Compact and Lightweight, Scout-like, .308 Bolt Gun

[GJM]

While you can build up a practical rifle on a model 70 action, and I have a number of them, it is hard to make a reasonable weight with the Winchester action. And, you won’t get features like a DBM, and the sight flexibility that we have come to enjoy with AR style rifles. If the new Sig rifle is what they say, this may be a way to get AR style features in a practical rifle weight. I really am rooting for them.

[rob_s]

While you can build up a practical rifle on a model 70 action, and I have a number of them, it is hard to make a reasonable weight with the Winchester action. And, you won’t get features like a DBM, and the sight flexibility that we have come to enjoy with AR style rifles. If the new Sig rifle is what they say, this may be a way to get AR style features in a practical rifle weight. I really am rooting for them.

this thing?
https://www.sigsauer.com/store/sig-cross-rifle.html

I know I won't buy one. For me, and I suspect I'm not alone here, there's a certain aspect of intentional anachronism. I don't have any sort of "need" for any of this, and "chassis" guns like the Sig are just wronger than two boys...

[okie john]

While you can build up a practical rifle on a model 70 action, and I have a number of them, it is hard to make a reasonable weight with the Winchester action. And, you won’t get features like a DBM, and the sight flexibility that we have come to enjoy with AR style rifles. If the new Sig rifle is what they say, this may be a way to get AR style features in a practical rifle weight. I really am rooting for them.

I’m cautiously optimistic. How fast can a shooter run the bolt on a chassis gun?


Okie John

[GJM]

I’m cautiously optimistic. How fast can a shooter run the bolt on a chassis gun?


Okie John

Not following — would taking an action and replacing a conventional stock with a chassis change how it runs?

[okie john]

Not following — would taking an action and replacing a conventional stock with a chassis change how it runs?

I’m talking about cycling the bolt manually. I've read that going from a conventional stock to an M-16 pistol grip changes the geometry and slows things down.


Okie John

[whomever]

" I've read that going from a conventional stock to an M-16 pistol grip changes the geometry and slows things down."

FWIW, I just dragged out my one chassis gun and tried rapid cycling. My sense is that the pistol grip doesn't really change things, or at least it is a small effect relative to whether it's a two lug or 3 lug bolt, how smooth the action is, the size and shape of the bolt handle, etc, etc.

When I'm trying to cycle a bolt gun fast, I usually don't wrap my thumb around the pistol grip, whether it's a conventional or AR-type gripped stock, so there really isn't all that much difference in manipulation.

But, I didn't get out the stopwatch or anything. The chassis gun is a long barrelled Savage that weighs 12 or 13 pounds, vs my other fast handling bolt gun, which is a 16 inch Ruger American Ranch, so the grips aren't the biggest difference in handling :-).

[GJM]

I have practical rifles built on modern controlled feed Winchester actions, and a bunch of hunting rifles built on original, pre 64 actions. I have been hunting pre 64 rifles for 25 years, and took rifle classes like Gunsite and Cain, with post 64 controlled feed .308 rifles. I think of the difference in actions, as like the difference between a 50’s - 70’s S&W revolver, and a lock S&W revolver. The original actions feed much better because their feed lips are integral to the action, their actions are slicker, and their triggers are better. To keep a reasonable weight with a pre 64 action, I go blind bottom metal, a fluted barrel, a Brown Precision stock, and one piece bases and rings. That creates compromises.

If the light chassis rifle works out, meaning accurate, reliable and a fast action, we have a mid 6 pound base rile that can change personality like an AR. For example, you could set it up with a VX6HD scope and a five round magazine to sheep, goat or deer hunt, then when you are packing meat around bears, go to a T1 and a ten round magazine. It is all concept now, and the proof will be how it performs in the field.

[Backspin]

I’m talking about cycling the bolt manually. I've read that going from a conventional stock to an M-16 pistol grip changes the geometry and slows things down.


Okie John

Like whomever mentioned above, running the bolt quickly with a pistol grip is technique based. A smooth action and light bolt lift helps as well.

Here’s an example of some smooth bolt running (A 20ish pound gun doesn’t hurt either!)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1uteMPA6bP/

[SteveB]

The CA VTAC rifle shoots well, but the brake is too loud and has to go. That’s OK as I was going to use a can anyway. First 3 rounds with Barnes 150 TTSX (6X @ 100 yds):

[OlongJohnson]

If one was going to just build a rifle on the Savage/Remage/Howage model, which would you choose?

Suppose an AR barrel builder well-repected for acccurate, durable and reasonably-priced products was talking about building an 18-in., threaded, melonited, Savage barrel in 6.8? Would that sway you?