Rifle Suggestions

[Win52D]

I'm looking for suggestions for a new silhouette rifle.  I'd really like one in 7mm-08 with a non scoped weight of around 8lbs.  I like the Savage Model 12 but it looks like it isn't offered in that caliber.  It seems like any model that meets my criteria (24"+ barrel, medium weight barrel, wood stock) does not come in 7mm-08.  308 Win is usually avalable.  I've looked at Remington, Ruger, Howa and Savage.

Any suggestions?

[drags]

I had a 7mm-08 and it was a very good cartridge, but I shoot a .260rem. now and I like it much better. The performance is about equal to the 7-08 with less recoil, the .260 ram loads have about the same recoil as the 7-08 c,p,t loads. I think the .260rem is the most popular round in silhouette at this time.
Drags

[Nobade]

Take a look at a Tikka T3 or the older 695. I believe they come in 7mm-08 as well as my favorite 6.5X55.

[EdgeHit]

I'm new to high power, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.  I just went thru the selection process and settled on .260 Rem bcse I have a 700 ADL short action that was rebarreled.  6.5x47 is considered a minimum.  260 Rem or 6.5x55 being next popular.  But the experienced shooters were pushing me toward the 7-08 as the sure thing ram buster.  The 7mm with heavy 168 SMK's supposedly take down rams with authority.  I witnessed one guy win a match with a 7 TCU shooting 168gr SMK's.  In case you don't know, the TCU is a .223 expanded to take a 7mm bullet.

If you're buying a new rifle, I would buy a short action in 6.5 mm or 7mm and know that you can always modify and be competitive.

That leaves you with remington 700 CDL, a savage (which is easy to rebarrel), Tikka in 6.5x55.

[Win52D]

Thanks everyone for the advice.  There is a gun show in a few weeks up in Phoenix so I'll be looking to see what I can find.  The three cartridges you mentioned are the ones I have been looking at.  I just started reloading the 6.5x55 for a friend's Swedish Mauser.  It is a nice cartridge.

I am familiar with the 7mm TCU for handgun silhouette.  I'm surprised that it has enough energy to work out at  Ram distance.  That is what makes the silhouette game so interesting 

[rich56]

I bought a Remington CDL TD in 260. It will be close to your 8lb limit with a light scope. My gun is accurate right from the box with hand loaded ammo, trigger is the new X Pro. Dont forget the heavier bullet/claliber you shoot the more recoil. 80 rounds in a match is a  alot and recoil is fatiguing. I'm going to restock mine to get close to the 9lb limit. If you are stuck on 7-08 get a Remington 700 SPS and restock, Its cheap enough to get a factory stock on e bay or go to Richards Microfit stocks and see what they have in stocks. Be prepared for a long wait and alot of external sanding but I've heard they are well made and fit well. The CDL can be had for under $900 through online gun dealers.

[Win52D]

Rich56,
Thanks for the info.  I am familiar with Richards Microfit as I put one on me 10/22.  The sanding doesn't bother me but their laminated stocks are not known for their light weight.  I am intrigued by the 260 Rem and will look into finding one.  My goal is the lightest recoiling rifle I can find that will reliably take down the rams.

[BCall]

IMO, once you get in the lighter recoiling guns, you always seem to lose more rams. I could be wrong, but it seems that way. That being said, I have shot with guys using 7 BR, 6.5 BR, 7 TCU, and even 243's. I have seen tham all lose rams on center hits. One side of the ram, one foot kicks off, down it goes. Center mass hit, ram just wobbles. I have also personally witnessed a fellow shooter using 308's loaded with 220 gr, and lost a ram on center mass hit. My dad got his grand slam pin shooting a 7-08 for the most part, but is currently using a 7mm IMSHA. Little less recoil, but still reliably takes down rams. Billy

[charles p]

Reminton made a very few LVSF models with a 24" barrel in 243, 7mm-08, and 308.  They were unpublished and probably ordered by a large distributor.  I have one in 7mm-08.  Bought it on GunBroker.com .  Found one for a friend and he did the same.  Haven't seen another lately but they are out there somewhere.  Give the auction houses a peep and you might find one.  Mine shoots great and I like the shape of the forearm.  Weight is just under 7lb without a scope.  Flueted stainless barrell.

[Jerry G]

A lot of the VLD bullets are so long that when you seat them out close to the lands you have to load the rifle single shot if you have a short action.  That may or may not be a problem for you but take a look at it.

[teddy12b]

Win52D,
       I don't know about the other brands of rifles, but with Savage if you see a particular model/style that you like all you have to do is call them and ask them to chamber that model to the caliber you'd like.  I did that once and it's about a 6 week delivery from the time you place your order.  Just food for thought.

[Win52D]

Teddy12b

Thanks for the tip!  I am partial to Savage.  I recently bought one of their LRPVs in .223 and have been very happy with the trigger and accuracy.

[stronghold]

Nice thing about savage you can change the barrel in 15min yourself . Locktime is 1.7ms REM. locktime is 3.5ms. Things to consider.

[teddy12b]

I've never changed a barrel on a savage, but from what I've read it's not too hard to do.  Some day I might try it, but I have never worn out a factory barrel yet.