Making a Poorman's Wilson Combat NULA .308

DontNeedEarPlugs

DontNeedEarPlugs

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As the title states - I need a new hunting rifle that is light weight. Went into Reliable and made the mistake of holding the Wilson Combat NULA, now I need it. Unfortunately I cannot spend that much on a rifle sooo..any ideas on re-creating a poormans version? My first thought is a Tikka .308 and cut the barrel down. Any other alternatives or ideas? Thank!
 
You can only do much to get so light without getting your wallet out. Most recipes start with sub 1.5 pound stocks, and Number 1 barrel profiles. The next step would be to find someone with a mill, and the knowledge of what metal can be removed from where.
Getting an existing rifle to less than 5 pounds may seem like a less expensive way to go, but chasing ounces gets pricey, fast.
The heavier your goal weight, the less financial stress.

R.
 
Rman said:
You can only do much to get so light without getting your wallet out. Most recipes start with sub 1.5 pound stocks, and Number 1 barrel profiles. The next step would be to find someone with a mill, and the knowledge of what metal can be removed from where.
Getting an existing rifle to less than 5 pounds may seem like a less expensive way to go, but chasing ounces gets pricey, fast.
The heavier your goal weight, the less financial stress.

R.
Click to expand...
You should consider the Howa 1500 lightweight
DontNeedEarPlugs said:
As the title states - I need a new hunting rifle that is light weight. Went into Reliable and made the mistake of holding the Wilson Combat NULA, now I need it. Unfortunately I cannot spend that much on a rifle sooo..any ideas on re-creating a poormans version? My first thought is a Tikka .308 and cut the barrel down. Any other alternatives or ideas? Thank!
Click to expand...
You should look at the Howa short action Superlite they claim a weight of 4lbs and change. Definitely a contender.
 
The best way if looking to build is a rem model 7. Install a Wildcat stock, and follow all of the weight loss things that need to be addressed.

If looking to buy, you can’t really beat the Howa super light.

If you have not shot super lightweight guns before, it takes a lot of getting used to, to be proficient with them.

Another build option would be a tikka in a wildcat stock.
 
BigBraz15 said:
The best way if looking to build is a rem model 7. Install a Wildcat stock, and follow all of the weight loss things that need to be addressed.

If looking to buy, you can’t really beat the Howa super light.

If you have not shot super lightweight guns before, it takes a lot of getting used to, to be proficient with them.

Another build option would be a tikka in a wildcat stock.
Click to expand...

+1 on these options above

A Rem 7, 700 Mtn, ADL or Tikka Lite in a Wildcat should get you somewhere in the low-mid #6Lb range easily enough. There’s far more aftermarket support for these platforms than the WC should you want to make changes in the future.

I’d even consider looking for a Rem 78 (not 788) to build off considering it’s the same as a 700 except for the Bolt and will accept all the same aftermarket usuals (barrel, stock). An IBI/JC barrel in either pre-fit or blank ending somewhere in .550/.575 dia range with a Wildcat Stock would get you a sneaky poor mans 700 Mtn pretty quick.

There’s the older Tang Safety Ruger 77UL with 20” pencil barrels out there as another option. Aftermarket support is limited on these however.

I haven’t messed with a Howa SL yet, but it’s on my list of ones to acquire at some point. The Gen2 version has an OEM HS Precision Stock, so one less thing to buy/swap out over the above options. A member here has some Aussie aftermarket stuff avail on the EE for the SLs. Worth a look if going that route.

All you’d need to do is add in a Leupold FX II or III In 4/6x, VXII 2-5-8 or even a Redfield Revolution for Optics to any of the above and you’d be all set for almost half the cost of the WC NULA and be in that mid #6lb range easily enough.

JMO but 20-22” barrels are usually where and what I look for in a setup unless I’m shooting a magnum type cal. It just seems to be the sweet spot for a lot of cartridges and that length carries well over a variety of terrain.
 
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I put together a lite rifle a few years back.Starting with a Husqvarna 1640 I shortened the barrel to 22",resquared the barrel and put a 11 degree target crown,put it in a wildcat ultra light stock for a Winchester model 70 in the featherweight style,which closely matches the Husqvarna style stock,limbsaver recoil pad,Bold tigger,Talley light weight rings and a Leupold ultra light 3-9x33 scope.The rifle comes in at 7 pounds with 5 rounds.Makes for a nice light rifle for a reasonable cost.
 
so many options. need to know your target package weight and then the budget to work with

I did a Browning Abolt with a re-purposed pencil barrel that comes in at 6 lbs, talk about budget
 
Bulleye North has the Gen 2 Howa Superlite 308,it has a HS Precision stock and is a quality rifle.

You can get an HG Precision aluminium bottom metal and it is rock solid rifle.

The original Howa Superlite had a Stocky's carbon stock and were hit and miss,I would avoid this version.

Closest you are going to get to a NULA in my opinion.
 
DontNeedEarPlugs said:
As the title states - I need a new hunting rifle that is light weight. Went into Reliable and made the mistake of holding the Wilson Combat NULA, now I need it. Unfortunately I cannot spend that much on a rifle sooo..any ideas on re-creating a poormans version? My first thought is a Tikka .308 and cut the barrel down. Any other alternatives or ideas? Thank!
Click to expand...

That'd be really hard to beat. Its like 6.3 lbs as it is from the factory. If thats too heavy put a Wildcat Composites stock and shave a few more ounces after the barrel chop. Can always still hunt it in the meantime.

Outstanding action that can't really be beat in any practical way. Great barrel.
 
I think the inletting was not always great,and the overall fit and finish quality was just OK.

I have a Stocky's carbon stock and I glass bedded it and had to super glue the recoil pad on as well as the screws for the recoil pad to make it solid.

It's ok now,I also have a 6.5 creed with the HS Precision stock(not the Superlite) and the quality of the HS Precision is miles ahead of the Stocky's.

Just my observations/opinion.
 
Prophet River also has the Howa Superlite in 308 /20" barrel with a walnut stock if you want a really cost effective alternative,and they have the carbon stocked 16.25" barrel as well as the absolute lightest alternative.
 
rideonjon said:
I think the inletting was not always great,and the overall fit and finish quality was just OK.

I have a Stocky's carbon stock and I glass bedded it and had to super glue the recoil pad on as well as the screws for the recoil pad to make it solid.

It's ok now,I also have a 6.5 creed with the HS Precision stock(not the Superlite) and the quality of the HS Precision is miles ahead of the Stocky's.

Just my observations/opinion.
Click to expand...
Thanks; was the recoil pad on the Stocky one of the Limbsavers they use now?
 
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