Sub $1K 'light weight' rifle options

[blackpowderhunter]

Looking to pick up a new "light weight" (sub 7 lb) rifle for backpack hunting in the sub $1,000 price range.
A few of the rifles currently on my radar include
1. Weatherby Back Country
2. Tikka t3 lite
3. Remington 700 Mountain SS

The rifle will most likely be a 30-06.
The tikka t3 was always my front runner, but if you are going to replace the stock, you basically creep into weatherby price range as I have found them online for right about 1k.

I have researched the tikka t3 to death and have been darn close to picking one up the last few trips to the lgs, but always like to weigh all of my options.

Is there any reason to go with the weatherby or remington over the tikka? Or are there any other options i am over looking?
I understand the weatherby will weigh a tad more, but it also comes with, in theory, a nicer stock, and it has a 24 inch vs 22 inch barrel.
Appreciate anyone's opinions

 

[robtattoo]

Does that grand include scope purchase or bare rifle only?

I'm really tempted to say the Savage 11 or 16 Lightweight Hunter. The 11 is available in .30-06, the 16 isn't but is all stainless & they've got it in .270 & a few less shekels. Both are around the 5¾lb mark & cost $6-700. There's not much comes close to the weight (if you're really counting ounces) for the price.

But there again, I'm a huge Savage fanboy......

 

[blackpowderhunter]

1K is for bare rifle only.
I have also peeked around at the savages, but I would like to stick with at least a 22'' barrel.

 

[Nalgene]

MDT chassis are an interesting light stock choice.

 

[Mr Drysdale]

I am looking also. Browning X Bolt is on my list along with the Tikka. I'm looking at 7RM and 300WM.

 

[DoubleDown]

MDT chassis are an interesting light stock choice.

Yes it is super lightweight for sniper build system.
Chassis 1.6lb 399$
AR15 butt stock and adapter 1.5lb 70$
Howa barreled action 5.75 lb 500$
So total 8.85lb 970$. That's not what he looking for

 

[elkguide]

I'd spend a little bit more and get a 6 pound Kimber Montana.

 

[DoubleDown]

So if you don't mine rifle weight around 6lb you can step up and build your own.
Rem 700 action 38 oz 450$
Douglas barrel 40oz 320$
HTC stock 20oz 330$
Bedding material 2oz 10$
6lb 4oz rifle 1110$

 

[luke moffat]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=546121175

This isn't an anomaly either. I picked up my wife's Kimber Montana in 308 which is 5 pounds 2 oz for $850-$875 range. Nothing else can come close to that sub $1k.

Or you can do like the post above and spend $100+ more and end up with a rifle that is 20% heavier. Really depends on what your goal is.

 

[gelton]

I have the weatherby backcountry and I chose it over the Tikka simply because it didnt have a detachable mag and I could reload ammo longer than spec. Also, if you are able to find one for less than 1K I would be all over it.

 

[GKPrice]

I'd spend a little bit more and get a 6 pound Kimber Montana.

You're looking for a lightweight '06 for "under a grand"? Tikka superlight and don't waste any more time - A lot of folks here replace the Tikka stock and I'm not knocking that move BUT there is nothing functionally wrong with the Tikka T3 stock so for $699 you can have a very lightweight 22" barreled SS rifle (with a good scope mounting system if you do AS DIRECTED when mounting the scope) end of discussion, and they shoot

NOW, if you want a really lightweight, really functional 30.06 that's quite a bit lighter in weight and has a KEVLAR stock out of the shute then spend a FEW bucks more and go for the Kimber Montana ... 24" barrel, 3 function safety, VERY good trigger and stainless 5lb 10oz ain't nothin' to sneeze at Why waste any more time ?

 

[dotman]

Probably won't find it but if you can find a Forbes 30-06 it weighs in at 5lbs 8oz. But doubt you find one for $1k. I'd go with a Kimber Montana in that price range.

 

[mtnwrunner]

You're looking for a lightweight '06 for "under a grand"? Tikka superlight and don't waste any more time - A lot of folks here replace the Tikka stock and I'm not knocking that move BUT there is nothing functionally wrong with the Tikka T3 stock so for $699 you can have a very lightweight 22" barreled SS rifle (with a good scope mounting system if you do AS DIRECTED when mounting the scope) end of discussion, and they shoot

This is right on. ^^^^^^^^ The T3 in an OH SIX is an absolute great choice. And last year, I bought two, one for myself and one for my brother and improved them. Superbly accurate and a great backpacking rifle. I know there are a lot of guys dissing the factory stock but they work. These both shoot right at half and inch and my brothers shoots just over 2 inches at 500 yards with handloads.

Randy

 

[rayporter]

if you dont want to build, here is another.

http://www.arkansashunting.net/showthread.php?t=205682

 

[BigSky]

You're looking for a lightweight '06 for "under a grand"? Tikka superlight and don't waste any more time - A lot of folks here replace the Tikka stock and I'm not knocking that move BUT there is nothing functionally wrong with the Tikka T3 stock so for $699 you can have a very lightweight 22" barreled SS rifle (with a good scope mounting system if you do AS DIRECTED when mounting the scope) end of discussion, and they shoot

NOW, if you want a really lightweight, really functional 30.06 that's quite a bit lighter in weight and has a KEVLAR stock out of the shute then spend a FEW bucks more and go for the Kimber Montana ... 24" barrel, 3 function safety, VERY good trigger and stainless 5lb 10oz ain't nothin' to sneeze at Why waste any more time ?

These are my thoughts exactly.

 

[jr87mustang]

I am looking also. Browning X Bolt is on my list along with the Tikka. I'm looking at 7RM and 300WM.

Just went through this exact exercise myself. My buddy and I went with the Browning X-bolt in Creedmoor for $850 or so and weighing in at around 6.3 pounds. His is a tack driver, haven't gotten my out to the range yet but expect the same. The bolt is sweet with the 60 degree throw and thumb lock, and the barrel is already glass bedded. Best recoil pad I have used as well. Really don't see why more is not said about them.

 

[camping1601]

It's hard to beat the Tikka T3-lite with Tally rings. It's just a good gun for the money.

 

[tarheelpwr]

Tikka is replacing the T3 with the new T3x. There may be some great deals to be had soon on legacy models.

 

[Josh Wright]

Check out the Browning xbolt hells canyon speed

 

[bow_hunt32]

Looking to pick up a new "light weight" (sub 7 lb) rifle for backpack hunting in the sub $1,000 price range.
A few of the rifles currently on my radar include
1. Weatherby Back Country
2. Tikka t3 lite
3. Remington 700 Mountain SS

The rifle will most likely be a 30-06.
The tikka t3 was always my front runner, but if you are going to replace the stock, you basically creep into weatherby price range as I have found them online for right about 1k.

I have researched the tikka t3 to death and have been darn close to picking one up the last few trips to the lgs, but always like to weigh all of my options.

Is there any reason to go with the weatherby or remington over the tikka? Or are there any other options i am over looking?
I understand the weatherby will weigh a tad more, but it also comes with, in theory, a nicer stock, and it has a 24 inch vs 22 inch barrel.
Appreciate anyone's opinions

I realize this is an old post but after a quick search it popped up as i am in the same boat as you right now. What did you end up with? I currently have the Vanguard backcountry in 300 win mag but am considering buying a T3x in 300 win mag and dropping it in a Mesa Altitude carbon stock. Should i just keep the backcountry or jump to the tikka and mesa stock?