Rate my Rifle Build
- Thread starter Djb1
- Start date
Definitely don’t need 15x and a target stock for under 300 meters….could save some weight there.
Personally I think carbon barrels are a gimmick.
I’d go with a Manners EH8 and a benchmark #2. Light, trim and plenty of rifle for 300 meters
Personally I think carbon barrels are a gimmick.
I’d go with a Manners EH8 and a benchmark #2. Light, trim and plenty of rifle for 300 meters
^ This
If you use the search feature above and look for these specific threads below they'll be of good reference and add to SuperCubs points ;
- Sheep Hunting Rifles
- Remington 700 Mountain Rifles
- Post your Mountain Rifle
- LW Mountain Rifle
I'll suggest that there are some stock alternatives to Wildcat Comps that could save some $$ but not be as light. B&C or HS Precsion come to kind and if you cruise the EE both are usually avail handily.
On the Wildcat however, they do have a solid reputation by members on here so they're worth the look. Expect to pay around $740 for the stock blank, then sanded and filled, sling posts and decelerator pad installed, plus shipping and HST.
This is a direct quote as of this morn for a M700. It would still need a bedding job and paint to complete. The difference of $200 over say a new semi-drop in B&C or $300 for an HS off the EE is up to the end user to decide. For me the 3/4 to 1lb weight savings and dropping my MSS into the 6-1/2 to 3/4 range at the cost of roughly $900 for a completed Wildcat is not a priority at this time.
7 to 7-1-2lbs in a 22" barrel format is about as ideal for a carrying or pushing brush rig for Deer, Moose or Bear as you can get. Not too heavy to carry sans sling, yet not too light for added recoil or the accuracy quirks at the bench or freehand that comes along with UL/LW rigs. A 1:10 twist rate will allow you to use 150-170gr pills, easily enough for the Deer/Bear you mentioned in your first post.
As a reference I just finished carrying and pushing country in N.Ont with a Rem 700 Mountain SS in 06 for Opening Week Moose Season.
Whatever you decide, post up some photos, ask questions along the way and enjoy the build journey.
Yes actually I did see that its only 2oz more than the lonepeak. Though prices are similar in USD, I'll have to see what that equates to this side of the border. Doing the math, it should be a 6lb gun without optic, rounds or sling now.
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pete dobinson
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Courtenay BC.
Go with a lightweight rifle then you can invest some weight into a bigger scope. There are light rifles that are plenty accurate out to 600 yards.
Yes, this was my thinking. Light and well balanced with enough weight to spare for a quality optic. I think I'm pretty happy with the changes I've made since this thread and will be burning money before the month is up...
Djb1 : This would be an all around <300m deer/bear rifle. It should weight about 8.5-9lb when finished. I will only be shooting factory ammo through it which is why I chose a CF barrel (better accuracy with untuned loads). The action is a 3 lug 60° throw which should be smooth as butter and it will be carried slung with an adjustable 2 point sling. I pack hunt and live in my boots.
Hmm ! CF barrel gets better accuracy with untuned loads
can you fill me on this statement Please -Thxs RJ
Hmm ! CF barrel gets better accuracy with untuned loads
can you fill me on this statement Please -Thxs RJIf you're happy with the final specs, then the rifle makes sense. There just aren't many nice factory options for southpaws. I'd put together far fewer rifles, if I shot right-handed. Haha.
Like others have mentioned, and as someone that mainly backpack hunts, I'd want a lighter rig if spending that kind of coin.
What stock did you finally end up with?
I built a rifle last year that is my idea of a light weight--not ultra light by any means but I ended up with similar parts and specs as you are planning. Mine is a Defiance AnTi LA, 23.5" Benchmark #3 chambered in 280AI, with an AG CAT, Remington BDL bottom metal, Trigger Tech trigger, Hawkins 20MOA mounts and a Razor LHT 4.5-22. All in with sling and no ammo it sits right at 8lbs 1oz. It shoots both my hand loads and factory Hornady Precision Hunter into .6MOA and it holds that group sizing out to 300 metres- the farthest I have shot it so far. I moose hunted in northern Quebec with it last fall, saw no moose so I can not claim a kill with it yet. It is also going to Alberta next year for my mule deer hunt so I am pretty excited.
Good luck with your build. My advise, build what you want, not what others tell you you should want, or what your gunsmith tells you either. Its your money so get the build you want.
I built a rifle last year that is my idea of a light weight--not ultra light by any means but I ended up with similar parts and specs as you are planning. Mine is a Defiance AnTi LA, 23.5" Benchmark #3 chambered in 280AI, with an AG CAT, Remington BDL bottom metal, Trigger Tech trigger, Hawkins 20MOA mounts and a Razor LHT 4.5-22. All in with sling and no ammo it sits right at 8lbs 1oz. It shoots both my hand loads and factory Hornady Precision Hunter into .6MOA and it holds that group sizing out to 300 metres- the farthest I have shot it so far. I moose hunted in northern Quebec with it last fall, saw no moose so I can not claim a kill with it yet. It is also going to Alberta next year for my mule deer hunt so I am pretty excited.
Good luck with your build. My advise, build what you want, not what others tell you you should want, or what your gunsmith tells you either. Its your money so get the build you want.
