Run & Gun bolt action

[ExtremeX]

The only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger on the Ruger Ranch is I already own a Ruger American in 243...

It's not the smoothest action in the world, fit and finished isn't bad, but its nothing to write home about either.

I have had magazine feed issues after dropping one in the sandy/hard pack dirt, which isn't hard to do where I go, but I am also running some zero head-spaced cases right now, so I feel I might be contributing to the issue.

I need to make another batch with FL sized brass before I can really start complaining about it.

That said, the Ranch really does meet my criteria in almost every way.

Hopefully I can find a CZ 527 and Tikka T3 because those are my two top picks if I decide to spend a little more money.

[splithoof]

The CZ-527 IN 7.62X39 I have become very fond of. I sent mine to Jim Brockman in Idaho for some upgrades after attending the Gunsite Scout Rifle Conference last summer. While not cheap, it is a very handy small rifle that can easily handle most medium-sized game, is very easy to hike with, sturdy, and above all else reliable. Accurate as well. Mine has the Leopold 2.5 SS, Talley rings, and very sturdy ghost-ring iron sights as well. Ammunition is inexpensive.

[Tere_Hanges]

i do not see how a 700 SPS tactical can be a "run and gun" bolt gun at all.... i lifted one before, and with the bipod and scope installed that thing is so damn nose heavy due to the bull barrel you would be liable to drop it on the barrel.

Bipod? Just because they make them doesn't mean you have to buy one and put it on your rifle. I have quite a few .308 rifles and only have a bipod on one of them, a bench gun. Also the scope can be switched out to a smaller lighter one.

The tactical barrel is heavy but it does hold groups very nicely and the 20" actually balances very well. I had a Tikka T3 lite in .3006 and the groups opened up very quickly when fired rapidly, it also kicked pretty good. It was a lightweight hunting rifle good for hiking around all day and making one shot to get the kill. Not something you want to try and shoot rapidly or all day. The heavier rifle also makes the recoil negligible, I can shoot rapidly and all day and not get sore at all. I've shot a Ruger Gunsite Scout in .308 and that thing kicked like an effin mule, way harder than any other .308 I've shot, more so than my M1 Garands in .3006.

In any case a .223 rifle is going to be lighter than a .308. Also sticking with iron sights is going to save you a lot of weight. Optics are heavy.

The CZ527 in 7.62x39 does seem like a very good option for an accurate .30 cal rifle that uses cheap ammo.

[1859sharps]

In any case a .223 rifle is going to be lighter than a .308. Also sticking with iron sights is going to save you a lot of weight. Optics are heavy.

not necessarily. I would be willing to bet my r700 223 tac is a bit heavier than my r700 308 tac. why? more material is removed from the barrel for 308. what a rifle is chambered for doesn't predict weight, there are other factors that can come into play before what it's chambered for does.

optics also don't have to be heavy. a leupold 30mm 1-4 patrol rifle scope with rings only adds 1 pound total. leupold has other options that would give similar features and come in lighter. but yes, you can save anywhere from about half a pound and on up by not going with a scope.

[ExtremeX]

not necessarily. I would be willing to bet my r700 223 tac is a bit heavier than my r700 308 tac. why? more material is removed from the barrel for 308. what a rifle is chambered for doesn't predict weight, there are other factors that can come into play before what it's chambered for does.

Pretty sure you would win that bet...

I had a R700 SPS Tactical 20" in both 223 and 308. The external dimension and barrel profile of both were pretty much identical.

Pretty sure if I were to weight them, the 308 would be lighter.

I considered keeping the SPS Tactical 223, but even after throwing it back into the Hogue tupperware, it was still more rifle than I would want to trek around with.

[1859sharps]

I considered keeping the SPS Tactical 223, but even after throwing it back into the Hogue tupperware, it was still more rifle than I would want to trek around with.

don't blame you....while they make fun range toys, I wouldn't want to pack one around in the field.

[Lurch762]

I have a Ruger Ranch and am very satisfied with it.

100 yards using regular 55gr PMC.

[RNE228]

My first answer would be a Rem Mdl-7 in 223 or 243, and a set of aperture/peep sights.

Light, easy to handle, accurate and in 243, good for most any California game if needed.

[Tere_Hanges]

Saw a guy at an informal CMP service rifle competition with a sweet set up.

A rem700 .223 with stripper clip guide cut receiver, light barrel profile, and some kind of aperture sights.

[d33pt]

Looking for suggestions for a light weight, handy, and easy to wield bolt action rifle.

It's not something I am going to shoot from a bench, or throw a bipod on. I already have the optic; Vortex Viper PST 1-4x.

As of late I have been eyeing the 16" Ruger Ranch in 5.56/223, but I am open to others, but it really seems to fit the bill.

I think CZ makes something similar but I don't remember.

Any suggestions?

I would be good with anything in 223, 308, 6.5 CM, or 243.

Here are some images off Google Inages... trying to build up something like this...

Why would you spend money to buy a light rifle then throw that brick of a scope on it? That thing weighs a full pound. I know it's because you already have it, but it's not the right scope for that rifle. Something like a Weaver V3 would be much better. It's not going to be a bench shooter, so keep the reticle simple and the scope light.

[ExtremeX]

Why would you spend money to buy a light rifle then throw that brick of a scope on it? That thing weighs a full pound. I know it's because you already have it, but it's not the right scope for that rifle. Something like a Weaver V3 would be much better. It's not going to be a bench shooter, so keep the reticle simple and the scope light.

True... I do like the Weaver 1-3x

I can save a 1/2 pound in the process and have something physically smaller as well.

The capped turrets won't get in the way as much as the open turrets and be more tamper proof.

Holds out to 300 are minimal, but even easier to zero for a good point blank range.

I might as well just sell the thing... buy the Weaver and some left over to fund the rifle.

Good recommendation!

[gunsandrockets]

Dress up your Ruger .243 with the new Magpul conversion?

https://www.magpul.com/products/firearms-accessories/buttstocks/hunter-american-stock-ruger-american-short-action

[BillyGoatMachine]

I'm currently working on something that might interest you. It's based off a Howa mini action in 6.5 Grendel that comes with a factory DBM. I spoke with Manners last week and the ball is rolling for a inlet on one of their lightweight stocks. Another option is a MDT-LSS chassis that comes in right under 2lbs. I'll be using a Bartlein 2B contour barrel at 16" and the rifle should come in right around 6lbs plus or minus with precision rifle accuracy. Or if accuracy is not your main goal, the factory barrels might work for you to keep the cost down.

[jrr]

I didnt see anyone mention this.. but I think Mossberg made this rifle just for you.

Look at the Mossberg MVP Patrol. The 223 model takes ar15 mags, the 308 model will use BOTH LR308/DPMS pattern mags AND m14 magazines. Sturdy synthetic stock. 16.5in barrel threaded with a flash hider installed. Has back up iron sights and is very easy to mount a scope on. Weight is a little over 6.5lbs. Based on the Mossberg 4x4 bolt action which is hella tough.

and, icing on the cake, it is pretty reasonably priced. Honestly, stop looking, this is the rifle you described OP. Oh.. and if you ever want to get fancy with it, Boyds makes wood stocks in different patterns, and Mossberg uses a barrel nut system so the barrel could be swapped out for any other caliber that fits in a 223 or 308 mag, i.e. 6.5 Grendel, .458 Socom, etc.

[condor]

My Run'n'Gun is a Rossi 92 stainless lever action with a 16" Bbl in 454 Casull w/Skinner peep sight. They also offer it in 357mag. Light weight, quick handling. Bought it from a fellow Calgunner and couldn't be happier. It was smoozed by Steves Gunz