.

Really? That's the determining factor for you?

[in2anity]

Also the features of a rifle you value today may not be features that are as important to you tomorrow. As you grow as a shooter (and a handloader), your values change... for example currently my most valued rifle shoots cheap cast pills out of a straight wall case exceptionally well - I’d never of dreamed such characteristics would be so important to me when I was first starting out... basically your perspective changes. I say don’t overthink things, and get out and just starts shooting! Learn from mistakes

[deanp100]

Yes to all , but there is a difference between I gun that is part of your life through circumstance, and one that you plan to buy to keep forever. A Chinese air rifle might mean something to you but no one else will ever look at it and go “ holy s**t, I wish I had one of them”.

Really? That's the determining factor for you?

Yeah, if I want it to be. So roll your f***ing eyes somewhere else.

[bigfellascott]

Yes to all , but there is a difference between I gun that is part of your life through circumstance, and one that you plan to buy to keep forever. A Chinese air rifle might mean something to you but no one else will ever look at it and go “ holy s**t, I wish I had one of them”.

Really? That's the determining factor for you?

Yeah, if I want it to be. So roll your f***ing eyes somewhere else.

[green_comet]

I have myself a Weihrauch HW60J in 22lr, it's a beautiful rifle. The build quality on it is excellent as is the walnut stock, it shoots great and has no plastic anywhere on it. I love mine to bits and bought it with the intention of keeping it forever, I highly recommend one.

[straightshooter]

You only need to remember two words - steel and wood.

[bigfellascott]

You only need to remember two words - steel and wood.

works for me.

[Daddybang]

Yes to all , but there is a difference between I gun that is part of your life through circumstance, and one that you plan to buy to keep forever. A Chinese air rifle might mean something to you but no one else will ever look at it and go “ holy s**t, I wish I had one of them”.

Really? That's the determining factor for you?

Yeah, if I want it to be. So roll your f***ing eyes somewhere else.

No need to get aggro. It's just a conversation!

[Daddybang]

You only need to remember two words - steel and wood.

Yep that's two of the determining factors for me!!!