Accurate lightweight rifle build -- pipe dream?

[michael_aos]

Is it possible to put together a scoped (10-15x, 40-50mm, external windage and elevation) rifle that can consistently sustain MOA or better accuracy @ maybe 500yds and weigh less-than 9lbs? 8lbs?

Just talking about punching paper or smacking steel.

Bolt-action or semi-auto, doesn't really matter. Preferably either 223 Remington or 260 Remington.

Remington website lists the 700P LTR .223 @ 8.5lbs, but I think it's heavier and that, plus what...1.5-2lbs for scope & mounts?

Model 700 LV SF in .223 @ 6.75lbs is close, but 1:12" twist doesn't excite me.

The new Ruger M77 Hawkeye .223 has a 1:9" twist, but it's 7.25lbs without a scope. Probably 9.25lbs, scoped.

The JP Enterprises JP-15 is available in a 6.5lb configuration with an 18" ultralight barrel. That's probably pretty close.

Mike

[michael_aos]

I guess I should add, I have a Remington 700 titanium in 260 Remington, with a Leupold VX-L 4.5-14x50mm VX-L scope. S&K sculptured mount, S&K Kontoured rings.

Weighs about 7lbs, complete.

Carries like you wouldn't believe. I hiked a lot of miles this year carrying it, and marveled at the light weight the entire time. It's awesome.

I haven't shot it a LOT by any means, but so far I'm seeing groups like 4" @ 200yds / 6" @ 300yds. I've been taking extra care not heat the ultralight barrel up too much.

Mike

[JohnTRourke]

call these guys
Paul or Wes

www.mstn.biz

[<MADDOG>]

A custom bolt will get easily were you want to be...A friend of mine has a high dollar 7 WM that easily meets your qualifications, and I bet it weighs 9 lbs loaded. Not to mention, it kicks like a 22-250.....

Pretty much anything is possible, it just depends on the thickness of your wallet!

[michael_aos]

The Ed Brown Compact Varmint sounds neat (price tag aside), but it's still 8.75lbs. I guess I'm wondering if its just a fact of life that a rifle has to be relatively heavy to shoot well.



That Model 700 LV SF I mentioned starts to sound like quite a bargain, even considering the extra cost of adding a good fast-twist barrel.

[Colorado Osprey]

What about a carbon fiber tension barrel with a Stainless tube?

Remington was making them for a while...all the stiffness of a true bull barrel, but lighter than a light weight barrel.

These were the folks making the barrels for Remy:
Christiansen Arms
http://www.christensenarms.com/

$599 and they will turn down your barrel and cabon fiber wrap or buy a complete barrel or a complete rifle from 5.5#'s with synthetic stock or 7# with wood.

EDIT: Using one of Remy's Ti actions will lighten stuff up too...and is an option through Christiansen Arms

[mr_will]

I have a Tikka T3 Lite and out of the box with rings, it weighs 6lb 3oz
so add a scope and a bi pod and you are probably goin to be in the 7.5lb area, depending on your scope

Are you goin to be out there tomorrow, I can throw it in my truck and let you look at it, It is brand new in the box. I need an optic for it badly so i can start shooting it.

[michael_aos]

I have a Tikka T3 Lite and out of the box with rings, it weighs 6lb 3oz

Just started poking around and saw the Tikka T3 Lite Stainless.

1:8" twist, 6lbs 3oz in .223.

Very cool.

Also a 6.1lb T3 Super Varmint (PDF lists 3.7kg = >8lbs).



6lb 10oz Tikka T3 Varmint Stainless.

[thedave1164]

Kifaru has a light weight rifle, that is scary light, and accurate.

Kifaru Rambling Rifle, under 5lbs with a scope.....

[westy1970]

If you want cheap and light, go with a Savage and Barska Swat scope. You can get it .223 with a sporter stock for under $500 and the scope for under $300. There was an article in SOF about 2 or 3 months ago about that rifle. I have a Savage with a McMillan Stock so does not even come close to your weight specs. Jensen Arms had a lot of the sporter stock in stock last time I was there.

http://savagearms.com/10fp.htm