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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,972
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,972 |
I've been chasing lightweight rifles for 40 years. Finally ended up with a Kimber. If you really want a rifle that CAN be scoped and still keep the weight under 6 lbs they are a bargain. And I have no complaints with the potential accuracy of mine.
But I've also came to the conclusion that it is about 1 lb too light. Something right around 7 lbs scoped seems to be the perfect balance of carryability and shootability, at least for me.
Out of the box a Tikka T-3 will do that. So will a Rem 700 or Savage in an Edge stock. My current go-to rifle is a Winchester 70 EW in an Edge. At 7 1/4 lbs is right on the edge of being heavier than I want. But close enough.
For the money Tikka wins though. I was wondering if you were going to say that. I'm pretty intrigued by the Tikka, as of late, myself... I shoot left hand, so that's even 1 more reason to try one out... However, I'd probably just end up buying another righty.... I don't think I would put the Tikka in the same class as truly light weights like the Kimber, NULA, or Barrett. It would still be a fine light weight rifle but I think I would choose a long action caliber since the action is going to be long anyway. What about the Tikka superlite? The specs on them say 6 pounds.. Yes,but the Montana,NULA,and Barrett are 5 lbs. You can be at 6 lbs with scope and mounts.
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,576
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,576 |
Weatherby Ultra lightweight. 5-3/4 lbs bare. A little higher on the price range but no worse than a Kimber MT Ascent Absolutely second this one. I purchased a Savage 16 Light Weight Hunter the other day. They come in .308 at 5 lb 10 0z. They are stainless. Have you shot it yet? I would like to hear your evaluation when you get a chance. I had my 7-08 model 16 LWH re-stocked by Todd Bettin with one of his carbon stocks. With a 3-9 Accupoint, it weights 6.4#. I finally got it out last week. Once it was sighted in, it put 2 shots into same hole that I thought I pulled it off the paper. Unfortunately after those 2, I set the zero on the turrets and replaced the caps. In the process I spun them inadvertently, so I didn't get any "real" groups. I'm pretty sure from what I've seen, I won't be messing with handloading any 162 ELD-M. I'll stick with the 120 Ballistic Tip factory loading.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,343
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,343 |
Out of the Kimbers, Mountain Guides and Ti short actions I like my Forbes best. It just fits me. Great trigger,stock and shoots awesome out of the box w/no messing around. 6lb 3oz scoped with a 13oz scope. I should have bought more! Fingers crossed Barrett does it right. ![[Linked Image]](http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/mycalypsogreen/1935cae2-f4be-455c-a214-095075c562b2_zpsz9ztbfgg.jpg)
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,074
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,074 |
The majority of the lightweight rifles are to pricey for me. What works for me is a Ruger 77 Hawkeye Compact in 308......weighs in about 6 3/4 lb. scoped. Can't argue with the accuracy using factory Hornady Whitetail ammo. ![[Linked Image]](http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f354/rahtreelimbs/Mobile%20Uploads/20161030_150431.jpg)
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,722
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,722 |
NO question for my use....
Model 70 Featherweight, Short Action...
2 x 7 Leupold scope on top...
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,722
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,722 |
Weatherby Ultra lightweight. 5-3/4 lbs bare. A little higher on the price range but no worse than a Kimber MT Ascent Okay, ya got me.. definitely choice number two... have handled a few, and admit I really really liked them..
"Minus the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the Country" Marion Barry, Mayor of Wash DC
“Owning guns is not a right. If it were a right, it would be in the Constitution.” ~Alexandria Ocasio Cortez
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,753
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,753 |
Remington model 7 is a sleeper. Pretty much need to drop it into a lightweight stock, but if you do it sure does make a nice handy rifle. I received a Model 7 SS 7mm-08 as a College grad present. Used it plenty, but as I obtained other rifles it sat more and more. Dropped it into a Brown FS stock a few years back and it's quickly become one of my favorites. Completely changed the handling characteristics and dropped nearly a pound.
Life is just one damned thing after another
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 6,825
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 6,825 |
I'll take a M70 Featherweight. May not be "lightweight" by today's standards, but they are the "rightweight" for me. 
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 30,262
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 30,262 |
NO question for my use....
Model 70 Featherweight, Short Action...
2 x 7 Leupold scope on top... I have this exact setup (SS 308) in a McMillan Edge stock with PT&G Al bottom metal, but I consider it a midweight, not a lightweight.
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 30,262
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 30,262 |
Remington model 7 is a sleeper. With its thin barrel configuration (as originally offered), it should continue to stay asleep IMO!
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 805
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 805 |
Winchester featherweight in 7-08 or 308
-Joe-
The "Anti-Tactical"
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12,115
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12,115 |
I'll take a M70 Featherweight. May not be "lightweight" by today's standards, but they are the "rightweight" for me. Pre-64 M70 Fwt in McM Edge stock and Lyman 48WJS. 6lbs, 13oz as shown. 7lbs 6oz with Montana sling and 5 cartridges. Light enough, and feels good in the hands... ![[Linked Image]](http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af91/schutzen2004/Pre-64%20M70%20Fwt%20%20McM%20Compact%20Edge%20-%2020161022_zpsvmnazzro.jpg)
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,409
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,409 |
I'll take a M70 Featherweight. May not be "lightweight" by today's standards, but they are the "rightweight" for me. I'm somewhat in this camp. I like a rifle that's about 7# all up. Maybe just a whisker lighter. The JC Higgins 51L ((Husqvarna/Hi Standard) is pretty sweet in this regard and a very good shooter. If you drop it in a McM it's the berries. I have one in 7x57 and one in '06. The handling is excellent. Almost too light in the McM.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,047
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,047 |
Weatherby Ultra lightweight. 5-3/4 lbs bare. A little higher on the price range but no worse than a Kimber MT Ascent I have one of these that I bought from Wes 7x57 here in 30-06 will group Fed Blue Box 150 gr. into 1/2 in. if you give the thin barrel time to cool. I sent it to Hired Gun here for Cerakote externals Micro-Slick internals mounted a New Leupold FX-3 6x42 with a GERMAN #4 reticle I have about $1450 all in for this total set up AMRA
Molan Labe
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,237
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,237 |
Remington model 7 is a sleeper. Pretty much need to drop it into a lightweight stock, but if you do it sure does make a nice handy rifle. I received a Model 7 SS 7mm-08 as a College grad present. Used it plenty, but as I obtained other rifles it sat more and more. Dropped it into a Brown FS stock a few years back and it's quickly become one of my favorites. Completely changed the handling characteristics and dropped nearly a pound. I have a FS and a KS that I had the dumb luck (or youthful insight) to buy in the 80's. Both are great rifles. Agree with you that the current factory stocks leave a lot to be desired.
"Put none but Americans on guard tonight."
-George Washington
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,004
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,004 |
The majority of the lightweight rifles are to pricey for me. What works for me is a Ruger 77 Hawkeye Compact in 308......weighs in about 6 3/4 lb. scoped. Can't argue with the accuracy using factory Hornady Whitetail ammo. I'd hang on to that one!!!
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,004
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,004 |
I'll take a M70 Featherweight. May not be "lightweight" by today's standards, but they are the "rightweight" for me. Pre-64 M70 Fwt in McM Edge stock and Lyman 48WJS. 6lbs, 13oz as shown. 7lbs 6oz with Montana sling and 5 cartridges. Light enough, and feels good in the hands... Very nice rifle. Mine weigs 6.5 pounds. ![[Linked Image]](http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x401/chiefbsa/IMG_0894_zpsypnvpenx.jpg) You can take this one, just the way it is, and hunt the hell out of it. If 6.5 pounds is too heavy, it's a damn good thing they make golf carts to carry your bags...  . Unlike many here, though, I consider a "lightweight" rifle anything under 8 pounds... 
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 43,842
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 43,842 |
I don't really need a lightweight but by the time you add up scope and mounts, sling and ammo and maybe a bipod it adds up quick.
Why not start out light and go from there provided it's an all day walk around rifle?
My 243 MT is 6.5lbs scoped and loaded.
The 270 MT is damn near 8.5lbs scoped and loaded along with a Harris and sling.
(I wouldn't want it any heavier...)
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12,115
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12,115 |
Very nice rifle. Mine weigs 6.5 pounds. You can take this one, just the way it is, and hunt the hell out of it. If 6.5 pounds is too heavy, it's a damn good thing they make golf carts to carry your bags... . Unlike many here, though, I consider a "lightweight" rifle anything under 8 pounds... Yep, that was the impetus for mine. You kept posting multiple pictures, I finally said "OK, I'll try one of those..." Have 4 new-to-me rifles to hunt this year. Kimber Ascent went for a walk yesterday. Hopefully the Pre-64 will get some field time over the next two weeks...
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,680
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,680 |
Weatherby Ultra lightweight. 5-3/4 lbs bare. A little higher on the price range but no worse than a Kimber MT Ascent I have one of these that I bought from Wes 7x57 here in 30-06 will group Fed Blue Box 150 gr. into 1/2 in. if you give the thin barrel time to cool. I sent it to Hired Gun here for Cerakote externals Micro-Slick internals mounted a New Leupold FX-3 6x42 with a GERMAN #4 reticle I have about $1450 all in for this total set up AMRA I own or have owned a few and been around a few more. 338-06,240 WM, 280's 270's and a 300 win mag, all have shot sub moa but will open as the barrel heats up quick. Really interested in trying a new one with the 22" barrel in standard calibers and slimmed stock. Also have a Mark V 7mm-08 carbine in a B&C Medalist with Talleys and 2x7 leupold goes 6 lb 8 oz and shots sub moa all day. I want to love the Montana's as my bud shoots one in 7mm-08 and very accurate but like the feel of the Weatherby style stock better.
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