Name me this...Lightest factory rifle 30 cal

[CalTurkey]

I just got back from my first backpack hunt up in B zone and my Sako Finbear '06 (among other things) was way too heavy. What's the lightest factory rifle that can reach out and be accurate. It can kick like a mule...I've shot 50's and 3 1/2 shotguns. I want something light that can be hand carried. Suggestions on lightweight mil dot or MOA optics will be appreciated also. 300 yards +/-. I'm cheap too.

[TonyS]

Marlin XL-7. Leupold LR XL-I.

[XDHUNTER]

Browning A bolt or X bolt Micro Hunter top with Zeiss Rapid z 600

[madmax]

Tikka t3 Lite

At just over 6 pounds it is one sweet shooter, and cheap too!

[barel74]

I had a Savage m110, wood stock, in .300 winmag.... lightest gun I've ever held, and pretty cheap.... kicked like 7 mules.

[betelgeuse]

Remington

Model 700™ Alaskan Ti

We know the high country demands high standards, that’s why we’ve built the all-new, amazingly light Model 700™ Alaskan Ti. Weighing only 6 1⁄4 pounds long action and 6 pounds short action – it’s the ultimate rifle for high-altitude spot-and-stalk hunting. The key to its lightweight feel starts with a titanium receiver that’s impervious to weather (drilled and tapped for mounts) incredibly strong, and half the weight of steel. Complementing the super-light receiver is a bolt featuring spiral-cut flutes and a 24" magnum contour barrel with light-varmint-style fluting. The action is pillar bedded for outstanding shot-to-shot consistency. Its premium Bell & Carlson stock features their MaxxGuard finish for enhanced durability. Model 700™ SPS™ Features 24" magnum contour barrel with Light Varmint style fluting Bell & Carson stock with new black and gray webbing paint scheme Spiral fluted bolt body with skeletonized bolt handle to reduce weight New X-Mark Pro™ Trigger Front and rear sling

[betelgeuse]

Kimber 5lbs 2oz... ohhhh and nice

Model 84M Rifles

So much less than you expect.
The Kimber Model 84M™ is a true milestone in rifle design, the first ultra lightweight production hunting rifle that retains classic features like a Mauser claw extractor and three-position wing safety. Kimber broke ground by creating an entirely new action around the .308 Win. family of cartridges, one with absolute minimal dimensions. On a scale the results are impressive. Montana models with premium Kevlar/carbon fiber synthetic stocks weigh just 5 pounds, 2 ounces in .308 Win. Classic models with fine walnut came in at 5 pounds, 10 ounces. The biggest payoff was at the range. Accuracy was exceptional, and proper stock design made them a pleasure to shoot.
Comparing a Model 84M with any other brand of short action or lightweight production hunting rifle puts it all in perspective. Most are built around bulky full-size actions that have been shortened in the middle. Many cut weight the other way they can - from the end of the barrel. Cutting a barrel short reduces velocity and usually take a rifle out of balance. Model 84M barrels are always the proper length to maximize performance, and they have near perfect balance. The payoff comes in the field with flatter bullet trajectory and a rifle that goes quickly to target and holds steady, regardless of shooting position.
Like all Kimber rifles, all Model 84M wears a barrel that is machined to match grade standards and then air gauged to prove consistency within .001 inch. Chambers are cut to exacting match grade dimensions, and every bit of this work is done inside the Kimber factory to ensure quality.
While intentions for the Model 84M action centered on big game rifles, it made sense to build varmint rifles on it as well. After all, a lighter rifle is just as important to a varminter walking between stands or calling locations as it is to a big game hunter climbing mountains. While barrels for varmint calibers are generally longer and heavier, models like the Pro Varmint™ and LongMaster® Classic™ in 204 Ruger, .223 Rem. or .22-250 Rem. weight about the same as an average hunting rifle. For serious varmint shooters who like to stay in position until they wear out their welcome at a prairie dog town, Kimber has two heavyweight varmints with bull barrels - the LongMaster® VT™ (Varmint/Target) in .22-250 Rem. and the SVT™ (Short Varmint/Target) in .223 Rem.
The 84M rifles are available with a wide variety of classic stocks. All feature bedding on aluminum pillars and most are also glass bedded at the recoil lug. Everything from fine walnut to laminated wood to synthetic is offered. The latest additions are Classic Select Grade rifles in A-grade French walnut with ebony forend tip, as well as two models chambered for the great .257 Roberts cartridge and four for the new .338 Federal.
Sometimes the details make the big difference. All models with wood and laminated stocks have sculpted steel bottom metal with floorplate release button inside the trigger bow. Scalloped two-piece sets that complement the graceful dimensions of the receiver are available. Sold separately, they accept most standard rotary/dovetail rings.
"...Kimber cut weight, not performance."
Model 84M rifles are available in several different model configurations and calibers, each designed for a particular type of hunting or shooting.

[XDHUNTER]

Guy's remember his last words...... he's cheap.

[easymoney]

One of the drawbacks of dropping weight in big game calibers is the kick and loss of steady shooting. Weight is your friend, in most calibers over .243...

[betelgeuse]

Originally Posted by XDHUNTER

Guy's remember his last words...... he's cheap.

Guess I missed that part.

Cheap, light, good.... pick 2...cause you can't have all three.

[DBAR]

TIKKA T-3 lite
Light weight and deadly accurate.
I have one in .308 and I wouldn't trade it for anything!!!!!
Nikon Scope and your into it for under a $1000

[CalTurkey]

Thanks for the feedback. I've heard good things about the Tika before so I'll go take a look. Hopefully someone will have one in stock so I can get my hands on one.

I love my current rifle is a 95% 30 year old I don't want to beat up too much. A synthetic stock which is lighter will be a bit better for the back country.

I appreciate your help.

[socalkid]

You can't go wrong with the Tikka. Seems like everyone who has one loves it. I'll be picking up the Tikka T3 Lite Stainless in 30-06 soon. Good price.
I did shoot one of those 5 pound Kimbers one time. It was in .260 so the recoil wasn't really a factor, but it was one sweet rifle.

[sancho]

sako Finnlight, mountian rifle? if $$ was not a problem, i would love to try one of those Christiansen arms, carbon fiber rifles..

[Duknutz]

I'm with Sancho on this one,the Christiansen arms was my choice,if price wasn't the big factor.I held one at the SCI show in Reno last year,it was a LH thumbhole and boy was it awesome......It's next on the list!

[crotalus]

Another for the Tikka T3 lite. best gun for the money period.

[ltdann]

Ditto on the tikka t3 lite.

[rikkijeep]

If you are truly cheap as I am, then try dropping some weight by going to synthetic stock (around $75). It good for a pound or so. Not alot, but it helps. And you don't have to go out and buy a new rifle. If that not enough then I suggest lifting some weights because my rifle is lightest thing I carry (40+ lbs pack).

[QEU]

I have the following lightweight rifles:
1. Remington 700 Mountain 280 (6.0 lb) 22in barrel
2. Remington 700 Mountain 243 (5.75 lb) 22in barrel
3. Remington LVSF 308 (7.0 lb) 22in fluted barrel
4. Winchester Classic Compact 243 (6.5 lb) 20in barrel
5. Weatherby Ultra Lightweight 240WM (5.75 lb) 24in fluted barrel

I like the Remington Mountain in 243 the most. Fits nice and balance well. Light too. I got that NIB for less than $600 on gunbroker. These were made for Gander Mountain with the HS Precision, pillar bedded stock. If you want larger caliber, get the standard Mountain in long action, sell the laminate stock and buy a lighter synthetic stock. For lightweight budget scope, try Leupold VX1 2x7x36.

[BigSky]

Kimber Montana would be and is my choice. All others mentioned are very good though.

[bearclaw]

Cheapest way to cut weight for anything starts around the mid section.

Losing 5lbs is the equivalent of a $5000 gear upgrade, and it is free.

[betelgeuse]

bearlcaw is on the money on this one ! Truer words have never been spoken.

[Land Cruiser]

Another one for Kimber Montana. Great gun.

[STICK&STRING]

I own the kimber montana in .300WM..... I have never looked back since. BUT a little pricey!

[sportyg]

If you want a shooter that is light check out E.R.Shaw before you buy an over the counter rifle. He make custom rifles at over the counter prices. You can't go wrong with one of his rifles..

www.ershawberrels.com

[m_freeman]

Originally Posted by madmax

Tikka t3 Lite

At just over 6 pounds it is one sweet shooter, and cheap too!

+ 500 mine is in 7mm-08 I love this rifle has a zeiss conquest 3.5x9 scope. I am new to hunting and just getting into all this I am shooting 1"
group with factory ammo. I have been researching a lot at long range hunting and reloading I really think I can get this combo out to 400 yards with right load. Mine weighs in at 7lbs + or - with scope and loaded I have about 1k invested and can't wait for opening day

[m_freeman]

Originally Posted by CalTurkey

Thanks for the feedback. I've heard good things about the Tika before so I'll go take a look. Hopefully someone will have one in stock so I can get my hands on one.

I love my current rifle is a 95% 30 year old I don't want to beat up too much. A synthetic stock which is lighter will be a bit better for the back country.

I appreciate your help.

watch the gun stores I ordered mine blue in 7-08 and found one on the rack in SS 30-06 the 308 and especially the 7-08 have light kick for as light as the rifle is. watch the stores they will ship this season you might find an o6 in ss wow

[m57jager]

Tikkas are great shooters, my best I have. If you go stainless look up the recall on ss barrelled rifles from Tikka and take a list of serial numbers with you. They've been having a problem with literally exploding barrels. On youtube too. Other than that great shooters. Go blued, clean your rifle when you come home and problem solved. Personally, I like the syn stock idea for your Sako(premium gun). Remember really, really light mountain guns are 10x harder to hold on target at longrange. I'm having that problem right now. One gunsmith suggested adding a little weight via lead shot and epoxy to a cavity in the forward position of the forearm. He said it would keep it solid.

[dglover]

Originally Posted by bearclaw

Cheapest way to cut weight for anything starts around the mid section.

Losing 5lbs is the equivalent of a $5000 gear upgrade, and it is free.

Now that is the best advice I have heard so far.

[quack_head]

browning a bolt titanium