Thinking about building a small .223 to carry deer hunting in the Adirondacks.
The Kimber Montana idea seems about ideal.
I have a build on a short 700. Mine is .204 but the idea should work if you want something right on 7 pounds. I started with a SS 700 action, McMillan Hunter's Edge stock, a PacNor super match stainless barrel, factory sporter contour, fluted, finished at 24 inches. I have a non-AO Leupold 4.5-14X VH on it in Talley ringmounts. It is 6.98 pounds. Light enough to pack, heavy enough to shoot well.
You could do something like that with a shorter barrel. You could do it on a Seven action. In fact, you should be able to get a Remington Seven stainless in .223 and I think it has the 1-9" twist, at least the later ones. (Best check on that, though, I think I remember remembering that but I'm not sure sure.) Should have a 20" barrel.
Truth is, after hunting with Kimbers the past 6-8 years, to me Remington actions with skinny barrels don't look right, don't balance right. I like 'em but maybe not for super light builds.
