The Compact Rifle Thread

[remington jim]

That’s the conundrum isn’t it?

A 20” Compact screams SA, but reality is.. of the typical 6.5, 260, 7-08 or 308 offerings they’re basically tripping over themselves or splitting hairs in reality. They’re that close in terms of speed, ft/lbs and trajectory (ammo being equal across the board mind and 300yrd max range).

Not one of them really excels bar none/hands down over the others. Make a Cal choice and one of those other three just happen to do or offer something that the one you chose can’t do or not well enough and vice et versa.

I’ve legitimately looked at all four Cals ballistic charts extensively over and over and over again.
Yes…even <gasp> the 6.5CM (I know right? )

For my requirements - 300yrds and under I’m back to hair splitting and or a rolling of the dice on both Cal choice and setup.

I'm a BIG 7-08 and 308 Fan and have them ! I liked the LOWER recoil of the 6.5 CM and its plenty of cartridge for killing what i want with this rifle !

 

[Jimbobob08]

My compact car/atv/ camp gun. It's a cva scout 350Legend. A very fun/versatile cartridge with tons of options for handloads. Ive shot from 250gr to 115gr with it so far with excellent accuracy. My go to loads are the sierra 155 fn at 2500fps and the hornady 147xtp at 2750 fps. It also shoots my 9mm hand loads quite well at sub 50 yards. So much fun for small game and plinking. The burris e3 reticle coincides nicely with the 155 sierra giving me holdovers at 200,250,and 300 yards.
View attachment 1059838

whats the weight?

 

[savagelh]

whats the weight?

A bit heavier than id like at 7lb 10oz. It feels lighter to carry it though.

 

[dak47]

Took me a minute to sort out the Kimber's accuracy, she is one finicky biatch with the .308 loads. Did go from dislike to like tho, that's why Iimported it to Texas with some of my other besties........

 

[keith mokry]

Couple here, tc contender in 4570and 21” brl. Using barnes tsx 250 for 2375fps.
Rem m7xcr in 300wsm with 22” brl, 10rds of 180g ammo

 

[keith mokry]

Couple here, tc contender in 4570and 21” brl. Using barnes tsx 250 for 2375fps.
Rem m7xcr in 300wsm with 22” brl, 10rds of 180g ammo

Sorry that’s the Kimber 308 with 22” brl,4 rds and sling
Here’s the m7

 

[hoytcanon]

Didn't read the whole thread but has anyone attempted to define what a "compact rifle" is, at least for the purposes of this discussion?
I personally don't think that a bolt action rifle with 22" barrel, long or short action qualifies as a "compact rifle."

 

[keith mokry]

So with tc contender set up with 14” brl in 3030, mine be 4#1 wit brl and 4x compact scope set up be 4#13 with a shell.

 

[apex survival]

You are so right.... it is 18". It is a nice compact rifle and I would not think twice about shooting deer out to 150-175 yards with it. Very accurate with my handloads, even with a cheap scope. I will see how long the scope lasts. If it fails, I have other guns to hunt with. I was a bit in a fog last night. I edited my post.

I would not buy a new one though. I will not give anymore $$$ to the CZ group after Colt Canada's involvement with the confiscation program. There are a few out there being sold second hand.

I have been curious about the 600 "mini" actions, specifically the 7.62x39 version, as a possible donor for 6.5 Grendel or 6 ARC rebarreling. Any chance you would be willing to post some close ups of the action? Have never seen or handled the 600 American with steel actions but it does seem like a possible donor choice.

 

[ShrtRnd]

Didn't read the whole thread but has anyone attempted to define what a "compact rifle" is, at least for the purposes of this discussion?
I personally don't think that a bolt action rifle with 22" barrel, long or short action qualifies as a "compact rifle."

I don’t think we have really.
Although my original question was regarding 20” options that people had, we’ve moved around from 16”- 22” thus far.

 

[dakota123]

Setting up a Remington SPS compact in 7-08mm for the wife as her new hunting rig. Can anyone suggest any aftermarket stocks with M5 bottom and a sporter contour barrel channel?

Springfield is my new hunting rig, does that count as a compact with a 20” barrel

 

[ShrtRnd]

Setting up a Remington SPS compact in 7-08mm for the wife as her new hunting rig. Can anyone suggest any aftermarket stocks with M5 bottom and a sporter contour barrel channel?

Springfield is my new hunting rig, does that count as a compact with a 20” barrel

View attachment 1060472

Stockys or AG Composites maybe?
Don’t think B&C has anything with an M5 inlet in a Sporter profile

 

[LittleBoyLefty]

Setting up a Remington SPS compact in 7-08mm for the wife as her new hunting rig. Can anyone suggest any aftermarket stocks with M5 bottom and a sporter contour barrel channel?

Springfield is my new hunting rig, does that count as a compact with a 20” barrel

View attachment 1060472

Peak44 Blacktooth at CSC.

 

[Redneck Hippy]

Didn't read the whole thread but has anyone attempted to define what a "compact rifle" is, at least for the purposes of this discussion?
I personally don't think that a bolt action rifle with 22" barrel, long or short action qualifies as a "compact rifle."

I had in mind the traditional definition of “carbine” which has been 20” barrel down to 16”
Not sure what to call anything shorter…

It’s also my opinion that a compact rifle needs to have a shorter length of pull…
To me a LOP of 14.5” or more does not feel compact at all when shouldered.
So 13.5” is probably standard length and fine, 12.5” is compact for sure
I spec’ed my wildcat stock finished at 12.75” and it’s a nice length to shoulder fast while still comfy to shoot

 

[MRP]

That’s the conundrum isn’t it?

A 20” Compact screams SA, but reality is.. of the typical 6.5, 260, 7-08 or 308 offerings they’re basically tripping over themselves or splitting hairs in reality.

I’ve legitimately looked at all four Cals ballistic charts extensively over and over and over again.
Yes…even <gasp> the 6.5CM (I know right? )

For my requirements - 300yrds and under I’m back to hair splitting and or a rolling of the dice on both Cal choice and setup.

I had the same dilemma, trying to decide the best of a geat selection. . The clincher for me was my stockpile of reloading components for 308.cal,,,, (but from a fresh start I'd probably do 6.5cm).
PS..life is fickle so I take it back. I think, maybe, I'm not sure? I just went over the #'s again 308 will do everything 200 feet faster. So probably 300+yards before any of the other 3 catch up. Plus I carry a couple of 200 grain rn as bear backup.