Lightest centerfire rifle?

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mountaindrew

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In the interst of lightweight backpacking, I am looking for the lightest possible rifle of a respectable caliber (no.22lr need apply) My current rifle for the task is a marlin 1894cp in .357 the weighs just under 6lb. When was shopping for it, it was the lightest and most compact package I could find, but I would like anyone elses take on what is the absolute lightest rifle they have/ have used.

The only rilfe I have seen any lighter are the Rossi break open models, but they all come with a 23inch barrel (too long to be handy) and that would require some gunsmithing to shorten.

Any Ideas?
 
I've always been a bolt-action guy. So, I've only looked in that category.

I bought a Rem 700 Ti in 7mm08. Bare, it's 5-1/4 pounds. With sling, ammo and a Weaver V3 it totaled 6-1/4. I've since gone to a Leupold 3x9, so it's probably around 6-1/2.

Art
 


The LOP would likely be uncomfortably short, but it would certainly be light and compact. 33" total length, breaks down, 20" barrel, and around 5 pounds.

Or maybe something like this:
 
Yeah, a handi rifle with synthetic stock would be real light. Though, to be honest, I can't imagine regular backpacking with a rifle. With every mile, even a 6 pound rifle will be all the heavier. Plus, you don't want to sling it over your shoulder because that would ruin your balance, forcing you to rig a method of attaching it to your frame, preferably in the center. Hunting is one thing, of course, but plane-jane on the trail hiking cause you want to enjoy the mountains a put some miles behind you is something else. If you are worried about bears, then, well, you need to have a rifle I suppose, and any good bolt gun with a short sporter barrel and a synthetic stock, particularly in .308 or so, would be best (though I would rather not have to shoot a bear with a .308). But, for general protection, a decent handgun would what I would carry (though I don't carry when hiking). I suppose that would depend on the trails you plan on taking, whether handguns are allowed.

Ash
 
Ruger M77 Ultralight. I've been wanting one for a while, in .257 Roberts or maybe .260 Remington. I think that would fit the bill. I'm not sure it's the absolute lightest, it's probably not, but for a non-single shot, non-custom shop rifle, it's pretty light (I think 6lbs or so?).
 
Here is a lightweight take down switch barrel rifle
the kifaru lightweight
ramblri3.jpg
The Kifaru Rambling Rifle is the perfect instrument for discriminating hunters. Its radical, racy design and flyweight handling is a direct result of Kifaru's philosophy of sustainable, successful back country hunting with complete mobility. Form with function, lighter weight means faster, leaner travel, a more comfortable hunt and complete control with switchbarrel convenience - all at just 3 3/4 pounds! (includes scope base)

riflanat.jpg
 
Bushmaster Carbon-15 3.9lbs

another option would be the Kel-Tec SU-16 at 5.0lbs, you might appreciate the folding ability.
 
Mountaindrew,

Springfield's (CZ made) M-6 Scout combo rifle is right at 4 lbs. It's a break open, single shot. It comes apart with a pin and can be stored easily in a pack. You can order the one with the .22 Hornet top barrel. It comes in either .22lr top/ .410 bottom or .22 Hornet top/ .410 bottom. They also make them in stainless. I read recently that they've come out with a new design that also gives you a rifled .45 barrel on the bottom instead of the standard .410 smooth bore.

I have the .22LR/.410 and like it a lot.
 
I hadn't seen that new m-6 with the pistol grip and folding stock! A .22hornet/.45 lc combo would cover most situations, I think. and only 36 oz for one of the models. I will have to check one of those out soon.

Do you think you can still fire .410 shell in the barrels chambered for .45 lc?

Also, I will have to look at .22 hornet balistics, but I bet it would be great for jackrabbits and other small mountain game.

To answer a preveious sceptic about carrying a rifle, my desire to do so stems directly from my inaccuracy with a handgun. After atepmting a little small game hunting with my various handguns, I have decided that it wouldnt be prudent for me to carry one if I actually planned on using a gun to shoot critters.
 
Ultra Light Arms makes one that's only 4.75 lbs.
That's even less than the 700 Ti.

I don't know what calibers you're looking for, but if 9mm and 40S&W would work then you could go with the Kel-Tec SUB 2000.
It's a folding carbine that weighs only 4 lbs.
 
I think the foldability of an SU-16 would make it top on my list. The foldability and the large capacity magazines would be great, I think.
Click to expand...

Weighs just 5 lbs too.
 
"Do you think you can still fire .410 shell in the barrels chambered for .45 lc?"

I don't know. You could email SA and find out. I think if shotshell did fit the .45LC chamber that you could fire it, but you'd probably lead up the rifling. BTW, you can shoot slugs out of the .410 bore.

I've had my standard M6 for about 6 years. It has it's limits, but I wouldn't trade for any gun I have. At least for the same money. It (and a .22 short) can pop a squirrel regularly with it at 30 yards. At sixty yards it (and a CC Minimag) also can dispatch a medium sized stray dog who thinks it's a good idea to chew on your stock animals. I bet the Hornet would be a good round. Reloadable too.
 
Another vote for Kifaru's 'Rambling Rifle'

Ugly as all get out, but the whole website is dedicated to getting way out to where the big game roams. They offer tent, stoves, rifles and backpacks. They also have a message board that is pretty interesting too.
None of their gear is cheap, but I don't think I've ever heard anyone bitch about their quality.
 
There was a guy on AR15.com who had a lightweight AR build, and just barely got it under 4 lbs. Of course, he custom skeletonized some stuff, but hey, whatever works.
 
i have a savage in 250-3000 that weighs about 5 lbs. called a model 20 oh yeah they quit making in about 1934 or so 22 inch barrel and peepsight and no it is not for sale.
 
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