Lightweight Chasis Hunting Rifles

[middleofnowhere]

I’m interested in a new hunting rifle. Lightweight, compact and of course accurate. Should have a folding stock and shorter barrel length. I’m thinking a magnum chambering like 30 Nosler and a second rifle chambered in .308 win or 6.5 Creed. I would appreciate any thoughts on the concept and any possible candidates.

Sig Sauer Cross Rifle: the price point of these rifles is very good. They don’t offer a carbon fiber barrel though.

https://www.sigsauer.com/sig-cross-rifle.html

Christensen MPR: I really like Christensen but don’t like that they don’t have a faster twist on their 30-cal barrels.

https://christensenarms.com/modern-precision-rifle/

Ruger Precision Rifle

https://ruger.com/products/precisionRifle/models.html

Of course you could build your own, there are some pretty good, lightweight chasis made for hunting.

XLR Element 4.0

https://xlrindustries.com/products/element_4-0_magnesium_chassis

HNT26 Chasis

https://mdttac.com/hnt26-chassis-system/

[USMCM16A2]

middle,


None of these options is going to light. Figure 8.5-10 pounds for these options. I have a Savage Lightweight Hunter in .308 which weights with scope, loaded magazine 6.5 pounds. A2

[deckhandmike]

The xlr is a 2lb stock, not bad. Ive been pondering one but not really sure yet. Might pick up a used one to try out.

[sigstroker]

https://www.sigsauer.com/sig-cross-rifle.html

https://christensenarms.com/modern-precision-rifle/

Ruger Precision Rifle

https://ruger.com/products/precisionRifle/models.html

Of course you could build your own, there are some pretty good, lightweight chasis made for hunting.

XLR Element 4.0

https://xlrindustries.com/products/element_4-0_magnesium_chassis

HNT26 Chasis
https://mdttac.com/hnt26-chassis-system/

The MPR has a 1-8 twist on the .300 PRC.

The RPR is really too heavy for this group. The magnum version is a beast, like 11 or 12 pounds.

I've played with the MPR. Looks and feels like a custom rifle, although it's a lot cheaper.

The Cross doesn't have a carbon wrapped barrel, but it doesn't need it. The .308 is only 6.5 pounds.

[deckhandmike]

For short barrel a 20” .308 is pretty ideal. I’d go either around a 700$ traditional rifle or complete custom for $$$. Unfortunately a lot of the 1000$-1500$ rifles are just gimmicky crap meant to catch your eye without any real improvements in accuracy or function. Even the really expensive “lightweight” rifles aren’t crazy lighter than your average lightweight savage or tikka. They sure are slick though but you’re paying a huge premium to look cool.

If you’re really set on a folding stock that generally adds a bunch of weight. Even the xlr folding mechanism added almost a pound if I remember correctly. I wouldn’t go magnum cartridges either. They are really meant for longer barrels. That sig has way too short of a barrel to be a hunting rifle. Maybe in a free state where you can slap on a suppressor but kinda useless in CA. In general lightweight and chassis rifles are not something you find cheap.

What are hunting that you need large calibers? A 20” .308 can take elk to 300 yards and deer to 450 yards or so with copper ammo based on ballistic charts. Of course that’s a rough generalization.

[Mateo Del Mar]

MDT HNT26 is your best bet, albeit expensive at $1500. Throw a Proof carbon fiber barrel on it with the "Hunter" weight action of your choice and you're gtg.

[deckhandmike]

MDT HNT26 is your best bet, albeit expensive at $1500. Throw a Proof carbon fiber barrel on it with the "Hunter" weight action of your choice and you're gtg.

That’s not what I’d drop 1500$ on. That looks pretty cheesy for the price. Maybe it looks better in person? So probably 4g$ total and you have a gun that weighs as much or more than a tikka.

I’m not bashing the Gucci builds as I’m doing one myself but I’m also not kidding myself that the money I spend will make it lighter or shoot better than the right 700$ rifle.

[BucDan]

I love my sig cross. I have it in 6.5cm, 18" barrel.

[deckhandmike]

I love my sig cross. I have it in 6.5cm, 18" barrel.

Any chrono data on it? Interested.

[sghart]

I know people tend to turn their noses up at inexpensive rifles but I bought a Ruger American Predator in 308 and it is everything that you want.

MOA accuracy, lightweight, composite stock. I was so happy with it I bought one in 7.62x39 for my son and he loves it.

[CartridgeCalls]

Forbes 20B is a fine rifle.

[middleofnowhere]

…

What are hunting that you need large calibers? A 20” .308 can take elk to 300 yards and deer to 450 yards or so with copper ammo based on ballistic charts. Of course that’s a rough generalization.

I have been and will be going again to hunt blacktail in AK. I have a cousin that lives there. The islands where we hunt are loaded with big bears, that is why I opted for the bigger 30 cal. Not that a .308 wouldn’t provide good bear protection, I just like the idea of having a magnum that can push a heavier pill if I wanted.

I currently have two hunting rifles, a .308 Win Model 70 and a Christensen Ridgeline in 30-Nosler. I really like the Ridgeline, but it is very long to pack. The 26” barrel with the muzzle brake constantly gets hung up on trees and brush. The recoil of the 30 Nosler with the brake is less than my 308. The Ridgeline also weighs less than the 308.

I’ve been shooting non-lead ammo since before the Cali mandate. I’m really happy with performance of the Barnes bullets in my 308 and the E-Tip in my 30 Nosler. I would really like to run heavier Hammer projectiles as I gear up in reloading, that is why the faster twist barrels vs. my 1:10 Christiansen.

Carrying a long rifle case through the airport is also a pain. My thoughts on a folder is that I could go with a shorter case to transport without having to disassemble the rifle.

[middleofnowhere]

I love my sig cross. I have it in 6.5cm, 18" barrel.

Schnees is selling Carbon Six pre-fit barrels for the Cross.
I know carbon wrapped barrels are gimmicky, but I drank the coolaide

[sigstroker]

Schnees is selling Carbon Six pre-fit barrels for the Cross.
I know carbon wrapped barrels are gimmicky, but I drank the coolaide

How much? Weird they started selling barrels for a gun that has hardly been available.

[deckhandmike]

Alright, large caliber and folding stock actually very justified. Those are some good reasons. With that type of list and needs I’d just build something.