Lightest threaded barrel .22

[Nickaballison]

Was backpack elk hunting this week and ran into approx 20 grouse throughout the week. Didn’t take any due to firearm noise. Recently received my suppressor for .22LR and want a light weight rifle to take with for next elk season. This would help a ton for food supply on the backpack trip. I have a 10/22 already but seems too heavy. What’s a good collapsible / super lite .22lr threaded barrel option? Thanks!

 

[TheM1DoesMyTalking]

I am setting up a .22 Savage Rascal for my kids for use as a light weight rabbit and grouse getter.

I bought a Rascal Minimalist because it is their only model that has the light profile barrel, iron sights, and is threaded. All features that I wanted compared to the heavy barrel, optics required models or the light but un-threaded models.

In the laminated wood Minimalist stock it weighs 3 lb 6 oz. I called Savage and ordered the standard synthetic stock for $22. Swapping stocks reduced the weight by 8 oz so now it's 2 lb 14 oz. I have a 2 oz Mercy Pluto in jail thanks to @Cameron.25 's recommendation and review on this forum. That will bring it to 3 lbs total.

The Rascal has a short LOP, so depending on your build it may be too small to be practical for you. I have seen 3rd party stock extensions are available that could make it fit you better without adding too much weight.

Are you hunting solo or is someone else with you who could use the rifle? I'm not sure I would carry two rifles on a backcountry hunt, even one this light. Have you considered a suppressed 22LR pistol?

 

[justinspicher]

Why not go with a pistol in 22lr? I take mine whenever I am headed to the woods and it has taken tons of grouse and rabbits. Way lighter than a rifle.

 

[ironman69]

The Tac Sol fluted barrel is very light weighted and accurate for its purpose.

 

[CoosaBasinBum]

Chiappa Little Badger would be a good option too.

 

[Nickaballison]

I am setting up a .22 Savage Rascal for my kids for use as a light weight rabbit and grouse getter.

I bought a Rascal Minimalist because it is their only model that has the light profile barrel, iron sights, and is threaded. All features that I wanted compared to the heavy barrel, optics required models or the light but un-threaded models.

In the laminated wood Minimalist stock it weighs 3 lb 6 oz. I called Savage and ordered the standard synthetic stock for $22. Swapping stocks reduced the weight by 8 oz so now it's 2 lb 14 oz. I have a 2 oz Mercy Pluto in jail thanks to @Cameron.25 's recommendation and review on this forum. That will bring it to 3 lbs total.

The Rascal has a short LOP, so depending on your build it may be too small to be practical for you. I have seen 3rd party stock extensions are available that could make it fit you better without adding too much weight.

Are you hunting solo or is someone else with you who could use the rifle? I'm not sure I would carry two rifles on a backcountry hunt, even one this light. Have you considered a suppressed 22LR pistol?

I am setting up a .22 Savage Rascal for my kids for use as a light weight rabbit and grouse getter.

I bought a Rascal Minimalist because it is their only model that has the light profile barrel, iron sights, and is threaded. All features that I wanted compared to the heavy barrel, optics required models or the light but un-threaded models.

In the laminated wood Minimalist stock it weighs 3 lb 6 oz. I called Savage and ordered the standard synthetic stock for $22. Swapping stocks reduced the weight by 8 oz so now it's 2 lb 14 oz. I have a 2 oz Mercy Pluto in jail thanks to @Cameron.25 's recommendation and review on this forum. That will bring it to 3 lbs total.

The Rascal has a short LOP, so depending on your build it may be too small to be practical for you. I have seen 3rd party stock extensions are available that could make it fit you better without adding too much weight.

Are you hunting solo or is someone else with you who could use the rifle? I'm not sure I would carry two rifles on a backcountry hunt, even one this light. Have you considered a suppressed 22LR pistol?

Thanks for the good info, I will check out the rascal minimalist. I also am hesitant about a second rifle backcountry. Really open to what ever is effective and quiet, don’t wanna spook the elk back there.

I had thought about a .22 pistol, however I am new to the suppressed world and from what I have heard so far the .22 pistol suppressed is still super loud. Am I wrong in thinking this? I haven’t purchased a threaded pistol yet so I haven’t heard it first hand. My only point of reference so far is my 10/22 with subsonic ammo, holding the bolt shut the only sound I hear is the target impact.

 

[Nickaballison]

Chiappa Little Badger would be a good option too.

I had seen the Chiapas little badger and thought that would be a decent option. Does its construction feel robust enough to last, from the photos it looks like it might be flimsy.

 

[ACHILLES]

Weighs 4.1lbs with threaded 16” bbl

Tactical Rancher - 16" Barrel | 22 Magnum & 22 LR | Heritage

The Heritage Rancher Carbine .22 LR is a classic blend of style & precision. It's finished with walnut stock & a top mounted picatinny rail for optics. Shop now!

heritagemfg.com

Ruger 10/22 backpacker is 4.2lbs
With threaded 16” bbl

Ruger® 10/22® 10/22 Takedown® Autoloading Rifle Model 31152

ruger.com

 

[SloppyJ]

I'd take my TX-22 as quickly as I'd take my son's rascal and one is much more portable.

 

[StupidLightweight]

This is the lightest rifle I'm aware of: https://rutalocura.com/?page_id=5953

However, I feel a pistol variant would be superior, primarily due to size. I've been playing recently with "cheek pistols," which forgo a stock and instead stabilize with both hands and cheek contact. They look goofy, but for a compact small-game getter, KeTec's CP33 with a tall red dot (1.93") and suppressor is hard to beat. It'll be a bit louder than a bolt-action due to the semiauto nature but still quiet enough for use while elk hunting.

As for weight, this isn't as feathery as the Ruta Locura, but I bet it weighs less than 2.5 pounds, is a fraction of the size, just as accurate at grouse distances, and holds 33 rounds of .22LR.