Inside of 100 yards 300 Black out is more than adequate. Same rifle or a CZ 527 or Howa in 6.5 Grendel is where I would lean. I like the Mini action & believe it or not I expect a CZ 527 in 7.62x39 would suit your needs as well. Of these 6.5 Grendel Is where I lean.
I dont think there’s enough difference in weight between a 99 and a Model 70 Featherweight to justify giving it up.
Originally Posted by 1911a1
A post war 99F featherweight in a 243, 300 or 250 savage (I would avoid the 308 due to recoil unless you reload) and a lightweight scope and mounts might not be that big a load to carry and you can still enjoy hunting with a 99. Other than that there's been plenty of suggestions of other rifles.
Agreed. I don't know which 99 you were referring to, and though I do love my M70 Featherweights, they are anything but. If you haven't already, just as 1911a1, I would suggest you give a '50s 99F in 250 a shot if you'd like to stay with a 99. If you're really looking to lighten things up, check a Montana in 7-08. At 6# .7oz with Leupold mounts and rings, wearing a VX2 2-7X33 and 4 rounds. And mild recoil to boot. Best of luck with the back.
My heart's in the mountains, my heart is not here. My heart's in the mountains, chasing the deer.
Depends on budget. NULA in 257R, 260 Rem, 7/08, 6.5-284 are great choices, but Melvin’s M-20 is pricey.
A 1sr Gen Kimber MT in either 308 or it’s descendants is a good one and very light.
If you’re hunting at usual Eastern ranges, Win M-94 with aperture sight is worth considering, IMHE.
Had your problem years ago, required surgery, but recovered. Hope you mend completely.
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty of give me death! P. Henry
I have a Zastava mini-mauser action in a light synthetic stock, chambered in 6.5 Grendel. With a 3-9x Leupold EFR scope it weighs 6# 2oz. Shoot a 100 gr bullet at 2500 fps would do most all deer hunting just fine.
It seems like you would want to reduce both rifle weight and recoil, in order to protect your back. Best of luck with your rehab, by the way.
Well, I just got home from 10 days in the hospital dealing with compacted discs and a slew of other maladies to my back. There will be more work needed to get me back on my feet, but at least I can get around the house right now.They fed me lots of pain pills, some of which had some serious mindbender effecks. Gabapentin is some nasty stuff, and I hope I never have to take it again.
I don't plan on giving up the outdoor activity I love, which is deer hunting even if it means I'm down to hunting 100 yards off the roads. I'll do as much as I can to have a quality experience. I want to go with a lighter rifle. What do you guys suggest? A Winchester Model 70 FWT? Any brand's okay with me. Caliber will need to be something between .243 and .308 I'm not picky, have shot most of these rounds, and have little doubt they can get the job done. So I'm looking for a lightweight, carbine lenght bolt action with a lightweight scope. rings, and bases.
What would you guys suggest? I'm sure gonna miss carrying my 99's but I'll have to go ligter from now on.
Thanks for your help guys.
what do you have the most loaded ammo or reloading components for, on hand right now?
Tikka Superlight in 243 for Bolt gun If you could use a Semi Automatic then a .223/5.56 or a 6.8 spc kills deer fine with relatively light recoil and relatively light weight.
On either with a Light weight scope you are in Business.
Tikka T3x Superlite in .243 -or- previous model in .7mm-08 would be hard to beat. Meopta Meopro is the best rifle optic (for the money) on the market right now, IMO.
My tikka t3 3006 with a meopro 4x12x50 is by far the lightest bolt gun I hunt with.
Have you considered a different carry method with what you have? I used to have serious back injuries and found that sometimes techniques trump saving a pound or two. YMMV .
This guy comes off as gomer Pyle, but I think his backpack sling has some merit. I like the idea of wide straps to spread the weight and several configurations to carry to the site. I plan to make something similar with my personal custom version.
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