Hunting & Fishing Question about a lightweight hunting rig

[beachhair234]

So I purchased my first bolt rifle hoping to have a multi purpose hunting/long range weapon. I purchased a Rem 700 VTR 5R in 308. After putting a chassis system on it I loved everything about it. That is until I hunted with it (new to hunting). This thing is a beast to carry. I've made up my mind that I need to lighten it up. I have several options, but really only one requirement. The barreled action must be able to be removed from the stock for storage into my Pelican 1700. This means repeatability. I'd like to stick with 308 as that's what I have for reloading dies. I see that I have the following options:

Drop the chassis sytem for a lightweight sporter/hunting stock.
Sell off the VTR and get a Rem 7 308.
Sell off the VTR and get a Tikka T3 Lite 308.

Suggestions?

 

[rware91]

Re: Question about a lightweight hunting rig

I really like the tikka t3, I am about to purchase one for my girlfriend in 243 for next deer season. With that being said, I wouldnt sell off your 5r to fund the tikka. IMHO you wont be able to have a hunting/tactial rig that you are happy with. I would just wait and save and then purchase the t3.

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: Question about a lightweight hunting rig

packing in a tactical rifle usually sucks because of the weight, until of course you have a shot that you really wish you had it with you!

even with a sporter stock on it, i'd imagine the length will make it front heavy (clumbsy) and still heavy in general, but it is worth a try.

i wouldn't sell it, but perhaps add an affordable savage axis / stevens 200 or a marlin xs7 as a low priced, pretty darn accurate hunting rig that also comes in .308

as mentioned before, finding a true tactical / hunting rig that you'll be happy with on either side of the fence is a tough order.

 

[RyeDaddy]

Re: Question about a lightweight hunting rig

I faced the same issue this year when deer season ended. I was SICK of carrying around my 5R. Sold it and bought a Savage Weather Warrior in .260 and I'm very happy with it. I'm gonna post a review, first handload shot 0.65" right out of the box. It's just under 8 lbs scoped which is alot easier to carry. It does start walking after 3 shots though, so I miss having the 5R for the range.

The Tikka's are good shooters, and very light. My buddy at work has one and it's great, so light it feels toy-ish to me but I can't argue with it's groups. I'm sure it's a dream shoulder slung walking around. I wanted a T3 Lite stainless, but couldn't find one in 6.5x55, so I compromised and got the Savage in 260.

My advice? Save up and buy a lighter weight hunting rifle to compliment your VTR, if you do any range time. The heavier barrel is better for long strings, and steadier at range, I do miss my 5R. Enough so that I'm saving for a Savage 12 in 260 as a range/target rifle to go with my 16.

The other suggestion of an inexpesive walk around rifle is a good one if you can't afford the Tikka or something in that range right now. Since you're looking for a 308, you've got your pick, there's no one who doesn't chamber for it.

 

[bachelorjack]

Re: Question about a lightweight hunting rig

KIMBER MONTANA....

When you figure it out, you owe me a drink...be prepared. It's going to be one of those light bulb moments. Full on Ah-ha at its finest.

 

[KPK]

Re: Question about a lightweight hunting rig

Don't sell it. Buy a Remington SPS for hunting. They can be had for around $450 and are great for hunting.

I've got a 22-250 SPS and it's a shooting fool!

 

[Fred_C_Dobbs]

Re: Question about a lightweight hunting rig

For reference, my Browning Mountain Ti A-Bolt in .243 WSSM weighs 8.5 lbs ready to rock: scope, rings, dust caps, sling and three rounds of ammunition. Its an older model with a wooden stock. Newer ones with composite stocks are a few ounces lighter.

 

[beachhair234]

Re: Question about a lightweight hunting rig

The key to the new hunting setup is that the stock must have a repeatable zero. I took my VTR apart last night for a thorough cleaning and weighed everything on my food scale. Calibrating my scale with my reloading calibration weights showed the scale to be + 1 gram so I'd say that its accurate for all intents and purposes.

The total weight comes out to 13.6 lbs.

The chassis system alone weighs 5.02lbs. The absolute lightest I can get this rifle to is maybe 10 lbs. Maybe. I will be selling/trading this for a lighterweight setup. My goal is to be sub 9 lbs with sling, optic, stock pack, and bipod.

 

[strick9]

Re: Question about a lightweight hunting rig

The lightweight accurate rig has been my obsession for years. I have run the complete route and bought lightweight factory rigs, , ie the montanna , the model 7 etc and have bought barreled actions and restocked everything from the Lvsf to the model 7. I won't go the model 7 route again, though I liked it the rear tang screw and stock availability left me wanting. In all the rigs, maybe 12 or so that I put together pieces and parts, probably the most efficient and accurate route was to go with a youth model 700 bdl and then restock. You wind up with the accuracy of the 700, the short barrel for weight reduction and for ease of transport and the short barrel is great for pushing through brush thickets, now add a Manners mcst 90 percent carbon fiber stock or as you noted a chasis system stock and you have something, matter of fact I just sold three of them to fund full custom rigs. Best of luck but the trail will most likely lead to a full custom to your specs.

 

[fw707]

Re: Question about a lightweight hunting rig

Just keep your 5R, and buy my .243 Tikka T3 Lite.