The rifle I want doesn't seem to exist - build or modify?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - The rifle I want doesn't seem to exist - build or modify?

Posted: 12/24/2019 12:08:35 AM EDT

I'm really wanting a 308 rifle in the 6.5 pound range with a 20" threaded 1:10 barrel, internal magazine and preferably a true Mauser type action. If I could get open sights too that would be nice. Basically want a light weight hunting rifle but also something I can do basic target shooting with (for fun not high precision).

The closest rifle I've found is the Winchester extreme weather but the barrel is little long and not threaded and a 1:12 twist. The Win coyote light is threaded but a pound too heavy and the barrel is a bit long and also 1:12 twist (what's with this twist rate on the Win 308s?). The Ruger Hawkeye Hunter is also pretty close and a bit cheaper but I'd prefer a synthetic stock or maybe laminate but at least twist seems right.

What's a better approach?

Buy the Winchester extreme weather and rebarrel it?
Buy the Ruger and get a new stock?
Build something? (would need to buy a barreled action or have it built as I can't do this)

Posted: 12/24/2019 12:13:43 AM EDT

[#1]

Montana Rifle extreme X3 , cut and thread barrel.
https://montanarifleco.com/rifles/x3/
I am sure they would sell it to you already cut and threaded at 20” as they are a custom shop.
This would probably end up a better rifle for the dollar than a rebarrel M70 Extreme , though that is also an excellent rifle. Just this would be less work.

These guys make an excellent pre 64 M70.

Posted: 12/24/2019 8:18:35 AM EDT

[#2]

I have bought several rifles over the years and sent them off to get rebarreled or rechambered. Check out the Model 7.

All things considered, I’m a big fan of the Winchester safety and the Remington action. If you want a LW, look at the Ruger number 1. I am not a fan of the Ruger bolt guns even though I have several.

Posted: 12/24/2019 12:28:39 PM EDT

[#3]

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't know why, but I'm not really drawn to Remington rifles. That Model 7 looks okay though, but I suspect the stock would need to be replaced and not a CRF bolt. I've thought about the Montana rifles a few times. Maybe I need to take a closer look. Never seen one in person.

Posted: 12/24/2019 10:00:36 PM EDT

[#4]

Maybe consider this
Howa

Posted: 12/26/2019 3:22:54 PM EDT

[#5]

Seems to me a Kimber Montana or Barrett Fieldcraft would fit your bill perfectly. Fieldcraft is a Sako style extractor, but works great. Only thing I see is they do it a bit lighter than what you are specifying, and do not offer open sights.

Posted: 12/27/2019 12:07:44 AM EDT

[#6]

Never gave much thought to Kimber but that might fit the bill.

Posted: 12/27/2019 12:23:55 AM EDT

[#7]

Savage Lightweight Hunter in .308

Posted: 12/28/2019 11:41:47 AM EDT

[#8]

For a factory "Mauser style", buy the Kimber 84.

However, remember skinny barrels shift POI a bit when warm. So it's not really a target rifle.

If I were to build one I'd do the following:

Surplus 98 action
2 piece Warne bases
Weaver rings (or other lightweight)
Military stepped barrel or Brownells (with rear turned down a bit)
Choate sporter stock
Leupold 2-7x Ultralite

Based on past builds this combo would be a hair over 7lbs.

Posted: 3/29/2020 8:11:52 PM EDT

[#9]

I have been looking for something similar. I agree the extreme is a good base rifle. That said, one of the FN SPRs is close. I’ve also considered the weatherby hbar.

Posted: 3/29/2020 8:53:47 PM EDT

[#10]

Think I read 3-4 days ago that Montana Rifle Co is going out of business.

Posted: 3/29/2020 8:55:57 PM EDT

[#11]

I'm a Mauser fanboy, so I'd recommend you build one, or restore an existing sporter.

Posted: 3/29/2020 9:04:28 PM EDT

[#12]

CZ or maybe Zastava.

Posted: 5/22/2020 12:01:37 AM EDT

[#13]

Sako Black Bear

Attached File

Posted: 5/23/2020 2:32:52 PM EDT

[#14]

Shaw lets you pick your options and build your rifle. Their lightweight hunter sounds similar to what you want.

Posted: 5/24/2020 9:46:47 PM EDT

[#15]

Just curious how many times you had issues with all those 700's without CFR OP? I have always owned 700's, have never had an issue with lack of CFR, but had a friend who did...100% his actions as in physical manipulations that caused it..had he properly operated the bolt handle, he would not have had an issue...Seems like a problem looking for an excuse to cost money....

Posted: 5/25/2020 1:09:15 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
Thanks for the suggestions. I don't know why, but I'm not really drawn to Remington rifles. That Model 7 looks okay though, but I suspect the stock would need to be replaced and not a CRF bolt. I've thought about the Montana rifles a few times. Maybe I need to take a closer look. Never seen one in person.

View Quote

Controlled feed is greatly over rated. I have more than a few bolt guns, some with controlled feed (pre ‘64 Win 70) others without. It makes no difference, honestly. If you halfway know what you are doing you can cycle a Rem 700 upside down with complete reliability.

An often overlooked advantage of push feed actions is the ability to single feed and hand chamber match ammunition or ammunition loaded close to the barrel lands and too long to cycle through the magazine.

I have come to favor Rem 700 or 700 compatible actions on bolt guns because they have by far the largest aftermarket (by orders of magnitude) for parts, upgrades, barrels, stocks and accessories. That is for good reason. Most come with good accuracy out of the box, every gunsmith on the planet knows how to blueprint and accurize them for reasonable cost, and most high-end third party actions are made to be compatible with Rem 700 parts.

Posted: 5/26/2020 9:00:19 AM EDT

[#17]

For 99% of what most people do with bolt guns I agree, CRF is not needed.

However, I will not buy one because of my experiences with Savage and Winchester push feeds on prairie dog towns.

Both rifles exhibited FREQUENT failures to extract when the rifles got hot. Which was pretty much all day because of the sun and shooting.

Conversely, the CZ 527 never had an extraction issues regardless of how hot it became.

YMMV

Posted: 5/26/2020 1:35:37 PM EDT

[#18]

What’s your budget?

If it’s substantial then go have so done build you a rifle to your exact specs.

If your budget is restricted, you will probably need to prioritize your wants and then be prepared to make some concessions.

If you could live without CRF it would open up more options to get most of what you want at a more budget friendly price.

Posted: 6/1/2020 12:53:33 PM EDT

[#19]

Ruger scout with synthetic stock

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - The rifle I want doesn't seem to exist - build or modify?

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