Looking for a rifle that would weigh under 7 pounds with optics, but as light as possible. Short action, 20 inch bbl, 308, must look nice, but shoot even better. I am a fan of spiral fluting. Already have seen what savage and remington offer but i am looking for something higher quality. Heading up to a co workers hunt camp this fall but it is a long hike in and there no access for vehicles, so if you know of a good pack it would also be helpful
Lightweight rifle ideas
- Thread starter Jallstar
- Start date
If you like synthetic 1st choice for a lightweight factory gun is of course a Kimber Montana (5lbs 2 oz):
http://www.kimberamerica.com/rifles/model-84m/montana
If you have more money and want the lightest production firearm on the planet a Kimber Mountain Ascent may be the ticket (4lbs 13 oz):
http://www.kimberamerica.com/rifles/model-84m/mountain-ascent
Wood stocked look at the other Kimbers, they are all about 5.5 lbs in .308.
For the ultimate in lightweight rifles look a NULA:
http://www.newultralight.com/
At that price though you could also look at getting a custom.
http://www.kimberamerica.com/rifles/model-84m/montana
If you have more money and want the lightest production firearm on the planet a Kimber Mountain Ascent may be the ticket (4lbs 13 oz):
http://www.kimberamerica.com/rifles/model-84m/mountain-ascent
Wood stocked look at the other Kimbers, they are all about 5.5 lbs in .308.
For the ultimate in lightweight rifles look a NULA:
http://www.newultralight.com/
At that price though you could also look at getting a custom.
Cooper's shot great, fit and finish is great and they sure are pretty, but light they are not. The lightest offerings from Cooper are 7 lbs bare rifle.
You've got many options if 7lbs scoped is your goal, an ultralight rifle coming in sub 6lbs narrows the playing field somewhat.
Ultralights can be tricky both to build right and shoot tight off a bench.
Watch both manufacturers and custom builders weight claims, I have owned just about every light factory rifle listed above including a 4000$ custom ultralight, and they like to claim lighter than they actually scale out to.
Kimbers listed weights on their websites are near bang on for their montanas.
Whatever you do don't try and make weight by skimping on glass. Avoid the Leupold ultralight scope like the plague...it's a dark and #####y little thing with a terrible F.O.V., sticky power rings on both that I had.
VX-3's and the Swaro Z-3's are nice and bright and very svelte. Lots of folks will try and talk you into fixed powers as well, but variables are just so refined these days there really isn't a great reason to deny yourself the versatility they bring to the table.
If your packing in and out I would suggest a Kifaru Longhunter, they're relatively old news these days and can be picked up used for a good price.
Just don't get caught up in the hype that you need to spend huge money on a hunting pack. I sold my KUIU ICON to a hunting buddy because it never got used. It was supposed to be technically superior to the old Kifaru in every way, but it never made the cut for me.
Choosing a pack is tough, it's like buying shoes online...don't do it! Try before you buy.
Ultralights can be tricky both to build right and shoot tight off a bench.
Watch both manufacturers and custom builders weight claims, I have owned just about every light factory rifle listed above including a 4000$ custom ultralight, and they like to claim lighter than they actually scale out to.
Kimbers listed weights on their websites are near bang on for their montanas.
Whatever you do don't try and make weight by skimping on glass. Avoid the Leupold ultralight scope like the plague...it's a dark and #####y little thing with a terrible F.O.V., sticky power rings on both that I had.
VX-3's and the Swaro Z-3's are nice and bright and very svelte. Lots of folks will try and talk you into fixed powers as well, but variables are just so refined these days there really isn't a great reason to deny yourself the versatility they bring to the table.
If your packing in and out I would suggest a Kifaru Longhunter, they're relatively old news these days and can be picked up used for a good price.
Just don't get caught up in the hype that you need to spend huge money on a hunting pack. I sold my KUIU ICON to a hunting buddy because it never got used. It was supposed to be technically superior to the old Kifaru in every way, but it never made the cut for me.
Choosing a pack is tough, it's like buying shoes online...don't do it! Try before you buy.
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Is one allowed to use the words "Ruger" and "ultralight" in the same sentence? The International goes almost 7lbs without glass, and the Hawkeye with a 20" barrel is pretty damn close to 6 1/2 before glass.
Late-model Rugers are decent rifles but lofty they are not.
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- Location
- West Quebec
tagged
Sheephunter gives good advice, and although about as rare and coveted as a Chevy Cavalier, the Tikka is so much rifle for the money. The T-3 lite is pretty darn feathery too.
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BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
You mean something like this
Yeah...something like that would be just right.
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
Great line. And sage advice.
freddyfour
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Brant County, Ontario
You mean something like this, 700 Rem Ti 300 WSM, Brown precision 14oz Kevlar stock, PT&G speedlock and alum shroud, Leupold 3-9 compact......................all up loaded 5 lb 15 oz
This must kick like a mule, I know your a big guy but a 300 WSM under 6lbs still must really let you know
- Location
- West Quebec
I'd like something in 223 from these vendors.. any thoughts? For Target 200-300 crisp trigger out of the box.
Husqvarna 270 in a Brown Precision Pound'r for my sheep rifle. With the Kevlar stock, weighs a tad under seven pounds all up, with five in the magazine and a Leupold 2-7.
It is exceptionally accurate, and admired by most everyone who handles it.
Ted
It is exceptionally accurate, and admired by most everyone who handles it.
Ted
