Lightweight bolt action with irons?....

SpookyPistolero

SpookyPistolero

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
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/Rant On/

Why is it so hard to find a rifle like this? It's astounding to me. Some companies do offer lightweight rifles, and you pay hundred(s) per ounce dropped it seems. Then others will offer a rifle with irons, and somehow a few pounds are added along with it.

You'd think with the variety in firearm manufacturers today, that this area would be easily filled! I realize you can go the distance and get something like a Steyr Scout, etc., but I'm hunting for something way shy of 4 figures.

A decent milsurp of course would be the next best thing, but it sucks lugging around 9 pound beasts. Even my 'little' MN M38 ain't no featherweight.

I think I'm gonna have to get a little .30-30 and be done with it! Or I'll have to stick with a 12 ga pump. All I wanted was a handy little trail rifle!

/Rant off/
 
I've never been into them much. I've shot a few of the Marlins but they seem quite overbuilt (usually a good thing IMO, but not for this purpose). Anyone make a lighter, compact model that can stand to get roughed around?
 
I liked the Savage scout a lot, but I didn't dig on the stupid gold-bead front sight. Maybe I should just get one and have a blade sight installed...
 
My absolute favourite pack rifle is a Puma 92 in .357...I can drive a 158gr hard cast SWC at well over 2100 fps, that's 30-30 territory. I wouldn't hesitate to use it on black bear under 100m, or deer out to 125m anyway.

And although I've never weighed it, it feels like a five pound rifle! It's like handling a .22!
 
Spooky, I think if you want irons and light weight you really should re-think your option for a lever gun. If you want a light weight short carbine there is nothing better than a marlin lever gun IMO. I have a marlin in .357 that is very manuverable (sp) and fast to the shoulder.
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If you want something with more distance you can find a savage model 99 for around 250 - 300 bucks. I have one in .308 and it is a fine shooter.
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The marlins are also nice, that's for sure...I find the Pumas are lighter and slimmer if that is your main criteria, but marlin builds excellent guns for sure.
 
I looked into .357 levers a while back and didn't end up with one for some reason. I really liked the .357 performance out of the longer barrel, the option to use .38's on small game, and the prices of ammo.

I've never handled the Puma before, I will have to give them a look.

Is the weight of the Marlin .357 (1895C?) not prohibitive?
 
I definitely wouldn't call it prohibitive by any stretch! They are still light, handy rifles. The Pumas (an 1892 action, very strong gun) are just a little lighter and they are slim, flat guns. I would look one over if you get the chance, they are terrific. But I am not knocking the Marlins, they are great guns, just a little chunkier. But they perform and that's probably the most important thing!
 
The weight of the marlin 1894C is not an issue, I can carry it around all day. Although I am tempted to replace the rear sight with an aperature style. Other than that I love it. Like was said before, the puma is slimmer and a little lighter also a fine rifle.
 
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I'll have to check them both out some more (or the first time for the Puma). Looks like the Puma doesn't come in a 16" without that loop-lever. Is the Marlin 18" only? (no 16"?)
 
The 7600 Remmy are decent in accuracy, and competitivly priced. Aint as sexy as a bolt, but I think it's worth a look and feel.
 
I ll second the savage 99. I have never been a fan of the 30-30 round. I have a savage in .243 that I feel is a much better round. CZ-USA makes a few light bolt actions with iron sights. It is hard to beat the quality for the price. Ruger makes some really compact bolt actions. I dont remember if the come with irons but its an easy fix. I would prefer a rear mounted aperature sight if I wasnt going to scope it.

Matt

For levers dont forget the BLR
 
Look at the Ruger 77/22. Stainless with synthetic stock. Weighs about 6 pounds. I believe they do not make it with iron sights anymore. But you can find a set from Williams sight company.
 
You can also get a Marlin in .45-70, if .30-30 isn't enough power. That would solve most of the problems anywhere within iron-sight distance. And a rear peep sight, my favorite, is readily available.

Another option would be the Ishapore 2A rifle in 7.62x51. Some of these have been cut down to resemble Jungle carbines. You can add a plastic stock to cut weight, and there's a rear peep sight available as well. Most of these have decent bores, since they were never used in conflict.
 
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