Thinking about acquiring a new hunting rifle that is smaller and maybe lighter than my old Betsy of 40+ years M77 270. Caliber is well down on the list of considerations, but having a slim, easy-to-carry stock, especially through the action area, is near the top. I'd love a bolt rifle with a BLR/760-style receiver, no wider than necessary to contain a magazine, but such a cat doesn't appear to exist, at least at a price I'm willing to pay. I've whittled the stock on my 77 down as much as I dare, but it still doesn't carry under the belly like a BLR or 760. Yes I have a BLR, but the lever loop is too small for a gloved hand, and 760 prices have gone nuts. And both designs include other compromises (features?) that make them inferior to a good bolt in my opinion. So are there any particular models out there in the $1000-$1500 range that have particularly slim stocks that I should be looking at? I'd be willing to go to an aftermarket McMillian or Manners stock, if that would get me what I want, but neither publish a "waist" dimension for their products, so it hard to know if that is really an option. Ideas? Thanks.
Thinkin about a new bolt rifle, want it skinny in the withers
- Thread starter JumboJVT
- Start date
Christensens sporter stocks are fairly narrow thru the belly....bout .1-.15" narrower and a little taller than a 700bdl.
Xbolt stocks are both shorter moderately narrow.
Tikkas stocks are fairly narrow.
Chassis tend to be narrow but tall and heavy comparatively.
Im probably forgetting some....
The long ranger might be an option....as well as the BAR
.
Xbolt stocks are both shorter moderately narrow.
Tikkas stocks are fairly narrow.
Chassis tend to be narrow but tall and heavy comparatively.
Im probably forgetting some....
The long ranger might be an option....as well as the BAR
.
DustyGmt
Member
Hey fellow vermonter,
I'm not a hunting expert by any means but the SAKO 90 series has alot of offerings in excellent clamberings like 7-08-.308, 6.5CM, etc as well as long actions. I think the stocks are quite slim and the rifle is minimalist, all weighing less than 6lbs.
If you wanted a nice slim M77 maybe you could find a ruger boat paddle stock for your .270win. There is a guy in the buy/sell/trade forum of THR trying to get rid of an old M77 boat paddle. Your rifle would still be about 7.25# but if your M77 has a wood stock, you'd definitely have a lighter handier rifle. Also, if you're partial to the M77 mauser action, a 16.25" .308 Ruger Gunsite scout rifle would also be very handy in the woods and would be an action you're familiar with. I have shot one and they are fast handling....also light-ish.
I'm not a hunting expert by any means but the SAKO 90 series has alot of offerings in excellent clamberings like 7-08-.308, 6.5CM, etc as well as long actions. I think the stocks are quite slim and the rifle is minimalist, all weighing less than 6lbs.
If you wanted a nice slim M77 maybe you could find a ruger boat paddle stock for your .270win. There is a guy in the buy/sell/trade forum of THR trying to get rid of an old M77 boat paddle. Your rifle would still be about 7.25# but if your M77 has a wood stock, you'd definitely have a lighter handier rifle. Also, if you're partial to the M77 mauser action, a 16.25" .308 Ruger Gunsite scout rifle would also be very handy in the woods and would be an action you're familiar with. I have shot one and they are fast handling....also light-ish.
Last edited:
Out of the box the Kimber 84M is the trimmest, lightest bolt gun you'll find under $3000. A New Ultra LIght Arms rifle might be an ounce or 2 lighter, but around $3k is the starting point. I haven't priced a Kimber in a while, but they should be in your budget.
I had one in 308 for several years. With a Leupold 2.5-8X36 scope in Talley lightweight mounts mine was 5 lbs 15 oz.
The 84M uses a very high quality synthetic stock every bit as good as a McMillan. They also make basically the same rifle with a cheaper plastic stock and detachable mags called the 84 Hunter. It is a tiny bit heavier but priced under $1000.
A standard McMillan stock isn't particularly light, about the same as a factory stock. The McMillan Edge stocks will save you roughly 1/2 lb over most factory stocks if you decide to go that way.
FWIW, I chased light rifles for years before getting the Kimber. I hunted with it for a few years and concluded it was too light. Something between 7 lbs to7 1/2 lbs scoped is where I now want to be. I could live with 8 lbs but no more. That's light enough to carry, heavy enough to shoot accurately.
This Winchester 70 EW is in a McMillan Edge stock. It is 7 1/4 lbs as shown and is near perfect for me. But you won't be able to put one together within your budget. Figure $1300ish for the rifle and $700ish for the stock. I bought the rifle used and found a used McMillan in the classified ads on another hunting forum. I have under $1000 in it.
But to be honest, you can pick up TWO Tikka's within your budget and have rifles that weigh the same as my Winchester and will shoot at least as accurately. Probably more so. I love my Winchester but wouldn't pay today's prices to put together another one like it. I'd just buy a Tikka and call it good.
I had one in 308 for several years. With a Leupold 2.5-8X36 scope in Talley lightweight mounts mine was 5 lbs 15 oz.
The 84M uses a very high quality synthetic stock every bit as good as a McMillan. They also make basically the same rifle with a cheaper plastic stock and detachable mags called the 84 Hunter. It is a tiny bit heavier but priced under $1000.
A standard McMillan stock isn't particularly light, about the same as a factory stock. The McMillan Edge stocks will save you roughly 1/2 lb over most factory stocks if you decide to go that way.
FWIW, I chased light rifles for years before getting the Kimber. I hunted with it for a few years and concluded it was too light. Something between 7 lbs to7 1/2 lbs scoped is where I now want to be. I could live with 8 lbs but no more. That's light enough to carry, heavy enough to shoot accurately.
This Winchester 70 EW is in a McMillan Edge stock. It is 7 1/4 lbs as shown and is near perfect for me. But you won't be able to put one together within your budget. Figure $1300ish for the rifle and $700ish for the stock. I bought the rifle used and found a used McMillan in the classified ads on another hunting forum. I have under $1000 in it.
But to be honest, you can pick up TWO Tikka's within your budget and have rifles that weigh the same as my Winchester and will shoot at least as accurately. Probably more so. I love my Winchester but wouldn't pay today's prices to put together another one like it. I'd just buy a Tikka and call it good.
Thank you all. You've all mentioned the usual suspects when it comes to lighter more compact rifles, Kimber, Tikka; Sako I hadn't thought about. As I noted, I'm not concerned so much about weight reduction, more about ease of carry, as I too find some rifles (the wife's M7, for example) too "light and lively" for me. It is understood that weight and ease of carry are inexorably linked. But to me, the shape of the handle is at least as important. I also have a 308 M77 that I cut down to 18" and bobbed a 1/2" off the buttstock. From of weight/length/handyness standpoint that rifle is ahead of a current production GSR as a hunting rifle: tang-safety, internal floorplate mag. But even after carving on that stock as well, it's still bulbous in the middle.
I suspect the biggest difficulty I have in making a decision is the lack of mid-level rifles to handle on the shelves within a 3 hr drive. Lotsa Ruger Amercians and Savages, much fewer Tikkas and Kimbers...and no Sako's to be found. But I have time.
I suspect the biggest difficulty I have in making a decision is the lack of mid-level rifles to handle on the shelves within a 3 hr drive. Lotsa Ruger Amercians and Savages, much fewer Tikkas and Kimbers...and no Sako's to be found. But I have time.
troy fairweather
Member
Kimber
marksman13
Member
If you want a trim rifle, Kimber is the choice as far as reasonably priced factory options. I had an 84 in 308 that I bought for my wife a few years back. She never could warm up to the recoil and I ended up selling it, but that rifle was down right svelte in the hands.
codytrucker
Member
I think to get what your looking for you will need to find a single stack type of magazine. Not sure if a 700 Remington ADL type action could be modified and narrowed down that much . All of the single stack box magazines i can think of stick out the bottom pretty far , and that would make them as awkward or more to carry than a wider one is .
dranrab
Member
For thin in the wrist of a stock, the standard Christensen Arms Mesa (not the FFT) will likely appeal to you.
I went with a Ruger #1 A.
Its thin enough, but not exactly light weight.
To me they just feel good in the hand, carrying at midpoint, or when hand is on the grip.
I like a thin wristed shotgun and rifle.
The new target vertical grips are fine on the bench but annoy me afield (wrist issues).
Yup, I like my old 760 too, and its good, but like OP said, they've got other issues LOL.
Proly one of the nicer rifles Ive had (and sold) was my Sako L579 in .243.
Dunno who makes a synth stock for em (and if so, of same dim as factory walnut).
I remember that rifle as feeling trim.
Its thin enough, but not exactly light weight.
To me they just feel good in the hand, carrying at midpoint, or when hand is on the grip.
I like a thin wristed shotgun and rifle.
The new target vertical grips are fine on the bench but annoy me afield (wrist issues).
Yup, I like my old 760 too, and its good, but like OP said, they've got other issues LOL.
Proly one of the nicer rifles Ive had (and sold) was my Sako L579 in .243.
Dunno who makes a synth stock for em (and if so, of same dim as factory walnut).
I remember that rifle as feeling trim.
Last edited:
Just a thought, no experience with it first hand but I have and love its semiautomatic predecessor, benelli lupo.
1948CJ2A
Member
I picked up a Remington model 7 a few years ago chambered in 260 Rem. It's a handy, trim, lightweight, and short little rig. I don't think RemArms makes them anymore but there's plenty of used ones around.
Another similar rifle I have is a Winchester M70 Featherweight. Mine is a compact model with a 20" barrel chambered in 308. Something like that in a 243 would be fun too.
A Ruger Hawkeye could be a consideration as well.
Another similar rifle I have is a Winchester M70 Featherweight. Mine is a compact model with a 20" barrel chambered in 308. Something like that in a 243 would be fun too.
A Ruger Hawkeye could be a consideration as well.
My MiL has a .243 579 i use sometimes when im home. Its original stock was pretty slim. It broke tho and we replaced it with a B&C carbelite which is noticably wider ......B&Cs are fairly easy to modify, but the actual glass layer is pretty thin. If much was taken off id probably lay another chunk of glass over the top and use a hard epoxy/resin.
Chuck R.
Member
Rem M7 in .260 Manners EH8 stock with a Bartlein 2B profile barrel (about a Rem Magnum Sporter).
Just at 7lbs "all up" with 2.5-8x36:
Unfortunately Rem M7s now command a premium (just like 760s and 7600s), and a Manners is around $750 prior to bedding. IF I was to build a "lightish" mountain rifle I would definitely take a look at the Manners UC; 19-21 ounces:
I almost bought one for my last build, but thought it wouldn't quite "fit" on a 24" barreled 300WM.
Just at 7lbs "all up" with 2.5-8x36:
Unfortunately Rem M7s now command a premium (just like 760s and 7600s), and a Manners is around $750 prior to bedding. IF I was to build a "lightish" mountain rifle I would definitely take a look at the Manners UC; 19-21 ounces:
I almost bought one for my last build, but thought it wouldn't quite "fit" on a 24" barreled 300WM.
I lug my Tikka about under the belly frequently. I notice the mag protruding but it doesn’t bother me. However, it is a factor for someone to consider. My nephew’s X Bolt is more comfortable in my hand but “feels” wider through the withers. Can’t confirm as I haven’t measured them. It’s hard to offer anything solid as only your hand is the one that knows what it wants. Hope you get a chance to handle a few rifles to get a feel before you make a decision
You may want to check out a Savage Axis. I have noticed that the wrist of the stock is thinner than most, and this may follow into the receiver area as well. I don't have one handy, but if you see one on the shelf, try one on for size.
Barnfixer
Member
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2021
- Messages
- 468
My Kimber Hunter is a slim stock. Light gun and very nice to carry. First couple shots are dead on every time but it wonders a little when it warms up. I also removed the gel/rubber from the stock and added a TI bolt, that dropped around 9 ounces.
Christensen sporter stock is 1.75 at the middle of the floorplate, and 1.8 at its widest right in front of the trigger guard.
Another narrow one I hadn't thought about is the Sako S20. It measures a straight 1.65.
I'm glad to here that, as I'm thinking hard about a Mesa FFT in 7-08, but finding one to handle around here is turns out to be impossible. So at least with this info I know it wouldn't be a step backwards... and a full 2# lighter. Did you get your Mesa to shoot after the stock replacement?
Which beggars my next question: Has anyone handled a Mesa FFT? I wonder about the balance. They've bobbed a couple inches off the barrel, but with the FFT stock, I'd hope there would still be some forward bias to the balance?
The Glockodile
Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2020
- Messages
- 1,688
Tikka T3x Lite Rifles
Tikka T3x Rifles in stock and on sale at Eurooptic.com. Call (570) 368-3920 to place your order.
Me loves me stainless steel tikkas with them tupperware stocks…
They be Glocked bolt guns with an MOA guarantee.
I had a scope issue right after the stock change, but since then its been fine.
Groups are hovering around .75-1moa.
I might be mildly concerned about balance if they shorten the barrels on the FFT models. But I like more forward weight than I think a lot of people do.
My standard Mesa is a little tail heavy for my preferences, not nearly as bad as my 527 was, but I would have preferred if it came with a 24-in barrel and a couple more ounces of weight out front.
My 26" Ridgeline long action weighs about a pound more than the Mesa but balances pretty much perfectly for me.
Similar threads
