Compact Rifles

[s_hawk]

I like the Ruger Frontier II set up in Scout version. Mine is in 7mm-08 and is the best stalk rifle I've ever had.
Hawk

[Cement Man]

S_hawk - you have "pushed me over the edge!"
I believe that the Frontier will be my next rifle purchase (in .308, because I load for and like that round very much).  After handling my friends new Compact 7-08, I liked the size and handling, but the Frontier also has that Scout mount option that I would like to try.
I have two "carbine" sized 77's (an RSI and a shortened stainless/synthetic, but for a really compact unit, I think Ruger has the compactedest of 'em all, and with the shorter LOP are in a class of their own.
Glad you like yours.

[Sweetwater]

All good ideas, suggestions and opinions. Still, it boils down to "what do you want" -
44years ago last fall, (that makes it 1963) my Dad moved me into a class by myself. He sporterized an 'NRA-NEW' Persian Carbine for my 14th birthday and it remains my go to rifle. Why a class my myself? I was the only one in our circle of friends with a 'mountain rifle', a handy 'little' compact howitzer. Sure, there were Winchester carbines with their 20in barrels, but all the rest were 22inches and on up, and standard stock dimensions. This 8x57mauser with its barely 18 inch barrel was cut for me at 14years old, and it's never been too short for me, at 5'11" and some 200-plus pounds. We can push 175gr Sierras into the 2600fps area without totally lighting up the perimeter, and the killing capability of the 8mm is legendary. Though not the newest sensation at the Sport Show, it has always worked. It's purchase price was $39.95, plus sweat equity - Dad did the stockwork. Last year I tripled its cost with a near new M8 4x Leupold. It all just got better.
Absolutely not my first choice - but it has always been the best choice. Best of luck with your choice - it will work.

Regards,
Sweetwater

[Cement Man]

Sweetwater,
Not only sounds like a great rifle chambered for a great cartridge, but what a priceless treasure to have and to enjoy.  My Dad passed away 20 years ago.  He wasn't a hunter - maybe 54 months in WWII infantry had something to do with it.  He did bring back an 8mm "liberated" Mauser, I remember playing with it when I was kid.  He gave it away in the 50's.  I'd sure like to have it now.  In his final year or so, I asked him to put together a TC Hawken kit for me, which he did.  It was good for him to have something to do with his hands.  Because he finished it and put it together, it means a lot to me.  I did get him out duck hunting with me once a few years before he passed away.  Duck hunting had been my passion for decades and he never hunted, but we finally shared a pleasant day in a duck blind together.  Shot one duck, but one of the most memorable hunting days I ever had.
Yup, you have a treasure there. 

[Freezer]

    There sure are alot of things you have to consider when adding a new rifle to the collection.  I own a rifle chambered in7.65x53 (sporter), a 7TCU 25-06 and a 280 rem.  I've always wanted a BLR but a Savage 99f in 308 came along first.  I toped it with a 2x7 leupold did a load work up and was shocked by it's accuracy.  The following year I found a BLR in 7-08.  Both have their good and bad points.  My finial decision came down to ammo availability.  The four can't be bought anywhere in an emegency.  The 308 can be found in a gas station. (well not here in CA...But) But no matter where I hunt or which rifle gets the first nod I'll always have the Savage with me for a back-up.

[boaman88]

I will put in my praise for the Ruger Compacts. I have one in 260 Rem and my best friend has one 7mm-08. Both are very accurate and regularly produce groups under an inch at 100 yards with just about every factory round we have tried. Both are topped with Simmons 1.5-6x32 whitetail expeditions. Very compact and handy while venturing through the woods. And as others have stated before very handy while sitting in a treestand. Not sure why they shoot so well with those short little barrels, but they do.