I own only one AR ..In 223 and yes I have given it thought.. 6.5 Grendel is one of the cartridges I definitely have on my list .. and I can actually build a AR for less than many bolt action riflesHave you given any thought to maybe building your own AR? with positional stock and a 16" barrel can be very compact and light.
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For a lightweight bolt action bush rifle made for trekking, not specifically a hunting rifle, with loads capable of handling many midsize issues, really hard to beat the new CZ 600 Trail in 7.62x39mm. Takes BREN 2 magazines as well. 6.1 pounds.
https://cz-usa.com/product/cz-600-trail/
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I’ e owned several Rossi / Puma 44 magnum Leverguns in the past .. even one with the big gold medallion of a cat on the receiver .. with a 16 in barrel .. light , compact.. .. but now expensive .. But Im sure the package is more capable than whats on paper… but not as capable as my 336Y in 30-30Mountains CAN mean longer ranges, but wooded areas can mean closer ranges... Hard to say what you're dealing with, but if you've been using a 30-30, I'm thinking long shots haven't been the norm. If that's the case, how about staying with the levergun platform, and going to something like a .44 mag? More shots in the tube, softer recoil, cheaper ammo, and every bit as effective within it's range. (and that range is not a lot less than the 30-30)
I am a levergun guy but I gag a little when thinking about scoping one.
This is my walkabout gun....or at least one of them.
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It is a Ruger American Ranch in 7.62x39.
I like the box magazines. I have 5, 10, and 20rd. (Mini 30 mags)
It is light, compact, accurate, threaded barrel.
Another great walkabout gun is a Savage 24 30-30 over 12 ga. (or 20ga).
You could dedicate one of your marlins with a low power scope. That would be pretty good too.
They fit CETMEs too....upside down, no less!I bought a bayonet for one and I don't even have one!
One day I will, as long as I can stop buying knives. Oh, and bayonets.
The Howa mini action Carbon Stalker in 7.62X39 (and some other short action calibers) weighs in at 4 Lbs 14 ounces pre-optic. I have one in 7.62X39, putting a Leupold VX Freedom 2-7X33 on for a light build haven’t got the scope yet. If light weight is a priority and you don’t require .308 punch I think it would be hard to beat.
Full Zoot 308 in a 6.5 -7 pound rifle won’t be much fun unless you really need it
I actually thought of that .. at that time I handloaded .. and their was a abundant supply of inexpensive 6.5x55 ammo …Lets just go back to square one ... ain't a thing wrong with 6.5 X 55 ... it comes in some nifty compact actions and the Model 96 Mauser action is still one of the best !
Add in that 18.5" barrel and you still have one of the best carbines ... think about it !
Gary