Light weight hunting gun

[Fast14riot]

In the next year I'm looking to build a light(er) weight hunting rifle. Chambering will be 260AI (i already shoot and load for it) but if i can get a rifle down to 8lbs I'd be happy. No need to go extreme.

I like R700 style actions. Barrel likely to be 20"-24". Help me decide on barrel profile, stock, scope, trigger.

Use will be for up to Mule deer possibly elk, shots to 700 yards max, not much low light hunting.

I have 3 kids and a limited budget, barrel likely to be a remage, scope probably from secondary market. Can't exactly afford a custom action in a McMillan stock and NF scope.

What would you do?

 

[K22]

Can't wait to see the recommendations for a light weight, 260 AI, for mule deer and elk at 700 yards. You say "no need to go extreme". I admire your concept of "extreme."

I can't offer anything in regards to either shooting game at that distance or the 260AI's terminal performance at those distances. But I can offer some of my experience with after market upgrade items that have performed very well for me.

I have had success with Bell & Carlson Metalists stocks that have an aluminum bedding block. I have restocked 4 rifles with these stocks. I just put one on my Weatherby Vanguard and it was $300 direct from Bell and Carlson. Improved the rifle's accuracy and holding zero. Weather resistance construction and good for hunting in all conditions.

Timmey triggers work great and won't break your budget.

The various mid price Bushnell Scope might work well for a budget - they come with a 100% return guarantee at least they use to. I have one of their Elites that the resolution faded above 12X and they replaced the scope. The replacement was fine. Can't comment on their dial up capability but I believe you may have to spend some serious $ for a reliable dial up scope. Perhaps others can offer a suggestion here on "budget" reliable dial up scope since I don't dial up for elevation corrections - I use "hold over".

I've had a lot of success with Douglas Match barrels both in sporter and heavy varmint contours but I won't got less than a No. 2 and preferable a No. 3 contour even at the cost of more weight.

I would look at the Howa Action in lieu of the Rem action. I like the Howa extractor system much better than Rem especially for hunting. Again, the Howa action might be a good choice for a budget limited rifle.

 

[Badhabit]

8 pounds should be very easy ive got a long action 700 adl in a hs precision stock with 24" medium contour barrel Talley lightweight rings and vx3 4.5-14 scope. It's right at 8 lbs. I also bought my daughter a tikka t3 lite it is a full pound lighter.

 

[Fast14riot]

I should say, the lighter the better, but don't want to get into diminishing returns with pricey stuff to save a few ounces.

 

[timeout]

I like the #3 contour barrel in a carry around hunting barrel. You can find a Leupold VX5 HD scope in the classifieds from time to time and they are a good reliable scope with zero lock feature. Don't go too cheap on a scope. A cheap scope ruins an otherwise fine rifle. Timney trigger is probably fine, although I really like Jewell. Again, maybe you can pick up a used one. I'm looking for a lighter stock myself that won't break the bank, so not much help there. I've never owned a McMillan. Great stock I'm sure. Just never felt like spending that much on a hunting stock.

 

[Fast14riot]

I like the #3 contour barrel in a carry around hunting barrel. You can find a Leupold VX5 HD scope in the classifieds from time to time and they are a good reliable scope with zero lock feature. Don't go too cheap on a scope. A cheap scope ruins an otherwise fine rifle. Timney trigger is probably fine, although I really like Jewell. Again, maybe you can pick up a used one. I'm looking for a lighter stock myself that won't break the bank, so not much help there. I've never owned a McMillan. Great stock I'm sure. Just never felt like spending that much on a hunting stock.

Leupold is definitely on my radar, they make some light weight scopes. I also am not averse to a fixed power scope for hunting. My current gun has a 10x and its fine by me.

I have both timney and jewel triggers, I like them both for different reasons.

 

[370bc]

https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-6x42-tactical-30mm-riflescope-3.html?___SID=U This scope dials reliably and has a good reputation for $300. Comes in 10 power too if you prefer that. Good luck.

 

[std7mag]

I tend to build most of my stuff on Savage actions. But that's just my preference.

The stock I feel is where it's going to make or break you weight wise.
I have a Forbes 24B that weighs 5.5 lbs minus sling & optics. The rifle has a 24" heavy spotter barrel. So weight isn't saved on the barrel side of it.

As for optics, I'd check out Sightron also.
Good glass for the money.

 

[areaone]

Grayboe have a lightweight stock. Rem 700 bdl action. Saves abou a pound of regular stocks

 

[msinc]

I got most of it covered...I don't know about the 700 yards part. Model 7, H.S. Precision mountain rifle stock from Redhawk Rifles...#1 contour barrel and a Vortex Razor LH scope. The stock has a "pressure point" and while I have never really been a fan and used one, this one works. Mine is a 7mm-08 and it will touch the first three bullets at 100 yards. You might want to re-think the part about the 700 yards on an elk though. Edit: so I am clear, hitting an elk and killing one is two different things.

 

[john pruitt]

You have to realize if you do not shoot game at a country mile you are not a real hunter.

 

[john 800]

I have a ball and carlson on a 700 deer rifle amd it works just fine and seems to be a quality peice but i would also look into the magpull hunter stock.

 

[JSH]

You already load for the 260AI, great. I would do some hard research with a sharp pencil to see what the numbers are with short barrels.
To keep weight down I would “carve” on everything metal wise as safely as possible. Decide which action to use while keeping an eye on what aluminum or lite weight bottom metal is available.

Buddy and I have discussed the perfect caliber for a big game rig for years. The bottom line it has to be a popular caliber that is available across the country. Go wildcat or a less known cartridge get to Middle of No Where USA, tell me what you find in the local gas station/sporting goods/bait shop hangout. Go with your 260AI, I would darn sure want to have an idea of what factory ammo does in the rifle, just in case.
I have hunted with meticulous guys, get to the spot only to find they either grabbed the wrong case or wrong ammo. On a quail hunt 2 hours from home, buddy pulls out his gun case only to find it has his Ruger #1 in it, lol.

A lite rifle I just put together, Howa Mini,6.5 Grendel, B&C stock, aluminum bottom metal, Leupold 3-9 weighs right at 6lbs. 200 yard critter gitter.

 

[L.Sherm]

You have to realize if you do not shoot game at a country mile you are not a real hunter.

How about we don't turn this into a ethics thread.

 

[David Milisock]

In the next year I'm looking to build a light(er) weight hunting rifle. Chambering will be 260AI (i already shoot and load for it) but if i can get a rifle down to 8lbs I'd be happy. No need to go extreme.

I like R700 style actions. Barrel likely to be 20"-24". Help me decide on barrel profile, stock, scope, trigger.

Use will be for up to Mule deer possibly elk, shots to 700 yards max, not much low light hunting.

I have 3 kids and a limited budget, barrel likely to be a remage, scope probably from secondary market. Can't exactly afford a custom action in a McMillan stock and NF scope.

What would you do?

How big a fellow are you? I ask because years ago a fellow whonwas 5'7" had a similar project and he started with a used youth rifle.

 

[std7mag]

I'll agree with JSH, to a point.
I have 2 Ruger 77 MKIIs (280 Rem & 257 Roberts.
I also have a Savage 111 in 7mm Rem Mag & a Stevens 200 in 250 Savage, both with 24" barrels and the plastic stocks.

I wait till i'm leaving the house before choosing which firearm & match the ammo with that.
Or the night before gathering things together & double check before it leaves the house.

I don't/won't buy factory ammo.

 

[drover]

I would buy a Tikka T3x .260 and forego the AI.

Not what you wanted to hear, I am sure, but when I build something I can't settle for mid-range components. Sometimes the situation is best served with something like the above.

Enjoy the process.....whatever you decide.

This or a Tikka in 6.5, spend the saved money on a good scope and you will be ready to go hunting - with the Tikka there is no need for action truing, barrel replacement, trigger replacement and the factory stock works just fine.
No, it is not a Remington which you favor but that is also the reason that you do not have to do all of the modifications mentioned.

Forget about the 700 yard elk shooting also, get closer. I don't know if you have ever shot elk before but they are a large animal and take a lot of killing - at 700 yards it would be difficult to get a clean quick kill on one - they deserve as painless a death as possible.

drover

 

[Fast14riot]

I'm not sure where I wrote I wanted to shoot an elk at 700 yards. A list of limiting parameters is all I've provided. Ive been hunting a long time, I'm aware of ethical kills and what it takes. Gun is for up to mule deer and possibly elk. Can and will be used for other stuff too. Longest shots I feel comfortable taking in the field is about 700 yards, meant to help determine optics. Does not mean I think the 260AI can kill an elk at 700 yards. But it sure can kill a coyote or rabbit or coues or javalina or any other small game I hunt.

Chambering is decided. I can shoot factory ammo if needed, but I always bring a back up gun and ammo as well, which my current hunting gun is in 30-'06.

Grayboe have a lightweight stock. Rem 700 bdl action. Saves abou a pound of regular stocks

Thanks, good info.

How big a fellow are you? I ask because years ago a fellow whonwas 5'7" had a similar project and he started with a used youth rifle.

A youth rifle might work for getting a short, light barreled action, but I'm 6' and wound need to change stocks. Good idea.

I tend to build most of my stuff on Savage actions. But that's just my preference.

The stock I feel is where it's going to make or break you weight wise.
I have a Forbes 24B that weighs 5.5 lbs minus sling & optics. The rifle has a 24" heavy spotter barrel. So weight isn't saved on the barrel side of it.

As for optics, I'd check out Sightron also.
Good glass for the money.

Good info, main reason I like Rem actions is for options with hardware, I may try to snag a used stiller if I can swing it. I like my Sightron scopes, they are great for the money and track well.

You already load for the 260AI, great. I would do some hard research with a sharp pencil to see what the numbers are with short barrels.
To keep weight down I would “carve” on everything metal wise as safely as possible. Decide which action to use while keeping an eye on what aluminum or lite weight bottom metal is available.

Buddy and I have discussed the perfect caliber for a big game rig for years. The bottom line it has to be a popular caliber that is available across the country. Go wildcat or a less known cartridge get to Middle of No Where USA, tell me what you find in the local gas station/sporting goods/bait shop hangout. Go with your 260AI, I would darn sure want to have an idea of what factory ammo does in the rifle, just in case.
I have hunted with meticulous guys, get to the spot only to find they either grabbed the wrong case or wrong ammo. On a quail hunt 2 hours from home, buddy pulls out his gun case only to find it has his Ruger #1 in it, lol.

A lite rifle I just put together, Howa Mini,6.5 Grendel, B&C stock, aluminum bottom metal, Leupold 3-9 weighs right at 6lbs. 200 yard critter gitter.

I also like to have known dope for factory ammo in my hunting rifles for the same reason. I usually buy a box of CoreLokt or Win white box as they're the most likely to be found everywhere. I have a short range small game gun, a 788 in .222 with a leupold 4-16. Nice and light and as accurate as I need it to be.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

At 73 years "young" ( and having owned, MANY, Rifles ! ),.. I carry and HUNT with,.. a 7.7 Pound Scoped, Tikka T-3 SS, in .270 WSM ( 140 gr. AccuBonds at, 3,150 FPS ) and son has, a 7mm-08 Tikka T-3 SS shooting the higher BC, 150 gr. ELD-X bullets at, 2,850. His Gun weight, is under 7.5 pounds ( scoped ), BOTH, Rifles / Loads, have killed Elk with, GOOD and accurate Bullet, performance !
We walk Glass, and Walk glass some more for, several Miles from, the Truck and shoot, usually from, the SITTING position over Sticks with, a Pack supporting the Rifles "Toe" ! Having a Rem 700 is OK but, you WILL need to put SEVERAL $$$'s into it to equal, a Tikka. To sum this up,..buy yourself, a Tikka .260 and set the bbl back then, re-chamber to .260 AI or 6.5 mm SLR and SAVE yourself some, Money ! OR, you could buy, a 7mm-08, 7mm Rem mag or .270 WSM and save, MORE, Money ! Drover, is also, an EXPERIENCED Rifle guy and knows, just how WELL built, the Tikka's ,.. ARE ! NICE Rifle, msinc ! BUT, how much did it COST, compared to,.. a Tikka ?

 

[Tucker65]

I put a 3.5-15x42 Vortex Razor LHT on a lightweight 6x47 Lapua rifle I built for my wife. The scope is really nice and tracks well. Turrets a pretty good and Razor quality glass all in a scope that weighs 19.1 oz. I purchased it Liberty Optics and Scott has great deals. Price shows at $999 but when you put it in your cart the price drops to $799.

John

Vortex Razor HD LHT SFP & FFP

One scope to rule them all. From dark-timber whitetails, to executing precision long-range shots on an open-country mule deer, and everything in between - there’s the lightweight, second focal plane Razor HD LHT. Stunning, High Definition optical system delivers a crystal-clear sight picture...

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