Help me design a "lighter" weight hunting gun.

[Tyler Kemp]

I'm interested in my next build being something I can haul around and use in a close range scenario, but be able to reach out quite a ways on deer. I like the looks of the XLR carbon chassis, but I'm not sure if it would be great for a hunting type gun. I was thinking along the lines of a 6.5 SAUM, but totally open to other suggestions. Short action is always a plus and would cut some weight.

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Are you trying to stay under a certain weight? Certain barrel length?

This one came in right at 10lbs as pictured. It was short and handy, but I also shot it on steel out to 1,100 yards without issue.

.243 shooting 115 Dtacs

 

[ptaylortx]

I'm doing a similar build. I want a lighter hunting rifle that is still very accurate. I've decided on a M700 action, hs precision light weight mountain rifle stock. .308 win caliber, 22" helical fluted hart barrel. Remington contour, .750 at the muzzle. 1-10 twist. Not sure what the total weight will be, but it'll be more manageable than my heavy barreled customs. I won't be shooting over 400, so this should work great for me.

 

[ranger1183]

This one weighs 8 pounds, 5 ounces and can really reach out there. And yeah, its for sale!

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...ley-improved-mcs-t-proof-research-barrel.html

 

[bogeybrown]

Here's a nice lightweight .308 Shorty I had built by JD Thomas at Highspeedshootingsystems.com I haven't ever bothered to throw it on a scale, but it is LIGHT. With the 18" barrel it is super handy, and I've made consistent hits on steel out past 1000 with it, farthest shot to date was 1200 or so (don't have my data book with me).
I'm currently debating on sending it back for a caliber conversion to 6.5CM because I now have more .308s than I can justify but it's tough to change it because it's so easy to lug around. (It's sitting on the bags in the pic because I had borrowed its bipod for another toy).
I kick myself every time I recommend JD to someone, because his turn around time is excellent and I want to "keep him to myself" but he does fantastic work and deserves the acknowledgment. If you get in touch with him and tell him what you want, I'm sure he could hook you up.

 

[MoBoost]

Most of the weight is going to be in the barrel. This might help:
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...on-rifles/76996-16-18-inch-shorty-rifles.html

 

[blackfoot]

How light? I have a 300wsm on a Stiller Predator in a McMillan EDGE that I'm having a barrel chambered in the 6.5SAUM. It weighs under 7lb with scope and all. GA Precision has a non typical on the rifles ready to ship right now with almost the exact same specs except for the action.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ZLBubba]

Most of the weight is going to be in the barrel. This might help:
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...on-rifles/76996-16-18-inch-shorty-rifles.html

Moboost nailed it. If you're looking for a handy rifle that's plenty of gun for deer, then check out the Shorty Rifles thread. My 16.5" Gradous 308 is my favorite rifle, hands down. Awesome against deer, and bangs steel easily out to 800, and weighs right on 10 lbs with scope, bipod, and loaded 10rd mag. Pure awesomesauce.

 

[Bill Larson]

why design one.....????...they make a stainless lite in Finland rite now...... very accurate.... and affordable..... T3

 

[PowerstrokeOBX]

I'm building a 17" 6.5 Creedmoor as we speak. Yes I won't be able sling 140s at 2800 but high 26's should be attainable. Should be enough energy on white tail for 500yds and the BC should be able to make it out to 1k on targets and varmints pretty easily.

 

[redirt78]

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This one weighs right at 11lbs with the G2 and Atlas on it. It's a lowly 308 but I'm sure you'd go with something flatter. Manners EH1 with mini chassis and 18" barrel. If you went without the mini chassis and let one of your buddies at GAP bed it, minus the bipod and maybe go with a scope that doesn't weigh 2lbs, use a fluted barrel, maybe even one of the new and improved carbon sleeved ones from Proof... It would be pretty light. The new 3-12 (or whatever it ends up being) lightweight Bushnell with G2 reticle George is working on with them would be perfect for a rig like that. Probably going to have to figure out how to get one myself.

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[Tyler Kemp]

Awesome, thanks guys. I'd be using a more overbore cartridge than most of these guns, so I'd probably stretch the barrel out a bit to 22" or 24" with a lighter contour. I have no real target weight, my walk-around hunting gun is extremely light, and my other gun I use for watching long range spots is extremely heavy. Somewhere between 9-11lbs all ready to go should be acceptable.

 

[Capt Beach]

We did this exercise over on another forum about a year ago...this is what I came up with...

Savage 11LW (light weight) in .243 at 5.5lbs with a wood stock from the factory. Then substitute a McMillan Game Scout Edge Stock and your at about 4lbs 12oz...remove the barrel and add a Lothar Walther Lightweight Sleeved Varmint at 24" tales you to a hair over 7lbs have it chambered in 243AI add glass, mount and rings to take you to 8.25 lbs or so...

 

[SFree]

I'm interested in my next build being something I can haul around and use in a close range scenario, but be able to reach out quite a ways on deer. I like the looks of the XLR carbon chassis, but I'm not sure if it would be great for a hunting type gun. I was thinking along the lines of a 6.5 SAUM, but totally open to other suggestions. Short action is always a plus and would cut some weight.

Weren't you workin for GA George? Seems like he would have the answers to your proposal's

 

[bkw1911]

I think the 6.5 saum will make a good hunting caliber. Id look at manners carbon hunting series stocks and get a #3 contour (depending on the manufacturer may be different spec) get it fluted, flute the bolt, aluminum bases and rings, and then keep the scope from being 2#s and you should have a very capable lightweight rifle. My dad had spartan rifles build him a hunting rifle, he did a 26" #3 brux, non fluted on a rem 700 s/a, bell and carlson titanium light, heavy steel nightforce base with warne rings and a vortex viper pst and the rifle weighs in about 9.5lbs. Cut that barrel back 2-4", flute it, do the manners stock and an aluminum base and his whole rifle would probably be closer to 8#s.

 

[powdahound76]

My plan for my "hunter" build is a 700 LA with a 22" #3 contour, chambered in '06. Pair that with a manners EH stock, bedded, bdl BM, and Talley one pieces, factory 40X tuned, and the leupold VX-6 2-12.
Also maybe (read:if funds/time allows) spin up a .338 barrel chambered in 338-06 to sling heavier bullets for say a moose hunt. Not a 338Winmag but very effective within 2-300 yds, which is where i keep it for big game. Lots of new stuff, but the '06 works very well and even without the 338 barrel will take care of anything i will be hunting with good shot placement and proper bullet selection. As i just read somewhere else over the weekend, when did you go somewhere that didnt carry '06 ammo in case yours was lost or, "gasp" you forgot it? Most places that are hunting destinations even carry premium ammo with better bullets from what i have seen. I know, maybe not in the last year, but as an over all perspective.
I am just an old peckerwood that likes to keep things simple. I like the new stuff for long range and matches, just think the '06 works plenty fine as a hunting cartridge. Of course a lightweight .308 can do it too, just look in my freezer....

 

[SquarePizza]

Like the others have said, the barrel is your best savings. If its just a hunter and you won't be shooting long strings, I would go for a very thin barrel, like a factory featherweight contour.

 

[AKONA]

Some simple recommendations.
A) Look for a light "warm" stock vs a "cold" tactical one. simple plain curves that do not get tangled in the brush or clothing and are pleasant to hold in extreme cold. T6 aluminum is the opposite of that.
B) Get a light profile barrel. Sleaving systems are expensive and don't save that much so don't discard deep fluting and and caliber that is efficient in something not longer than 22".
C) There are some light scopes in the 12-18oz weight range that provide small footprint while keeping all the needed features.
D) While I normally do not agree to aluminum optics mounting systems here is a place where the aluminum can shave some ounces. Heat build up is not expected on a hunting rifle.
E) Keep the rifle below the 8lb-9lb range. Anything above that is going to be harder to carry all day although some do not mind. I can carry a 12lb all day but I am a very large person so
it is not the same for a 130 lb guy.
F) fluting the bolt will also shave some oz's and assist with function in the face of dirt, water, ice and other debris.
G) Look for a small magazine system and have magazines ready with the type of ammo you need for the given game. In some situation one might require to have some heavy solids for
close dangerous encounters that one can just pop in the mag w/o going though the pain and potential risk of emptying and reloading a blind mag. One doesn't need too many rounds so a flush
system is better but one that can be reloaded quickly from the bottom.
H) Avoid typical heavy bi-pods and look for sticks for support or an alternative polymer or light support system that is light and works for you.

The 308w and many of its offsprings provide adecuate stopping power to very nice ranges using the right bullets. A 308w can be used to tackle the largest game with heavy 180gr bullets.
In the northern woods where huge distances is not a concern and then magnums should be considered the 338 federal and 358 Winchester provide massive wounding and extra momentum
for going after larger game. The 7mm08 might be a wise choice for folks requiring more range and a more sensible and recoil friendly caliber. The 260 remington is borderline if the
largest game is in the menu.

Don't need to over complicate to decide a nice rifle setup. Stick to popular calibers with plenty of ammo offerings, choose a well proven platform and think that part of the function of a true hunter
rifle is to be beaten that is going go through mud, dust and snow and might perform reliably in all those conditions.

The KISS process is the best approach. KISS = Keep it Simple and Stupid.

 

[mark5pt56]

Simple, Winchester model 70/Leupold VX6 2-12/Talley light weight one piece aluminum rings. Rifle Craft sling and a set of Stoney Point shooting sticks and/or PRS tripod with saddle, last two not required but may help with long shots, sticks being the lightest.
Easy to carry and accurate for sensible range shots.
Venison is $35.00 per pound this year

 

[bullseye13]

Simple, Winchester model 70/Leupold VX6 2-12/Talley light weight one piece aluminum rings. Rifle Craft sling and a set of Stoney Point shooting sticks and/or PRS tripod with saddle, last two not required but may help with long shots, sticks being the lightest.
Easy to carry and accurate for sensible range shots.
Venison is $35.00 per pound this year

Where are you finding venison for that price? I keep paying for it and haven't got any yet?

 

[Smooth_87]

Some simple recommendations
A) Look for a light "warm" stock vs a "cold" tactical one. simple plain curves that do not get tangled in the brush or clothing and are pleasant to hold in extreme cold. T6 aluminum is the opposite of that.
B) Get a light profile barrel. Sleaving systems are expensive and don't save that much so don't discard deep fluting and and caliber that is efficient in something not longer than 22".
C) There are some light scopes in the 12-18oz weight range that provide small footprint while keeping all the needed features.
D) While I normally do not agree to aluminum optics mounting systems here is a place where the aluminum can shave some ounces. Heat build up is not expected on a hunting rifle.
E) Keep the rifle below the 8lb-9lb range. Anything above that is going to be harder to carry all day although some do not mind. I can carry a 12lb all day but I am a very large person so
it is not the same for a 130 lb guy.
F) fluting the bolt will also shave some oz's and assist with function in the face of dirt, water, ice and other debris.
G) Look for a small magazine system and have magazines ready with the type of ammo you need for the given game. In some situation one might require to have some heavy solids for
close dangerous encounters that one can just pop in the mag w/o going though the pain and potential risk of emptying and reloading a blind mag. One doesn't need too many rounds so a flush
system is better but one that can be reloaded quickly from the bottom.
H) Avoid typical heavy bi-pods and look for sticks for support or an alternative polymer or light support system that is light and works for you.

The 308w and many of its offsprings provide adecuate stopping power to very nice ranges using the right bullets. A 308w can be used to tackle the largest game with heavy 180gr bullets.
In the northern woods where huge distances is not a concern and then magnums should be considered the 338 federal and 358 Winchester provide massive wounding and extra momentum
for going after larger game. The 7mm08 might be a wise choice for folks requiring more range and a more sensible and recoil friendly caliber. The 260 remington is borderline if the
largest game is in the menu.

Don't need to over complicate to decide a nice rifle setup. Stick to popular calibers with plenty of ammo offerings, choose a well proven platform and think that part of the function of a true hunter
rifle is to be beaten that is going go through mud, dust and snow and might perform reliably in all those conditions.

The KISS process is the best approach. KISS = Keep it Simple and Stupid.

Great advice here, my best advice is if you want to go lightweight ditch the varmint barrel altogether, that's where you'll cut most of your weight, I suggest you look at a tikka t3 lite in 308, put a decent scope that ain't too heavy an a Limbsaver and your done

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Venison is $35 per pound? Can you explain this please?

 

[redirt78]

Yeah, what? About 50 to $60 for processing a whole deer around here. If it's a joke I'm just missing it.

 

[wade-19]

It all adds up. Hunting clothes, boots, gun , optic, stands , lease if you don't own land etc. $35 a pound is about right ! Lol

 

[wade-19]

I am working on a lighter weight gun now myself. I have the 16.5 inch AAC-SD and dropped it in a LTR take off stock. Seekins al. base, Seekins al. rings , fluted bolt etc.

 

[mark5pt56]

Where are you finding venison for that price? I keep paying for it and haven't got any yet?

I was joking my brother in law about his statement a while back. He was boasting of not having to buy meat because he filled the freezer with venison. I told him who he was joking since the money he has tied up in weapons/gear, and processing fees.

 

[wakajawaka]

Kimber 84M Montana action

MPISTOCKS.COM Superior Custom Rifle Stocks

 

[BenY 2013]

Are you trying to stay under a certain weight? Certain barrel length?

This one came in right at 10lbs as pictured. It was short and handy, but I also shot it on steel out to 1,100 yards without issue.

.243 shooting 115 Dtacs

May I ask what the specs on this rifle are? Is that a T or a T3 stock? Thank you!

Ben

 

[lawofsavage]

I'm thinking about doing something similar and my plan is to put a sps varmint in a MCS-T set it up with everything, weigh it, then figure out how much barrel I'll have to cut off to get around 10 lbs. I don't want a pencil barrel b/c It'll see target use not just hunting.

 

[selfbowhunter]

Are you trying to stay under a certain weight? Certain barrel length?

This one came in right at 10lbs as pictured. It was short and handy, but I also shot it on steel out to 1,100 yards without issue.

.243 shooting 115 Dtacs

there is NO WAY in hell that rifle weighs ten pounds as pictured!!!

chuck

 

[TFin04]

I know bolt actions are the thing on this website, but I really like single shot rifles (break action or falling block style). You get a lot of barrel length for the overall length of the rifle, they are slim and easy to carry in the field (something that I consider quite important), light weight, usually dead reliable, etc.

For a classic design, the Ruger no 1 is an excellent rifle. For a beater of modern design, the CVA Apex have been very accurate and have excellent triggers. T/C Encore is always a viable option too. Easy enough to have multiple calibers with T/C and CVA.

Just my take on it. There's something about single shot rifles that I really like in the field.

 

[MoBoost]

I re-read the OP. How about Grendel AR? You can have 8lb auto-loader with quite a bit of outreach.

 

[Bob L Swagger]

I'm interested in my next build being something I can haul around and use in a close range scenario, but be able to reach out quite a ways on deer. I like the looks of the XLR carbon chassis, but I'm not sure if it would be great for a hunting type gun. I was thinking along the lines of a 6.5 SAUM, but totally open to other suggestions. Short action is always a plus and would cut some weight.

This worked out very well for me..

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...dous-kill-stick-has-arrived-16-5-6-5x47l.html

 

[Tackleberry]

My GAP Extreme Hunter weighs 9.5# loaded with ammo, sling and 3x24 tactical scope (March). In the 6.5 saum George has created a light wight rifle with a 1500yd kill range. Mine has been tested this year on 7 whitetails, 504 the longest yet. All have died in their tracks

 

[texote]

Are you trying to stay under a certain weight? Certain barrel length?

This one came in right at 10lbs as pictured. It was short and handy, but I also shot it on steel out to 1,100 yards without issue.

.243 shooting 115 Dtacs

What length is that barrel? What vel you getting with the dtacs

 

[TexasMade]

Building as we speak a 6.5 creedmoor do it all rifle. Proof research 26" sendero contour barrel. Stiller predator action. Manners carbon fiber stock. Mark 6 3x18 leupold. Should be 9.5 pounds

 

[O G S R]

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...s/189592-carbon-fiber-stocks-evil-empire.html