Lightweight 243 options for wife

Old270win

Old270win

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Since my wife's taken great interest hunting whitetail and black bear with me, I'm looking to get her into a lighter weight hunting package/backup/stalking rifle.
Her current rifle is 243winchester so keeping same cartridge as she shoots with confidence and can kick my butt most days at the gun range.
So far my limited search has turned up a Howa M1500 Superlite gen2 243 that appears much lighter than her current setup. I do have a few questions for the fine folks of the forum.
-Are the replacement magazines the same for gen1 and gen2 models.
-Does the gen2 come standard with a picatinny base, or are picatinny base available in Canada for purchase?

I appreciate opinions on above rifle be good or bad. Or are there other recommendations/options for a lightweight bolt action 243 with picatinny base I should consider?
 
Old270win said:
Since my wife's taken great interest hunting whitetail and black bear with me, I'm looking to get her into a lighter weight hunting package/backup/stalking rifle.
Her current rifle is 243winchester so keeping same cartridge as she shoots with confidence and can kick my butt most days at the gun range.
So far my limited search has turned up a Howa M1500 Superlite gen2 243 that appears much lighter than her current setup. I do have a few questions for the fine folks of the forum.
-Are the replacement magazines the same for gen1 and gen2 models.
-Does the gen2 come standard with a picatinny base, or are picatinny base available in Canada for purchase?

I appreciate opinions on above rifle be good or bad. Or are there other recommendations/options for a lightweight bolt action 243 with picatinny base I should consider?
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https://store.prophetriver.com/howa...lush-detachable-mag-mfg-hwhsl243-stock-image/

There is only 1 style factory mag for the Superlite:

https://www.legacysports.com/product/super-lite-magazine/?wcprbla=5382109

Another reasonably priced option for an ultra lightweight 243 include the Savage Lightweight Hunter. (If you are a Savage fan). Howa/Weatherby are great rifles for the money imo. Tikka T3x Superlite would def be one to look at.
 
Howa Superlite, Bergara Stoke in todays current offerings (one of the sponsors had them on sale recently/currently). Both have aftermarket stock options avail ie; Stockys all CF and Wildcat respectively

Rem Model 7 in a Wildcat could get pretty light as well.
 
Lighter gun means more recoil. Dropping 2-3lb is quite a bit. Is she up for that? Has she ever shot a rifle that light? Not everyone can shoot them well either, especially from field positions.

Something like a Tikka or Browning Xbolt could get you like 1lb lighter, without increasing recoil to the degree that a Kimber or Howa Superlite will.
 
Suther said:
Lighter gun means more recoil. Dropping 2-3lb is quite a bit. Is she up for that? Has she ever shot a rifle that light? Not everyone can shoot them well either, especially from field positions.

Something like a Tikka or Browning Xbolt could get you like 1lb lighter, without increasing recoil to the degree that a Kimber or Howa Superlite will.
Click to expand...
Is this really such a huge concern when you'll be shooting standing or prone, and one single time? This obviously won't be a range gun that you're shooting 30 times in 20 minutes.
 
Jahnj0584 said:
Is this really such a huge concern when you'll be shooting standing or prone, and one single time? This obviously won't be a range gun that you're shooting 30 times in 20 minutes.
Click to expand...
1) you gotta practice. Dropping 2-3lb could be enough to develop a flinch.

2) if it's too light to steady from field positions than yes that one single shot absolutely matters.

I'm not saying either of these are certain outcomes. For all I know OPs wife could be capable and happy with a 6lb 300 win mag. Just pointing out factors the OP might not have considered to ensure he's making a well informed decision.
 
Old270win said:
She currently shooting Savage accustock model, just looking for a rifle and scope setup to shed two or three pounds.
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What does her existing setup up weight, as assembled and used currently?
Not published numbers but hanging from a scale.
A 3 pound drop could be a significant reduction that could shatter her confidence depending on what total weight you have now.
As others have mentioned what’s the budget and have you considered a wider strap?
Other thoughts are is a muzzle brake in the mix (personally not a fan on a hunting rifle)?
And while I like the 243 any reason a 6.5CM or 7/08 isn’t an option?
I looked at the Howa superlights and I’m a big fan of the Howa 1500 and its derivatives but the superlight to me just felt too light and felt fragile (my feeling, it’s likely not knowing Howa).
Without knowing anything about your existing rifle I’d be inclined to suggest a Tikka T3X Super Lite in stainless with Talley Light Weight rings/mounts and a Leupold 2.5-8x36 with a Limbsaver butt pad in 6.5CM or 7/08.
All that said if your significant other is anything like my wife it’s all about feelings and what “speaks to her” and the only way to do that is to take her to a gun store and see what she locks on too…depending your budget that could be a good or bad thing, lol…
 
I have a Superlite in 243, I just added an aluminum trigger guard to replace the factory plastic one, it is a pleasure to carry and the 243 is very light recoil. I bought it last year because I was waiting for surgery and could not even carry a weed eater without some discomfort. I would now be fine with something in 7 08 or a 6.5 that was a pound heavier. I am a Weatherby/Howa fan so I do like the rifle, I replaced the picatinny rail with Talley one piece rings.
 
I highly recommend the Weatherby Camilla the stock is built for women. As a female shooter my self nothing compares to the Camilla I now own and shoot regularly. I grew up shooting Winchesters, Howa's and Ruger's so switching to the Camilla has made a huge difference in my shooting adventures/experience
 
Old270win said:
Hoping to keep rifle around 3000.00 max. Scope is purchased waiting for rifle.
No wood guns please
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Your wife doesn't like wood? I'm sorry for your luck!........:LOL:;):ROFLMAO:

On the serious side, A Savage Model 11 in a Lady Hunter would fit her like a glove, with minimum recoil.....:)

https://savagearms.com/firearms/sku/19655

https://kelvinstaxidermyandgunshop.ca/shop/savage-m11-lady-hunter-243-win/

https://gun.deals/catalog/355436/sa...1-SSnuOQdBxxkLhWJFM68byBuSurtw0G53.dJFJelayHI

They can still be found if it appeals to her/you!.......:unsure:
11 Lady Hunter

11 Lady Hunter (011356196552)
In stock from $836.99
UPC:011356196552
MPN:19655
Brand:Savage Arms
Model:11 Lady Hunter
Caliber:243 Win
Capacity:4 + 1
Type:All Firearms
Action:Bolt
Finish:Matte Blue
Stock:Oil-Finish American Walnut Wood Stock
Sight:None, Drilled&Tapped
Safety:Three Position
Receiver:Matte Black, Steel, Blue
Barrel Length:20"
Overall Length:49.0000
Weight:6 lbs

Who does not like the wood, you or her?.....:(
 
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PrairieTracker said:
I highly recommend the Weatherby Camilla the stock is built for women. As a female shooter my self nothing compares to the Camilla I now own and shoot regularly. I grew up shooting Winchesters, Howa's and Ruger's so switching to the Camilla has made a huge difference in my shooting adventures/experience
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A Weatherby Camila, although designed for women by Weatherby, they are not popular out here in the Kootenays....:(

I used to sell both the Weatherby Camila, and the Savage Lady Hunter. The Lady Hunter out sold the Weatherby twenty to one. The few Weatherby Camila rifles I sold were of poor quality and construction.......:(

I only sold two Weatherby Camila rifles, both had synthetic stocks. They both were not very attractive guns. The wood stocked Weatherby guns were much nicer.
 
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not sure why you think 8 oz to 1 lb is a concern because at best that's all you will loose it does not need a pic rail or a muzzle brake it will only Fire 2-8 shots a game a year
A savage ???
you don't need a 6.5 crude more or a 7-09 although the 7-08 is a great game cartridge
 
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