Except the 260 and 7-08 don't really provide many, if any, benefits at ranges of 150 yards max, which is my scenario. Just another caliber to add to my list, more dies to buy, powder, bullets, brass, etc.
Recommend a handy woods rifle.
- Thread starter Olympus
- Start date
Used loosely in the sense of a shorter, lighter, more handy rifle than a 22 to 24" barrel gun. Nothing wrong with a lever gun, I've just never been a fan of then. That's why I'm sticking to bolts or single shots.
Reccommend a handy woods rifle
Not a bolt but a Win 94 in .30-30, 32 special,.35 or Mosberg, if you can find one or Marlin in .444.
My first pre 64 94 .30-30 was handy and hefty but not heavy.
And it was accurate. An improved chamber will push velocity a bit higher, if you wish.
You can put scopes on some. My pre64 was tapped on the side for precision peep sight like thee old Lyman. If you can find one a Remington 600 or 660 in .308 or the .350 magnum, the ,most highly sought, weighs little more than .44 magnum revolver, or so it seems.
Also the Ruger .44 Magnum carbine, an outstanding woods gu. See them onlie for sometimes reasonable prices.
Ignore my remarks about lever actions. sicne your preference is bolt gun. Shop for a Remington 600
Not a bolt but a Win 94 in .30-30, 32 special,.35 or Mosberg, if you can find one or Marlin in .444.
My first pre 64 94 .30-30 was handy and hefty but not heavy.
And it was accurate. An improved chamber will push velocity a bit higher, if you wish.
You can put scopes on some. My pre64 was tapped on the side for precision peep sight like thee old Lyman. If you can find one a Remington 600 or 660 in .308 or the .350 magnum, the ,most highly sought, weighs little more than .44 magnum revolver, or so it seems.
Also the Ruger .44 Magnum carbine, an outstanding woods gu. See them onlie for sometimes reasonable prices.
Ignore my remarks about lever actions. sicne your preference is bolt gun. Shop for a Remington 600
PACraftsman
New member
Browning BPR in .308
I recommended the 7mm08 because you said the .270 had more kick than you liked. The 7mm08 is about the perfect balance between power and recoil. If you dont wanna add another caliber (most reloaders embrace that) stick with the .243 win. That is a fantastic caliber which you already have experience with. Take a look at the model 7 cdl. They run about 800 or so.
The Ruger Hawkeye compact as mentioned would be a good choice. Consider 260, it would be worth considering although I would go with 308. Very light and compact.
You didn't specify lever action, but a Winchester 94 30-30 would be a handy choice, as would be a 44 magnum or 45 colt. Put an aperture sight on it and call it a day.
You didn't specify lever action, but a Winchester 94 30-30 would be a handy choice, as would be a 44 magnum or 45 colt. Put an aperture sight on it and call it a day.
If you are OK with a used rifle, you might want to look around for a Remington Mohawk 600. I have one in .243 Winchester acquired used back the 1970's. It would match your mission needs statement to a "T".
There are a few on GunBroker, but most seemed to be chambered in .308.
There are a few on GunBroker, but most seemed to be chambered in .308.
If you like the Ruger Compact in 243 then get that. I like them myself but would pick the 7-08 since I already load for it. The 243 version would be fine also. If you wear a coat while hunting it may not be too short. I would have to add a thicker recoil pad if I got one of them. A 12.5" LOP is just too short for me. But a thick recoil pad is cheap and fast.
That is my woods gun. At least one of my woods guns. I have an older version in 7-08 with 18.5" barrel and walnut stock. A Leopold 2x7 is mounted on it. It has killed 4 deer so far.
I also have a couple of 30-30s, 357 and 44 mag lever guns. But for woods stuff the 7-08 is my first choice.
That is my woods gun. At least one of my woods guns. I have an older version in 7-08 with 18.5" barrel and walnut stock. A Leopold 2x7 is mounted on it. It has killed 4 deer so far.
I also have a couple of 30-30s, 357 and 44 mag lever guns. But for woods stuff the 7-08 is my first choice.
Of the ones you listed the Ruger .243 for a light compact rifle. I have an older one (stainless synthetic boat paddle type stock) it is up to the task with no problem. I also have a Rem mdl 7 in 7-08 which I like better. Of course you don't load for it so . . . . OF your listed chpics the Ruger without question. Second choice would be the CZ,
I have not tried a compact model to my shoulder. I measured my No.1 RSI tonight and the overall length is 35.5", so it is almost identical overall size to the Compact. I think that is a perfect size for a woods gun. But the LOP is 13.5", so it's not a true apples to apples comparison.
I will touch on this first. I prefer a shorter LOP myself because during winter when you are bulked up with clothing it evens out.
When I think of a woods rifle I think of something short and compact. I have no love for lever guns either.
My first choices are my model 7 in 7mm08, or my CVA hunter in 7mm08.
That little CVA is very compact and quickly became one of my favorites. Both are offered in 243 also.
RMart, I live in an area where we never have to bulk up in the winter!
Olympus, LOP is something worth considering. You may not have an issue with it, but for me, I just couldn't get cozy with a compact stock. Lightweight rifles on the other hand...
I have this one in stainless/synthetic and love it. It is the very definition of a handy woods rifle. Here it is in wood trim the way you like.
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/11LH
Olympus, LOP is something worth considering. You may not have an issue with it, but for me, I just couldn't get cozy with a compact stock. Lightweight rifles on the other hand...
I have this one in stainless/synthetic and love it. It is the very definition of a handy woods rifle. Here it is in wood trim the way you like.
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/11LH
Wildernesshunter
New member
I like your Option 3.....but different gun.
For two weeks now, I have owned a Howa 1500Mini in a 7.62x39. I have the Ultralight in a 20" barrel. The gun is light as a feather and it is crazy accurate.
I have a load worked up that is a 150gr SP, in front of 39gr of A2200 that pushes it over 2,300fps.
As I get older, light recoil is becoming more and more important to me. I want to enjoy shooting my guns and the 7.62x39 is very, very light in the recoil department.
For two weeks now, I have owned a Howa 1500Mini in a 7.62x39. I have the Ultralight in a 20" barrel. The gun is light as a feather and it is crazy accurate.
I have a load worked up that is a 150gr SP, in front of 39gr of A2200 that pushes it over 2,300fps.
As I get older, light recoil is becoming more and more important to me. I want to enjoy shooting my guns and the 7.62x39 is very, very light in the recoil department.
Pathfinder45
New member
Olympus, do yourself a big, fat, favor and get yourself a Winchester model 70 Featherweight in 243 or 6.5x55, even if it's a little over your budget.
Pathfinder, you are correct, I once owned a win 70 classic featherweight in 7mm-08. One of the slickest actions I have ever worked, and lightning fast to the shoulder. Through a series of bad chicks and mistakes I ended up trading it off. Olympus, don't decide until you handle and feel a few different models, you will find yourself returning to feel one repeatedly. Then get it in the caliber of your choosing.