Author Topic: Light weight backpacker (Read 1439 times)

Uberti · « **on:** January 22, 2011, 07:12:52 AM »

Wondering, are there any lightweight Handi or NEF carbine mods out there? I`m thinking of a 4.5lb carbine centerfire, for backpacking. The lighter the better.......... A .308 cal would be about perfect. Punishing to shoot? Yes, but who cares? It would be a packing gun, not a plinker.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2011, 07:41:07 AM »

Have you seen a Survivor?

Short stiff 308 cal syn stocked and generally they are real shooters!!

Also look at the shorties the guys have here, GREAT, HANDI little rifles!!

CW

gcrank1 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2011, 08:02:48 AM »

In that context I just keep coming back to bigger bores, not long range calibers. In fact, it is pretty hard to beat a 20 or 12 ga. in a Tracker I (smoothie c/w open sights) with some slugs and shot shells within reach.
50yd. effective for sure, and thats a fair walk away.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2011, 08:07:36 AM »

H&R makes the Superlight in 223 and 243, but even they weigh a little over 5lbs without a scope. The Handi-grip is the lightest stock they make, I have one on my 6x45, with scope it weighs 6lbs-6.5oz, also have a 260 Rem Superlight, it weighs just a little less, both were rebored and chambered by site sponsor Wayne York at Oregunsmithing, both Superlights are available with sights, that would be the least weight you'll get in a current model rifle. If you can find a Model 158 30-30, they have a lighter cast iron frame and slim barrel contour, they have soldered underlugs tho, so a high pressure rechamber isn't an option, 30-40 Krag is doable tho. I have a barrel on a modern frame, with Leupy 2-7x scope it weights 6½lbs.

The BC Carbine weighs a little over 6lbs if a 45 Colt will work for you, the 308 Survivor has a bull barrel, weight 6½lbs, but the barrel could be shortened to save some weight.

Tim

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/handiRifle.asp

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/buffalo.asp

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/ShotgunsAndRifles/survivor.asp

trotterlg · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2011, 08:25:58 AM »

You will never make 4 1/2 pounds with a Handi. This 22 Hornet/22 Mag is slightly under 5 pounds with the scope, but not a Handi. Larry

gjdykeman · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2011, 08:45:53 AM »

Matters what you want to do with it. Protection or aggression. Here is a picture of my pack, boating, camp gun for a little protection. I had to lengthen the "cute little stock set" as the overall was 1" to short for a 16-1/2" barrel. It is set with a Tamer 410 barrel. 3" shells, Mongo=410 cal 210g bullet over Trail Boss. Others are factory, 3" #7-1/2, and Russian #4 buck shot. Spring project is a 45 ACP 16-1/2" barrel on it. All components on hand, it was -11 in my buddies shop this morning, May maybe. Shoots well at 25y.

wreckhog · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2011, 10:42:06 AM »

The lightest Handi would be a cut down 12 gauge with a Tamer stock. They are not light guns. People are generally shocked at how much they weigh compared to a Winchester 94 or an ultra light bolt action to name a couple.

wreckhog · « **Reply #7 on:** January 22, 2011, 10:44:49 AM »

Quote from: gjdykeman on January 22, 2011, 08:45:53 AM

Matters what you want to do with it. Protection or aggression. Here is a picture of my pack, boating, camp gun for a little protection. I had to lengthen the "cute little stock set" as the overall was 1" to short for a 16-1/2" barrel. It is set with a Tamer 410 barrel. 3" shells, Mongo=410 cal 210g bullet over Trail Boss. Others are factory, 3" #7-1/2, and Russian #4 buck shot. Spring project is a 45 ACP 16-1/2" barrel on it. All components on hand, it was -11 in my buddies shop this morning, May maybe. Shoots well at 25y.

16.5 is a couple inches shy in the US for a unlicensed shotgun. Many states would let you call it an AOW (Any Other Weapon) for a couple bucks.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 22, 2011, 10:56:02 AM »

My old H&R c/w the PW stocks and the Buck 162 barrel goes only 5.25ish# and feels really light (and is well balanced too) compared to any of the CF rifles, but I dont have any Ultra Lights. I guess I should have qualified this suggestion that if you perceive the need for firepower this is a meaningful package. If you need something light and quiet a .22 is always good (about any level of noise and power up through .22 LR Hyper velo), or a sub-sonic loaded small CF for quiet and some full house loads for serious.
Regardless, with the size action that is on these I think it is hard to get below even 5#.
As much as I hate to say it, have you looked at the weights of the (argg) Rossi's?

gjdykeman · « **Reply #9 on:** January 22, 2011, 01:12:25 PM »

Sorry I wasn't more specific, the Tamer barrel is stock, 19-1/2". Although the choke has been polished out to Cylinder bore for slugs. The 45 ACP blank I purchased, Cheap, Is a rifle barrel. 26" over all is minimum for all except pistol.

Uberti · « **Reply #10 on:** January 22, 2011, 02:20:41 PM »

Thanks for the replies.
I didnb`t think 4.5lbs was likely with a NEF or Handi. Rats.
I wished some manufacturer would make a sub 4.5lb centerfire carbine.

I hunt with hounds, and put many miles on the boots going up and down mountains, hiking and chasing the hounds all day long. I try to keep my gear weight to a bare miimum.
I need enough killing power to kill a lion or black bear if and when things get a little western.......as in a ground fight with the hounds. Not allowed to use a hand gun for hunting in Canada.......grrr.

So...........it`s back to a rifle. A take-down would be nice too, carbine, 18 inch barrel, single shot, peep sight, light weight. These would surely sell if somwone would just MAKE them!

wreckhog · « **Reply #11 on:** January 22, 2011, 02:54:25 PM »

Contender/G2 carbine with a pistol barrel is legal in Canada. 4.7lbs with a 16.5" .22LR barrel is an easy <4lbs with a big bore pistol barrel.

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,212839.msg1099139782.html#msg1099139782

bikerbeans · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2011, 04:48:18 PM »

Look at the Banners at the top of GBO, one of the site sponsers (dang CRS I can't remember which one) offers a 4.5# CF Rifle.

BB

jason045 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 22, 2011, 07:36:42 PM »

I am working on just such a project right now. It is in 30-30 with a 16.25" barrel. The stock is frankensteined from from a survivor pistolgrip, some instrument tubing and a factory recoil pad. Scope will be the burris timberline 4x20. I expect it to come in under 5# with optic. And it will takedown quickly with no tools. When I get a little closer to completion I,ll post some pics

tom548 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 23, 2011, 11:29:08 AM »

There is a company that makes a 4.5 pound bolt action. I am not sure of the spelling of there name (Karafu). They are quite expensive like $2500 to $3500. If you do a search for ultra lite rifle they will come up.

Rustyinfla · « **Reply #15 on:** January 23, 2011, 12:37:05 PM »

I've got a lightweight H&R in .223 but I don't think it's quite that light with the scope. after I bought it I didn't shoot it much because everyone was saying they weren't very accurate. well after I got around to it I found that it will shoot 3/4" groups.
IMHO the .223 is vastly under rated as far as killing power is concerned.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #16 on:** January 23, 2011, 01:59:56 PM »

Rifles Inc makes the Titanium Strata @ 4½lbs, $3500 plus your action! It's not a break down either.

Tim

http://www.riflesinc.com/rifles

gcrank1 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 23, 2011, 02:20:35 PM »

A friend of mine has hunted wild boar several times with spear and a traditional styled 'hunting sword' (that he b'smithed himself); certainly not encumbered by weight that!
Tasty pig too......

Spanky · « **Reply #18 on:** January 23, 2011, 05:40:38 PM »

I'm building a pack gun to throw behind the seat of the truck. I've got a profiled 410 barrel that's cut to 18" and an old Topper frame that fit together great. I'm not sure what I'm gonna use for stocks yet but I've got a few ideas in my head. I'll take pics of it when it's done.

Spanky

Rustyinfla · « **Reply #19 on:** January 23, 2011, 06:13:08 PM »

Somepne posted a picture a while back of a wood stock that had a pie shaped hole cut out of it to take off some excess weight. I've been playing with the idea myself. I just wonder how much weight could be saved in that manner.

jeepmann1948 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 24, 2011, 12:55:48 AM »

gcrank1 got me thinking (very dangerous) how about a handi with a bayonet lug ?

Spanky · « **Reply #21 on:** January 24, 2011, 01:04:17 AM »

Quote from: jeepmann1 on January 24, 2011, 12:55:48 AM

gcrank1 got me thinking (very dangerous) how about a handi with a bayonet lug ?

I've got a couple Mosin bayonets collecting dust.

Spanky

eskimo36 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 24, 2011, 02:10:27 AM »

This is my potent little Handi package. 16.5" 357 Herrett with Youth wood, Soft Pad and packs into the smallest space with power for most anything. The barrel is about the same length as the stock and frame so it packs well.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 24, 2011, 04:00:52 AM »

Cute little blighter! How much does it weigh?
You could save a smidge more with the small 'youth' or 'junior' forestock (or profile this on like it) and since it is shorter the proportions with the barrel length (or lack of length) would look good.