Compact Rifle for Lady

Hi, all - new here. On the hunt for a new rifle. Must be short LOP (12.5 - 12.75), stainless and light. That rules out Tika (14 LOP) and I can't afford a NULA. I've come down to Ruger Hawkeye Compact in .308. My first choice was 7mm-08, but backordered until who knows when. Next contender is a NIB Rem 700 LSS Mountain in 7mm-08. Third contender is Lady Hunter custom ordered with stainless barrel, which would mean wait time again for special build. Bear season opens Sept. 5 and I want to have time to get dialed in on it and break bad shouldering habits from trying to use a rifle that was too big for me, so I've got to make the decision ASAP. Seems every rifle I've considered is unavailable currently. Need to jump fast on any of the ones I listed above.

I like the Hawkeye but I'm a bit leary of the muzzle blast on 16.5" barrel. The LSS has 22" barrel, but I'd have to have the stock cut down an inch, no big deal. Is that longer barrel better or is the maneuverability of the Hawkeye Compact the better choice? The LSS will probably come in about 1 pound heavier all dressed.

Any other suggestions? I also do like Marlin XS7Y, but doesn't come in stainless, so still working on husband regarding that issue. He insists on stainless barrel and preferably 7mm-08, but other than that, whatever I like and try to keep it under $1,000 all together, with spending up to $400 on scope by using some gift cards for Cabela's.

Sorry to be so long-winded. I've been reading the forums here and debates around lightweight rifles. Several have mentioned the Compact favorably. Any negatives?

The Hawkeye Compact is the updated Ruger M77 Mk II Compact, but .308 is the only caliber I've been able to find it in other than .223, and I want to kill a bear, not piss it off - LOL. Otherwise, .260 would be my next choice after 7mm-08. The Micro Hunter (or whatever they're calling it now) X-Bolt doesn't come in stainless and is impossible to find in anything but .243, although I think it does also come in 7mm-08 if I can find it online.

Oh, forgot to add, don't bother with advice on which one shoulders best, because no one in the tri-state area I've been searching in has anything in stock for a youth or compact rifle, except the Savage non-accutrigger youth model, and I didn't care for it. I want a good quality rifle, not bottom of the line, it'll do until they grow into a full size rifle, because I'm not growing other than rounder.

Has anyone trimmed down a synthetic stock? How did it work out? They don't make any aftermarket stock for Tika that I'm aware of, and a lot of gunsmiths won't cut down a laminate, although I did find one guy a few towns over. Just wondering how much it messes with balance of gun and if it looks like doggie-doo cutting down that plastic stock.

I considered the Scout, too, but I believe they're discontinued. You were lucky to find one. They have the Gunsite Scout now, but I don't like that mag that hangs down and it's only available in .308.

Oops, you're right, Chuck. I mistyped there. I was referring to they wouldn't cut down the synthetic because it's hollow. Yes, the laminate shouldn't be a problem to cut down. Unfortunately, most stainless barreled guns come with synthetic stocks.

Will be hunting black bear in uppermost northwest Wisconsin, 400 pound range, I'd say 30 - 50 yards, then whitetail in November. Thick brush mostly, although for deer I may sit on the field, which could be a 200 yard shot.