I am trying to find a lightweight deer rifle for my dad that is chambered in 243. My dad doesn't have a rifle he can carry around without wearing him out. The shots he will be taking will be within 100 yards 99 percent of the time with a few as as far as 200 yards. What would be a good choice?
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Lightweight Hunting Rifle Under 800.00
- Thread starter Nosler243Shooter
- Start date
ruger american rifle compact, its small light weight and still can put a leupold 3-9x40 for around a total of $800. (only reason I don't say tikka is because I never shot one)
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I just went down this road for a friend. After a LOT of research of the options the T3 Lite is where it is at...
Thanks for the replies. What about the Savage 111 lightweight hunter? It only weighs 5.5 pounds and I know it will be accurate. For some reason my dad doesn't like the Tikka. I have a T3 hunter in 25-06 that I love but I can't seem to get him to like it. He says it bothers him when the first thing he sees is the plastic bolt shroud. I told him there are other aftermarket ones but he just doesn't like it. I will keep on pushing the Tikka though.
You beat me to it...Savage 11LW Light Weight Hunter is the short action version of the 111LW (long action) 5.5 lbs
Fluted bolt and shaved receiver to lighten
Lightening slots and DBM
Good lookin' gun too...
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Remington model 788 is a good choice as well. You can typically pick one up used for less than $500.00 out the door.
For a friend, I went through the same decision.....and settled on a T3 in 6.5 swede. He liked it because there was no more recoil than a .243, and a lot less blast. The thing is a tack driver, and everything he shoots drops in a pile.
It's out of your price range but the Kimber Montana is the best lightweight hunting rifle I have used. I have a few of them including a 243 and they all shoot 1/2-1moa. I have a T3 and like it too but the Kimber is by far a nicer rifle. I may actually sell my 243 since I use the others more, it would still be over your price range but better than the $1300 they run new.
Weatherby Vanguard. Sub Moa with match ammo. Have the barrel cut to 16" and you have one lightweight and extremely portable rifle.
Savage 10 Predator Hunter - High $600 will get you a Sub 1/2 MOA rifle. I've got one in 6.5 Creedmoor that shoots 5 shot groups with factory Hornady ammo of 0.47" Super light and way nice trigger out of the box.
Savage Arms
Savage Arms
The Vanguard S2's are great rifles as well. I have a two including a 308 carbine that has a lighter profile barrel. Excellent rifles and while they're not bricks they are also far from lightweight.
