Received some good advice and suggestions on "Dual Rifle". To stay within budget only two custom rifle makers were contacted. NULA ($3600, which decreases money for optics) and Cooper Rifles ($2000). Cooper would be the way forward for high end rifle. Both completion times are within a years time frame. (which is a negative for me) But there were some who kept saying "Why high dollar, why not commercial compact." So would like to hear about experiences with these rifles: Ruger M77 and American compacts, Tikka compacts, Winchester 70 featherweight compact, or any other ones someone may know about. Also open to suggestions on caliber for short barrels and use for WT deer and varmints. I am leaning towards Ruger and their very handy 16.5" barrel. Thanks.
compacts ?
- Thread starter suprane
- Start date
- Status
I have two M77 compacts. I've had a Hawkeye in .223 for a little over a year and very recently acquired a MkII in .260. Both rifles share the same benefits and downfalls. I love how compact and light they are, very easy to move around with or carry all day.
However, they aren't made for shooting groups. Accuracy falls off fast past 2-3 shots, this makes zeroing a chore and really just makes them working rifles (not much fun at the range).
Now, with that said, I wouldn't give either of them up. My wife uses the .223 for general pest control around the property and we both have taken the .260 in the deer woods a few times (not seeing anything so far). My only real complaint is that I needed to cut some wood dowels down to put in the barrel when storing them in the safe.
However, they aren't made for shooting groups. Accuracy falls off fast past 2-3 shots, this makes zeroing a chore and really just makes them working rifles (not much fun at the range).
Now, with that said, I wouldn't give either of them up. My wife uses the .223 for general pest control around the property and we both have taken the .260 in the deer woods a few times (not seeing anything so far). My only real complaint is that I needed to cut some wood dowels down to put in the barrel when storing them in the safe.
ZGUNNER good info. However once you go through the chore of zeroing, waiting for barrel to cool between shots, will that first shot out the barrel, in the field, be where you expect it? Everytime? That's where the rifle will be doing the most work for me. Shooting paper is fun but I don't it much anymore. Just looking for handy rifle and from what your saying, Ruger compact seems to do the job. What caliber is best ( deer/varmint) .243. .260. 7mm08, .308 in your opinion?
I pick up a Tikka T3 Compact Tactical Rifle (CTR) in .260 Remington earlier this year, and I'm really liking it. It's handy, very accurate (without a lot of load work-up), good trigger, the bolt's slicker'n snot, and it comes with a large bolt knob, a 10-round mag and a threaded barrel. I bought it to possibly shoot a few tactical precision matches this year, but it'd make a fine hunting rifle to boot. It's fast becoming my favorite shooter.
Here's a recent 100 yard target from a (very) little load work-up. Both groups are about 0.5":
Here's a recent 100 yard target from a (very) little load work-up. Both groups are about 0.5":
ArchAngelCD
Member.
The Ruger Hawkeye Compact looks like what you are looking for. They have it in .243 so you can use it duel purpose for deer/varmints too.
I also like the Winchester Compact Featherweight BUT I don't know if the quality is still there since FN took them over. It very well may be, I just don't know.
I would say to take a look at the Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle but unfortunately it's only in .223 and .308. That might not fit your needs but it is a nice rifle...
http://ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/models.html
The good news is, many factory rifles today are as accurate as the customs of 20 years ago, even entry level rifles.
I also like the Winchester Compact Featherweight BUT I don't know if the quality is still there since FN took them over. It very well may be, I just don't know.
I would say to take a look at the Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle but unfortunately it's only in .223 and .308. That might not fit your needs but it is a nice rifle...
http://ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/models.html
The good news is, many factory rifles today are as accurate as the customs of 20 years ago, even entry level rifles.
Those are some excellent groups. Have looked in that direction and have owned Tikkas before ( two hunter models ) good as the parent corp Sako IMO. Am trying to get uner 20inch barrel and near 6# for weight to carry in brush and distance. I will recheck that out. For hunting OTC ammo should do well in the CTR also. Appreciate you sharing.
urbaneruralite
Member
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2007
- Messages
- 473
Is the six pounds all up including scope?
Also, if you're going to a barrel less than 20" it might be better to use a larger caliber to boost velocity; i.e. a 120gr 7mm08 will have higher muzzle velocity than a 120gr .260.
Also, if you're going to a barrel less than 20" it might be better to use a larger caliber to boost velocity; i.e. a 120gr 7mm08 will have higher muzzle velocity than a 120gr .260.
Dr T
Member
I have been hunting with a Ruger Frontier 308 for the last 5 years. This is similar to the compact (16.5" barrel, 12.5" pull), but has a scout scope rail. I hunted with the scout scope the first year. I currently have a Leopold Var X-III 2.5x8 variable with Ruger Rings.
It is an accurate little gun. I have yet to feel the need to do any load development. It will put 3 Hornady Whitetail factory loads with the 150 gr. Interlock in an inch at one hundred yards if I do my part.
It is very handy. It is easy to carry through brush. The short pull allows me to mount the rifle quickly from an African Carry (muzzle down over left shoulder), and it is easy to move around inside the pickup.
It is an accurate little gun. I have yet to feel the need to do any load development. It will put 3 Hornady Whitetail factory loads with the 150 gr. Interlock in an inch at one hundred yards if I do my part.
It is very handy. It is easy to carry through brush. The short pull allows me to mount the rifle quickly from an African Carry (muzzle down over left shoulder), and it is easy to move around inside the pickup.
I have a Ruger M77 compact in .308 on my short list. Seems like the perfect rifle for where I mostly hunt these days. I'm a huge Ruger fan and I have multiple M77 rifles and they've all exceeded my expectations...
... And one of my expectations for my rifles is MOA accuracy at 100 yards. Dont let anyone tell you the Rugers that are being produced now aren't accurate. They're just as accurate as everyone else.
... And one of my expectations for my rifles is MOA accuracy at 100 yards. Dont let anyone tell you the Rugers that are being produced now aren't accurate. They're just as accurate as everyone else.
sappyg
Member
How about a Ruger RSI? Short, handy, great for clambering around in the brush. It's been my go to rifle for many years now. Mine is in 308 but I load it to shoot a little softer with 130 gr HSPs. It really likes 150 gr Nosler BTs too.
Ruger #1 is a very compact rifle as well. Tends to on the heavy side but most have above average wood giving it a custom appearance. The RSI models redefine the word compact.
Ruger #1 is a very compact rifle as well. Tends to on the heavy side but most have above average wood giving it a custom appearance. The RSI models redefine the word compact.
A Kimber 84M will come in under 6 lbs scoped if you choose optics and mounts carefully. Cost is about $1,200. A Tikka will be about a pound heavier, but sell for about 1/2 that and still be a darn light rifle. If you want a shorter barrel any gunsmith can do that job for you for less than $50. I wouldn't choose a rifle just because the barrel came from the factory short when they can be cut to any length so easily.
Personally, I wouldn't go below 20". The negatives start to counter any positives if you go any shorter. In fact I've never felt handicapped at 22". Balance starts to be a major issue if you go too short.
Personally, I wouldn't go below 20". The negatives start to counter any positives if you go any shorter. In fact I've never felt handicapped at 22". Balance starts to be a major issue if you go too short.
I have both rifles zeroed for a cold bore shot to hit the x ring at 100 yards. The .223 has never missed what it was aimed at and I just don't have enough time with the .260 to speak too much on it. ".223 size targets" are usually small so knowing holdovers is important, especially closer targets.
Personally I think any one of those calibers would be pretty darn good all-arounders. I've developed some awesome 110 gr .308s and I'm just about to start some ladder tests with the .260 tomorrow. I'll try to get some pictures if I get to shoot, I'll post in Rifle Country.
Good luck in the search.
Well thank you for all the input. Made some decisions but not final one yet. No custom compact rifle, just can't afford anymore ( retired and need to curb the taste buds LOL )
Can't get over an article I read on Tikka's recent loss of quality due to recession. They're cutting corners it said and new product suffering. Any input on this appreciated? And never been a Savage admirer and I hear so many rave about the accuracy. Just a mental block I guess. Down to these two rifles and two calibers.
1- Ruger M77 compact 16.5 " But reading where LC6 trigger iffy for quality
2- Browning Micro Midas 20" not hearing any bad about this x-bolt
Calibers: .243 or 7mm-08 ( WT deer, coyotes under 200yrds )
Well what do you think. Urbaneruralite on that 6#s just referring to rifle. Thanks.
Can't get over an article I read on Tikka's recent loss of quality due to recession. They're cutting corners it said and new product suffering. Any input on this appreciated? And never been a Savage admirer and I hear so many rave about the accuracy. Just a mental block I guess. Down to these two rifles and two calibers.
1- Ruger M77 compact 16.5 " But reading where LC6 trigger iffy for quality
2- Browning Micro Midas 20" not hearing any bad about this x-bolt
Calibers: .243 or 7mm-08 ( WT deer, coyotes under 200yrds )
Well what do you think. Urbaneruralite on that 6#s just referring to rifle. Thanks.
Going to put up new thread also on those two choices and will consider Tikka if assured they are still getting quality. Sako has gone down from the old ones also and just leary. Of course I know opinions are like.......we all have one. Have always liked Sako, wish I could afford one of the FS mannlichers 18.5" beauties, but $1,500 was the working me, not the retired me. Even wanting a Nightforce NXS will probably transform into a nice cheaper scope. Money talks and BS walks. TC everyone.
suprane said:
Where did you read this? AFAIK, Sako's always made a quality product. I was just fondling a few yesterday, and they all oozed quality.
And Tikkas? I wouldn't take a single article as gospel. They make a good product as well.
MrBorland was reading some comments made on Tikkashooters.com and a couple of recent reviews but can't recall the URL address. But then also read some real good stuff on them. Just confusing. I am not a fan of synthetic. I have tried but just can't embrace the look or feel. But you can take a Tikka T3 compact and drop it in a walnut stock for $349.00 found at tikkaperformance.com , but that puts me way over a M77 or a X-bolt. Nice stock though, laminate also available. Thanks.
Years ago, I hunted with a Remington Model 722 chambered in 308. If I were to use something similar again, I would look at the 358 in something like the Savage Lightweight, the Remington Model 7, or the Winchester Featherweight.
Do you handload? That opens up some other possibilities for cartridges.
Do you handload? That opens up some other possibilities for cartridges.
d2wing
Member
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2008
- Messages
- 6,433
I just bought a compact SS Tikka T3 in 7-08. Light, MOA with factory ammo. Pretty hard to do better with spending lots of money. Another nice light rifle is the Weatherby youth model.
Also MOA, light a very good quality. .243 or 7-08. I picked 7-08.
Also MOA, light a very good quality. .243 or 7-08. I picked 7-08.
Guys bought a Ruger M77 compact in 7mm-08 and because I'd sold some stuff I indulged in a Nightforce NXS compact 2.5-10x32 illum. scope with some high quality low height rings. Also two boxes of cheap ammo to break her in and them me and my loading buddy will work up some light and heavy loads and she what she can do. The whole rig will come in at about 7.3 lbs, a lot less than my current 10.5 lb rig. I am happy and appreciate all the opinions and advice. Merry X-mas everyone. The rifle arrives 12/26, deer season ends 1/6/15 and I hope she will help me with some jerky and sausage. TC.
urbaneruralite
Member
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2007
- Messages
- 473
Congratulations!
- Status
