Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Cart Before the Horse - What rifle?

So usually I/we buy a gun for a particular purpose, and then get the best scope for that application. Well, due to an unusual circumstance I've got a scope on it's way that needs a home. The void I feel I have is a true mountain hunting rifle. Mountain hunting to me is 4 to 11 miles a day, and elevation can go both ways many times in a day. So it needs to be easy to haul, but I don't really need an "uber" light gun. I had a 7-08 that always enjoyed, but now haunts me because I never should have sold it. So caliber, most likely 7-08...although 280AI, well I've always wanted one. The problem w/ the 280AI is it's quite similar to the 270 and I have a rifle in 270win that I'll never sell. Anyway, what rifle? $900 is the limit, give or take. I've been thinking the Howa Alpine, fondled one ~2 years ago, but can't seem to find one locally now. Like the savage lightweight hunters, but the barrel is almost too thin to me... but I could probably get over it. Doesn't have to be super light. The scope is ~18oz, so I'd like to keep the rifle to 7 pounds (or less) before mount and scope. I'm also thinking Tikka Tx3 lite, in stainless. I'd prefer stainless as I know some mountain hunts are more wet than not. I'm rambling...so what say ye, sages of 24HCF?

There are several rifles that would work and Tikka would be near the top for me. I like Howa rifles, but most of them ain't light. The ones that are light are light in the wrong places in my opinion. I have a Kimber 308 that will weigh 6 lbs with the right scope on it. I don't dislike the rifle, but have come to the conclusion that about 7-7.5 lbs including optics and mounts is ideal. Not too heavy to carry but still enough weight to shoot easily. A Tikka will make weight, and they keep some weight in the barrel for better accuracy and balance. 7-08 or 308 would be my choices in cartridge, even though Tikka doesn't offer a short action.

Well under your budget, but I'm just plain impressed with the Ruger Americans. You can buy 3 of them in blue and 2 in SS and still be under budget. Weight is about the same and if the Tikka is any more accurate or reliable I can't tell it.

Thanks guys. That's a deal there on that Mountain SS, Paul. I use to be a huge fan of Remington, but now hear some don't like the current trigger, and quality had been so so, although recently it seems QC is improving.

Used Kimber Montana would fit the bill....seen one go on GunBroker in 7-08 for 750 in recent months. or a new Kimber Hunter. Both will be lighter than anything else you can buy at that price.

What mountain game?
Personally, I'd go kimber hunter of tikka t3x in 6.5 creed with the constraints you mentioned...

Should have mentioned, 9/10 times it'll be hunting a muley. Elk is possible, but I'd take the 270 for elk. Last mule deer I shot with my last 7mm-08 was at 430 yards, so I'm not too worried about it. I like to get closer, and almost all are taken under 300 yards.

So what is the scope?

Cold Case:
SCOPE

I personally wouldn't touch a Kimber with a 10ft pole. It would be Tikka T3X all day long, and 7mm-08 would be my choice as well. It will be the least finicky rifle you've ever shot I bet. If your Toric is anything like mine, you will love it. My tracking has been great, and the glass is ridiculously good.

Never heard of Toric's before- but I've got Leupold wax in my ears when it comes to optics. Let us know how you like it!

That is a fairly heavy scope if you are trying for a lightweight rifle, specs say it is 18.6 oz, whereas a Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 weighs 11.2 0z. That is nearly a half-pound difference, a lot for a mountain rifle. TheToric is a $674 scope and the Leupold VX-2 can be found for around $250 with a little shopping around. It all adds up to a significant weight and price difference in my book.

I have been very happy with Tikkas, a T-3 stainless/synthetic 7/08 with a Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 would work for your weight limit and you should be able to bring in the whole package for your $900 limit.

drover

I'd be looking Kimber Montana and probably only Montana myself.

Have one in 7-08, been amazingly good. Very light. All i did was a proper bedding of the recoil lug and made sure that they scope base screws weren't touching the bolt. Done and easy.

I highly recommend you buy the Forbes 30-06 Daveh has for sale here in the classifieds. It weighs 6lbs so wouldn't be too heavy with that scope, but not so light as to be hard to shoot in a field position breathing heavy. I have one in 270 and it is the finest shooting hunting rifle I have ever owned. Mine shoots way more 1/2" MOA groups than 1" MOA.

I bought a like new Kimber 84 in 7mm/08 from Gander Mountain for 900. They are light weight.

Kimber MT 7-08. I have one, love it. (I have 4 Montana's).

Here's one for sale here on the campfire. This is a no-brainer purchase from a great guy on the campfire:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...m-08-w-extra-338-fed-barrel#Post12215739

If you want it, you'd better jump on it for that price.

Tikka in stainless and a VX-2 can done for $900 or less and no fuss.

He already has the Toric Scope. He won it in a drawing that Toric held here. NTG, don't be afraid of Remington. Most of the people running them down these days haven't fired one. They are parroting what they heard on the internet. I was getting ready to buy the one I linked for you when a Ruger Ultralight 7mm-08 fell in my lap for a really good price. I held one like it at Cabelas and thought highly of it.

Does Remington offer anything 6 lbs or less, for under $1000?

Negative. I do like my 7-08 Mountain rifle at just over 7lbs all-up, but its no Kimber Montana or Forbes.