Thoughts on a Lightweight Hunter

[Marine24]

Looking to build or buy a lightweight hunting rifle with the goal of the rifle weighing in at less than 6 lbs. Caliber is 260 Remington, preferred or 7mm-08.

A few rifles come to mind. The Weatherby Ultra-light in 7mm-08 or Kimber's 84M Montana also in 7mm-08. The third option is actually build one off a Savage action in 260 Rem with a Shilen or Criterion sporter barrel.

Preference is for a 22" barrel, which gives the node to the Kimber. Weatherby comes with the 24" barrel standard. Weight advantage is the Kimber as well coming in a 5lbs 2oz, compared to the Weatherby at 5lbs 12 oz, which can be attributed to the extra barrel length.

Anyone familiar with the Kimber Montana line? Specs are impressive and controlled round feed should ensure reliable extraction and feeding. How is the accuracy? Comments I've seen seem to indicate wide differences from rifle to rifle, but they are all from about 5 years ago

[Rucker61]

The Tikka T3 Lite comes in .260 and 7mm-08, and weighs just under 6.5 pounds. With the price difference between that and the two you mentioned, you can afford some awful nice glass. I haven't see too many complaints on the out of box accuracy of the Tikka.

[Marine24]

Have the Tikka T3, along with the Savage Lightweight hunter, Rem Model 7 plus the Ruger lightweight on the short list for other models to consider but you make a good point. Is saving a 1lb of weight worth $500?

I've never owned a Tikka but know folks who have and they are generally pleased. Nice thing about the T3 light is it keeps the weight down, but still comes with a 22.5" barrel.

[Marine24]

Ended up going with Kimber 84M Classic in 7mm-08. Cabelas had a good deal on one. At 5lb 10oz with rings, it should fit the bill. Accuracy out of these rifles seem to have been spotty a few years ago, which is odd for a rifle that comes glass bedded with pillars but we'll see.

[bruceleroy]

I highly recommend the Tikka T3. They are awesome and priced right!

[Limited GM]

I'd make a killer deal on a tikka T3 in7mag. Load it down if you need less recoil. Pm me if interested.

[Marine24]

They are sweet rifles but got lucky on the Kimber 84M. Shooting 160gr Nosler Accubonds, it was printing nice 3/4" five shot groups.