Lefty/ light weight question

[Boomer454]

I just got back from an Elk hunt in the mountains. (In 402 for the fellow Albertans.)

I was packing a rifle that I inherited. A beautiful old (1939 vintage) Model 70 Winchester in .300 H&H mag. I like shooting the gun, but find its weight and 26 inch barrel kind of a PITA in the steep stuff and heavy bush.

What I want is a nice light left handed rifle with a detachable magazine, probably chambered for the 7mm WSM.

A fairly quick internet search shows that the Browning Micro hunter A-Bolt is probably the best bet for the buck. I am not really a fan of the savages...

Does anyone know where to find one of these? Does anyone have any experience with this rifle? Good or bad?

Thanks in advance...

 

[TimberPig]

Since the A-Bolts are being discontinued in favor of the updated/worked over X-Bolt, you'd better hurry if you want one.

They are normally quite accurate, although some people don't care for them.

The main points people tend to pick on about the A-Bolts is the magazine system and the trigger, which are both more complex than many other rifles.

I'm undecided on the magazine system on mine. I don't love it but I don't hate it either. I'm also not overly keen on having to take the safety off to clear a loaded chamber. Safe firearms handling procedures should be enough, but I still prefer to be able to empty the chamber without taking the safety off. The trigger is fine, not too heavy but not super light either. a spring kit apparently helps quite a bit.

Ultimately its your call, I know I have no intentions of mine leaving anytime soon.

 

[Boomer454]

Thanks. I think I may have a line on one.
I am thinking the lefties have a tendency to hang around on store shelves longer than "standard" guns I will have a decent chance of finding one...

The browning is really just my first choice. I used to hate them till my brother bought one, and I actually shot it.

The pure criteria for what I am looking for are...

1. Left handed.
2. Detachable Magazine.
3. Short mag, or standard calibre. No Full length magnums
4. 20-22 inch barrel, and reasonably light weight.
5. $1100.00 or less.

 

[LittleBoyLefty]

LH do it all

The Tikka T3 comes LH and fits most of your criteria.

I can't like the Abolt or the T3 myself. Much prefer the floor plate too the detach mag, for starters.

My lefty/ light-weight/ do-it-all is a LH SS Ruger M77MII in 30-06. Switched out the factory laminate for a lighter, decent synthetic, mounted a nice light Leupold and started hunting.

Just got back from chasing Elk ourselves........ unsuccessfully. Have to get them next weekend.

Good luck.

 

[SuperCub]

They should have a special section for you'se fellers.




.

 

[Bronco Boy]

I am a lefty as well and have several left handed rifles. If I were in the market for a lightweight gun for the purpose you are I would consider:

TIKKA T3 LITE STAINLESS LEFT HAND

I know is does not fit all of your criteria but I think it might be a real good choice for you. It is available in .270 and .300 WSM.

Good luck in your search.