Hunting/Lightweight Rifle

[fmillik]

I am looking into building a rifle off an ARC Nucleus Long Action. I am not in competition, but shoot ~50 reloaded cartridges per week. I shoot mostly because its fun, and I like to hit what I am aiming for, especially when hunting. The longest I shoot is 1000 meters, and I don't see shooting beyond that on any sort of regular basis. (I live in Northern Wisconsin, and it is known as "the Northwoods" for a reason).

So, I have narrowed everything I am interested in but the chassis/stock. I like the MPA BA Ultra Lite, especially as a folder, but I wonder if you guys had any other suggestions. I would like a sub 3 lb, stable platform with at least 1.20" barrel inlet, that is comfortable. If it folds, that is definitely a plus. (I am looking at a 24-26" barrel plus ~8" of suppressor). Hoping to get keep it below $1,000.

Any guidance you have would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[D_TROS]

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/lightweight-hunting-rifles.6881011/page-4#post-8471577

good stuff...

Id just eat ramen for a month and get what you want...dont restrict it with money esp if you plan on shooting as much as you do...youll just regret it.

GL!!

DT

 

[Superjet]

That BA lite is a great chassis. My only question is do you hunt in cold weather? IMO aluminum chassis kinda suck for cold weather hunting. I bought a Magpul Pro 700 thinking I could use it as a dual purpose rifle. It kinda sucks for carrying in the cold so I ended up buying a KRG Bravo and building a separate hunting rifle. The Bravo is around 3 lbs.

 

[fmillik]

That BA lite is a great chassis. My only question is do you hunt in cold weather? IMO aluminum chassis kinda suck for cold weather hunting. I bought a Magpul Pro 700 thinking I could use it as a dual purpose rifle. It kinda sucks for carrying in the cold so I ended up buying a KRG Bravo and building a separate hunting rifle. The Bravo is around 3 lbs.

I had the thought about cold weather as well. Mostly when I am hunting in Wisconsin with a rifle, it is with gloves on. Pop them off to shoot. When I am out West, I tend to be moving a lot and the cold doesn't bother me. (I like to hunt out of a backpack)

I switched my bow last year to carbon fiber because I cannot operate a compound bow well with gloves, and it was too much fiddling around to do in the presence of an animal if I did.

Superjet, did you try the folder or the chassis in general? I don't seem to be able to find a whole lot of impressions on it. MPA has a really good reputation overall, but I suspect it is more geared for competitive shooting.

 

[264win]

I would ( and do ) use the XLR element gen 3. Starts at under 2 lbs. magnesium and carbon rather than aluminum.

 

[Superjet]

I had the thought about cold weather as well. Mostly when I am hunting in Wisconsin with a rifle, it is with gloves on. Pop them off to shoot. When I am out West, I tend to be moving a lot and the cold doesn't bother me. (I like to hunt out of a backpack)

I switched my bow last year to carbon fiber because I cannot operate a compound bow well with gloves, and it was too much fiddling around to do in the presence of an animal if I did.

Superjet, did you try the folder or the chassis in general? I don't seem to be able to find a whole lot of impressions on it. MPA has a really good reputation overall, but I suspect it is more geared for competitive shooting.

I do not have direct experience with either chassis, but their rep is very good.
Another good option that wouldn’t get cold would be a Manners EH1 or EH1 with a mini chassis. Both would keep you around 3 lbs.

 

[D_TROS]

I would ( and do ) use the XLR element gen 3. Starts at under 2 lbs. magnesium and carbon rather than aluminum.

with out a doubt this is the best hunting chassi avilable. the first and only stock under 2 lbs (28ozs) all said up.

GL
DT

 

[fmillik]

I bought my nephew a 260 Remington that weighs 6.5 lbs. I do not enjoy shooting it . . . He's a little guy, so I didn't want him to have to lug a big thing around, but it really gives you a crack.

So not trying to set up a really light mountain rifle. Closer to 10 lbs

 

[WeiserBucks]

I would ( and do ) use the XLR element gen 3. Starts at under 2 lbs. magnesium and carbon rather than aluminum.

Do this! I just ordered one and they have a great sale going on right now.