Author Topic: Compact Rifles (Read 2628 times)

35Waylon · « **on:** January 22, 2008, 02:32:23 PM »

Help! I cannot make up my mind. I am thinking of buying a compact rifle in .308 but don't know which one to buy. Rem Model 7, Ruger Compact, Browning Micro, or Savage Sierra?

Anyone have some input on these rifles, good or bad?

charles p · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2008, 04:09:41 PM »

I have a Rem Model 7 in .308 and an Rem LVSF in 7mm-08 (not exactly compact but light weight and handy) plus a Winchester M-70 Featherweight in .243. Either of the Remingtons would be my first choice. The LVSF was made in .308 as a special run and might be hard to find. Featherweights aren't in production now either. Have no experience with the other makes you listed. The Model 7 is probably your best option.

Cheesehead · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2008, 05:11:42 PM »

I have looked at and handled a Browning TI in 308 at a local gun store many times. Very light and compact and I am fond of A-Bolts. It would be my first choice.

Cheese

Cement Man · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2008, 06:59:19 PM »

I like compact rifles, "carbine sized" anyway, and I am a Ruger fan. One of my hunting friends just got a 7-08 Compact. I have a hankering for one of those now (in .308). I'm not sure it would be my first choice for everything though. I like it for woods, tree stands, not getting the muzzle in deep snow, getting through thickets and I tolerate shorter LOP's very well. I also like them for sitting in a tree and shooting to the right offhand. I like the Ruger safety for being in a tree. Depending on your size, your intended use and terrain, one of the others might be a better choice though. My most used rifle is a Ruger 77 MKII .308 with the barrel lopped to 19.5" and I would choose it for more open country over the Compact.
I think all four of your choices are pretty nice rifles. Never had a Browning I didn't like, the Model 7 always appealed to me, and my experience with Savages has all been good.
What are you going to use it for? How much do you want to spend? Wood, blue, stainless, synthetic - do they all come in your preferred finish and material?

Graybeard · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2008, 06:42:18 AM »

I picked up my first Rem Model 7 not long after they first came out with it a 7-08 that has been used extensively by me then our oldest son and it is now my wife's primary rifle with the stock cut to her needs. Since the purchase of that one our house has never been without one or more since and there are several here now. I like them and I highly recommend them. You will not go wrong buying a Remington Model 7.

deerslayer79 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2008, 06:46:30 AM »

I've been looking into a couple Howa rifles,1 is the ranchhand witha a sporter weight 20in barrel,the other the compact varminter with a 20in bull barrel,both come in Hogue stocks,but surprise,not made in left hand models

ms · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2008, 09:59:33 AM »

I would get a Remington it has a 1/10 twist .

Questor · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2008, 10:45:44 AM »

We like our Tikka T3 Lite in .308 Win a lot. Excellent in every way.

35Waylon · « **Reply #8 on:** January 23, 2008, 03:20:27 PM »

I will be using it to track whitetails in the Adirondacks and was looking for something short, quick and light. I am a Savage fan but I am not sold on the accutrigger and new safety, but the accuracy is always excellent. I am leaning towards the Browning but the Ruger keeps intriguing me and I do like the feel of the model 7. I guess I should buy one of each.

Cement Man · « **Reply #9 on:** January 23, 2008, 04:09:54 PM »

There you go! A man after my own heart. The economy can use it right now too.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #10 on:** January 23, 2008, 06:23:17 PM »

The Ruger has a compact stock as well. I think a 13.5" pull. Really short (kid sized). Shorter than a Win 94 trapper over all. I'm waiting to find one in the used rack to stick a 4X weaver scope on. If your a tall man I would go with the Remington or look at the Ruger Internationals or ultra lights with the 20 inch tube they are still compact with the full size stock. A Ruger Frontier ( scout) is also an option that would give you two scope mounting options with the full length stock and the short barrel of the compact.

the jigger · « **Reply #11 on:** January 24, 2008, 08:02:38 AM »

i have the savage "sierra" in 308 and love it. i agree that the accutrigger is not satisfactory. i put a SSS trigger in mine. in fact i have 6 savage rifles and all have SSS triggers. for the money you can't beat the savage products.

Mckie Hollow · « **Reply #12 on:** January 24, 2008, 01:47:27 PM »

Mr. Waylon - You Hunt in Remington Country and can't decide?? Rem. Model 7, 308. If You feel spicey - Get a 350 Mag. Those Adirondeerdack Bucks are drawn to the sound of a Model 7 Chambering a round!!!

Zachary · « **Reply #13 on:** January 24, 2008, 02:27:05 PM »

Gosh, for me it's not even a close call. Answer is - the original - the Remington Model 7

Zachary

35Waylon · « **Reply #14 on:** January 24, 2008, 02:57:02 PM »

I have thought about the 350 mag but the availability of ammo is turning me away, hence the .308. I also have been kicking around the idea of a Model 700 in 35 whelen and cutting the barrel down. The ammo issue is turning me away as well because I don't reload. I just can't make up my mind.

poncaguy · « **Reply #15 on:** January 24, 2008, 03:18:07 PM »

I made my own compact rifle, Stevens 200 7-08, cut the barrel to 18 1/2". Took my 11 point Kansas buck with it this year. Shoots MOA and less..........

Mckie Hollow · « **Reply #16 on:** January 24, 2008, 04:52:40 PM »

Ya cut the barrel on a Whelen ( Long Action), and you might as well have a 350. I don't see a problem with availability with the 350 Ammo. It's around, a little pricey, if You don't reload it, but how many rounds are You planning on shooting a Year? A 100 Cases and someone to load them for You, Should last quite a while.
Any more, Then You'll be into it and maybe want to load Your own. 308's are great,and lighter, but There's something real cool about one of the original Short Mags. Besides, If I didn't own a 350, I would be owning a 35 Whelen, with the shortest barrel that I could convince a Smith to Cut. 20" comes to Mind. Good Luck

1sourdough · « **Reply #17 on:** January 30, 2008, 07:52:15 AM »

I have a Micro-Medallion 284win & a Mod 70 'Classic Compact' 243 both have 20" barrels. The micro-hunter in 308,7mm-08, or even 243 would be a nice rifle. I'll take a 20-22" barrel any day for Eastern woods hunting.

vabowhntr · « **Reply #18 on:** January 30, 2008, 08:25:17 AM »

I have had several compact rifles, most in .308 or 7mm-08. My current and favorite so far is a model 7 FS (fiberglass with kevlar stock) that was made for a few years in 7mm-08. It is light (5.5 lbs) and more accurate than I am. I have a little leupold 2-7x32 on it. I even got 5 boxes of Hornady Light mag for it this year for $15 (that is total, love the clearance sales!). Amazingly, though, I am thinking of selling this one to get a mini mauser in 7.62 x 39?!? I think I have finally gone over the edge, I just get the urge for a new gun every year or two...

kevthebassman · « **Reply #19 on:** January 30, 2008, 08:57:05 AM »

I have the poor man's compact rifle; a Nagant carbine. Bought it for $120. It shoots fairly well and if that pesky deer gets too close I can always stick him with the bayonet.

poncaguy · « **Reply #20 on:** January 30, 2008, 11:38:54 AM »

I like new guns every year, BUT, I don't sell my old ones!!!

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #21 on:** January 30, 2008, 06:04:25 PM »

"...deer gets too close I can always stick him with the bayonet."
Kev.,
Bayonet is a bad word. We need to use terms that are good words. It's a horizontal mono pod. It only unfolds all the way so you can stick it in a tree (if your a tree hugger were taping for sap) and then unfolds to act as a rifle rest.

redjoe · « **Reply #22 on:** February 01, 2008, 06:16:33 AM »

I have the ruger comapc in a Rem 260. With 120 gr it will outrun the 7mm08 and do just as much damage when it get there. I am 6' and 210lb, it fits me well up a tree with extra clothing on. Recoil about the same as 243 but with more punch. Just offering another option.

Joe

35Waylon · « **Reply #23 on:** February 05, 2008, 01:18:38 PM »

Thanks for the input everybody......but why do I keep going back to look at the Rem 7600 30-06 Carbine? I know it doesn't belong in this forum, but are they as good as they used to be? I heard the new barrels were junk.

nodlenor · « **Reply #24 on:** February 09, 2008, 05:59:32 AM »

I don't know anything about the new 7600 rems but I have an old 760 that shoots very good. There are several 760s and 742s in my area. Also have you looked into the Howas? I have two of them and like them very much. They are very close to the price range of the Savages and are very accurate and built well. They have a new compact with a 20" bbl. in the short calibers.

SuperstitionCoues · « **Reply #25 on:** February 10, 2008, 04:13:29 AM »

Quote from: charles p on January 22, 2008, 04:09:41 PM

I have a Rem Model 7 in .308 and an Rem LVSF in 7mm-08 (not exactly compact but light weight and handy) plus a Winchester M-70 Featherweight in .243. Either of the Remingtons would be my first choice. The LVSF was made in .308 as a special run and might be hard to find. Featherweights aren't in production now either. Have no experience with the other makes you listed. The Model 7 is probably your best option.

I beg to differ. Winchester /FN is slated to begin shipping the Featherweight in the middle of this year. A .308, 7mm-08 or a .243 would fill out what he is looking for nicely. My understanding is that it is also a really nice product, too.

FLNT4EVR · « **Reply #26 on:** February 10, 2008, 06:28:38 AM »

I have a Rem Mod 7 in 260 and it is my go to deer and black bear rifle. In deep woods like the Adirondacks it's a perfect combination.

kenscot · « **Reply #27 on:** February 10, 2008, 07:05:56 AM »

I own 3 browning micro's and can't say enough good thing's about them. My favorite is my 7mm-08. If remington made the model 7 lefty I'm sure I would have one of those as well.

poncaguy · « **Reply #28 on:** February 10, 2008, 07:11:14 AM »

260 Rem and 7mm-08 are sure sweet rounds, especially in a compact rifle. In fact , I like all the rounds based on the 308 case, including the new 338 Federal...........

Cheesehead · « **Reply #29 on:** February 10, 2008, 07:12:56 AM »

Kenscot,

What do you think of the Browning TI?

Cheese