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What To Get?

I want a light weight powerful rifle that I can take hiking, hunting, and backpacking. Barrel leight should be short 22" max. Light weigth 7 pounds max. The rifle has to be able to hold 4 or more rounds and be able to at least be able to kill deer elk and bears out to 150 yards. i really dont want to spend over 550 either what ive come up with so far is the tika t3 in .300 win mag, howa 1500 308 and a marlin 45/70 guidegun.
Marlin guide gun is 6.5 pounds and $450
Tika t3 lite 7 pounds and $556
Howa 1500 ranchland compact 7.14 pound and $525.
 

Beentown

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I have the Howa Target/Custom .308 and can't be happier. I can get you into a .308 1500 Lightning with Realtree camo stock with a 22" barrel for $350 plus transfer/shipping. Just let me know. The Tikka is a good gun for the money also. Not sure what length you can get them in but the "X" series from Marlin is quite light and accurate.

Beentown
 

Beentown

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Not for that price. The camo is what is on "special". For $200 cheaper I could live with Realtree ;) Just kidding you, get what you like. Just passing along what is available to me. I can get the Custom Varmint with 20" barrel but it is a bit heavier at 8.25#s.

Another "shorty" is a Ruger M77 Hawkeye with 16.5" barrel available in:

.223
.243
.308
6.8 spc
7mm-08

or 20"

300 RCM
338 RCM

$529

Beentown
 
I dont know if its a option..But on the budget end of the spectrum might be the Savage Axis...Just under 300$ no scope an just over 300$ with scope.They come in .270 WIN 30-06 SPFLD ,308 WIN ,25-06 ,REM ,243 WIN, 7MM-08 ,REM 223, REM,22-250 ,REM..Two you issues you may have with them..They only come in black stock an blue barrel..Or camo stock blue barrel only..And I dont think they come with traditional sights.Barrel length is 22inches.And total length is just under 44inches..Weight is 6.5lbs an the magazine holds 4 rounds...
 

Huckleberry Finn

Senior Member
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Yea pretty sure I wouldn't shoot a bear with a .223 or 22-250.


---

ArcherTL - sounds like you're describing a Marlin!
 

Beentown

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Sunbury, OH
Was just trying to find you something for a "deal". I am a bit of a horse trader and like some room left on a gun $ wise.

My best recommendation is to buy used. Find the exact rifle that you like then find it on the used market.

Have you tried a Ruger manufactured after the late 80's early 90's? They used to be gritty (actions) around that time period but are one of the best manufactured guns on the market imho. A bit heavy...on purpose.

Good luck in your search. If you find a good deal on something you like but it is a bit long....buy it. Take it too a local smith and have them cut and crown it for you. Not a hard task by any means. I have done it myself....I am no gunsmith :)
 
Good luck in your search. If you find a good deal on something you like but it is a bit long....buy it. Take it too a local smith and have them cut and crown it for you. Not a hard task by any means. I have done it myself....I am no gunsmith :)

Yea I didn't think of that. Thanks for your help Charles. I love the trigger and action on the tikka but I hate the stock. I really like the marlin but I making longer shots would be more difficult. I dont really care for the stock on the howa either.
 
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Beentown

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Sunbury, OH
The Marlin XS7 .308 is a GREAT budget gun IMHO. Alot of value, great accuracy, and it only weighs 6.5 pounds.

Beentown
 

hickslawns

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I have a Savage Axis which is stainless in 22-250. Black stock. Just saying, they have some other options. Not honestly sure on the weight or barrel length though off top of my head. They have a pretty good trigger, but this one does NOT have the accutrigger. Feels great in my hands. Now I need to get it dialed in along with a few others collecting dust. Working for a living and raising a family dampens the spirits when it comes to free time. Free time just doesn't exist.
 
I think we found the winner. I got my hands on a marlin X7S today. The X7 is the same action as the XS7 and XL7. I think marlin changed the model name after the new haven, CT plant closed and production started at the SC plant. The X7S (the S stands for stainless) has a nicer stock imo and a fluted bolt. From what i can tell thos are the only differences between the X7 and xl7 or xs7. The only down side is the blind mag but for $295 who can complain. The wieght is 6.5 lbs. the action is smooth the tigger is nice and it should be accurate. I really hope remington didnt screw this up
 

Beentown

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I hope not either I have a pre-Remington XS7S. It is a fine gun. That is a fine choice. Please keep us updated on how it does. Mine has done a .72 five shot group. Not bad for a 6.5# rifle ;)

Beentown