Light weight accurate semi for deer?

[BadAsMo]

I’m interested in a fairly light semi auto for deer hunting and would like your recommendations. Might be what I want is unobtanium in Canada. An AR platform would do it just fine, but you know how that story ends in this side of the border.
I have a back problem so light weight is important. I’m a competitive shooter so my ego can’t tolerate something that won’t shoot better than 2 inch groups at 100 yards for 10 shots.
I have 2 M14s and they are just too heavy. I have an SVT – same story and not very accurate. I have 2 SKS’s but can’t hit the broad side of a barn with either of them.

I have looked at the Robinson Armament rifles and they fit the bill – even though they are on the pricey side. They look so cool that I figure it wont be long before they end up on a restricted list.
Browning BAR or Rem semi are just too … well civilized. Mini 30 is not very accurate.

So what’s left that is not likely to get restricted any time soon, is reasonably accurate and hopefully priced less than $2,000?

There must be something out there~

 

[caramel]

Benelli R1 in you choice of caliber, 7 pounds, reliable, accurate, my R1 338 mag is a great carry rifle... JP.

 

[madtrapper143]

I just purchased a Remington 7400 in .243. Good accuracy, nice to carry. Points real well. Mine is very reliable as most were. They need to be kept clean with emphasis on the chamber. I do not include the 740 or 742 in this referral.

Darryl

 

[ThurnYTaxis]

Mini 30 is not very accurate.

I don't own one, but when I was looking to choose a lightweight and accurate deer rifle myself I looked at the Mini-30 pretty closely. From what I read, when Ruger retooled the Mini assembly line in 2004 and went to a heavier barrel the accuracy problems were significantly reduced. If they aren't good enough for you I surely understand, but if you aren't familiar with the 581-series changes perhaps check them out.

In the end I decided to go with a Gunsite Scout and bolt action, but there might be a Mini-30 in my future as well.

 

[Brian46]

Bushmaster ACR, NR version will be available in spring. You can also convert it to 6.8, 300blk or my suggestion would be .450 bushmaster.

A bit above your price range but really the best option IMO

 

[philthygeezer]

Probably one of those new aluminium - receivered Browning Short-Trac BARs would fit the bill. Six pounds, ten ounces. Too civilized?



http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/itemdetails.asp?item=031534218&cid=031&tid=534

 

[Calum]

Benelli R1 in you choice of caliber, 7 pounds, reliable, accurate, my R1 338 mag is a great carry rifle... JP.

Another vote for Benelli, outstanding rifles IMHO.

 

[Gatehouse]

Rfb?

 

[saskcop]

My CZ858 is my lightweight semi auto for deer. Has worked wonderfully thus far. May be a little too military looking for your tastes though.

 

[BadAsMo]

Bushmaster ACR, NR version will be available in spring. You can also convert it to 6.8, 300blk or my suggestion would be .450 bushmaster. A bit above your price range but really the best option IMO

Thanks to all...

The Bushmaster is cool - looks similar to the XCR actually - but a bit nicer stock I think. I did a quick search and found this Bushmaster at Cabelas but it's restricted. What do you know about the unrestricted version of this. The 3K doesn't scare me off, if I like it, I'll make it happen.

http://www.cabelas.ca/product/42987/bushmaster-enhanced-configuration-acr-tactical-rifle

 

[ten ring]

My Mini-30 has accounted for 4 deer and a calf moose. Great little bush gun and a joy to carry. Definately a keeper!

 

[Brian46]

Thanks to all...

The Bushmaster is cool - looks similar to the XCR actually - but a bit nicer stock I think. I did a quick search and found this Bushmaster at Cabelas but it's restricted. What do you know about the unrestricted version of this. The 3K doesn't scare me off, if I like it, I'll make it happen.

http://www.cabelas.ca/product/42987/bushmaster-enhanced-configuration-acr-tactical-rifle

Xcr doesn't compare IMO to an ACR.

Start reading from my first post:which I think is #7
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/995203-FINALLY!-I-got-my-SL-8-5!

 

[Francois_]

My Mini 30 shot 2 deer and I've got no complaints, nice woods gun.

 

[Dorian Gray]

The newer Mini-14's and Mini-30's are IMHO more than accurate enough for deer. Some say the .223 is marginal for deer sized game, though I never hear this stated from people who have actually spent time using the cartridge on deer. It would seem that it's just a pre-conceived notion that it's just too small. For the record, I havn't yet used it on deer but am willing to try it with the right bullet up to 150 yards or so.

Accurate is a term that get's thrown around a lot. How accurate does a rifle need to be for you? How far are your farthest shots going to be? What type of group does a rifle you're considering buying make at that distance? Being a competitive shooter, you'll likely end up disappointed in just about every semi-auto rifle on the market as it won't meet your definition of accuracy due to "my ego can’t tolerate something that won’t shoot better than 2 inch groups at 100 yards for 10 shots." Barrels heat up quickly, shots string and the occasional flyer always happens. 10 rounds, fired quickly out of a rifle while hunting and expecting 2 inch groups is not realistic in a hunting situation IMO.

Good luck mate. I'd go with the Remington (and I'm not the biggest Remington fan) since most of the semi's mentioned here, with the exception of the benelli, will likely give you unacceptable (to you) accuracy and you'll end up selling it and taking a hit on it anyway. Might as well take the smallest hit you can.

 

[BadAsMo]

Dorian,

I hear you about the 223. Before AR15s got restricted that's what I always used for deer. I used 69 grain match kings and a 1in7 twist barrel and I was never disappointed with the results. Now I never shot deer in the butt either so that might have something to do with it.

So when I saw an CXR rifle at Elwood Epps I kinda got some gumption back about hunting with an AR style rifle. But hey there are 2500 bucks minimum in any caliber and I'd rather not spend that much.

You have me considering the 223 again though. Other guys have pushed the 30 cal but it goes against my instincts. Now we have 77 grain SMKs for 223 so even better.

 

[The Kurgan]

I would recommend any Tikka in .243.

 

[copey]

Browning shortrac!!!!

 

[Camp Cook]

The 223 will work but there are far better choices available.

I consider a 223 a 150 yard coyote gun not saying it won't kill beyond that saying I do not shoot coyotes beyond 150 I like to see bang/flop when I'm shooting coyotes and the 223 does not have the oomph to do that.

I have an OD green XCR-L with complete uppers in 223 and 6.8SPC.

I am getting 2880fps with 95gr Barnes TTSX with AA2200 powder I like this cartridge so much I now also have a 23" 6.8SPC barrel for my T/C Contender carbines same load gives me 2960fps in this barrel I would not hesitate if conditions were right to shoot a deer at 300 yards with this cartridge/load combo.

I'm heading out in 15 minutes for a morning blacktail deer hunt taking the Contender in 6.8SPC.

I use this rifle almost exclusively for hunting due to this and the mediocre performance of a 223 my 223 upper hardly ever gets installed any more that includes during coyote season.

If your not into an XCR-L my recommendation is an older Ruger semi-auto in 44mag gives you more thump than that anaemic little 223 gives out past 100 yards.