Opinion on best current ultra light "mountain" rifle.

[Calif Hunter]

My Tikka T3 Lites are light enough for me. One is a .300 Win Mag and I would not want to shoot one any lighter than mine. The other is a .243 and it shoots half-inch groups with my handloads right out of the box - I haven't touched a thing. Both wear Burris "Short Mag" compact scopes, no longer made.

[Charlie50]

I use a stock Tika T-3 Lite, I am an old guy who hunts. Most folks need to shed a few pounds, and stay in better shape. Its way cheaper, effective to simply push away from the table and exercise, hike, yoga (yep yoga, keeps ya flexible and balanced). than it is to spend hundreds or thousands that could be better used to finance the experience

PS: I shoot a 30.06 only because I super familiar with that caliber and I am well set to reload to the specific hunt. All loads shoot less than 1 MOA - plenty accurate. This caliber is very flexible allows for shooting pretty tough stuff or light coastal deer. YMMV

[Paradiddle]

Originally Posted by MJB

Heavier rifles shoot better off hand because of the balance.

Now on shooting sticks weight is no issue.

Rifle 7.5 + scope 1.4 = 8.9 it does add up quickly

This. Light rifles can be tricky to shoot well.

[Sherpa1]

Originally Posted by TZone

6.7 lbs + Leupold VX-5 HD 3x15. All you will ever need.

Excellent choice!! If a folder is wanted, look at the Sig Cross.

[bigbossman]

Originally Posted by TZone

6.7 lbs + Leupold VX-5 HD 3x15. All you will ever need.

And, that scope weighs in at 19oz. Add ammo, and you're at 8lbs +/-. Not really "lightweight". The Kimber 84 I had was 6.5lbs all-in. Didn't shoot for crap, but it was lightweight.

[sling works]

I always found "complex" designs like the sig Cross to be uncomfortable for hunting when you have to walk/hike long distances. They seem to snag and catch on everything.

There are lots of good lightweight mountain rifles that have been mentioned. I like the Weatherby and some Steyrs. (Steyrs are light and weatherproof for the most part). The Tikka is a great rifle mechanically, but I find the plastic to be a little to....Cheap. Works fine though.

[Bull Elk]

Skip the light weight rifle and loose 5lbs.

[mlazarus5388]

Originally Posted by sigstroker

Christensen Arms Scout.

https://christensenarms.com/ridgeline-scout/

5.9 pounds

This.

[Trapper]

I have two, a Cooper 92 in 280ai and a Barrett Fieldcraft in 6.5cm. Both are great rifles but may be difficult to find. Of the rifles currently available I’d consider a Bergara Mountain 2.0. It comes with a Trigger Tech trigger, AG Composites stock and weighs around 6.5lbs. If you want less a few ounces less at twice the price, check out Pierce Engineering’s titanium actions.

[devster55]

I use a savage ultralight chambered in 300wsm. The action feels like you are dragging the bolt through gravel but it shoots very well.