Lightweight 700

[cbh560]

Hey all,

I am looking at putting together a lightweight bush rifle for my father. I thought I'd stay with a short action Remington 700 that will have enough punch to knock down an animal up to the size of a moose. So I thought I'd stick with a .308. The plan is to go with a sporter weight barrel, and chop it to 18" to reduce weight, aluminum rings, etc. etc.

What I really need some info on is stock options. The synthetic stocks that come on the SPS' are generally flimsy (I really don't care for the one on mine). I am looking for a lightweight replacement stock, looks don't matter. It can be skeletonized, pistol grip, thumbhole, whatever. What really counts is it needs to be as light as possible. Does anyone have some suggestions? Availability in Canada is also important, as dealing with importing, etc. is a headache I don't want to deal with.

 

[iceman2]

Have you thought about the model 7? It sounds like what you are describing.

 

[Ardent]

Kimber... all the work's already done, cheaper than piecing together a 700, and you'll be giving your father a better rifle in the end.

 

[blargon]

McMillan Hunter's EDGE would be the stock I would start with. Order from 24hourcampfire.com and they will do all the paperwork for you, just need to order and pay when the stock is ready.

If you want Canadian and can do the finishing work, look at Wildcat Composites.

I've had several short-barreled .308's, and I'd not go shorter than 20". As for contour, I'd go a bit smaller contour than a sporter, around .575" at the muzzle.

Kimber... all the work's already done, cheaper than piecing together a 700, and you'll be giving your father a better rifle in the end.

Or this...

 

[Superbrad]

Have you thought about the model 7? It sounds like what you are describing.

I agree with Iceman... I have a model 7 in .308 and love it....

 

[blargon]

This is a M7 SS I put an EDGE stock on. With the talley rings, VXIII 2.5-8, and a gretan pin, it weighed 6lbs 3oz.

 

[two-dogs]

I had a model 7 Custom KS in 7mm-08 and loved it! super small and oh so light.

 

[burnt_servo]

does not savage make a lightweight rifle , around 5.5 pounds and somehwere around 700.00 ?

 

[two-dogs]

does not savage make a lightweight rifle , around 5.5 pounds and somehwere around 700.00 ?

yes they do, looked at one in Cabela's just the other day. gonna consider trying one in the near future. I believe it was priced at just over $800.

 

[hunter5425]

If you go to a Wildcat stock and leave the barrel at 22" and assuming you get an sps sporter the gun shouldl weigh under 7 lbs scoped. ( depending on the scope options)

 

[cbh560]

does not savage make a lightweight rifle , around 5.5 pounds and somehwere around 700.00 ?

The Savage Lightweight hunter is up over the $800 mark. I am putting together a package at his request (I enjoy doing that kind of stuff), with a budget of around $1000 including optics. The 5.5 pounds certainly is a great starting point though, will keep that in mind.

 

[blargon]

I am putting together a package at his request (I enjoy doing that kind of stuff), with a budget of around $1000 including optics. .

Only way you will stay under the $1000 is if you already have the rifle.

A decent lightweight stock will be $400-$600,
used 700 SPS - $450-$500,
LW rings $50,
leaves you $0 for a scope.

 

[cbh560]

Only way you will stay under the $1000 is if you already have the rifle.

A decent lightweight stock will be $400-$600,
used 700 SPS - $450-$500,
LW rings $50,
leaves you $0 for a scope.

Scratch that, I was mistaken, price does not include optics.

 

[blargon]

Scratch that, I was mistaken, price does not include optics.

Still won't make that mark with a McMillan EDGE, so maybe go with a Wildcat and do the finishing/painting yourself.

http://wildcatcomposites.com/productinfo.html

 

[cbh560]

I agree with Iceman... I have a model 7 in .308 and love it....

Do you happen to know the weight of the synthetic stock on the model 7? I see Wildcat makes an ultralight stock for the 7 that comes in around 17oz.

 

[tikka]

Great choice with the Rem Mod Seven in 308
Also look at the REM Mountain LSS 30-06,,7mm-08 or Blue/Walnut 700 Mountain in 270Win.

 

[rem338win]

Do you happen to know the weight of the synthetic stock on the model 7? I see Wildcat makes an ultralight stock for the 7 that comes in around 17oz.

Yeah the model 7 synthetic is 40oz off mine.
The Model 7 synthetic made by Wildcat is 17oz as a blank. Painted, padded and bedded it will be 24oz avg.
I have a Wildcat on order for my Model 7 build right now. It is a very nice stock and availability is 2+ months shorter than McMillan.

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

Look at Boyd's they are U.S. but no issues with importing/exporting.They have some very attractive stocks for very attractive prices.Usually receive within a week.

 

[Superbrad]

Look at Boyd's they are U.S. but no issues with importing/exporting.They have some very attractive stocks for very attractive prices.Usually receive within a week.

I tried Kelly.... lots of issues... they absolutely refuse to send me one that is over 100 bucks....

For most rifles you have to buy an unfinished one and do the oiling yourself....

 

[cbh560]

I tried Kelly.... lots of issues... they absolutely refuse to send me one that is over 100 bucks....

For most rifles you have to buy an unfinished one and do the oiling yourself....

I have bought from Boyd's for one of my .22's. They'll ship no problem as long as its under $100 (before shipping) otherwise I have heard they will plainly refuse.