Lightweight rifle options?

[thisisdenny]

I see lots of expensive (over a grand) .308 lightweight options. I mean say, under 6lbs and ideally more like 5 or 5.5.

But, I also see a superlight handi-rifle in .243 that if it were just .308 would probably make me just as happy as other rifles costing way more.

So, not that I doubt the high end options are well worth their prices, but all I really want is a light, decently accurate hunting rifle.

What options are out there? What do people think about any .308 less than 6lbs and easy to scope regardless of price?

 

[RSVP2RIP]

Ultralight arms are highly reguarded, but cost $3000 and up. The Remington model 7 weight 6 1/2 lbs and is about $700. The Ruger M77 Hawkeye Compact weighs 5.75 lbs and costs about $800.


Now seeing that makes me want a Hawkeye Compact in 7.62x39... damnit.

 

[jmr40]

Under 6 lbs and cheap is tough. I don't have as much experience with the break action single shots but judging from watching others shoot them at the range they are inconsistent. Some are pretty accurate, others seem to be pretty bad.

I have a Kimber that comes in at just a hair under 6 lbs with scope and rings, but it ain't cheap. If I were looking to hunt with a light rifle on a budget I would recommend the Stevens 200 or Marlin XS-7. I like the Marlin a little better and both will weigh 6.25 lbs empty. If you pick your scope and mounts carefully you can have either rifle come in right at 7 lbs scoped.

A little overweight, but to get a quality gun any lighter will cost you about $800-$900 more. I could live with either of those, but can afford the Kimber and don't mind spending the extra for it.

I can't emphasize too much how important it is to carefully choose your scope and bases. I've seen many guys buy a light rifle and stick a 16 oz scope on it in 8 oz steel rings and bases. A set of Talley lightweight mounts weigh 2.5 oz. and many Leupold scopes weigh as little as 9 oz. Even their 3-9 scopes weigh only 11oz.

 

[Casefull]

Yes on the Kimber at about 5.5 lbs. Lighter than the Remington titanium.

 

[Barker45]

CZ 527M Carbine in 7.62X39. Lite rifle, little felt recoil, accurate, and cheap to feed! I'm still keeping my Remmington 660 carbine in .308 but I'm loving my little CZ.

 

[thisisdenny]

I'm pretty set on .308 or maybe 7mm-08.

I want this rifle to be a reasonable choice for elk hunting as an upper limit. The .308 family seems like a pretty good middle ground, just a little step behind 30/06 which seems to have a good reputation for dropping anything in the U.S., but available in slightly smaller packages. I know magnums come in lightweight packages too. In a lightweight rifle I would like to avoid excessive recoil and muzzle blast as much as able.

I'd probably take a leap on the .243 handi-rifle if I was only looking for a deer rifle, but I think on elk a larger bullet would probably be preferred. Maybe all the .243 using elk hunters will correct me on that. Now, I'll wait for the, "yes, bigger than .243 and bigger than .308 would probably also be better."

Oh, and thanks for all replies.

 

[Water-Man]

Tikka T3 Lite

 

[bpl]

Kimber 84M Montana in .308 or 7mm-08, Talley lightweight mounts, Leupold VX-II Ultralight 3-9x33mm scope (8.8oz). At least, thats what mine will probably be. I already got the scope.

 

[natman]

Tikka T3 Lite

A good choice for the money, but since it only comes in a long action, you might as well get it in 30-06.

 

[Murphys Law]

Just another choice, Its a scout but its compact, lightweight, inexpensive and .308
Savage model 10 FCM