Ultralight Boomsticks

I've leaned towards a lightweight, cross-over Hunting/Precision Rifle based on a Chassis system. I initially went with the Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle (MPR), which unfortunately suffered from premature throat erosion with the factory C-F Barrel. I re-barreled using a Hardy Engineering C-F Barrel from NZ and have not looked back. Topped with a Vortex Razor AMG Milradian Cross-Over Optic with ATRS 30mm Rings, the entire rig (less the Bipod) weighs in at 11 lbs 5.5 oz. Although heavier than most of the rifles being discussed here, the additional weight is a steadying factor for field-firing from barricade/fence-post-rested shots. The rifle is well-balanced and very "lively" in the hands thanks to the lightweight C-F Handguard and Barrel. My path to this point has been uncharacteristically expensive due to the short-lived Christensen Arms C-F Barrel, however I can certainly recommend the balance of he MPR for a lightweight Chassis build. The Christensen Arms Model 14 Action is excellent, as is the remainder of the rifle (less the original Barrel).

Were I to go down this road again, I would wait and base the build off of the new SIG Cross platform.


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My take on things, took me a bit to learn it’s quirks but since the she’s been a sweet rig.....
Kimber Adirondack in .308

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I bought a Kimber 280Ai off the EE, weighs in at 5 lb 10 oz...….putting a 3x9 Zeiss Conquest on it. Not sure what total weight will be but it will be my lightest rig......
 
Might I suggest a Winchester Model 70 Compact. I got one in 7mm-08. 6.5 lbs and excellent ergos. I’m topping it with a Leupold vx3i 1.75-6x32 for the conditions and terrain I hunt. With 120 gr ttsx or nbt’s, capable to 300 yards on most anything save the big bears of course. A classic rifle in a compact package, what’s not to like?
 
I think when talking about a rifles weight, the size/weight/strength of the rifle bearer should be a part of the conversation. An 8 pound rifle to a man 5'4" & 125 pound soaking wet is proportionately different from an 8 pound rifle in the hands of a man 6'4" and 250 pounds. I am on the bigger side of the scale and I absolutely hate the Ultralight rifles... the Kimber Mountain is way too light for me and I find it flighty to shoot. Personally, I like a rifle between 8.0 - 8.5 pounds all in for general use and a 7.5 pounder is my Ultralight for climbing and slogging.
 
hoytcanon said:
I think when talking about a rifles weight, the size/weight/strength of the rifle bearer should be a part of the conversation. An 8 pound rifle to a man 5'4" & 125 pound soaking wet is proportionately different from an 8 pound rifle in the hands of a man 6'4" and 250 pounds. I am on the bigger side of the scale and I absolutely hate the Ultralight rifles... the Kimber Mountain is way too light for me and I find it flighty to shoot. Personally, I like a rifle between 8.0 - 8.5 pounds all in for general use and a 7.5 pounder is my Ultralight for climbing and slogging.
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While this may be true ^^ When carrying my Mountain Ascent I feel like it can carry it all day and twirl it around like a parade baton. I also find light weight rifles a lot easier to be accurate with while shooting off hand.

Height and weight wise I'm an average sized guy...5'10" and 180 Lbs.
 
hawk-i said:
While this may be true ^^ When carrying my Mountain Ascent I feel like it can carry it all day and twirl it around like a parade baton. I also find light weight rifles a lot easier to be accurate with while shooting off hand.

Height and weight wise I'm an average sized guy...5'10" and 180 Lbs.
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I am the opposite, I find it harder to shoot light rifles offhand... the twitchy muscles are more engaged with less weight... there is a tipping point at some point between too light and too heavy.... the balance of the weight comes into play here aswell.
 
When you speak of Ultralight and Lightweight rifles I put them in categories like this

Ultralight - 6.5 lbs and under when scoped
Lightweight 6.5lbs to 7.5lbs scoped
Standard weight - 7.5lbs to 9lbs scoped
Wheelbarrow rifles over 9lbs scoped

For an example of scope and mount weight I use a Leupold VX3i 4.5-14x40 30mm tube and talley lightweight mounts adds 1 lb to your rifle, you can save a cpl ounces with lighter scopes but today everyone wants a high power/longrange hunting and shooting scope and I consider this scope to be one of the best compromises for a lightweight long-range hunting scope or at least to use as an example !

As I get older I prefer an ultralight rifle for everyday hunting and especially if Im backpacking at all, that rifle is a Kimber Montana 84M 6.5-284 scoped it weighs 6lbs

Lots of ultralight and lightweight rifles available now a days

Kimber Montana 84M(SA) 5lbs 2oz 84L(LA) 5lbs 10oz

Kimber Mountain Ascent 84M(SA) 4lbs 13oz. 84L(LA) 5lbs 6oz

Kimber Adirondak 84m(SA) 4lbs 13oz

Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 6 lug long action 5lbs 4.8oz

Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 6 lug long action Titanium action 4lbs 14oz

Barrel Fieldcraft 5lbs 3oz ( discontinued as of 2020 )

Tikka T3X lite SS 6lbs 3oz

Mossberg Patriot 6.5lbs

Browning X-Bolt Micro Composite 6.5lbs

Remington Model Seven 6lbs
 
Barrett got a big US government contract to build rifles. They moved on to bigger fish.


https ://news.barrett.net/2019/04/05/barrett-awarded-ussocom-asr-contract/
 
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Rifle I carry most is 7lbs scoped, custom .260 Sako. My heaviest centrefire is a .338 WM at 8.5lbs, and I wouldnt want it any lighter...
 
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