Browning ShortTrac BAR for Pig-Rig?

[TXHORNS]

Anyone have anything good or bad to say about these? I have wanted a scoped, lightweight semi-auto 308 for pig hunting for a while now. All the AR variants or FNAR's are way heavier than these and cost more. The Stalker weighs in at just 6 lbs, 10 oz. With a scope you are around 8 lbs which is about right for my taste.

Now I should add: I realize its not a Mark I or a Safari and its "Eurotrash Styling" as the browning faithfull tell me but those aren't a big issue for me. I just want an accurate, reliable and tough rifle that will allow me shots on more than one pig, 5 pigs at a time would be nice. And the weight savings is key to me.

If you have a better idea that suites my needs lay it on me. 8-9 lb rifles need not apply. Already have those.

 

[robctwo]

I have the BAR Lightweight Stalker in .308. Love it. I reload and shoot everything from 110 gr "plinkers" to 180 gr Sierras. I've only shot deer with it, but it should kill most animals in North America. Very reliable action and nice to get the 5 shots off if there are that many targets. I only kill one deer at a time. Probably should go looking for coyotes.

 

[ArmedBear]

With a scope you are around 8 lbs

I took a 6 lb. 12 oz. .30-06 Model 70 to 7 lbs. 8 oz. total with a 2-7x Leupold and Talley mounts. IMO you can really feel that half-pound in a light rig. I wouldn't resign myself to an 8 lb. gun if I could have a 7 lb. 6 oz. gun.

7 3/8 lbs. total for a quick brush gun sounds pretty good to me. It's hard to think of a reason not to do it, unless you want a BLR.

 

[TXHORNS]

I hear that about the extra 1/2 lb ArmedBear. I will go as light as I can if I get one of these, probably a scope similar to your 2-7x to keep the weight down.

I also like the BLR's, my buddy just got one in 7mm-08 and I can't wait to shoot it. Slickest action on a levergun I have ever felt. I'm pretty sold on a semi for this one though. Especially if I can come in at 7 3/8 lbs. Thats about as versatile as it gets imo.

 

[Bill_Rights]

Hey TX,
Where'd you get the 6 lbs 10 oz for the Stalker in .308?

From the BAR web page, I see:
Item Number 031008118
Nominal Weight 7 lbs. 2 oz.

Since you and ArmedBear are speaking about +/- ounces, I thought you ought to know. Or am I missing something?

 

[TXHORNS]

You are looking at the LW Stalker. I am talking about the ShortTrac Stalker:http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=002B&cat_id=031&type_id=330

Similar rifles, the ShortTrac is about a 1/2 lb lighter, different furniture, no irons and a few more plastic parts I'm told. The looks may or may not work for some, but 1/2 lb is worth noting.

 

[robctwo]

I bought mine before the shorttrac came out. I have a safari sling on it and a 3x9 scope. Don't need or use the iron sights. I have the 300WSM in the same gun with the BOSS. Just put the conventional recoil BOSS on it to remove the muzzle brake. Reduced the noise a lot and recoil is manageable.

I put a limbsaver recoil pad on the 308. Might go with that on the WSM.

My 308 likes the 150s and 165s real well. Hornady, Nosler and Speer.

I like the looks of the shorttrac. A nice scope and a few tusks hanging from the forestock and no one will think it looks too European. lol

 

[Fremmer]

I've often thought that a shortTrac in .243 would make a great woods gun.

 

[TXHORNS]

Ha - I like where your head's at robctwo - some tusks will really spice it up.

I might still be able to find a LW Stalker. I will search the shops and shows in my area and try to play with both before I decide. Either way I am pretty excited about picking one of these up.