Lightest weight production rifle under $600?

[Macchina]

I'm everyway looking for a lightweight and compact deer rifle. Last year I got the Marlin 1894 CSBL in 357 Magnum. It's compact but still about 7 pounds after adding a lightweight scope.

Any rifles out there under 5 pounds for a decent price? I'm not looking for super stiff high tech stocks or carbon fiber barrels. Something like the Ruger American Compact and Ranch come in right at 6 pounds, anything go a pound lighter?

I don't mind hunting with 223 or other light cartridges. Thinking about adding 300 BO or 350 Legend to the stable but haven't yet...

 

[troy fairweather]

You can find the kimber hunters in the high 6s.

 

[gotboostvr]

A 44mag, or 45LC carbine would be lighter than the 357. Larger bore, with the same outside diameter barrel means less metal.

You could always have the magazine tube cut to half length, and hollow out the buttstock some. A good peep sight weighs less than a scope too.

 

[ECVMatt]

Used Ruger 77/357....I think they run around 5.5 lbs. I have one and it shoots really well. It is almost too light for me.

 

[Mosin Bubba]

16" Rossi 92s are listed at 4.8 lbs unloaded and sell for about $550 new.

 

[LoonWulf]

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product...415003516/cz+527+762x39+synthetic+carbine+185 also available in .223 and suppressor ready configurations with shorter barrels and no sights.
They are a little on the heavier side, as compared to PCCs, but the intermediate cartridges offer a bit more range.

 

[earlthegoat2]

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product...415003516/cz+527+762x39+synthetic+carbine+185 also available in .223 and suppressor ready configurations with shorter barrels and no sights.
They are a little on the heavier side, as compared to PCCs, but the intermediate cartridges offer a bit more range.

I couldn’t find if that one also comes in 6.5 Grendel. If it did that would be a great featherweight option with a bit more horsepower than .223.

 

[troy fairweather]

I couldn’t find if that one also comes in 6.5 Grendel. If it did that would be a great featherweight option with a bit more horsepower than .223.

Don't think they make the carbine in 6.5G yet. Tho maybe with the steel case ammo out now maybe they will.

 

[LoonWulf]

I couldn’t find if that one also comes in 6.5 Grendel. If it did that would be a great featherweight option with a bit more horsepower than .223.

Don't think they make the carbine in 6.5G yet. Tho maybe with the steel case ammo out now maybe they will.

I was cruising czs site, and they have it listed under the supressor ready variant of the American, which has the shorter 16.5" tube.

 

[troy fairweather]

I was cruising czs site, and they have it listed under the supressor ready variant of the American, which has the shorter 16.5" tube.

Nothing with sight I don't think. If they come out with some sp or hp steel 6.5G Then I'd definitely have to get one lol.

 

[Chuck R.]

I just took delivery of a REM M7 SS in .223 with 20" tube that weighs 5lbs, 11.6 ounces for $620.

Total weight with HS Precision stock, Talley LW mounts and Leupold VX3i 3.5-10x40 is just over 7lbs. The HS Precision stock is 10 ounces heavier than the factory, so with the factory stock you'd have no issue staying under 7lbs "out the door".

I've got the same rifle in .260REM that weighs slightly less due to the larger chamber and bore.

 

[jmr40]

I chased lightweight rifles from the 1970's until about 10 years ago. I tend to hunt in some pretty rugged steep country and most of the options back then were going to be 9-10 lbs scoped. I wouldn't want to carry a pistol caliber carbine at 7 lbs. But 7 lbs is a pretty good place to be with an all around rifle. I have a 5 lb Kimber and while it is a joy to carry I don't use it as often as I do rifles a bit heavier. You CAN go too light.

I won't recommend a specific model, but just say that there are lots of bolt guns in 308 class cartridges that weigh just over 6 lbs. You can keep them right at 7 lbs scoped if you choose the scope and mounts carefully. That is a good weight to work with. Heavy enough to shoot well without being a handicap in rugged terrain. And you're not limited to just deer size game at woods ranges.

 

[Huntolive]

I think you're starting with the wrong premise
1 lb isn't going to make or break your hunt
I'd seriously check out a Tikka t3 lite in 308 especially if you can find a used one they're fantastic rifles with amazing triggers. Heck I might even consider selling you mine but I feel like I was betraying an old friend it's put so much meat on my table in a short amount of time.
Also check out the Ruger American compact 243 it's a hell of a rifle for the money and a tiny little sucker but you could definitely hunt deer and even turkey with it as well as coyotes etc