Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Accurate rifles for backcountry use

Yep, Kimber Montana while you can still get one 👍.....Good hunting...Hb

Plain Jane 30-06 T3, Talleys, Leupold 6x42. It’s 7lb 10oz with a SWFA SS in LW’s and just a hair more with the Sportsmatch rings.

I would also add fieldcraft to your list.

Sounds like your requirements are already filled. I take it you’re just looking for another toy with equal requirements?

BWinters, you are ready for a custom build!!

That works. I need to go handle a Tikka.

Sure! What action to use for said build?

I'd like a bit more rifle weight for a 280 AI. I did intentionally tone down my loads in my AI.

I had a 270 Montana with that same scope/rings, it was a peach. 6lb 8oz. Probably should have kept it.

Oh well...

Defiance AnTi would be a great place to start. TT, #2 of your choice, and whatever handle floats your boat

How about a NULA?

OP wanted full stainless; but I would agree and it’s my
go to. I did have rust after 10 days of this year’s sheep monsoon.

I had one too but unfortunately 'donated' it to a crackhead in Kansas City a couple years ago.

I like NULAs but know another guy with the same issue when he hunts coastal areas.

Sako 85 finnlight = weight wise.. put a Mcstock edge on it.

Of those mentioned so far, I've owned and still own one or more of the following: Tikka, Hell's Canyon, Fieldcraft, custom on Remington 700, Kimber Montana, Kimber Alpine, and maybe a couple of others that have been mentioned. They have all done what I wanted, what you want and more. There is one that is glaringly missing from these threads, in my opinion. That is the Bergara Premier Mountain Rifle. I have one in 308 and am currently looking for one in 280 Ackley. It gives up nothing to those already mentioned except maybe a little weight; but, not much. If you can find a deal on one I think you would be happy. I'm extremely happy with mine. Oh ya, keep a look out, if you can find one, for a Howa Alpine Mountain rifle. You definitely have a lot of options and have been provided a lot of good options in this thread already.

It’s easy to add weight to a rifle, expensive to remove weight. If you’re looking for a new toy, no justification needed. If you’re just wanting a little heavier rifle because of recoil, I’d just add some weight to your current 280.

I bought a used like new in box Marlin XL-7 in 25-06 it is a blued one with black syn stock( Injection molded ) . These Marlins came with their own scope base (picatinny style) so all a guy has to do is drop on a used set of Weaver rings and a scope, Bore sight and bench it. Wallah your ready to go. Didn't need to overhaul the bedding , trigger, crown, finish or anything and with ammo loaded for another one of my 25-06's it shot moa and less. Maybe because I spend less I'm easier to be satisfied. $212 for the rifle $10 for the weaver rings and $50 for the Vari X lll used of course. Yup less than $300. I spent less and got more seems like you wanna spend more just to get what you think your entitled to. You and I don't have the same values but that's ok and I'll stick to mine. Magnum Bob

The Tikka is a good call. I used the Mountain Tactical aluminum bottom metal on mine. It works very well with the factory magazines. I didn't weigh the two but I doubt the weight change is worth mentioning.

look at a weatherby vanguard s2 backcountry.they come factory gray cerrakote and are fairly light for a vanguard since the barrel is fluted. they won't be as light as a tikka superlite but within a half pound i'd figure.
good luck,
Big Ed