I'm thinking about purchasing a lightweight bolt rifle, probably in my long-favorite caliber of 308 Win. I'd appreciate any first-hand input on the brand(s) of rifles you'd recommend: Sako 85 Carbonlight? Kimber Mountain Ascent? What others are out there that are in the same weight range that should be considered?
John,I would rule out the Sako on a light weight rifle simply because of the scope mounting issues. There are no light weight scope mounts for Sako except the Leupold Ringmounts and they have to be in the last 1/3 of the dovetail before they will tighten on the dovetail. This leaves you trying to pick a scope with a tube long enough or with eye relief long enough to have a good sight picture when mounting without having to adjust your head.
After that the top picks for me would be 1. NULA 2.Barrett Fieldcraft 3.Cooper Excalibur 4 Kimber Mountain Ascent or Montana
The NULA is $3500 and I have no idea how long on delivery. The action won't be stainless if that matters to you. The stock is thicker in the wrist than on a Kimber and I prefer the Kimber 3 position safety.
The Barrett Fieldcraft looks promising but it's basically an unknown right now. If anyone can do one right however Barrett should be able to.
The Cooper is a bit heavier than the rest but it does come with a 1/2 MOA guarantee. The non bolt locking safety turns me off and is the reason I haven't bought one. They do have an all stainless version.
The Kimber may require a bit of work to get it perfect. You may have to bed it,and worse case replace the barrel. It has the best stock of any I listed and the ergo's are the best IMHO.The good news is that even if you replace the barrel and have it bedded by a competent smith,you are still at the price of the next lowest priced in the list,(unless you go Ascent). Kimber has been producing good rifles as of late so it's also a good chance it will be perfect as received.
I own a Kimber Montana and I will be buying the Barrett next year.
Love the Montana but can't like the Ascent. The stock feels like a Hoque overmold with that camo on there.
The Barrett could very well be killer but a Montana with a PacNor is gonna run close in price. I could see the 7-08 and .308 taking advantage of the 3" mag box as would a .260 but the .243 and 22-250 don't really need it.
Second RHClark. Fieldcraft for me. The pillar got boogered while I was bedding my Montana and luckily live 7 miles from Barrett Firearms loaned me a Fieldcraft.
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.
Have you shot it yet? I would like to hear your evaluation when you get a chance.
The one I bought is a .223. I got it to have it rebarreled to .300 Blackout because I was tired of fooling with the Ruger American. Really glad it's gone. I bought a 17 1/2" 8" twist barrel for $69 bucks. A special for this month is no shipping cost.
Another vote for Kimber Ascent in .270. Had mine out for the first time this morning. 5lbs, 15oz empty. Carries like a .22... Hope to blood it over the next two weeks.
My M85 Sako Finnlight 260 rem 1.5-5X VX3 with sling and ammo 6 pounds 13 ounces, I swapped out that scope for a 1-6 VX6 firedot and it is in at 7 pounds even-less ammo. My M85 Sako Finnlight 308 win 3-9 VX2CDS is 7 pounds 1 ounce with ammo and sling.
I use leupold rings, and for the scopes I use, no issues. They are a couple/few ounces less than 2 piece optilocks. Both guns shoot almost anything under 1 moa. Great trigger, good ergonomics, easy to find a consistent accurate load and no drama. I am real happy with mine, I trust them.
My M85 Sako Finnlight 260 rem 1.5-5X VX3 with sling and ammo 6 pounds 13 ounces, I swapped out that scope for a 1-6 VX6 firedot and it is in at 7 pounds even-less ammo. My M85 Sako Finnlight 308 win 3-9 VX2CDS is 7 pounds 1 ounce with ammo and sling.
I use leupold rings, and for the scopes I use, no issues. They are a couple/few ounces less than 2 piece optilocks. Both guns shoot almost anything under 1 moa. Great trigger, good ergonomics, easy to find a consistent accurate load and no drama. I am real happy with mine, I trust them.
Finding a scope and ring combo is a lot easier with the short actions.
I'm thinking about purchasing a lightweight bolt rifle, probably in my long-favorite caliber of 308 Win. I'd appreciate any first-hand input on the brand(s) of rifles you'd recommend: Sako 85 Carbonlight? Kimber Mountain Ascent? What others are out there that are in the same weight range that should be considered?
Given some of the lightweight rifle threads, we first have to define "lightweight"..........
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 have a stainless Savage lightweight in 223 and love it. I haven't had it long. One of the first loads I developed gave me a 3/4 inch 3 shot group. The trigger is great. The magazine latch is a bit cheesy, but it flat out works. $425 after the rebate (that is still going I believe) The gun is very well balanced. It feels good in the hand and on the shoulder. It's a bargain.
My next one will be either a Kimber Montana or Adiondack in 6.5 Creed or .308. Don't think you can beat either one for the price of a true lightweight.
Only lightweight rifle I own is my WW Model 70 Featherweight XTR in 7x57. Of all my many hunting rifles, it's my favorite, and quite a bit lighter than the rest.
My votes go to Kimber Montana or NULA/ULA . I am not a .308 fan, but other calibers in these brands have served me well. I have a Pre-64 Winchester FWT in 270 Win, but it is not in the same category with regard to weight.
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....
My votes go to Kimber Montana or NULA/ULA . I am not a .308 fan, but other calibers in these brands have served me well. I have a Pre-64 Winchester FWT in 270 Win, but it is not in the same category with regard to weight.
donsm70
Not quite, but as JMR40 stated earlier there's a happy medium when it comes to weight, balance and shootability and I'll tell you, at 6.5 pounds, my old 270 fwt is damn hard to beat.... The Tikka and Montana are damn intriguing though when it comes right down to it...
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.
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..
Easy to chase ounces on a rifle, but don't forget all the other schit you carry too. Swapped the bag on my pack, switched from a sleeping bag to EE quilt with a different tent and saved almost 7#.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'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...
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.
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
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.
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'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.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
Very nice,and I wouldn't have any problem hunting with it,but I wouldn't consider an 8 lb rifle lightweight. There is however no shame in saying that most of us are better shots with an 8 lb rifle and would be better served 90% of the time with one than with a 6 lb lightweight.
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...)
Problem with getting a light, handy rifle...is that it spoils you, and the rest of your rifles feel so very UNLIGHT, and UnHandy.
You are warned.
+1, I was a levergun guy for a long time. Bought my first lightweight bolt gun and never went back. The lever guns though not "overweight" feel heavy in comparison.
Sam great point.
It takes a little time to get used to "controlling a lightweight rifle" when shooting but once accomplished, they become a pleasure to carry in the field
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...)
Problem with getting a light, handy rifle...is that it spoils you, and the rest of your rifles feel so very UNLIGHT, and UnHandy.
You are warned.
This! My smoke pole is sub 7#s now. I'm putting together a 375HH can't imagine it "lite" but the thought of packing it up the side if the mountain leaves me feeling tired already.
I'm thinking about purchasing a lightweight bolt rifle, probably in my long-favorite caliber of 308 Win. I'd appreciate any first-hand input on the brand(s) of rifles you'd recommend: Sako 85 Carbonlight? Kimber Mountain Ascent? What others are out there that are in the same weight range that should be considered?
Not too many production choices in a 308win that comes out the box at no more than 5 pounds. This rules out most of the rifles noted as favorites throughout the thread. With that said, if I were seeking such a rifle, likely it would be best suited for extreme backpack sheep and goat hunting in most remote mountains, where I'd be willing to sacrifice some rifle shoot ability, to save that extra pound off the base rifle; 5 pounds vs 6 pounds. If this were the case, it boils down to which rifle fits and works best for YOU, not me.
Personally, my cut off is about 6 pounds base weight. Regardless if going fixed sights only, or going light trim scope keeping package under 7 pounds, I greatly enjoy the handling and shoot ability of the rifle, while it is still easy to pack in most any hunting situation. Going below this cut off, takes more joy from my shoot ability than I gain in pack ability. Also personally, the production rifle that fits me the best, is the least finiky, and gives me the least troubles in shoot ability when on the lighter weight end of the scale, is a Sako Finnlight, 6 pound base weight. The new Carbonlight is the same rifle and dimensions, but adds a custom ground pounder type stock, and options for a threaded muzzle. So likely that would be my first choice if my hunting became so extreme that I needed to cut a pound off my preferred Finnlight, while staying box stock production.
What fits and works better for you, same as boots and backpacks, may very well be different.
Barrett - no experience; but I would be suspect until they are well proven and well vetted.
Mountain Ascent - no experience; but do have experience w/ Montana. Based on that, the word "finicky" comes to mind.
NULA - yes to experience; though in the end, I've reached the conclusion they are just not my cup of tea, they are good rifles. However, Melven can get rather opinionated, and at times come across like course grit sandpaper. But if a NULA works for you, they are well proven.
Lastly, if willing to go up a bit in weight, this would open the door for more production choices.
I appreciate everyone's thoughts. As usual, "need" in this case is much less important than "want". I'll always be hunting with one of my company's recurve bows, but my hunting partner likes to carry along a rifle strapped to his (and sometimes my) backpack in case he sees something beyond bow range that he can't live without.
We bow hunt for moose every year in Alaska and given where we hunt the possibility for wolves or a huge moose out of bow range definitely exists. Hence his desire for a tag-along rifle. We've been using my 308 Blaser (I own two Blaser 308's and both shoot lights out) but all-in it's a bit heavier than either of us want to carry just because.
Agree with everyone that within reason a bit more weight makes a rifle arguably more accurate or at least easier to hold still. It just makes them harder to carry around as a "might use" backup.
This is more a quest to find the lightest 308 I can. I'd love to keep everything under six pounds all up. That's pretty limiting I know but that's my goal. Mainly just because that's what I want (as opposed to need).
I appreciate everyone's thoughts. As usual, "need" in this case is much less important than "want". I'll always be hunting with one of my company's recurve bows, but my hunting partner likes to carry along a rifle strapped to his (and sometimes my) backpack in case he sees something beyond bow range that he can't live without.
We bow hunt for moose every year in Alaska and given where we hunt the possibility for wolves or a huge moose out of bow range definitely exists. Hence his desire for a tag-along rifle. We've been using my 308 Blaser (I own two Blaser 308's and both shoot lights out) but all-in it's a bit heavier than either of us want to carry just because.
Agree with everyone that within reason a bit more weight makes a rifle arguably more accurate or at least easier to hold still. It just makes them harder to carry around as a "might use" backup.
This is more a quest to find the lightest 308 I can. I'd love to keep everything under six pounds all up. That's pretty limiting I know but that's my goal. Mainly just because that's what I want (as opposed to need).
John,I'll help you out and trade you my already bedded Kimber Montana 7-08 for one of those Blazers.
I use the military T2 version and Aimpoint makes a micro base plate for it to mount directly to the front bridge of my Sako 85. If you check my old posts, been working on getting one made available in the US for some time.
I have an H-2 and think they're awfully nice. Got mine to compare with an RMR I'd mounted on one of my 500 S&W mag lever guns. However, for my intended purpose on this bolt gun I'll want something with magnification.
Second thoughts, forget the Kimber, get the Carbonlight and use the same plate as mine to mount the micro on front bridge. Would be like mine but pound lighter.
I have an H-2 and think they're awfully nice. Got mine to compare with an RMR I'd mounted on one of my 500 S&W mag lever guns. However, for my intended purpose on this bolt gun I'll want something with magnification.
The .308 I used this year was borrowed. I do know it weighs under five pounds without scope. Going with Talleys and a 3-9X scope it would definitely be under six pounds. If you make your own 1" sling just long enough to strap across your chest so you can fool with your game animal it will add only one ounce. You can get the nylon strapping from the clothe store. I use plastic sling swivels for two reasons. One so they don't squeak and two to keep the sling light. Mine is 34 5/8" from cross screw to cross screw.
By the way I ran 155 grain Sierras. They averaged 2,775 feet per second.
I put together this elk rifle in 1995. A Cliff LaBounty 338-06 rebore of a Walmart 270 ADL. I threw it in a Rem KS Mountain McMillan take-off. It has five elk, a grizzly and a blackie down. A few hogs and a couple of mule deer as well. It just feels dead right when shouldered.
Yup. With a Butler Creek Mountain Sling and four rounds it will go 6lbs 5oz's. I know because I've had mine configured that way in the past, though it currently wears a 2.5-8x36 CDS. Like some here, I actually use it in the mountains, and honestly can say I don't want it any lighter.
I appreciate everyone's thoughts. As usual, "need" in this case is much less important than "want". I'll always be hunting with one of my company's recurve bows, but my hunting partner likes to carry along a rifle strapped to his (and sometimes my) backpack in case he sees something beyond bow range that he can't live without.
We bow hunt for moose every year in Alaska and given where we hunt the possibility for wolves or a huge moose out of bow range definitely exists. Hence his desire for a tag-along rifle. We've been using my 308 Blaser (I own two Blaser 308's and both shoot lights out) but all-in it's a bit heavier than either of us want to carry just because.
Agree with everyone that within reason a bit more weight makes a rifle arguably more accurate or at least easier to hold still. It just makes them harder to carry around as a "might use" backup.
This is more a quest to find the lightest 308 I can. I'd love to keep everything under six pounds all up. That's pretty limiting I know but that's my goal. Mainly just because that's what I want (as opposed to need).
Alaska? Lightweight backup Rifle? Hmmm, model 7KS in .350 mag stuffed with 225 partitions kind of defines Alaska "might need for something" rifle.
My .308 Kimber Montana has been a solid performer for the last 11 yrs. Accurate, non-finicky, no tweaking needed. But, if looking for a rifle that would spend almost all of its time strapped to my pack as secondary or backup I'd look at the shorter Kimber Adirondack.
Those 308 Montana's seem a sweet ticket. Plenty of ass and more ammo than you can shake a stick at. All wrapped up in a little package. I'd though long and hard about one but got swooned by a 270 in the classifieds.
This rifle will be all about function. Looks are of minimal importance. It will receive plenty of punishment strapped to the outside of a backpack when busting brush.
I still prefer my Remington 700 Mountain Rifles, late 80s early 90s models with Walnut stocks. Also like the 700 KS as well as the 700 Ti. The Kimber Montana is in the closet but has not been tested in the field.
Since you are looking for something for the backpack,I would go with the Kimber Mountain ascent. It will be as light as you will get and plenty tough for the rough country.
*Want Lighter... one of chris's Ti bolt handles from the classifieds & if it has the steel trigger guard you can pick up an aftermarket aluminum one for not much.
You'd be into it for much less than the Adirondack or the Mountain Ascent.
I think 'alaskalanche' (think that is his user name?) has a few threads where he went this route, ie. lightening up an already very light Kimber Montana
Like a couple of folks have mentioned; don't overlook a 6 lug Weatherby MK V. My 7mm-08 stainless carbine w/ 20" barrel, S&K stainless mounts, Diavari 2.5-10x42 in a McMillan Sako Classic standard fill comes in at 7lbs/1oz. Perfect weight for me. The Sako Classic stock transformed the gun.
*Want Lighter... one of chris's Ti bolt handles from the classifieds & if it has the steel trigger guard you can pick up an aftermarket aluminum one for not much.
You'd be into it for much less than the Adirondack or the Mountain Ascent.
I think 'alaskalanche' (think that is his user name?) has a few threads where he went this route, ie. lightening up an already very light Kimber Montana
Jerry
Agreed. If you want a short barrel Kimber I wouldn't spend the extra on the Adirondack at all.
Money ahead buying a Montana and chopping it to whatever barrel length you want.
I had my Kimber .308 Montana down to 4 pounds 10 oz. Then I had a front sight installed and QD rings and a peep and am at 4 pounds 14 oz with its 20" long barrel.
But I have down what Jerry said above along with cutting 2" off the barrel and fluting the bolt as well as having the action skelotnized. It truly is a sweet little gun.
With QD talley rings and a 3-9X33 Leupy Ultralight its still 5 pounds 11 oz.
The trouble is I also have a Kimber Montana in 338-06 with a much better (heavier) scope (VX-6 2-12-42)and still still less than 6 pounds 2 oz and can push 210 grainers faster than I can shoot 165s out of the .308
So I find myself only hunting with the 338-06 and the .308 is quickly becoming a safe queen.
In order to resurrect my poor forgotten .308 I am going to have it sent to JES to be rebored to a 358 win and cut to 16". Should be able to get 2450-2500 fps from the 16" barrel with a 200 grain TSX and it'll be my summer carry rifle for bear protection as well as my SE AK deer hunting thumper. At 4.75 pounds likely with a peep on it and just over 35" long it won't be a rifle most folks would want, but it will fill a niche for me better now since I don't see using my .308 anytime soon.
alaska_lanche, the only thing I'd suggest for sighting your new 358 would be adding something like an RMR or perhaps an Aimpoint Micro instead of just a peep. I've used each on my Bighorn 89's and think they're the cat's ass for close work.
*Want Lighter... one of chris's Ti bolt handles from the classifieds & if it has the steel trigger guard you can pick up an aftermarket aluminum one for not much.
You'd be into it for much less than the Adirondack or the Mountain Ascent.
I think 'alaskalanche' (think that is his user name?) has a few threads where he went this route, ie. lightening up an already very light Kimber Montana
Jerry
Agreed. If you want a short barrel Kimber I wouldn't spend the extra on the Adirondack at all.
Money ahead buying a Montana and chopping it to whatever barrel length you want.
I had my Kimber .308 Montana down to 4 pounds 10 oz. Then I had a front sight installed and QD rings and a peep and am at 4 pounds 14 oz with its 20" long barrel.
But I have down what Jerry said above along with cutting 2" off the barrel and fluting the bolt as well as having the action skelotnized. It truly is a sweet little gun.
With QD talley rings and a 3-9X33 Leupy Ultralight its still 5 pounds 11 oz.
The trouble is I also have a Kimber Montana in 338-06 with a much better (heavier) scope (VX-6 2-12-42)and still still less than 6 pounds 2 oz and can push 210 grainers faster than I can shoot 165s out of the .308
So I find myself only hunting with the 338-06 and the .308 is quickly becoming a safe queen.
In order to resurrect my poor forgotten .308 I am going to have it sent to JES to be rebored to a 358 win and cut to 16". Should be able to get 2450-2500 fps from the 16" barrel with a 200 grain TSX and it'll be my summer carry rifle for bear protection as well as my SE AK deer hunting thumper. At 4.75 pounds likely with a peep on it and just over 35" long it won't be a rifle most folks would want, but it will fill a niche for me better now since I don't see using my .308 anytime soon.
Yup I have already done that to my Browning TI 325 WSM I had with the 18" barrel.
I liked it so much I may go that route again since I have the RMR staying around.
Of course the weight of the 358 win should be roughly 12-14 oz lighter than what the 325WSM was with the same RMR.
Oh and if you are wondering why I like to start with rifles that are so light is because with just glass and rings and rifle a 5.7 pound rifle can turn into a 6.6 pound rifle by the time I add scope cover, a sling, 12 rounds, and a shell holder to be ready to hunt.
Exactly. Start light, add ammo, sling, sights - it adds up quickly. Hunting the back 40 with 4-wheeler access negates the issue of added weight. But climbing on shank's mare with a backpack and all your gear makes a couple/three pounds saved seem like a big deal.
Exactly. Start light, add ammo, sling, sights - it adds up quickly. Hunting the back 40 with 4-wheeler access negates the issue of added weight. But climbing on shank's mare with a backpack and all your gear makes a couple/three pounds saved seem like a big deal.
I dont recommend going there. Satterlee has proven time and time again he is nothing but a total PITA to deal with...and dont go foolishly defending him because you have never ordered a rifle or action from him...the list of disgruntled customers is long. In any case SA never made those Ti actions....they are left over old stock fromthat failed business called Taconics.
Like a couple of folks have mentioned; don't overlook a 6 lug Weatherby MK V. My 7mm-08 stainless carbine w/ 20" barrel, S&K stainless mounts, Diavari 2.5-10x42 in a McMillan Sako Classic standard fill comes in at 7lbs/1oz. Perfect weight for me. The Sako Classic stock transformed the gun.
Still the best all around rifle for hunting I ever ever seen! AMRA
I dont recommend going there. Satterlee has proven time and time again he is nothing but a total PITA to deal with...and dont go foolishly defending him because you have never ordered a rifle or action from him...the list of disgruntled customers is long. In any case SA never made those Ti actions....they are left over old stock fromthat failed business called Taconics.
You guys take things way too seriously.....LOL.
I threw it up as a spoof. You'd have to be a bit touched to part out over $6k to save a few ounces on an action.
This one is light enough for me. Otherwise buy a Kimber.
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. Unlike many here, though, I consider a "lightweight" rifle anything under 8 pounds... 
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