I've been shopping for a new lightweight hunting rifle, as I realized that I have been too much into the "tactical" side of firearms lately and wanted to get back into the woods. Although I haven't made my decision (what an embarrassment of wealth we have to choose from in 2018) I kept having searches lead me here. I appreciate this community for helping to guide me even before I was a member. Thanks for having me!

Just cause I feel like the post needs it, I'm currently stuck between options. My original goal was a scoped rifle coming in at around 6-7# in a caliber that is capable of taking all/most game in NA (outside of the big bears) with factory ammunition that is common and readily available, out to around 300 yards or so. Kind a modern interpretation of the Scout Rifle, but without the forward mounted scope and integral mag storage, etc. I landed on .308, which seems to most closely fit the bill while also allowing for short actions (in the cases where they are scaled) and performing well out of shorter barrels. Planning on the SWFA SS Ultralight 2.5-10x32 as the optic, but not settled on that either. I originally planned for less than $1500 for the whole kit and caboodle, but honestly don't care as I am willing to save indefinitely.

I'm currently between:

- Steyr Scout. It is just so stinking cool and so interesting, while maintaining an excellent reputation for quality and accuracy. Not a huge aftermarket and it's a bit heavy, these days.

- Steyr Prohunter. I like it, but it is probably too heavy to be in true contention and it is a bear to find in the shorter barrel 308s.

- Savage 110 Lightweight Storm. Price/availability and reputation for accuracy/dependability are all really intriguing. None if the actions of the examples that I have handled have been as bad as I was lead to believe, also.

- Tikka T3x. Nice rifles that just never quite feel "right" in my hand and the "one action fits all" bugs me, though I know it shouldn't. Again, excellent reputation.

- Kimber Hunter (maybe Montana?). Would be an easy winner if they had a better reputation for CS. That's a big deal for me, but I like the American made side, and they point and handle well in my hands.

-Barrett Fieldcraft. I'm a vet that lit his early/mid 20s on fire, so this would require more planning and saving (as well as buying sight unseen because no one near me handles these) but I am fascinated by the rifle. Beautiful, clean, simple, light, and made in the USA by a company that is well respected.

- Henry Long Ranger. It's just cool, but probably not a legitimate option here.

I'm a bit of a fanatic about F&F (custom knives are a big hobby of mine and it is a big deal in that world) and all of these rifles, when handled, have let me down in one way or another other than the higher end Kimber. Action "smoothness" doesn't interest me either, but being proud of the things that I own does. Henry, Tikka, and Barrett all represent (to me) the highest 'pride of ownership' but all also have drawbacks.

Sorry for the ramble. Day off and bored.

Feel free to chime in with opinions or (gulp) give me more options.

-Mike

I'd go with the Fieldcraft myself, and will as soon as I can find what I'm looking for.

I was leaning that way, but having a new rifle for this season would be pretty fun, and that will require a few extra months of saving. I wish I could handle one!

-Mike

Watch the used market. This one would have met your needs.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/786351400

I’d think about a SWFA SS 3-9 if you end up with a lightweight 308. Your eyebrow will thank you.

That’s a great price, but even that would require a bit of planning. Far more attractive at that point, though.

As to the eye relief, I considered that and you may well be right. Definitely a factor I’ve been weighing, especially on the lighter options here.

Thanks for the input!

-Mike

My thoughts on the matter, ditch the "new" idea and go with a classic like a Brno model 21, or Mannlicher Schönauer, or even chase up a Husqvarna 146 in 9.3 x 57 and turn it into a classy 9.3 x 62 for very little coin.
Heck, go find a nice early model 70 and live a little, or find a Mauser double square bridge and live a lot.

Why settle for the mundane...everyone has vanilla, so why not try some chocolate chip with butterscotch.

nyrifleman has this one listed in the classifieds if something different tickles your fancy.

“ I originally planned for less than $1500 for the whole kit and caboodle”

Doug’s rifle is a thing of beauty, but jeezuz 🤔

Scope cited,is simply a piece of fhuqking schit,due literally by design. Eye-relief on a handy/dandy .473" based centerfire,is No Joy. Go 6x MQ Fixed Fhuqker and never look back. Coupla pards tried and I fhuqking laughed...before,during and after. Hint.

Factory ammo dictates a 264 Kreedmire,by default. If only because it mechanically,connects the most dots and nothing else is even fhuqking close. Seex Kreedmire is coming on,but logistics pave the 264's path and splendor simply abounds in comparison(s).

Steyr's are MUCHLY over rated pieces of fhuqking schit and there is certainly nothing redeeming there,mechanically.

Salvage's remain steaming piles of schit. Have yet to see one,that approached anything nearing Rugged Reliability,but have known lotsa folks who have taken the bait and failed miserably(myself included). Salvage's are for those who want a "Good Deal" on a Piece Of Fhuqking Schit,which is THE falsest "economy". Or for them who snagged the best of what was available in The Day,regarding ergo's and chambering(guilty ala multiple 110-Sillywets wearing Roy Dunlap influenced Wundhammer Walnut). Hint.

Salvage Seex Kreedmire(Custom spout obviously),10x MQ Fixed Fhuqker,yada,yada,yada.



Teekers are botched,from stem to stern. Nothing redeeming there and the DUMB Fhuqks have yet to figure a magazine out and reliably badly botch twist rates,on the average.

S/S Teeker Lite here,MT inclined 1913,GGG's lowest rting,6x MQ Fixed Fhuqker,MT CTR AICS DBM and AM steel 5-rounders in 223 SALAMI.



Teeker OEM magbox attempt amidship,aforementioned MT AICS DBM and AM 5-rounder in the 'well,to the right. ALL Tikka stocks suck heavy ass too and a very poorly fhuqking designed.



Kimber Hunter's are dogschit,due literal design. While the metal is sound,the stocks are fhuqking Milk Jug Junk. Real Montucky's on the other hand,are an ergonomic wonder and connect alotta mechanical dots,reliably. Slide a 6x MQ Fixed Fhuqker on board and one is well on their way to Skookumtitude and they handle like no other.




The Barrett Fieldcraft simply STEALS the fhuqking Show,mechanically. It is a literal Mechanical Marvel. Throat geometry,COAL latitude and twist rates are 100% on the money,across the short action line(their L/A's are Goat Fhuqks).



They are STUPID Fhuqking Tough and utterly Reliable to boot,when coupled with a 6x MQ Fixed Fhuqker.

Brand New Barret FC 6.5 Kreedmire Test Drive RINK

Brand New Barrett FC 6.5 Kreedmire Test Drive...Zero Retention/Tracking RINK

Have shot Steyrs(multiple flavors) and prolly got pics somewhere,though there's nothing redeeming in the platform(s),but anywho. ALL Scout Schit sucks ass and it's really a piss poor ruse for ease of acquisition,durability,reliability and speed of engagement. Don't take THAT fhuqking bait. Hint.

Coming full circle and revisiting the Factory Ammo Clause,evens The Playing Field mechanically,somewhat. Everything cited,will happily digest Kreedmire Factory Fodder,though are Pole Vaulting to lands. Because ALL Teeker's are built on a L/A receiver,one can hack,whittle and/or swap mags in S/A chamberings,to eek more COAL(I'd go AICS DBM there,shoot binders when possible and never look back). The Montucky has no moves there,unless you were to go AICS DBM and I'd not compromise a lithe Real Montucky stock,in sucha manner...but I USE schit and am hard on same. There isn't much "surplus" meat,on them 84M bones. The Barrett's 3"+ COAL internal magbox latitude,should be copied by ALL. Hint.

Bang for the buck? A Real Montucky. Have seen 'em botched due incorrect assembly,but have yet to see a "bad" one and there ain't too many folks on the planet who have seen,let alone SHOT more of 'em,than I. Hint.

THE Holy Grail? Barrett by lightyears. Their metal mechanics are without peer and are the way Mel shoulda been doing it from inception(S/S receivers and the (5) 8x40's up top).

Once folks tend to taste splendors,eyes get opened and the ball gets rollin'. Barrett swings them windows of opportunity,wide fhuqking open by default(twist/COAL/throat geometry) and there's nothing to change or "upgrade". Everyone shot Factory Fodder once upon a time,but such things tend to lose luster,the more one shoots and being able to both select a projectile and it's seating depth,is a literal game changer. Reloading very much changes things and all of it to the positive. If/when Montucky's roll offa' da' shelf twisted 8" or better in 22 Speedmire,it'll be able to connect all dots too. Same goes a sound throated Seex Kreedmire,in the same platform,like a Ruger RAPER Throat Job.

Don't be in a hurry to make a bad decision,focus the whole Enchilada,rather than fixate crumbs. Boolits matter wayyyyyyyyy more than headstamps and .697 BC's do not suck.

You've been led to water.

Hint.

Thank me later.

Here Endeth The Sermon

A Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Compact in 308 with a 4x Leupold would be a bit heavy but would otherwise meet your stated specs.

As for fit and finish, what's acceptable in the rifle world and the custom knife world are radically different. The rifles you listed are among the better factory offerings, but you're looking at the wrong part of them: action smoothness is far more important than external fit and finish in a rifle you'll actually use in the real world. (The knife world equivalent would be a dull blade on a knife with perfect fit and finish.) Getting any significant improvement over the rifles you listed will mean going to a custom maker for at least triple your budget.


Okie John

@boxer thanks for taking the time to reply, and I think I got the message overall, which seemed to be rethink my scope and buy the Barrett. Noted. Almost impressively difficult to read. As to 6.5 Creedmoor I do love the 6.5 bullets and love the idea of one for this rifle, but the appeal of being able to walk into any shop I may end up at and finding ammo influenced the decision pretty heavily (-06 was a close #2 but I assumed the recoil would be more punishing on such a little stick and want my nephews/wife to be a able to use it). I also don’t ever plan on reaching out far enough to really take advantage of the 6.5’s specialness, and this will be a meat rifle. With it becoming so much more popular these days, however, it may be worth another looks. Thanks!



Definitely noted man, and a solid point. I think I was just suggesting that, as they are all lower than I expected, none of them are being discounted for it. I don’t care that Savage is ugly when the Kimber Hunter is certainly not perfect, for example. I may have been a little flippant about action quality, and that’s fair. All the animals I have harvested to this point have been with very low quality firearms, so I was mainly saying “as long as it is reliable and goes boom I don’t mind a little grit/slop.” That May be misinformed.

As to the Winchester, I have always wanted to scratch that “pre 64” itch. Although this would be a very different direction, it is interesting. I’ll do some looking around and see how much damage one would do compared to these guys with regards to my wallet. The nice thing about an SS rifle with a crummy stock is I wouldn’t be afraid to use it, where the Winchester would be a different story.

Thanks for the replies guys. I appreciate it!

-Mike

A lot of good advice here. And a hell of a lot better advice than JStuart always telling everybody to buy some rifle that you'd be most likely to find in a freaking antique store.

Take a look around. The Creedmoor is getting there fast. My local Walmart carries four different 6.5 Creedmoor loads. Ammo availability is fast becoming a non issue with this cartridge.

Holiday gas station has creed ammo. I’d argue it’s there.

I grew up on pre-64 Model 70's and as much as it pains me to say it, a new Winchester is probably a better rifle. The new ones are also available with short actions while the pre-64s are all 30-06 length, which is problematic if you want a lightweight rifle. You could probably find a shooter-grade pre-64 for $800, which is only a bit more than what you'd pay for a new one. Sell the stock and recoup $100, then drop it into a used McMillan for $600, add a Leupold 3-9 in Weaver bases and rings for $500, and go slay stuff.


Okie John

I have a 18" Barrett Fieldcraft in 6.5 CM I'd be willing to part ways with if you interested and not wanting to go new. 147 ELDMs handloaded and 143 ELDX factory is all its shot. Great little rifle, just don't use it like I should. PM me if interested.

I’d go Barrett in 6.5 Creed. The 6.5 will kill stuff fine, but will recoil less and be nicer for your nephews/wife/yourself to shoot. Ammo seems to be plenty available.

Honestly, being in Ohio (no shouldered rifle cartridges for hunting) our supply of rifle ammunition is a bit misleading and not super indicative of the market as a whole. I forget that sometimes. I had a 6.5 Creed in the past and the lack of cheap ammunition to practice with killed it for me, and I don’t really have the time for another hobby (reloading). I do like the idea of less recoil considering the rifle’s weight though, and the 6.5 C would really cut the recoil back. Doing some quick reading and actually this round doesn’t suffer from a short barrel as badly as I thought it did. Hm.

Mike

Sent

Your choice is clear...
I too am hunting Ohio. And I built my rifle to fit Ohio law. May I present...AR-15 .450BUSHMASTER. Designed as a 300 yard ammo (though some folks are shooting further) it is a straight wall cartridge between .357 and .50 (as Ohio law requires)
You are allowed 3 bullets in the gun, so a 5 round mag will do nicely, I haven't weighed mine, but I've hunted with it the last 2 years, with no issues. Factory ammo is available at cabela's. @$1.50 per round.

Excellent post.

I actually have a lower finished up in the safe for just this purpose, ha. This rifle (that the post is about) will be traveling with me on a couple tips coming up to TN and WV. .450 Bushy will be my OH gun, probably.

I would stretch my budget and get the Barret. You will only regret the initial sticker shock and that will be forgotten shortly. You will not have any what ifs about your choice.
A 6.5 or 308? I would see what came along first and let that decide. Here in central Tx. the gas stations have Creedmoor ammo. Both can make a great ladies or youth rifle but easier if you hand load.

Nice thing about the AR'S, swap uppers, and it's a different rifle. One lower, several options.

Absolutely, Greatest platform of all time. I was originally going to just out a Grendel upper on this lower for my all purpose lightweight hunting rifle, but I saw an opportunity to have multiple new rifles and, well...

Mike

Then enjoy and good hunting.

When I was looking for something similar, with the additional caveat that I wanted iron sights, I went with the Ruger Scout in .308 Win. It came in a laminate stock, which I replaced with a Ruger synthetic, which knocked the weight down to 6.25 pounds. The factory flash hider was replace with a $30 brake. My hunting buddy, who has had shoulder surgery for diabetes related problems, states it "has no recoil". No true, but it is mild. The 6.5 CM Scout would be even milder.

Mine got a Vortex Scout scope in Warne QD rings so I can shoot the irons or glass at will. Had a Burris 3-9x in the standard Ruger rings for load development. A lightweight 4x scope would be a great option for a rear mounted scope.

One other thing I did was to purchase Ruger 3- and 5-round synthetic mags. They are quieter and handier than the factory 10-rounder. The 3-round sits almost flush with the stock and is the only one I've used since I got it.

Like it a lot.

Look at the Sauer 100 and the Mauser M18. Both are very accurate and are less than $900.

Why not a Barrett in 7-08? It'll pretty much do anything you need it to

I can't speak to availability elsewhere, but 7-08 is extremely uncommon around my way and in the areas where I hunt. I HATE having to look for ammo, and being forced to order online is frustrating as well. I do love the round, but 6.5 CM and .308 just have to many benefits for me personally.

MIke

Given the Tikka creeds plastic 'M+' mags accommodate nearly 3' COAL's there isn't anything required to 'fix' an arrangement that ain't the slightest broke. If "twist/COAL/throat geometry" maketh the magic (which they surely do) there is nothing the Barrett does which Tikka don't do same. tniH 😉

I think any of those 3 would be a good choice, but I’m not sure what’s frustrating, difficult or confusing about ordering ammo online. It’s really easy, and often cheaper, especially so If you value your time and gas...

It is certainly not difficult or confusing (which is why I didn't say that it was) but it is frustrating to not be able to have what I need, when I need it. I can order TP, Advil, and vegetables online easily enough as well, but I like stopping into the local shop. Just a preference, especially when all other things are pretty much equal for my purposes. Availability was cited as a primary concern for me with this rifle, so I guess I don't understand why my aversion to an ammunition that is not readily available is difficult to understand. Cheers.

Mike

Ammoseek.com is your friend. Buy in case lots. You will learn to love it.


Okie John

The 308 is fine but you are putting way too much importance on having to use whatever ammo is locally stocked. Chances are you will want to shoot a different factory load than what is local anyway. Yea,you can shoot any cheap inaccurate ammo of that caliber,but it goes against your philosophy. It would be like buying a certain custom knife because it would fit in a plastic sheath your local gas station carried.

I'm surprised that it's an issue that the OP wants access to a source of ammo locally. Wait, this is the 'Fire. Actually I'm not surprised at all. What's more surprising is that he hasn't been told ten different times so far to take up reloading so he can use some semi obscure caliber that accomplishes nothing the mainstream ones already are.

Here`s a good one!

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...tel-stock-30-06-with-sights#Post13144962

Scoped and ready to hunt!
The iron sights are a plus !!

I had one a few years back and was excited to own it....until I shot it. I didn’t like how it felt, shot, or carried. I thought my son would so at the next range session, he was behind the trigger. He really didn’t like it at all. It shot accurate enough but it didn’t fit and the ergos kinda sucked.

If you can wait, I'd look again after New Years. There are some great deals to be had in that Feb through early May time frame. I stumbled across a Prohunter Mountain in 308 Win a few years ago for just over $400 new. Cabelas had them on clearance just before that for $625. I was doing my weekly/biweekly scan of the rack and saw they had marked them down again. The week before they had at least ten of them. When I saw them the following week, they were down to three, two after I picked mine out, and one an hour later as a buddy of mine got one in '06.

When I was up in AK, I found a shop that had Kimber 84M's on clearance for $675. Going price at that time was $1000. Just had calibers not that popular up there. Being a midwesterner at heart, couldn't resist the call from the 7mm08.

Just keep an eye on things and check frequently. Also don't over look pawnshops. Heard of some great buys from them.

All of that is sound advice, and I doubt I will leap until I feel like it can't be passed up. I have plenty of capable rifles for the whitetail and black bear hunts coming up, so the rush is mainly for fun and wanting it in hand. I still would like to handle a FC before I commit to it, and may make a several hour drive some day soon just to handle one.

Thanks for the suggestion, and if you happen to stumble across something think of this thread, lol.

Mike

A Fieldcraft is really all that and a box of chocolates. Your choice on the caliber but the 6.5 CM is just a really nice fit for hunting and shooting.

With all due respect, I wasn't asking for shooting/ammo buying advice as I have been doing it for a very long time. I am fine with shooting a lot of cheap ammo to familiarize myself with my rifle, and also just because I enjoy shooting. I never cared much for groups, and don't even own bags or a sled or any thing of that sort. I want something that I can buy quality hunting ammo for at the shop down the road and buy cheap ammo when I decide I just wanna take it to my parents and sling some rounds. I have checked a few shops since starting this thread and it turns out that the 6.5 Creed is more available than I thought, but 7-08 is not, and is thus a non option. I don't carry my customs everyday, because I can see the benefit in using cheaper tools for certain jobs. I don't need a custom knife to rip up a carpet, so I bring a cheaper razor knife Local ammo will suit me for 99% of my hunts, and if it doesn't than the shop catering to the hunters in the area has some explaining to do, or I will make due. My dad is 78 and has killed more deer than I've seen and I doubt he even really knows that there are different kinds of ammo. He buys the cheapest ammo for his 270 (used to be a 243) that has an animal on the box or says "core lokt" on it and puts meat in the freezer with it. I don't do things that way, but I also don't get too hung up on various ammos. I just want quiet pills down the road, lol, ya'll wild.

Mike

You are correct in that it's the Indian not the arrow, and you can hunt happily everafter using ammo you can find at the local store.

All anyone is telling you is that if you impose that limit on yourself, there's no rational basis for it.

It's akin to looking for a new vehicle and not getting what you want because the local one-horse car dealership doesn't have it on the showroom floor.

You came here asking for advice, and you got it.

Fair enough, but I never said that I wanted to buy all of the ammo for the rest of my life from a shop, I just enjoy the option and prefer it when possible. Man, I was asking about rifle options lol. Ammo just snuck in here.

MIke

Yep.

When you ask deeply experienced people how to solve a problem, their answers almost always go in directions that you weren’t expecting. One option is to see the problem (and its solution) in that new light.


Okie John

Thanks Smokepole. That's the point I was trying to make.

To the OP. My intention was not to piss you off about ammo advice. My analogy of the knife sheath was to point out that you like quality things,and like the idea of a quality rifle. You might want to shoot quality ammo,rather than whatever is available locally,so chances are you will either roll your own or order anyway, but you have it figured out ,so carry on.

Sorry if my tone came off as pissed, been a crazy situation my way lately. No disrespect or anything intended, and I apologize if I seemed a little curt. I think part of the situation is that I may not have represented my purposes well, but either way; any thinking is good thinking if it makes you think. Have a good one fellas

Mike

Hey Mike, I was a lot shorter with you than normal too. Sorry about that.

No worries at all. We are all grownups here. Definitely some stuff to think about, but it does seem like either the Montana (which I had sort of discounted due to issues I’ve read about elsewhere) or FieldCraft have taken the show. Gotta decide which and move forward with the shopping. Maybe I’ll jist shop for the best deal in one of the three calibers mentioned and one of the two remaining rifles and take a shot. Was hoping to see people singing the praises of the little Savage, but I think I saw this coming.

Mike

If you're shopping for a fieldcraft or kimber, try here, they have good prices and good service, and a heck of an inventory:

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/

The rifles you listed are very, very good. No turds in the bunch. That makes things a lot harder.


Okie John

It really does. I wish I was a little less patient and had a hard budget. That always makes things easier. Thanks so much for the help guys. I'll update the post when i pull the trigger.

Mike

After seeing Whittaker Guns offer to solve an issue for a member (during my googles, not sure what forum) when they didn't even buy from them I pretty much made up my mind where I would be buying from now on, as well. Never had heard of them before, but it seems like that was a mistake.

Mike

Whittaker is as good as it gets!

Looking forward to it.


Okie John

Whittakers for guns. Cameraland NY for optics. Both will take care of you after the sale.

Depends on your hunting style.

I mostly walk and stalk or sit and wait.. when I take a shot, I want to be able to point and shoot out to 300 yards without much thought.


Some here like to shoot further, with high BC bullets and dial and dial for range. Its fun..
Also many like loading to max OAL, and complain about magazine restrictions and eeek the last fps out of the newest ELR bullet.


My main rifle today is a 30-06, but it might as well be a 308Win..165-180 grain bullet at a leisurely speed will kill anything in NA.
Its simple.. Its boring.. It works..


After owning 12+ different rifle modells from different manufactures;
Tikka T3x in 308 stainless.. its stupid simple, machined beautifully and a simply excellent trigger.
I prefer fixed scopes and upgrade to McMillan Sako Hunter stocks for a serious rifle.. so thats what I always suggest.

fubijar03,

I (presently) have three Kimber Montana's (30-06, 260 Rem, & .308), one Fieldcraft (6.5 Creed) & had a couple of Tikka's, and like a lot of Guys here many, many others.

I am fond of the Montana's, but feel the Fieldcraft is a notch or two above it, YMMV but I prefer the stock, the bedding, the 3 inch mag box.

I want to emphasize if You want this to be a rifle for the wife or other person that may be less enthused than You about shooting... I would avoid the .308 Win., it can be a little snorty in such a light rifle. Step up in weight to a Tikka and (I feel) it is fine.


YMMV,

Jerry

Thanks fellas. It sounds like the 6.5 CM is the winner, so now i start reading about factory loads and options for all the different critters. That should occupy me for awhile.

Mike

Interesting read, interesting videos from Boxer and.....
I think by the end of this, I learned a new language 😂

The 7-08 sounds perfect except for buying ammo. That leaves the .243. Unfortunately in Iowa, we have to go with a shotgun, muzzle loader or straight walled case if we want to deer hunt. The Barret sounds like the rifle to own but unless I get an out of state tag there is no where to use it except for the practice range. That's a lot of money to shoot paper.

kwg

Boxer said “Salvage's are for those who want a "Good Deal" on a Piece Of Fhuqking Schit”

I read and watch all his stuff. I always get a chuckle. Folks get butt hurt. I don’t. I see what he does and then the results. I would never throw my rifles around, but they are mine. I could care less what he does with his. He simply illustrates to us....what he says is what he’s doing.

The quote above is one of my favorites😆

For the record, I’m a couchbound [bleep] in his eyes. I don’t take that 💩 to heart....😂😂😂

A good deal of a piece of Fhuqking schit....Classic.