Author Topic: which compact deer rifle? (Read 4613 times)

bcraig · « **on:** November 25, 2009, 04:31:35 PM »

Hi,i am interested in getting a compact deer rifle .I think i want either a 7mm-08 or a 308 and am curious as to what guns seem to be the best as far as accuracy,price ,reliability? Right now I am thinking either Rem model 7 or Ruger compact. Also wonder what kind of velocity loss I would get with the Ruger as opposed to the Rem? What about blast out of the Rugers short barrel . Thanks,Craig

hunt-m-up · « **Reply #1 on:** November 25, 2009, 04:52:33 PM »

I really like my Weatherby Vanguard Compact in .308, heavier than the others probably but well-balanced and very accurate, hinged floorplate, fluted bolt, adjustable trigger and not bad at $400.

kenscot · « **Reply #2 on:** November 26, 2009, 03:06:11 AM »

I have a browning micro hunter in 7 mm-08 that I think cant be beat . Weighs in at 6 lb 4oz that is well balanced between the hands unlike some composite stock guns that are muzzle heavy. I also like the shorter LOP when wearing heavy hunting cloths, it shoulders easier with out snagging. Mine will shoot nosler ballistic tips and accubonds bullets into sub MOA 3 shot groups

ScoutMan · « **Reply #3 on:** November 26, 2009, 03:46:21 AM »

I have the Ruger Compact in 308. It carries a Leupold 3X scope with heavy plex cross hair. Rifle and scope weigh in at 7 lbs 5 oz.

You loose about 25 fps velocity per inch as you go down in barrel lenght from 24".

Catfish · « **Reply #4 on:** November 26, 2009, 04:35:29 AM »

Any rifle chambered in .243 or larger will make a deer rifle. I have or have had rifles built on about every comercial action and a bunch of military actions and they all worked. The first thing you have to do is figure out how much you are willing to put into the gun. I recomand buying used gun buying used guns if you have the time to look around you can find some real deals in them, hit some gun shows. For the best buy you cannot get stuck on any certain round, the deer cannot tell the difference when the bullet hits them. 1 other recomandation is put the best scope your can afford on it. I do not mean the most power as I believe the best all around scope is a 3 x 9 Leupold.

One Eye · « **Reply #5 on:** November 26, 2009, 06:21:22 AM »

Does the Ruger Compact have a shorter LOP also?
Thanks.
Dan

Cheesehead · « **Reply #6 on:** November 26, 2009, 07:15:13 AM »

I would like to have a Browning TI for myself, but they are so spendy.

Cheese

Brithunter · « **Reply #7 on:** November 26, 2009, 10:55:37 AM »

Quote from: bcraig on November 25, 2009, 04:31:35 PM

Hi,i am interested in getting a compact deer rifle .I think i want either a 7mm-08 or a 308 and am curious as to what guns seem to be the best as far as accuracy,price ,reliability? Right now I am thinking either Rem model 7 or Ruger compact. Also wonder what kind of velocity loss I would get with the Ruger as opposed to the Rem? What about blast out of the Rugers short barrel . Thanks,Craig

Hmmmm in answer to some of your concerns I would suggest that if possible you try to shoot a few compacts as you will then know if they suit you. I also think too much is made of the muzzle report for 20" barrels

as you don't hear may complain about a 22" barrel which is common place today. If you handload then changing the choice of powder used can to some degree reduce the muzzle blast. I did this with a 20" barreled .270 winchester chambered rifle I have and I use H-380 powder in it and that almost eliminates the fire ball that the slow burning powders normally associated with the .270 produce.

You said commpact but did mention weight and it seems a lot of posters have assumed you meant a light weight rifle

Good luck in your search

.

foto · « **Reply #8 on:** November 28, 2009, 03:34:24 PM »

Ruger Compact in 308. LOp is shorter but it fits well when you have your winter deer hunting clothes on.( i'm 6'2") Got it with a nikon monarch 1.5 x 4 shotgun scope which is perfect for the woods where I hunt. As for comparing it to a remington, once I got used to the three position safety I can't go back to a remington factory safety. It gives a real extra feeling of safety when still hunting with a bullet in the chamber. In fact I was a little fearful of carrying my 700 with a bullet in the chamber which is at least half the reason why I switched, the other half being the smallsize of the compact and the big claw extractor. If you get a model 7 seriously consider getting an aftermarket 3 position safety added on, the cost for me was prohibitive versus getting a new gun(my 700 is a 30-06 and now a stand gun only for me and i will probably sell it.) but the model 7's are very nice guns and can see why you are considering it. Muzzle blast isn;t even an issue. Accuracy was a little spotty till I glass bedded it. I luv it now. take care.

One Eye · « **Reply #9 on:** November 28, 2009, 03:48:33 PM »

Quote from: foto on November 28, 2009, 03:34:24 PM

Ruger Compact in 308

Was looking at that model for my daughter in .243 due to the shorter LOP, but the really short barrel has me concerned with how it will effect the .243 downrange. Nice looking gun though.
Dan

Brithunter · « **Reply #10 on:** November 28, 2009, 09:12:46 PM »

Quote from: One Eye on November 28, 2009, 03:48:33 PM

Quote from: foto on November 28, 2009, 03:34:24 PM
Ruger Compact in 308
Was looking at that model for my daughter in .243 due to the shorter LOP, but the really short barrel has me concerned with how it will effect the .243 downrange. Nice looking gun though.
Dan

I sincerley doubt that the Deer would be able to tell the difference

even if you lost 200fps in velocity. In fact for years some factory ammunition has been giving this sort of drop over the claimed velocity. Now with the cheaper and reasonably accurate Chronographs avialable the factories have had to clean up their act on ammunition and performance claims as it's too easy to be caught out now.

whsk · « **Reply #11 on:** January 09, 2010, 11:45:13 AM »

save yourself some money and get a XS7 marlin in 7mm-08 or 308 your choice-rifle is 6.5 pounds and my XL7C 270 weighs 7.75 lbs scope and all-they handle great and these rifles will shoot!

charles p · « **Reply #12 on:** January 10, 2010, 05:05:59 AM »

I have the Mod 7 in 308. Very nice compact rifle. My absolute favorite is not exactly a compact, but it is light. Remington made a few 700 LVSF rifles in 7mm-08. They are easy to carry and light, but with a 22" barrel. The standard issue came in varmint calibers but there was a special order run in 243, 7mm-08, and 308 I think. I've seen two in 7mm-08. Still think this is a sensible combination except for the blind magazine.

Hard to beat a Model Seven day in and day out.

deerman12 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 10, 2010, 01:34:04 PM »

I have 2 m7's in 7mm08. They are both very accurate with several different loads. My favorite whitetail rifle. I wish I would have picked up the lvsf in 7mm08 that I passed up. I purchased a Stevens 7mm08 Academy sports for $168 with discounts. Lightened the trigger and it is shooting 1/2 to 3/4 with first handload I tried. You need to try a 7mm08. I have been hooked for bout 7 years.

jimmyp50 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 12, 2010, 01:55:58 AM »

Quote from: bcraig on November 25, 2009, 04:31:35 PM

Hi,i am interested in getting a compact deer rifle .I think i want either a 7mm-08 or a 308 and am curious as to what guns seem to be the best as far as accuracy,price ,reliability? Right now I am thinking either Rem model 7 or Ruger compact. Also wonder what kind of velocity loss I would get with the Ruger as opposed to the Rem? What about blast out of the Rugers short barrel . Thanks,Craig

if you reload the 7-08 is nice, if you don't the 308 is easier to feed. I just picked up a Kimber Montana in 308. With scope and talley low LW mounts its 6.5 pounds. Needs a lighter scope on it I have a heavy 3 x 9 on it now. If you ever get a Montana you will never want another short action rifle. I shoot 130 grain TTSX's over 47 grains of TAC into an inch or so. You don't need a 308 to kill a WT deer, 243 is enough even a 223 in the hands of someone that can shoot.

I like the .257 Roberts have one in a Kimber Select Classic. My next goal is a .257 Roberts in the Kimber Montana with a LW 2 x 7 rifle scope on it. There is nothing quite like seeing them drop in the scope when you pull the trigger and a 100 grain TSX over 47 grains of H4350 in the Roberts works as advertised.

tck · « **Reply #15 on:** January 14, 2010, 08:44:40 AM »

I have Ruger compact and a ruger lightweight. I like the light weight m77 version much more than the compact. Also the lightweight compares more favorably to the Rem Model 7, as both have 20" barrels. The compact is 16.5".

kiddekop · « **Reply #16 on:** January 17, 2010, 09:50:05 AM »

Quote from: One Eye on November 28, 2009, 03:48:33 PM

Quote from: foto on November 28, 2009, 03:34:24 PM
Ruger Compact in 308
Was looking at that model for my daughter in .243 due to the shorter LOP, but the really short barrel has me concerned with how it will effect the .243 downrange. Nice looking gun though.
Dan

Remington 788 in 243 is light and very accurate .

JWP58 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 18, 2010, 03:41:38 AM »

I use a mohawk 600 in .243. Its short, light, and shoots pretty darn good.

yooper77 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 18, 2010, 06:32:35 AM »

I looked at Remington’s Model seven in 7mm-08 for a lightweight rifle for my daughter, but I never liked the price. I also looked at Remington Model 700 youth, and Weatherby Vanguard and Howe, but never liked them over the Weatherby Mark V action.

I recently bought a lightly used Weatherby Mark V Sporter in 7mm-08 which weights 6 3/4 lbs, but with a 24" barrel. I am going to cut this wooden stock down and install a Pachmayr recoil pad for her. I love the smooth 54 degree bolt lift and slim tapered barrel. I will install a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40mm scope.

Additionally I will pick up another adult stock, like Bell & Carlson Medalist for my use, plus I hand load, so I use 308 Winchester brass into youth loads using 120 grain bullets.

yooper77

hunt-m-up · « **Reply #19 on:** January 18, 2010, 10:15:43 AM »

Quote from: yooper77 on January 18, 2010, 06:32:35 AM

I looked at Remington’s Model seven in 7mm-08 for a lightweight rifle for my daughter, but I never liked the price. I also looked at Remington Model 700 youth, and Weatherby Vanguard and Howe, but never liked them over the Weatherby Mark V action.

I recently bought a lightly used Weatherby Mark V Sporter in 7mm-08 which weights 6 3/4 lbs, but with a 24" barrel. I am going to cut this wooden stock down and install a Pachmayr recoil pad for her. I love the smooth 54 degree bolt lift and slim tapered barrel. I will install a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40mm scope.

Additionally I will pick up another adult stock, like Bell & Carlson Medalist for my use, plus I hand load, so I use 308 Winchester brass into youth loads using 120 grain bullets.

yooper77

I like my Vanguard compact in .308, but I think I would probably like yours better, sounds like a nice rig.

yooper77 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 19, 2010, 04:55:52 AM »

hunt-m-up,

I do like the Vanguard, my friend has one in 257 Weatherby. They are well built and very accurate, but I fell in love with the Mark V action and found a good deal.

yooper77

Zachary · « **Reply #21 on:** January 19, 2010, 07:53:53 AM »

Cast my vote for the Remington M7 and the Weatherby Vanguard compact, both in 7mm-08.

Zachary

Varmintnut260 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 20, 2010, 04:48:43 AM »

I have a model 7 in a 260, and my father has a savage 16FHSS weather warrior in a 7mm-08. The reason I spent yrs searching for a 260 would be the fact that I love everything in a 08 case. Plus I reload and its hard to keep brass separate between guns with the same cartridge.

releehweoj · « **Reply #23 on:** October 19, 2010, 08:29:16 AM »

Made a couple of nice compacts for my son and I a few years back. At that time, Rem was offering the M700 ADL Youth in .308. Bought two for $199 each. Main attraction was the 20" barrel. Bought two full-size M700 take-off stocks for $20 each. Swapped the stocks and mounted Leupold Vari-X II 3x9 compact scopes. .75" groups @ 100 yards or better shooting just about any 150gr ammo. We still use those guns today.

Huffmanite · « **Reply #24 on:** October 20, 2010, 11:10:49 AM »

Being a Marlin XL7 owner.....I suggest the Marlin XS7 in 7mm-08. Fairly low priced rifle, good adjustable trigger and best of all....accurate. Unfortunately, while not long, hardly a compact rifle.

FLNT4EVR · « **Reply #25 on:** October 22, 2010, 03:00:01 AM »

Rem. Mod 7 in .260 Rem. OR CZ 550 FS in 6.5x55 Swede. I have both and have a hard time decideing which one to take on any given day.Love them both.Great shooters and a joy to carry.

MGMorden · « **Reply #26 on:** October 25, 2010, 05:32:29 AM »

I'm personally more interested in weight than length, but I have been considering getting a Tikka T3 Lite in 7mm-08 and having the barrel cut and recrowned at 18". It's already one of the lighter guns out there, and taking off an additional 4" of barrel should lighten it up a bit more.

scootrd · « **Reply #27 on:** October 25, 2010, 05:37:11 AM »

Quote from: charles p on January 10, 2010, 05:05:59 AM

Hard to beat a Model Seven day in and day out.

Yep +1 Hard to beat a Mod Seven in 7mm-08 day in and day out. Mine sports a 22" barrel , X-Mark Pro trigger is smooth, total package weighs in 7.5 scoped an all. Balance is great, and I like the weight ..not whippy at all and recoil is nothing.

Just curious What is the 7mm-08 rate of twist for the Weatherby Mark V Sporter, and Vanguard Compact?

Mulehell · « **Reply #28 on:** October 25, 2010, 04:07:43 PM »

Quote from: One Eye on November 26, 2009, 06:21:22 AM

Does the Ruger Compact have a shorter LOP also?
Thanks.
Dan

12.5" LOP on the compact. I'm looking at one for my daughter in the not so distant future.

Lt Smoke · « **Reply #29 on:** October 25, 2010, 04:37:47 PM »

I fell in love with the Remington Mowhawk 600's many years ago when they were inexpensive. I have a .243 and a .308 that are a dream to carry and both shoot well. If you can find one you will not go wrong.

Lt.