Author Topic: Best compact bolt-action rifle (Read 3740 times)

minutemen1776 · « **on:** June 16, 2005, 09:48:08 AM »

I'm thinking of buying a compact bolt-action rifle. I want something that's lightweight and relatively short, which is how I generally like my guns anyway. The contenders are: Winchester M70 Classic Compact, Ruger M77 MkII Compact, Remington Model 7, Savage 10FCM Sierra, and Howa M1500 Ultralight Mountain/Youth. Which should get the nod?

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2005, 12:46:00 PM »

Go with the original, the Remington Model 7. No one has improved upon it yet. Get the 7-08 for sure.

oso45-70 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2005, 05:24:49 PM »

aldersgater

In my opinion the mod seven is still the best thing since round wheels and blond women. Some of the mod 7s is still doing a great job. I have one of the first 222rem mod 7 that is absolutly honest to a falt........Joe......

PEPAW · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2005, 02:52:51 AM »

My model 7 SS synthetic is a pure hunting rifle.

I would not consider a shorter barrel than my 20".
But I would like a even longer barrel (23") for less muzzle blast and for offhand shots. I think the slight increased weight on the muzzle would be worth it. I might also pick up a little velocity with no recoil addition. Then the gun would be closer to a 700 Mountain Rifle, but that's OK.

pepaw

deerman12 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2005, 04:18:26 AM »

I am on the wagon with these boys. My first model 7 that I owned, everyone in the family harvested whitetails with this little tack driver. I sold it at a weak moment(dumb butt). I purchased a another one in 243 last year. With some tweaked handloads I have fired some near one hole groups at 100 yards. I purchased the 300 saum in model 7. I like this rifle very much, as well as. I will have to say the 2 extra inches and 3/4 pound does make it handle different than my .243. I plan on keeping both of them.

HuntingGuy · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2005, 05:03:49 AM »

Quote

In my opinion the mod seven is still the best thing since round wheels and blond women. Some of the mod 7s is still doing a great job. I have one of the first 222rem mod 7 that is absolutly honest to a falt........Joe......

SOME is the key word. I have one in .260 that can't shoot factory ammo worth a crap. I don't handload, so it doesn't come out all that often. Not a big deal, always going to have a few sour ones - I just had to be the guinea pig right? :-D My two hunting buddies all hunt with Mod. 7 .260's and have had great success. They are very light. The bolt isn't the smoothest thing in the world, but it works. I'll stick with my A-Bolts.

the jigger · « **Reply #6 on:** June 17, 2005, 01:15:55 PM »

i have a savage sierra in 308 that shoots like crazy! i asked my smith today to make me a switch barrel in 250/3000. i can't wait!!
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!!!!

jhm · « **Reply #7 on:** June 17, 2005, 01:54:27 PM »

look at the #s 7/7-08 nuff said

JIM

MI VHNTR · « **Reply #8 on:** June 17, 2005, 03:43:11 PM »

Remington Model 7. It's short, light, easy to handle and accurate. That pretty much covers everything for me. MI VHNTR

minutemen1776 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 18, 2005, 04:55:36 PM »

Wow. Lots of Model 7 fans out there. Maybe that'll be the way to go. I'm thinking the Ruger Compact is out for me. Compared to the others, with it's 16.5-inch barrel and shortened stock, the Ruger may be just a little TOO compact. Maybe the Ruger Ultralight is more what I'm looking for. Of the lot, I think I like the Winchester best, but it's staggeringly expensive compared to the other options. I can't figure why. The Savage and Howa have the best price points, but I've been unable to handle and examine any firsthand. I'd appreciate more feedback on these two in particular (thanks already to the jigger for reporting on his Sierra). Thanks.

Coalminer7 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 19, 2005, 04:44:32 AM »

I have a model 7 in 7mm-08 with the short barrel and a 7600 that I had the barrel cut to 17.5 inches and have 3 mtn rifles. If you can take a look at the Mtn rifel, I like them a WHOLE BUNCH better than the mod. 7, and my next 1 will be in a .260, my daughter has 1 in a 7600 and it is just great for what we hunt in PA. You might consider a Stevens 200 in a .243 and have the barrel trimmed down. You are right about that Winchester why they cost 7 fortunes I have no idea. Let us know what you get.

Slamfire · « **Reply #11 on:** June 22, 2005, 06:41:33 PM »

Well I just happen to think the Ruger is the best lookin' rifle made in the good ol' US of A.

Zachary · « **Reply #12 on:** June 23, 2005, 05:00:58 AM »

For me it's not even a close call - Remington M7 in stainless with a synthetic stock in 7mm-08 - the ultimate whitetail deer cartridge out to about 250 yards - where 95% of all shots on whitetails are taken.

Zachary

De41mag · « **Reply #13 on:** June 24, 2005, 07:03:40 PM »

I've had a Model 7FS since 1989 in 7mm-08.
It's taken many deer using the Rem. 120gr. HP.
Right now it has on it a Leupold 2.5X8X36. But for years it had a Leupold 6X fixed power. It shoots MOA with Speer 130gr. SPBT and the Rem 120gr. load.
I've also got a Ruger Compact in 7mm-08 that was my late fathers.
It would not shoot any factory load worth a hoot. Spent over $100.00 on the factory stuff to no avail. Then started reloading for it using the Sierra 120gr. SP and IMR-4064. It now shoots MOA using that load.
They both are great rifles, The Ruger has the edge in the trigger area, right from the factory.
But overall the Remington gets my vote for best in accuracy for factory and handloads.

Dennis

Coalminer7 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 25, 2005, 05:12:40 AM »

De41Mag
Could I ask what powder you use for the Speer 130, mine will
not shoot them well, have a bunch

De41mag · « **Reply #15 on:** June 25, 2005, 10:39:27 AM »

Coalminer7;

I used H-414 with a mag primer for years, very good results. But latley I've been using IMR-4064 with standard primers and getting MOA accuracy as well. Both powders work great for me, using the Speer 130gr. bullet.
Hope this helps. :wink:

Dennis

cal sibley · « **Reply #16 on:** July 08, 2005, 12:22:57 PM »

I have a Browning Micro-medallion in .308Win. It weighs in at 6.0lbs., and has a short, thin 20" barrel. It kicks like a mule. I was shocked that a .308 could recoil like that. It was a pretty rascal, but the front end now looks like I used it for fungo practice from jumping out of the front rest at the range so often. I put a Pachmyer Decelerator pad on it, and that tamed it enough for me to shoot fairly decent groups with it, about 1" (5 at 100yds.). I think a lot of shooters are shocked when they buy these lightweight rifles to find they can be brutes. Mind you it's not bad in the field. We don't usually feel the recoil when shooting at an animal anyway, but oh it's a beast at the range. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

pastorp · « **Reply #17 on:** July 09, 2005, 06:49:41 PM »

huntingguy, I have a rem.#7 in 260. Mine really settled down to less than MOA groups after I freefloated the barrel and went to 140gr rem core-locks. maybe this would help yours. Regards, Byron

7mm MAGNUM · « **Reply #18 on:** July 10, 2005, 03:47:44 PM »

Without a doubt,... the Remington Model 7

kenscot · « **Reply #19 on:** July 21, 2005, 04:12:26 AM »

Make mine a browning micro in 7mm-08[/url]

7mm MAGNUM · « **Reply #20 on:** July 21, 2005, 09:16:08 AM »

Quote from: kenscot

Make mine a browning micro in 7mm-08

Hmmmm,... didn't recall seeing a Browning listed in the original choices. :?

Buckeye · « **Reply #21 on:** July 21, 2005, 03:49:50 PM »

I've got two that i think are tops I'll post pic.s tomorrow,aSporterixed Swede, 20in. barrel and a sporterized vZ24,in 8mm-06 20in. Barrel..

Buckeye · « **Reply #22 on:** July 22, 2005, 05:21:47 PM »

Heres Pic. of my vZ 24 8mm-06 with Fagian Monte - carlo stock ,Its a top shelf job , as you can see as compared to th 336 35 Rem. how compact this powerhouse is. The carbine has Redfeild Bases, Scope friendly safty, and in super great condition ,not a mark on her.

kenscot · « **Reply #23 on:** August 01, 2005, 04:00:35 PM »

Quote from: 7mm MAGNUM

Quote from: kenscot
Make mine a browning micro in 7mm-08

Hmmmm,... didn't recall seeing a Browning listed in the original choices. :?

Maybe not but it should have been!!!!

mag-check · « **Reply #24 on:** August 01, 2005, 04:27:39 PM »

My vote Ruger Ultra-light .243

kenscot · « **Reply #25 on:** August 06, 2005, 03:57:15 AM »

These were first handloads for both rifles. I am definitely considering a third.

kenscot · « **Reply #26 on:** August 06, 2005, 04:10:08 AM »

Let's try the picture again

poncaguy · « **Reply #27 on:** August 06, 2005, 01:25:50 PM »

Ruger 77 in 260 Rem.....great rifle

nico243 · « **Reply #28 on:** August 07, 2005, 03:33:49 AM »

Providing you can find one over there, I would go with either a :-
STEYR PRO-HUNTER
http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/fcb/index.php?id=108&L=1
or even more compact STEYR SCOUT
http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/fcb/index.php?id=109&L=1
:-)
or just go ridiculous :-
OKENFUSS
http://www.sportingguns.com.au/Rifles/SoShorty/SoShortymain.html

kenjs1 · « **Reply #29 on:** August 08, 2005, 10:04:00 AM »

funny but I think the compact and\or ultralight rifles seem to be the prettiest. The Ultralight (to me) is easily Rugers prettiest. The micorMedallion from Browning is a beautiful rifle - probably the prettiest of the bunch. Assuming you want the light weight for toting purposes then I would get a laminated model 7 in 260. It will be nice and rigid and less susceptible to weather. Plus- just pick one up and point with it. Terrific feeling rifle.

Poll

Of these five options, which is the best compact bolt-action rifle?

Author Topic: Best compact bolt-action rifle (Read 3740 times)