Looking for Compact Bolt Action - suggestions?

[rbernie]

I have a Ruger Frontier in 308 and one in 7mm08; I really like the Frontier (and I got both for less than $500 each, NIB, by the way) but they're a bit chunky and won't make your weight criteria. The Model 7 probably will make the weight cut-off, but it doesn't balance well for me and there's just something about them that I don't cotton to. The Tikka T3 Lite is probably the best option, although it has a 22" tube and a bit too much plastic for my taste. The Browning looks like a good possibility, but I've not handled or shot one.

The Kimber 84 will definitely be everything you want, excepting for the fact that it sells for about $1100 NIB. Were I looking for a real lightweight 308 boltgun, given what I have shot and/or handled to date I'd save my pennies for the Kimber.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

+1 on the Browning Micro Hunter and Browning Mountain Ti,

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/family.asp?webflag_=001B&catalog_=B

and also everything that JM40 said:

The Savage Scout rifle is close and the scope can be mounted conventionally if you want. Savage shows them at 6 1/4 lbs but mine actually weighs 7 lbs., 8 lbs with a conventional scope and rings.

Remington model 7 is a possibility but will be a bit overweight as well.

The Kimber Montana meets all of your criteria except price.

The Howa is a lot heavier than you want I think. Hogue stocks are heavy.

Weatherby makes the Vanguard in a youth model that comes with a 20" barrel and 2 stocks. A short youth stock and a full size one. Not sure of the weight but probably a little heavier than you want.

Tikka T-3 Lites can be set up to weigh right at 7 lbs scoped if you choose your optics carefully. I have never seen one but they offer a version with a 19" barrel that is a little lighter. I have been tempted to get the barrel on my .308 shortened to 19-20" to make it a bit handier.

The Steyr Prohunter comes in .308 with a 20" barrel and can be had used for around $500. They are also a bit heavy however.

On the used market if you can find one Ruger used to make a ultralight with iron sights in .308 with an 18 1/2" barrel and the same gun with a 20" clean barrel. My brother has one of each.

 

[Samgotit]

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