Stalking - Scout-ish rifle

Sounds good to me. For a composite stock have you considered a Bell & Carlson? I have one on a Weatherby Vanguard and one on a Kimber sporterized Swedish Mauser and like them both. I like the aluminum bedding block they have, and you have a nice choice of colors and patterns to pick from. Most of their stocks are available in more than one style, like what they call "sporter" or "varmint" configurations.

That would be an excellent choice. I have an extra Tikka 308 that I may have the barrel chopped to 18-20" instead of the factory 22.5 for just that use.

The stock that comes on it is one of the better ones. Virtually every aftermarket option is at best a lateral move and probably a downgrade. The B&C stock is going to be at least 1/2 lb, maybe as much as a full pound heavier than the factory stock and won't make it any more accurate.

And I like B&C stocks. On some rifles they are an improvement, but not in this case. You could pay $700 for a McMillan Edge and save 3-4 ounces, but still not have anything anymore accurate.

Save your money and use it for optics or ammo.

Check this out:

I like a short handy bolt action similar to the Remington Model 7.
As a lefty there is not much offered directly from the factory. So modifying a short action would be the easiest way to obtain a scout type rifle with a 18" barrel. I'm not a big fan of a barrel mounted scope.

JCooperfan1911 said:

Check this out:

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I think that is a horrible reticle others may like it

jmr40 said:

That would be an excellent choice. I have an extra Tikka 308 that I may have the barrel chopped to 18-20" instead of the factory 22.5 for just that use.

The stock that comes on it is one of the better ones. Virtually every aftermarket option is at best a lateral move and probably a downgrade. The B&C stock is going to be at least 1/2 lb, maybe as much as a full pound heavier than the factory stock and won't make it any more accurate.

And I like B&C stocks. On some rifles they are an improvement, but not in this case. You could pay $700 for a McMillan Edge and save 3-4 ounces, but still not have anything anymore accurate.

Save your money and use it for optics or ammo.

Click to expand...

save money and cut the barrel yourself. I did a bunch of them. used a chop saw squared up the cut did the crown with a brass slotted screw and valve lapping compound. they shot just as good some better.

I put together a rig along these lines based on a .308 Kimber Hunter. It is very lightweight in its out-of-the-box factory configuration.

I cut the barrel back 2" myself using a hacksaw, file, wet-or-dry and Brownells muzzle chamfer tools -- this short video shows the steps I use for doing this on a Rolling Block barrel:

https://utreon.com/v/GOSsw2JeQBQ

Here's how the Kimber looks -- the scope is a now-discontinued Weaver 1-4x, and the Bushnell TRS-25 red dot with a QD base pre-zeroed as a 'just in case' back-up sight.

Dave DeLaurant said:

I put together a rig along these lines based on a .308 Kimber Hunter. It is very lightweight in its out-of-the-box factory configuration.

I cut the barrel back 2" myself using a hacksaw, file, wet-or-dry and Brownells muzzle chamfer tools -- this short video shows the steps I use for doing this on a Rolling Block barrel:

https://utreon.com/v/GOSsw2JeQBQ

Here's how the Kimber looks -- the scope is a now-discontinued Weaver 1-4x, and the Bushnell TRS-25 red dot with a QD base pre-zeroed as a 'just in case' back-up sight.

View attachment 1093051 View attachment 1093052

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you did a real good job on the rolling block. I square the barrel with a machinist square on the side of the barrel with the rule going over the face of the cut then file it square

robin banks said:

you did a real good job on the rolling block. I square the barrel with a machinist square on the side of the barrel with the rule going over the face of the cut then file it square

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Thanks! I also used a square until I bought the Brownell's 90-degree facing cutter. It's foolproof, but requires some finishing with file and abrasive to remove the chatter marks.

If you want a close in hunting rifle why not look at a lever... peep sights are awesome for good hits...

I think a Tikka compact would make a great rifle. All the guys in my hunting club swear by them. I think I am the only one who does not own one. I have a nice Model Seven in .243 that fills the "Woods Rifle" role for me. When I think of a Woods Rifle, I am thinking about when I hunt the north Texas hardwoods. You can get point blank shots and then come onto a hay field or meadow and get some pretty long shots. The Model Seven is great for this. Having said that and taking a look at the Tikka compacts, I could see adding on in .308. I bet it would be perfect for this role.

Wolfshead said:

i have a model 94 with Skinner peeps on it and I struggle to see it well.
I’ll be 62 this fall and my eyes are acting my age unfortunately.
I’m hoping the compact will handle as well as my 94 and I’ll be able to have the benefits of a scope.

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Have you considered using a 0 or 1x optic on the rear dovetail where your current sight sits. A small light unit may work, even if it's a few hundred it may be a way cheaper option. I mention it as when I catch up in time I will be considering that route. If you want a new rifle and this is your reason disregard my previous.

jmr40 said:

That would be an excellent choice. I have an extra Tikka 308 that I may have the barrel chopped to 18-20" instead of the factory 22.5 for just that use.

The stock that comes on it is one of the better ones. Virtually every aftermarket option is at best a lateral move and probably a downgrade. The B&C stock is going to be at least 1/2 lb, maybe as much as a full pound heavier than the factory stock and won't make it any more accurate.

And I like B&C stocks. On some rifles they are an improvement, but not in this case. You could pay $700 for a McMillan Edge and save 3-4 ounces, but still not have anything anymore accurate.

Save your money and use it for optics or ammo.

Click to expand...

Also save your money and don’t chop the barrel unless you plan on room clearing.

Wolfshead said:

I just can’t bring myself to scope my 94.
Yeah, I’m one of those guys I guess….
New rifle is a benefit too!

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A small red dot or 1x is indeed an optic but I agree I don't want a scope on a lever. Sometimes I just try and offer unconsidered options.

Wolfshead said:

This is what I’ve ended up with and I’m very happy so far as it fits just what I was looking for.
Tikka T3x Lite Compact chambered in .308 Win.
Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5 x 32 BDC
I’ve replaced the bottom metal with a aluminum one from Mountain Tactical and it has a five round magazine also from Mountain Tactical
With scope weighs in at 6.5lbs unloaded
I did a spray paint job to help break up its silhouette.
I’ll be hand loading for it which is a good thing because it’s been hard finding ammunition for it.
I’ve finally been able to get a couple boxes of Hornady American Whitetail to sight it in.
View attachment 1097257

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Very nice. I'm not following the hard to find ammunition part, even Walmart is restocked

WisBorn said:

I like a short handy bolt action similar to the Remington Model 7.
As a lefty there is not much offered directly from the factory. So modifying a short action would be the easiest way to obtain a scout type rifle with a 18" barrel. I'm not a big fan of a barrel mounted scope.

Click to expand...

M7s are probably my favorite GP hunting rifle and I've got 3 of them: .223, .260Rem and .350RM which cover about all the bases I'll ever need. Last year I started on a project to "improve" my M7 in .260 (even though it was working fine as is). So I had it re-barreled with a PacNor Ultra match (Bartlein 2B profile fluted) and re-stocked in a Manners. At just over 7lbs all up, scope sling and 4 rds of 120 grain BTs. It's right about my idea of perfection for an all around whitetail rifle:




I'd like to find another M7 to customize, but they're going for outrageous prices now on the used market. I've got my M7 in .350RM being Cerakoted now and have another Manners stock on order. IF I was to build another short action carbine/rifle I'd probably go with a Defiance AN-Ti in the M7 footprint and get their Talley LW rings for it.

jmr40 said:

That would be an excellent choice. I have an extra Tikka 308 that I may have the barrel chopped to 18-20" instead of the factory 22.5 for just that use.

The stock that comes on it is one of the better ones. Virtually every aftermarket option is at best a lateral move and probably a downgrade. The B&C stock is going to be at least 1/2 lb, maybe as much as a full pound heavier than the factory stock and won't make it any more accurate.

And I like B&C stocks. On some rifles they are an improvement, but not in this case. You could pay $700 for a McMillan Edge and save 3-4 ounces, but still not have anything anymore accurate.

Save your money and use it for optics or ammo.

Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly, tikka sets the bar for injection molded stocks.