If you were looking to get a 7mm Rem Mag (or possible a 300 Win Mag) what rifle would you choose? There is a couple stipulations though, the rifle would have the future purpose of being a sheep/ibex rifle, so weight is of consideration. Money is also of a concern, so nothing outrageously expensive or highly custom. Simple customizations are fine, like replacing the stock.

This has been a question I've been exploring, I'm curious what everyone comes up with.

Just about every manufacturer chambers for 7mm mag. I'm happy with my Ruger.

Browning X-Bolt S.Stalker. I have two A-Bolts and recently bought a Remington 700. I wish I would have stayed with Browning.

The two "sheep" rifles I would suggest are a Weatherby feather weight in 7mm or and Ed Brown custom "Denali" in 7mm. Both are very accurate and the Weatherby is only 5.5# without a scope. The Denali is about 6#. The Weatherby will be around $1200 to $1600 in the used market and the Ed Brown will be around $2500 used. If you would consider a .270 Win. I know where there is a WBY Featherweight for $1200 in great condition, I once owned it and it hasn't been fired since I sold it. I sold it because I had two, I kept the 7mm........Tom

I have a Remington model 700 ADL in 7 Mag that I bought new about 5 years ago for $400.00. It's a tack driver.

Well ... either a Browning, Marlin, Remington, Ruger, Savage, Vangusrd or Winchester would do nicely for me. ??

I have a line in a "new" Savage 110. 15+ years old, has irons but needs front blade. Never has left the safe. $275.00. PM me if interested. I have the same rifle, just a couple years newer. Sweet shooter.

I make the same suggestion to everybody. Go to a big sporting store and have them lay several different ones out on the counter. Shoulder and handle each one several times. One of them will whisper, "take me home." It might be a nice Remington or it might even be a ugly assed Savage but one of them will appeal to you more than the others. Do not make your decision based on price alone. Don't put a rifle you really admire back and choose another one simply because it is cheap. You'll never be satisfied with it. By the same token , price isn't always a guarentee of quality. Look the rifle over carefully. Any mass produced rifle is gonna have some lemons slip thru.

Savage model 114 American Classic is available in both calibers.

Consider a Sako Finnlite. I have a 300 WSM that makes little bitty groups and is light enough to be handy. You can find used like new for about $1K.

Gee, I don't know if I really have any answer to your question. Right now I have three 7 m/m Rem Mags, all of which are so accurate I just had to keep them. But I wouldn't pick any of my three for a lightweight mountain rifle. Mine are a Ruger #1-S, a 1st year of production Remington M700 BDL, and a S&L M-65.

If I wanted a 7 m/m mag as light as possible, I probably wouldn't even use the Remington cartridge. I'd probably get a lightweight rifle, custom assembled on the lightest reliable bolt action I could find, with a very light composite stock, a pencil-weight 24" barrel, and chambered in (Horrors!) 7 m/m WSM. I'd have the stock finished in camo, and the metal work in some kind of light brown or light olive drab weather-proof finish.

The hard part would be deciding with what to sight it. Likely I'd have something like a very simple QD ghost ring iron sight for emergency purposes, then put the lightest really good quality 1-1/2 to 6, or 2-7 scope I could find on it, and have that finished with the same finish on the rifle and action, in the same colour(s).

Then I'd have double or triple the money in it necessary for a "working rifle", but I'd love it.

If I wanted a working rifle, I'd probably just get something like a used Steyr "Professional" or "Pro-Hunter", originally chambered for maybe for .376 Steyr, and see what kind of short fire-breathing 7m/m wildcat I could build off of the .376 Steyr case or a shortened version thereof.

Like I said, no help, but it's what I'd probably do for myself. And I'd probably call my Rube Goldberg cartridge something whacky like the "7 m/m Cheaper-Sheeper".

I've got two of these rifles.http://www.gunsamerica.com/962710844/Guns/Rifles/Remington-Rifles-Modern/Model-700/Sporting/Remington_700_CDL_Boone_Crockett_7mm_Rem_Mag.htm# One in a 270Win and one in a 300 WSM.both are true tack drivers too.The Remington R3 recoil pad made by Limbsaver is pretty awesome too.

Here's a good one at a great price too http://donshobbyguns.gunsameri...kett_7mm_Rem_Mag.htm

quote:

Originally posted by Mikelravy:
Just about every manufacturer chambers for 7mm mag. I'm happy with my Ruger.

I am happy with my Ruger too. It is a 1B with 26" barrel.

I had a mind adjusting experience shooting a buddy's Browning 7mm Rem Mag a couple of weeks ago. I was never drawn to Browning bolt action rifles, especially that are stainless with the BOSS system. But, his rifle shot one three shot group at 100 yards that was less than 1/2", BOSS included and stainless steel. Shot some other test loads with it that were very good.

Guys, I'm really interested in what everyone else would choose given the requirements. I'm not really looking to purchase anything just yet per se (although thank you for the offers). I guess I didn't phrase my question very well.

if base rifle is a Remington 700 or Model 7, Savage, Winchester Model 70, or Montana 1999 this looks like a good lightweight stock
http://www.mcmfamily.com/mcmil...ist.php#uhuntersedge

Stevens Mod. 200. Light ,Accurate, Inexpensive and good enough for an all around hunter. And yes I have one. roger

My 7mm is by Remington BDL.

You didn't mention if you will handload.
Assuming you're not, go with a Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker with BOSS.

Sight the gun in with the brake attachment to find the sweet spot, then use the CR attachment for the field to save your ears (and your partners!)

Not only is the Browning well made, bedded, floated, light trigger...etc., you'll be able to tune the gun to most factory loads you purchase.

As for caliber: the 300 Win Mag has my vote. You can shoot up to 200gr bullets with it. That should cover your hunting needs.

Shot placement!

M

quote:

I guess I didn't phrase my question very well.

Your question was stated well enough. It's just that some of us ignore the question so we can give answers the way we wish you had put it!

The only "problem" with your question is, strongly held personal opinions aside, there are several equally valid answers. On average, each is as good as the others.

I have had a great 30 years out of my Mod 70 XTR in 7mm RM. Only recently rebarrelled to stainless and a B+C stock was 1st installed 20 years ago and then only recently an upgrade B+C has been fitted and bedded.

Out of any of my rifles this is "the one" mod 70`s have great triggers to adjust also,well mine has.