Best non custom mountain rifle

[Dobermann]

Sooo ... a few years down the track for this thread ...

What are the good options of all the above for lefties? I'd been curious about trying out a Ruger Scout for its general versatility, but now wondering about something more specialised ... but it's frustrating just how many models don't offer an LH version!

 

[mtnwrunner]

Sooo ... a few years down the track for this thread ...

What are the good options of all the above for lefties? I'd been curious about trying out a Ruger Scout for its general versatility, but now wondering about something more specialised ... but it's frustrating just how many models don't offer an LH version!

I have a ruger scout, lefty and in 308........very nice and accurate. And you are correct in the availability for lefties although there are some good options which this thread articulates. I still use and highly recommend the tikka t3 lite for a mountain rifle. Light, superbly accurate and it just works.

Randy

 

[NDGuy]

Sooo ... a few years down the track for this thread ...

What are the good options of all the above for lefties? I'd been curious about trying out a Ruger Scout for its general versatility, but now wondering about something more specialised ... but it's frustrating just how many models don't offer an LH version!

Basically outside of custom you have:

Tikka T3/T3X Lite, T3X Hunter, T3X CTR
Browning Xbolt and Browning Micro Midas Xbolt
Remington 700 SPS
Savage Axis, 11/111, and 16/116
Ruger FTW Hunter, Gunscout, Guide Gun, African and American
Weatherby Mark V

Out of this list I have been looking at the T3x (I have a T3 Lite in 30-06), Xbolt and the Savage 16.

I have really been looking at Montana Rifle Company too because You can snag those for $1000-1400.

 

[warrant]

Browning X Bolt 7 Mag


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[kcm2]

Out of the box, it's a T-3 lite and not much else for a LW mountain rifle. I spent years tweaking a Remington 700 LH in 270 until it's now at 6.5 lbs, loaded, and scoped, ready to go. So, whatever you get, if you really want a mountain rifle, just tweak something every off-season. Start with light rings and light scope, add a lightweight barrel, and then a lightweight glass stock. I could shave a couple of ounces by swapping out the scope but 6.5 lbs never gets tiring.

 

[stevevan]

I just received my Barrett Fieldcraft Light weight in 6.5 CM. Initial impressions are very good. Final judgment will be held until I can give it some trigger time. Right now it has alot going for it and could be a strong contender. In my mind at this point it's a hands down winner over what Kimber produces. Materials, workmanship very good. If it shoots the way I hope it'll be a peach of carry rifle.

 

[TonySkyline]

Basically outside of custom you have:

Tikka T3/T3X Lite, T3X Hunter, T3X CTR
Browning Xbolt and Browning Micro Midas Xbolt
Remington 700 SPS
Savage Axis, 11/111, and 16/116
Ruger FTW Hunter, Gunscout, Guide Gun, African and American
Weatherby Mark V

Out of this list I have been looking at the T3x (I have a T3 Lite in 30-06), Xbolt and the Savage 16.

I have really been looking at Montana Rifle Company too because You can snag those for $1000-1400.

I'm a huge fan of Savage as I own the model high precision long range .308 and my brother has the Savage axis. The axis is absolute garbage. Especially compared to the model 10 or 11. Mine is not the lightest because it's meant to shoot long distance and the stock and barrel are beefed up but you can change those things. I'd still go with a stainless steel or weather shield type barrel. I'd say the tc venture with weathershield barrel would be light enough and is extremely accurate in 7mm rem mag. I love mine. I would also say the tikka t3 lite is also a very smooth and lightweight rifle.

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[Brightwhite]

I just received my Barrett Fieldcraft Light weight in 6.5 CM. Initial impressions are very good. Final judgment will be held until I can give it some trigger time. Right now it has alot going for it and could be a strong contender. In my mind at this point it's a hands down winner over what Kimber produces. Materials, workmanship very good. If it shoots the way I hope it'll be a peach of carry rifle.

Ive yet to be able to find one of these. Did you have to get a local dealer to order it? Mind sharing what you paid for it...again, I have only seen the MSRP talked about in a few articles and such.

 

[rileybassman]

I'm a huge fan of Savage as I own the model high precision long range .308 and my brother has the Savage axis. The axis is absolute garbage. Especially compared to the model 10 or 11. Mine is not the lightest because it's meant to shoot long distance and the stock and barrel are beefed up but you can change those things. I'd still go with a stainless steel or weather shield type barrel. I'd say the tc venture with weathershield barrel would be light enough and is extremely accurate in 7mm rem mag. I love mine. I would also say the tikka t3 lite is also a very smooth and lightweight rifle.

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I'm a huge savage fan as well and have 3 - 2 116s and a 16LWH. My sister has an axis in 7/08, and it is far from garbage in my opinion... one of the most accurate guns out of the box I have seen - 1" groups at 200 yards - the same day it came out of the box, and with factory ammo. I don't love the stock, but it is super lightweight, so it has that going for it. For the price, I think it is a decent gun. Can always put a boyds on it, but that will add some weight. it is sub 7lbs scoped and loaded if I remember correct.

 

[TonySkyline]

Yeah I suppose it will do the job. I was shooting it next to a model 10 and a Remington 700 and their was an obvious difference there. Should not have said garbage but definitely would spend a little more and get the next level up. When they first came out as the Savage edge before changing the name to axis they were definitely worth the cheap price they were going for but I do believe you can get a much better rifle by spending $100-$200 more such as the tc venture.

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[rileybassman]

Yeah I suppose it will do the job. I was shooting it next to a model 10 and a Remington 700 and their was an obvious difference there. Should not have said garbage but definitely would spend a little more and get the next level up. When they first came out as the Savage edge before changing the name to axis they were definitely worth the cheap price they were going for but I do believe you can get a much better rifle by spending $100-$200 more such as the tc venture.

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I do agree with you about wanting the next level - which is why I bought 2 116's and a LWH... incidentally I put a B&C Medalist stock on my main 116 to improve even that stock - so i get it. It's more of a "feel" thing. It did make it heavy tho, so I have been wondering about a lightweight stock like a Manners or McMillan down the road.

It's a catch 22 for me - at the end of the day, a rifle is a tool who's primary job in my mind is accuracy... everything else become preference I guess... but it's great when accuracy, weight, feel, and sturdiness all come together

 

[frankrb3]

Stainless Synthetic Tikka T3 Lite for me. Nothing exciting about the gun but it does everything well enough as an affordable non custom mountain hunting rifle. That Barrett Fieldcraft looks awesome though.

 

[micus]

I just got a Sako finnlight, its not a 5lb "mountain" specific rifle. But its compact and beautifully made and accurate. Theres not much I could think to change on it...

 

[SkunkCabbage]

..........

 

[mcseal2]

The Barrett fieldcraft rifles are getting great reviews. Personally I'd probably look at a Browning Hells Canyon Speed for a factory gun. I like a 3 position or tang safety so that rules out the Barrett or Tikka for me. I had a Kimber 84L in 280 Ackley that I couldn't get to shoot worth a darn so it got a new barrel, now a custom 270 that shoots well. Kimber seems to be hit and miss on reviews, people either get a shooter and love it or get one that won't shoot and don't.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I just got a Sako finnlight, its not a 5lb "mountain" specific rifle. But its compact and beautifully made and accurate. Theres not much I could think to change on it...

I picked up a Sako 85 Finnlight as well, in .308. Have a Razor HD LH 2-10x40 on it...7 lb 3 oz. If I were leaving today it would be the one making the trip

 

[JustinSmith1754]

I really like my Browning Hell's Canyon X-Bolt .300 win mag. It is a good shooting gun, adjustable trigger, fluted barrel, light; and I think it looks cool

Killed my bull with it last year at 300 yards, and that made it cooler.

 

[Elkhunter777]

Tikka T3 lite. Can't beat them for the price!

 

[kparrott]

I picked up a Sako 85 Finnlight as well, in .308. Have a Razor HD LH 2-10x40 on it...7 lb 3 oz. If I were leaving today it would be the one making the trip

I have the same gun in .308 and was looking at the Razor HD LH. How's the eye relief? What rings are you using?


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[GKPrice]

Cabela's has the their version of the T3x superlight for $780 and 6.5 CM is listed as available - that's a very competitive price even compared to SW