Rifle ID: The Hunter ( 2011 )

[Lenny]

Nice one! Thank you.

[Nyles]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I just looked at the page for The Hunter and Sam Neill's rifle can't be a Model 70. It's got a Mauser 98 style lever bolt release instead of the push button on a Winchester. It might be an old model Ruger 77 or generic Mauser sporter, but from the setting I'd guess a Parker-Hale from before they started using the Weatherby-style stock.

[funkychinaman]

Originally Posted by Nyles

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I just looked at the page for The Hunter and Sam Neill's rifle can't be a Model 70. It's got a Mauser 98 style lever bolt release instead of the push button on a Winchester. It might be an old model Ruger 77 or generic Mauser sporter, but from the setting I'd guess a Parker-Hale from before they started using the Weatherby-style stock.

I was unsure, but two users IDed it as a Model 70. Oh well. Parker-Hale M85?

[Nyles]

No, more like a 1200. The thought occurs it might also be a Browning High Power, there were alot more of those made with that style stock, and they both built on FN actions. Ultimately it's some sort of Mauser sporter and short of seeing the markings you'll never be 100% sure. I'm just assuming Parker-Hale because it's Australia.

[Jcordell]

I'm going with the Parker-Hale 1200.

[Nyles]

Just out of curiosity, you do guys see alot of Parker-Hales in the US? They come into the store fairly often up here, although for some reason people seem to be under the impression that they're really high-end rifles. I mean, they're good, but they're no better built than a 1960s or 1970s Remington 700.

[Jcordell]

I've only encountered one in person. It was in .243 Winchester. I don't know why they're so rare down here in the states. I have back-issues of Gun Digest from the sixties and seventies along with back-issues of "Guns & Ammo" and "American Rifleman" and there are several articles about the Parker-Hale rifles. Many advertisements as well. Maybe they just didn't import the rifles in large numbers. Maybe more of them went to Canada.

I think the reason why folks think it's such a high-end rifle is mostly due to the fact that it's British. Many believe that if it's a British made rifle or shotgun than it's basically a Holland & Holland or a Westley-Richards.

[S&Wshooter]

Originally Posted by Nyles

Just out of curiosity, you do guys see alot of Parker-Hales in the US? They come into the store fairly often up here, although for some reason people seem to be under the impression that they're really high-end rifles. I mean, they're good, but they're no better built than a 1960s or 1970s Remington 700.

I managed to pick up a Parker Hale for $100 a few years back