I am looking for a lightweight rifle in .204 ruger.Not set on a bolt action.But dont want to spend over $1000. Any advice?Thanks

1 - Remmy model 7 predator
2 - Thompson Center Venture predator
3 - CZ 527
4 - Tikka lightweight


These are probably your best choices ... in no certain order.

#1 or #4 on Ricky Bobby's list or you could screw a 700 together on a Ti stock....

Ruger Ultralite.

thanks guys.Stay away from Savage?or will they shoot good enough?

Nothing the matter with salvage accuracy. But, you said a lightweight.......

I have a Ruger Ultra light... I think you'd like it..

you want accurate correct ?

You wanna come shoot with me, with YOUR lightweight?

+3 on the Ruger ultra lite.

I have one that I put in a Ruger compact lam stock.

GREAT little light walkabout rifle! It'll put 5 shots under 1" at 100 yds.

Virgil B.

The Thompson Venture Predator, which would be a lower price point, is looking more appealing to me: 5R rifling, 22" barrel, db mag and moa guarantee. Have heard/read mostly good about 'em.
Also might look around for a good used Remington LVSF in that cal. I have one but ain't gonna let it go.

Buy a used CZ 527 for $500 or less. Should cover three shots with a dime@100yds.

I'd shop around online and get a Kimber Montana 204 Ruger.

CZ 527 in 204 is about as light as you will find and very accurate for such a light weight rifle

Too many choices.got to fondle the T/C yesterday,felt pretty good,but would have to ditch the china scope price was 599. I will try to find a CZ,Ruger,and Tikka

You won't regret the CZ

At 6.6lbs as shown I can't imagine anything better.

Kimber Montana

Yep, hard to top one of those. Nice rifle. What you shooting in yours?

Haven't shot it yet but have some 35 gr Bergers to try. The original owner said it loved Fiochi 40 grainers though, I believe they used 40gr v-max's.

1) Kimber Montana.....Lightweight
2) Savage Model 16....Mid-weight
3) Savage Model 12....HEAVY WEIGHT

I love the .204 and I like the Model 16 Weather Warrior. I've had two of them. And I'd love to try a Kimber .204 at some point.

Here's my new Savage .204

Coues32: I am glad so many folks have made suggestions that directly apply to your inquiry.
So that gives me leave to make this "suggestion" in case I could tempt you - don't buy a light weight 204!
Buy a heavy barreled 204!
All of my 204's have heavy barrels and I tote them about often and without hinderance or fatigue!
Then, when a Jack Rabbit or a Coyote or Fox gets antsy and runs off I am more apt to connect with them using the heavy barrel 204's.
I have a number of "LW" Varmint Rifles including ones in 17 Remington, 221 Remington Fireball, 222 Remington, 223 Remington and 22-250 Remington and I have owned MANY other "LW" Varminters in the past, so my suggestion to you is based on much in the field experience - go with the heavy barrel 204.
Best of luck to you with whichever Rifle you choose - I do know this, though, you WILL be happy with the 204 Ruger cartridge!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

How far and in what terrain are you generally packing your rifles?

mine was a take off barrel, but its accuracy originally wasn't that hot... but after about 500 rounds down the barrel ( mostly fueled with Blue Dot or SR 4759 so about 3000 fps or so using 34 grain HP bulk bullets)... it really tightened up nicely...

its not for high volume shooting...I'll give ya that VG...

The more I read this thread, the more interested I become. My .204 is one of my most favorite & exciting rifles to use in my arsenal! I currently have a Remmy SPS Varmint with the heavy 26" barrel. I have replaced the cheap factory tupperware with a B&C fully-adjustable Medalist stock and it is topped with some real nice Bushnell Elite 6500 glass. It is awesome accurate & smokin fast! A real pain to tote around sometimes at 15.5 pounds, but man I've managed to make some kick azz shots with it ... even offhanded shots at times. The point is, weight can be a real deal maker at times. Much steadier aim.

Anyway, I'm finding myself in your shoes. I'm really craving a lightweight .204 rifle & have looked them all over & over & over again. I'm beginning to think that going too light might be a big mistake. All my lightweights tend to be less accurate. Whether it be the shorter barrels or just the fact that they're harder to hold a steady aim. Either way, I think a person needs to try to find a happy medium! I have searched high & low and feel I have found my rifle. I thought a 24" barrel would be perfect since it's not too short or too long. Not a sporter weight or a heavy varmint, either. Then I decided I want a rifle with a good trigger. Something that is adjustable & possibly two stage. Lastly, I decided that a rifle with a good wood or laminate stock is a great investment. I hate cheap factory tupperware type stocks more than I could ever explain. They are very flexible & are hard to try and make accurate. Wood is easier to work with & usually you can get excellent results when properly bedded. I've decided a bare rifle weighing in around 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 pounds is exactly what I want.

My rifle of choice: A Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator

I can't wait to get my hands on it!

I've got semi heavy rifles, about 10 pounds, they shoot fine and I have no problems toting them mile after mile here in the flat land. I've got 8 pound rifles as well and shoot them fine too but a few years ago I got a Rem Mountain Guide in 22-250, then one in 7-08 and another in 243 that I had punched to Ackley Improved, they all shoot very well.

Wanting a cat gun I figured I'd have to build one. 17 Rem was my 1st choice but the 204 Ruger won out since it's a bit better on coyotes. Then a member here mentioned he had a Montana in 204 and a trade was made. I put a 3.5-10 CDS scope on it and with a mountain sling, it weighs 6.6lbs. I haven't had time to load for it so I picked up a box of Hornady 40 gr v-max's and headed to the range just to see what it would do.

I think I've found perfection in a calling rifle. Anyone got one in 223 they want to trade? I could probably dig up an AR...

Good choice, if you're not carrying it in your hands much.....
Too front heavy to balance good, in hand. But the forward weight is just right for shooting. If you shoot off of sticks, the extra barrel is moot. The UL is a better choice for carrying and rested shots.

Even my studly youngster appreciates a pound and a half less weight on a walkabout..



Have since restocked in walnut and pulled K22's camo tape...

I have a .204 Hawkeye I'd trade..........

And 22-250.

And .17 rem.

Alright, show me the 204.

Cabelas got some 204 tikka T3's a last year, you might lucky and find one in a store if you call around, plus you'll have enough money left to buy a scope

Wageslave ~

Is your Hawkeye a Predator model?

It's in the same pic as the fireball.
Has a 4-16 scope on it.

No. Sorry.

Good luck finding one! The first 204 or 223 Montana that pops up on GB is mine! Been looking hard for a bit now.

This is just me but for sure I'd be looking long and hard at a Tikka T3 Lite. Great weight, weight forward and it shoots balls out. Great trigger and smooth bolt.

Once Barnes starts building a 33 grain TTSX I'll be all over a T3/.204

Dober

I had a Tikka T3 Lite in .223. It shot just OK. The trigger was nowhere near as adjustable as a CZ 527 American. The bolt was smooth, the bolt throw was LOOONG, the magazines are outrageously priced, and the plastic bolt shroud should be replaced with an aluminum one. Glad I sold mine.

Try a Howa 1500. They have a few different configurations or you could just buy a barreled action and drop it in the stock of your choosing. I have great accuracy from my heavy barrel Howa.

OP asked for a LW (lightweight?) gun. Howas are heavy.

OP said not set on bolt action.

How bout a Contender Carbine trimmed back to 20-in. & spray paint camo job?

I was open to an AR,but that is out now.Would want a repeater.Thanks for all the input guys.I'll let you know when I pick up one.

I know where there is a LVSF in 204 if your interested.

I'm with a few of the other posters.


a 204 in a Kimber Montana, but if you want perfection...........



then a Kimber Montana in 17 Rem. is perfection.


Huntsman22, what do you mean you pulled off that professionally installed camo tape??? Ya ruined the resale value.

If I keep it for-evah, I don't have to worry about resale.

That is true.