Looking for ideas on a compact deer rifle

[The_Dinkmaster]

This has probably been asked a million times on here, but I’m looking for ideas to get a light, compact deer rifle I can use hunting whitetail in the Eastern big woods. Something like the Q Fix is the idea.

Here’s the caveat: not looking to break the bank. Spending $1500-$2k on this kind of rifle seems silly just to pack around after 120 inch whitetail that I’m probably going to shoot sub 100 yards.

I’ve thought about using the AR platform and using something like a 6.5 Grendel with a short barrel and foldable stock, but I’m a little hesitant using that round. Just not convinced it has the “oomph” needed, even at distances around 100 yards or less.

Anyway, I know there are a lot of experts here, so just looking for ideas or opinions on what a practical solution to this would be. I have a disability, so a lighter, compact deer rifle would be huge for me. Thanks.

 

[omicron1792]

Tikka stainless 223 cut to 16-18” and threaded with suppressor.

 

[Dave0317]

Tikka Compact in 223 or 243 would be the easiest lightest cheapest option.

If you really like the AR platform, then whatever AR rifle you trust in 5.56 or 6 ARC. Shoot the 77 TMK in the AR or the 108 ELD M in the 6 ARC. Plenty for deer.

I’ve carried the AR pretty dang extensively, and I like it a lot for its intended use. But I find I enjoy a light sleek bolt rifle like the Tikka a lot more in the deer woods. So I’d strongly push you that direction, and agree with omicron above.

 

[justinspicher]

If I were on your shoes I’d stick with the AR in 556/223 and go shoot everything I could.

 

[IAm_Not_Lost]

If you want the Q Fix sort of look, without the price tag, try the Savage 110 PCS. Comes in an array of calibers. Add a folding pistol brace, and boom, you’re done.

 

[Chris in TN]

1) A 16" AR carbine in 5.56 with decent ammo has all the 'oomph' you'd need for moose, much less whitetail.

2) You can get a CVA Scout single shot, stainless threaded model, for around $500 and even with a 20" barrel you'd have a very short, handy rifle that would absolutely be wonderful for use at whitetail distances. I bought one for my kids several years ago. I wouldn't buy the same chambering again (.350 legend) but I'd buy another Scout (in a different caliber) in a heartbeat and likely will do so one day. They aren't the last word in precision rifles but they are far more than you need for deer, and mine shoots as well as a lot of bolt guns.

 

[BradArnett]

AR in 223/556. I shoot a lot deer sub 100yds in big woods. My favorite do it all riife is my 16" suppressed 223. But I also use an ar pistol in 300blk w7.5"barrel. That pistol is like 28" oal w/a 6" can on the end. Its very handy in the woods

 

[TaperPin]

This has probably been asked a million times on here, but I’m looking for ideas to get a light, compact deer rifle I can use hunting whitetail in the Eastern big woods. Something like the Q Fix is the idea.

Here’s the caveat: not looking to break the bank. Spending $1500-$2k on this kind of rifle seems silly just to pack around after 120 inch whitetail that I’m probably going to shoot sub 100 yards.

I’ve thought about using the AR platform and using something like a 6.5 Grendel with a short barrel and foldable stock, but I’m a little hesitant using that round. Just not convinced it has the “oomph” needed, even at distances around 100 yards or less.

Anyway, I know there are a lot of experts here, so just looking for ideas or opinions on what a practical solution to this would be. I have a disability, so a lighter, compact deer rifle would be huge for me. Thanks.

Of course if you’ve always wanted a certain gun it’s worth buying just to try it out if it’s practical or not. One thing short range shooters sometimes under estimate is the comfort of hand carrying different stock styles. Timber or short range rifles need to be in hand an awful lot and a rifle that’s always slung on a shoulder will cost lost animals. At the balance point of a traditional bolt gun with floor plate it’s comfortable to wrap one hand under while walking and you’re still ready for quick action. If you’re in a stand it probably doesn’t matter.

 

[SloppyJ]

You sound like you hunt in similar stuff to me. The 16" Tikka 223 will work but I dont love it if the deer dont drop. There's no blood trail and ive tested it on multiple animals.

I think a 18" 6 creed or 6arc would work better for you. Even a 8 twist tikka 243. The easy button could be a tikka 6.5 creed cut down and threaded for a suppressor.

 

[JBradley500]

I'm as big of a weirdo when it comes to modern/modular/custom rifles as you'll find, but you may want to look at Winchester Model 94. They're handier than hell and classic.

 

[Hschweers]

Lever action 30-30. Or 45-70 if you want more “oomph”. Short, light, reliable for sub 100y shots. Take your pick on make/model based on budget. I did this same exercise this summer and ended up with the Rossi R95 in 30-30 for ~$750. Put an 11oz 2-7x33 scope on it. Around 1 1/4” gun at 100y with fusions or partitions.

I’m in the east and hunt woods over fields 95% of the time. Got tired of toting back a bigger gun and realized any shot I’ll take is 80y or closer. 30-30 should work great for that

 

[AntelopeEater]

Why not get a Thompson Contender?

I just bought one in .223 Remington gently used for $550, included an already mounted Leopold pistol scope, chest holster, 14" barrel.

They are made to have easily interchangeable barrels and you can easily switch from one caliber/cartridge to another.

But a bunch of people on this site promote using .223 for everything.

Lighter than any rifle. Way under your budget as well.

 

[Chris in TN]

Why not get a Thompson Contender?

I just bought one in .223 Remington gently used for $550, included an already mounted Leopold pistol scope, chest holster, 14" barrel.

They are made to have easily interchangeable barrels and you can easily switch from one caliber/cartridge to another.

But a bunch of people on this site promote using .223 for everything.

Lighter than any rifle. Way under your budget as well.

If I could walk into a store and get a t/c carbine at a reasonable price, I probably would.

 

[Ringbill27]

Midwayusa has a CVA scout 20” threaded in 308win and many other cartridges for around $350 that I’ve been eyeing up for quite awhile.

 

[Rich M]

I've got a Ruger American Ranch Rifle in 350 Legend that fits your bill.

 

[BBob]

Howa Mini. If you want a compact stock buy a barreled action from Brownells and put it in an MDT Oryx chassis with collapsible stock. Low ish cost for the combo.

 

[Presswood_936]

I have the fix , and I have a compact 12.5” 6. Grendel and I love them but If I was you I’d get a tikka roughtech ranch in 308

 

[35WhelenAI]

Yes, it has been asked a million times and you've already gotten close to a million different answers. Lol.

 

[willtim]

My big woods rifle is a trued Rem 700 action with a 20 inch Proof carbon barrel in an AG Composite Privateer stock. Timney trigger. 7mm-08. Shoots one hole groups with 140 AB's.

 

[mtnbound]

This has probably been asked a million times on here, but I’m looking for ideas to get a light, compact deer rifle I can use hunting whitetail in the Eastern big woods. Something like the Q Fix is the idea.

Here’s the caveat: not looking to break the bank. Spending $1500-$2k on this kind of rifle seems silly just to pack around after 120 inch whitetail that I’m probably going to shoot sub 100 yards.

I’ve thought about using the AR platform and using something like a 6.5 Grendel with a short barrel and foldable stock, but I’m a little hesitant using that round. Just not convinced it has the “oomph” needed, even at distances around 100 yards or less.

Anyway, I know there are a lot of experts here, so just looking for ideas or opinions on what a practical solution to this would be. I have a disability, so a lighter, compact deer rifle would be huge for me. Thanks.

In an AR platform a 223 or 6ARC would be great. In a bolt gun again anything in 223 or 6ARC with a Howa Mini in 6ARC being a good option. Also a 243 with a faster twist is also a good option.