Varminterror
Member
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2016
- Messages
- 15,033
Maybe I misread the title - OP, are you wanting to buy something off of the shelf, or build a rifle for your needs?
Every shooter is going to approach a rifle "build" a little differently.We have a full-on cabinet/furniture shop yet,really not into Walnut for a HUNTING rifle.While we have a pretty good walnut library (inventory),It sure as heck isn't gonna be wasted out in the rain and elements that are hand N hand with good hunting.
Further,we have a complete machine shop,same thing...... not gonna drag a too nice of rifle out to get trashed in the hunting fields.A factory stainless action/barrel in a B&C hunting stock with a good solid scope gets it done for me.Handloads that have been worked up for that rig,to be run up through the mag.
I like the swing of a 24" brrl,and full neoprene scope covers,synthetic slings.And the best boots that I can afford.Good luck with your project.
@cazwell - the rifles I mentioned above will deliver what you’re asking - 3/4moa raw precision, 1,000yrd capable, volume-friendly recoil, and 400yrds elk and whitetail. The Seekins technically is a factory rifle, but it’s really a factory assembly of custom parts. The PH1 is far better suited to backcountry hunting than the precision rifle games for which I’m using mine.
6 lbs is as light as I'd ever want in a "real" rifle caliber(308 family or bigger), and I find 7.5-8.5 lbs total to be pretty nice. I hunt rugged mountains when I'm after elk, and having to make a quick 2000 ft elevation adjustment with a heavy rifle really sucks., but I also want it to weigh enough to hold still if my heart rate isn't all the way settled, and I don't want it to end up behind me when I touch it off.
With scope and sling, no more than 8.5lbs. I have carried a 10lb rifle and it is still doable, but id rather have more water with me than a heavier rifle. Anything over 10 lbs is just ridiculous for the way I hunt...That makes sense, thanks for the real world info. When you say 7.5-8.5 is the nice range for you, is that scoped or without scope?
If your considering off the shelf under $1,500 let me know and i'll give you the rundown of my research.
I watched a guy teaching his 10-12 year old kid how to shoot a 7mm mag in the prone position. By the third shot, the kid was in tears and dad thought it was funny. A great way to lose a potential hunting buddy.I didn't think of the managed recoil ammo. I was ruined on the 30-06 for a long time when I tried shooting my brother's as a kid. It was a Rem 700 Sporter with 180gr handloads. I will never let my children shoot a gun that doesn't fit them. It will also have loads that are tailored to their liking.
Considering the stipulations of lightweight, 400yrd elk capable, kid friendly, then I would build:
7-08, MDT LSS chassis + Magpul UBR2, Stiller Predator, DLC bolt, Jewel HVR trigger, fluted 22" shilen magnum sporter barrel, threaded for KVP linear comp, 4-16x44mm Sig Tango4, Seekins rings. This will be heavy enough with moderated recoil such it won't be too extreme for smaller shooters - and the UBR will give you variable length of pull without extra weight and bulk. BUT! It'll be powerful enough to cleanly take the target species at the desired range without any concessions, and it will be short and light enough to carry on a pack for miles on end, or slide into the scabbard.
I may be biased, but the Seekins Havak PH1 with the McMillan Game Warden stock in 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5 PRC would make a fantastic factory option here too. In either Creed or PRC, it'll be more than enough for the job, and the fluted barrel of the Havak makes it incredibly light for its barrel profile. They come from the factory with Timney 510 triggers, which aren't as good as the Jewell, but are fantastic "hunting triggers." DLC coating on the bolts make them very slick, and the short AW magazines have a nice, low profile for carrying.