I have not looked at a new rifle in over ten years.
I spent a week tramping around with my old Ruger 25-06 last month and decided I wanted something lighter to pack around.
I am thinking 7mm-08, 7x57, maybe a 308 in a light weight wood stocked, accurate bolt action.
I have been impressed with the Kimbers I have looked at but rumors of poor accuracy for the dollar nag at me. I dont mind spending Kimber level money but want a gun that will shoot 1" MOA for that kind of money.
Any advice, opinions or experience would be appreciated.

Savage has the best trigger, lightweight, and accurate among the reasonably-priced, mass-produced bolt guns now on the market.

Savage Arms

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WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

I guess you could put a plastic stock on the Ruger .25-06 if there's one made for it. Not really a joke, but the Mossberg bolt action is an excellent and lightweight rifle for the money. I had one in .30-'06 and it shot far better groups than I had any right to expect, but I sold it a while back to a friend. I know it was available in .270, which I would prefer over the .25-06, also .243. Maybe it's available in other calibers.

I have a Kimber 84M in .243 Win. Wonderful little rifle and a real delight to carry. No accuracy problems at all. It will put 5 rounds into an inch or a little better all day long. The one thing you have to be careful about is getting the light barrel real hot as it will start to string a bit if overheated, but that's not a problem for a big game rifle.

A Remington Model 7, perhaps?

Essentially same gun for more $$$ with blue and wood: Savage Arms

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WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

I like the new Ruger Americans. You might find one and take a look. On the other hand, I would just build what I want around a Remington short action. Given your location you might think of a cartridge on the upper end of the energy range like the .308 Win or the 7-08. Then go with a light weight barrel and a Remington composite stock. You could look at taking a little weight out of the stock in the butt area. Go with a light weight sling and a light scope and no iron sights. You should be able to keep a rifle with a 22" barrel down around 6.5 to 7 lbs. You are going to only shoot it for hunting and then no more than three times ( :-) ) aren't you? ........

A few years ago at an NRA dinner I bought on auction a Kimber 84M in .308. It is a peach of a rifle. Accurate, light and beautiful. I am sure the 7mm-08 would be as nice.
It didn't seem to be very hard to reload for. Seemed to like everything.
Ken

I always cringe when someone talks about a rifle firing one inch groups if I am not there to see it. Is that one inch 5-shot groups every single time, or 10% of the time, or just every now and then? Or maybe it's an average of 10 groups, 20 groups, or however many you want to shoot? From a bench rest, from prone, from standing, etc.? Does it include any flyers that weren't counted? Factory loads (which?) or tailored reloads? And what's so magic about a 1" (or MOA) rifle anyway - and just how many hunters really need 1" group capability? Very, very few, as most hunting shots occur at less than 200 yards, and often a lot less, where a 2" or 3" rifle would be just as capable on anything larger than a groundhog.

And as I have stated previously on several occasions, there is only one efficient way to get a statistically reliable estimate of comparative grouping performance - the average ES of at least five 10-shot groups. Anything less is fooling yourself.

I have no practical knowledge of rifle accuracy, but a lot of experience on firearm boards. My perception based on the posting of others is that Savage is the most accurate rifle value. But they don't excite me like a Kimber. If you have a Kimber budget but don't want a Kimber why not see what a skilled gunsmith can build or perhaps modify a more mass produced rifle?

I

Right at this point I have a few Kimbers. Quite a few. All but one are Classic Selects. I have had no problems with accuracy. In fact I have a 30-06 that shoots Hornady Superformance 165 gr bullets under a half inch. Kimbers are not cheap. But if you consider it this way. Pay 800 bucks for a Remington or Winchester...or 1100 for a pretty Kimber with French Walnut with ebony forend tip. Just my take on it. My walking Varminter shoots under an inch at 200 yds in calm winds as does my 25-06 deer/antelope rifle. And if you want a light hunting rifle Kimber makes a very light rifle(under 6 lbs or so). Check out their web site.

What's wrong with a Browning

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it just needs more voltage

DWalt, could not agree with you more on the 1" issue. However, when you are chunking up the change required to purchase a Kimber or similar rifle, I think it is reasonable to expect accuracy better than average.
If I were looking at comodity level rifles I would gladly accept 1.5-2" accuracy for a hunting rifle. I dont take shots at ranges that would make that spread unacceptable.

I like my X-Bolt Stalker, but not as much as my

old Ruger M77-MKII with the canoe paddle...

As W.E.G. said, for out of the box accuracy Savage is hard to beat. With that said I really like my Ruger Scout Rifle in .308 Win. Not super light but carries it's weight between your hands and is very smart in it's handling.

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Stay safe people!

Since you're willing to spend more than a few dollars consider the
Ruger Hawkeye. The MK II action is an improvement over the original
mod 77 and the Hawkeye is a trimmed down version. It also comes in
a compact version. The .308 fits into a short action, so would be
slightly lighter, and is probably the most accurate standard factory
cartridge.

I own several Kimber centerfire bolt actions, a 7mm-08 and a 30-06. Both are well made, light weight, pretty to look at, and accurate for their intended purpose. And that is the key phrase.

You state you want accuracy a step above what a common bolt action sporter will give you, but are at cross purposes expecting it out of a wood stocked ultra light weight hunting rifle.

Light weight rifles can be accurate (both my Kimbers will do between 1 and 1 1/2 inch for three shots with good ammo), but heavy, stiff actions and barrels along with composite stocks contribute to consistency, accuracy, and steady hold. Its really a matter of what your priorities are. For me, the good looks, light weigh and quick handling, and acceptable hunting accuracy make my Kimbers a good choice. Pics show my two Kimbers with a "heavy" model 70 FWT.....

Larry

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When my wife started deer hunting in our 2nd year of marriage she stole my custom pre 64 M-70 in 270. She bagged lots of deer with it. After using it for 10 or 12 years she complained of the weight and said it would be nice to have a lighter rifle.

I bought her a Kimber M-84 in 7mm08. She loves it, light recoil, lightweight, accurate, pretty and on her 1st outing she bagged a wall hanger big buck so it's a great gun.

I liked it so much I bought me one in 7mm08 also. Light recoil, performs great, minute of deer accuracy and is a joy to carry. It has to be 3 pounds lighter than my M-70 pre 64 Standards.

I put a Leupold 2x7 on hers. It is to scale and looks right.

Check out the CZ offerings....great old world style at a good price.

If you are talking short ranges...... look at Ruger's 77/357 or 77/44 (5.5lbs) with a Leupold 1 to 4or5 X 20 scope (IIRC 12oz)....just over 6lbs out the door.
Bought a 77/357 as my cabin utility rifle......but walking Penn's Woods... most shots will be under 100yds. Out of a 16 inch barrel...357.....(158gr) gives you 1700fps....1100ft-lb at muzzle. (Ballistics by the inch)

I'm one of those neglected lefties that constitute 10% of the population and about .001% of the available long guns. I stumbled across a LH Tikka Hunter in .308 for a song and snatched it up. Nice wood, great action and trigger, soft shooting and much more accurate than I. Weight is good, but I wouldn't call it a "feather weight". It might present an option for you. Or if you want to step it up check out a Sako.

Aside from agreeing on the 1". Do you reload? If not stay away from calibers like 7x57 or 6.5x55. Or any other none common round. Some of your accuracy expectations will come from the ammo and some ammo isn't that popular so there are less options available to you at a higher price. I'd stick with 3006 or 308......if I don't reload.

I've heard great things about CZ, Blazer and Styer.

My only none military surplus bolt action rifle is a Ruger M77 3006 with a old Redfield scope. I don't use it much so it suits my needs

I do reload and that was the reason I had the 7x57 on the list of cartridges. At this point I am leaning toward the 7mm-08.

As RobertJ stated above,I HIGHLY recommend the Remington Model Seven (wood stocked please). I personally use this model chambered in .260 Rem,but the 7mm-08 is also an excellent round. It's a carbine-length bbl,light and maneuverable. Recoil is similar to your 25-06,but gives you a little more "punch",with a lot less weight. I'll guarantee you that you will like it!
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

I have three friends with Kimbers: one has a Mountain Ascent rifle in .308, one has a would stocked 84 in .270 WSM and one with three Montanas. All of the rifles are tack drivers.

A Kimber rifle is my short list but Kimber doesn't build the rifle I want. Okay Kimber if you're reading. This is my dream rifle. You have the parts you just need to put them together.

I want a Mountain Ascent rifle chambered in 7mm-08 but swap out the fluted and skeletonized bolt the Montana bolt. I'll be happy with the extra weight. I hate the bolt on the Ascent. It feels horrible in your hand and I worry the flutes are just a place to introduce dirt into the action.

I could do an Adirondack but I hate giving up 4 inches of barrel length.

Maybe I'll just keep my eye out for an older Montana in 7mm-08 and add a brake.

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Bill Bates

Wife has a 7x57 Mountain Rifle (Remington made them for a while). Only head of game she has taken was a running sow at 265 yards with one shot (Nosler partitions and 235 pounds). I carried it on an unsuccessful javelina hunt. Thought about "stealing" it since she doesn't hunt any more.

Another vote for the Remington Model 7. Like the idea of that 20 inch tube.

Had a CZ 527 in 204(HB). An accurate rifle. Detach mag made it ugly...even with pretty wood. Had 2 Kimbers in 260. IMO the caliber sucks Also had a Custom shop Rem M-7 7-08 with Mannlicher in SS on wood. Pretty little rifle but..in a short bbl like that you just give up wayyy too much velocity. I also had a Ruger 77 in 7x57...2 in fact. Great caliber if you can get it to shoot. They chamber them for the 7mm 175 gr bullet and makes for a big jump for lighter bullets. I even turned one ito an Ackley Improved. Shot a bit better...but. For a person who reloads one caliber does stand out to me anyway. The 250 Savage. reloader can get an honest 3000 fps out of a 100 gr bullet which is great for 90% of all the hunting you'll ever do. Old school? yep but if you want more velocity AI the darn thing and get 257 R ballistics. I did that to a Ruger 77 250. But then...I am an experimenter of sorts..

I'm a Win Mod 70 and Rem 700 fan. Recently I wanted to purchase a rifle which i could run a bunch of 6.5 bullets which I came into. I settled on Hornady's Creedmoor. Looing for the platform was limited and ended up with the Savage Light Hunter. Wow, am more pleased than I thought I would be. Nice wood and worked up an accurate load with which I was amazed (still a little) to get 2,700 fps with the 20" barrel and 140 gr bullet. Easy under 2" groups. 1-1.5 groups consistently, more than enough for in the field. The bolt isn't as smooth as the others but may work out in time. Certainly not a deal breaker for me. I've not weighed it but Savage advertises 5.5 lbs. I've added a 4x Leupold with the same light weight mounts Kimber uses. My wife and son really like it too, much easier to pack. It is a "poor man's" mountain rifle.

A Bergara in .308 would be nice too. Or a Cooper for a bit more...

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Jorge

Hi skeet 028, your shooter sounds a lot like the one my brother built quite a while back took a 6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser re barreled with a Browning barrel in 6.5 x 257 Roberts improved, Parker-Ackley. With 41gr of 4895 and a 100 gr speer pt. gets 3000+ about 400 yrds out they turn red. I know as I was nite shooting Jack rabbits in Utah with it. Does a real nasty job with a rabbit. Only need one with a mule deer also
His father in law and he built it when when he was associated with Ackleys in the 50's. Great gun, have to remake 06 brass to get the shoulder.

I'm a big fan of a light rifle in 7 x 57. Mine is a pre '76 Ruger No. 1 (most people prefer a repeater). The round is kind of anemic in US factory loads, but good hand loads or The Norma 154 grain semi spitzer load , which replicates the 275 Rigby loading have done very well for me. The Federal premium line of ammo has a good loading but at just better than normal velocity, The Norma load is about 300 fps faster and about 4" flatter shooting at a hundred yards.

I believe this would be (and is) the best all round game cartridge (with the exception of dealing with large carnivores), and won't destroy your shoulder when shot in a 6 pound rifle.

Ivan

Had a ruger ultra light years ago with a Burris mini 6 scope.It didn't group that well with factory ammo,but reloading for 1 moa was pretty easy.I wish I had kept that one.

I'd be looking for a Winchester Model 70 controlled feed action on .308, with synthetic stock. Maybe purchase and install a high quality broach cut rifle barrel if I was going to go with 7-08.

Several years ago the NRA wrote up a series of tests to determine which production rifle was consistently the most accurate, out of the box and unmodified. Winner was the Howa 1500 (also marketed as the Weatherby Vanguard series for quite a few years). With accuracy as the priority the Howa might be worth looking into.

Aesthetically, my eyes have been drawn to the CZ rifles for several years. Very appealing styles.

Weatherby's Vanguards do have a good reputation for accuracy and would be an economical choice if you can find one that weighs close to what you like. The ones I have seen are not lightweight. I do like the look and feel of their new synthetic stocks.

If I wanted a lighter rifle and didn't want to spend Kimber-money, I would take a look at Browning's X-Bolt. I have been shooting one in .223 and really like it. They surely have a model in one of the calibers you mention that would weigh in the 6-7 pound range, maybe a bit less. I like the trigger on my rifle and it has been accurate without any fiddling around or tuning. I like the detachable magazine and tang-mounted safety too. Mine is a standard model with wood stock and matte-finish metal. Nice little rifle.

Well Kimber must be listening. They now thread the barrel of the Montana for a brake or suppressor. A Kimber 84M Montana in 7mm-08 with a muzzle brake will get added to my safe in the near future.

I plan mounting a Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10X 40mm CDS scope with a Windplex reticle.

The whole package should weigh in at about 6 1/2 pounds or just a bit less.

If you are looking for a super light rifle Kimber Montana is a lot of rifle at their price point.

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Bill Bates

I also like Kimbers. Have few of them. I am still wanting a 250 AI for some reason. Except for initial cost and then rechambering that would be a great rifle. I had a couple in 260 but just no love for the caliber. The weight of the Montana would be good....but I still like pretty wood and the Kimbers are usually lighter than other rifles anyway. I just bought a couple guns the other day(03 Springfield sporterized and a Remington Repeating shotgun) and was considering making the 03 into something else. But the action is so darned heavy nothing you do would get the weight down. Only paid 300 for the pair but it will cost about that much to rebarrel the ol gal. Maybe I'll buy a Rem 7 and change it out. Be less weight I'll bet

Ruger GSR would serve your needs perfectly. .308, light weight, short and easy handling. Also, very accurate.

Bob

Do it right. A Steyr Scout is very hard to beat.