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

[peterb]

Thanks - that was a fun project and the style of writing I actually enjoyed doing.

Nice work! I have no need for that kind of rifle, but as a compulsive tinkerer the article makes me want to go futz around with one...just to futz around with one. Hopeless.

[LOBO]

Remington model Seven seems like a good option. I have one from the first year of production that is in 7mm-08 with the 18.5" barrel. It is one hell of a deer rifle.

[Dov]

I totally get where you are coming from. At one point I was thinking of going for a very expensive Carbon fiber maggiolina. I then decided to go with something more economical to see if I even like the whole RTT thing. Well it turns out that I really do like it.

I don’t know much about enclosed sleeper trailers but it sounds like that may give the most comfort and still allow for light off road/unpaved areas. For trailers designed for RTT’s but with fully built in kitchens and water have you seen the very expensive and very impressive Patriot trailers, from Australia? Turtle back trailers from AZ are also very nice.

I am not familiar with the ones you mentioned and I’ll be checking them out.

Going out there with a telescope sounds like a great time. My wife has an app on her iPhone that you point at regions in the sky and it shows you constellations and planets. What would be a good entry level but good telescope one could buy?

Yeah all kinds of really cool trailers the Aussies have, I generally just drool a little over their stuff and don't even bookmark it because $$$ to get it here.

I don't pretend to be able to give real advice about glass for Astronomy, I would recommend site like https://www.bestbinocularsreviews.co...-astronomy.php to get started on that. Plus publications like Sky & Telescope https://skyandtelescope.org/

If you have binoculars or spotting scope already you could use that to start before spending money on new glass, bigger objectives and good exit pupal like night/marine binocs will do a lot IMHO but even basic binoculars will let you see more. Might need to get a different tripod or something like car window mount if you don't have something that provides enough elevation already. I wouldn't try using hand held binocs for very long with sky watching.

Just like hunting & shooting glass prices go up real quickly.

A few years ago I got gf Astronomy binoculars for Christmas from that review link and a tripod to start with, we will probably spend money on telescope eventually. My thoughts were that binoculars were less expensive and easier to use, and even if we do decide to get a telescope having one person on binocs and one on telescope makes sense for astronomy just like it would for varmint hunting or spotter sniper team. Additionally Astronomy binoculars are basically night binoculars, a lower tech Nightvision, so they can do double duty in that mode.

I'm sure there are several good apps, we got Pocket Universe https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pocket...se/id306916838 on recommendation of Brian Klug that used to work for Anandtech. Used to talk to him occasionally on Twitter before he moved to Apple, he's a REALLY smart person and was into Astronomy/Optics in college. Even Anand, who I consider very intelligent, would comment sometimes about how Brian's thinking just worked different/better than most people.

[DacoRoman]

Yeah all kinds of really cool trailers the Aussies have, I generally just drool a little over their stuff and don't even bookmark it because $$$ to get it here.

I don't pretend to be able to give real advice about glass for Astronomy, I would recommend site like https://www.bestbinocularsreviews.co...-astronomy.php to get started on that. Plus publications like Sky & Telescope https://skyandtelescope.org/

If you have binoculars or spotting scope already you could use that to start before spending money on new glass, bigger objectives and good exit pupal like night/marine binocs will do a lot IMHO but even basic binoculars will let you see more. Might need to get a different tripod or something like car window mount if you don't have something that provides enough elevation already. I wouldn't try using hand held binocs for very long with sky watching.

Just like hunting & shooting glass prices go up real quickly.

A few years ago I got gf Astronomy binoculars for Christmas from that review link and a tripod to start with, we will probably spend money on telescope eventually. My thoughts were that binoculars were less expensive and easier to use, and even if we do decide to get a telescope having one person on binocs and one on telescope makes sense for astronomy just like it would for varmint hunting or spotter sniper team. Additionally Astronomy binoculars are basically night binoculars, a lower tech Nightvision, so they can do double duty in that mode.

I'm sure there are several good apps, we got Pocket Universe https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pocket...se/id306916838 on recommendation of Brian Klug that used to work for Anandtech. Used to talk to him occasionally on Twitter before he moved to Apple, he's a REALLY smart person and was into Astronomy/Optics in college. Even Anand, who I consider very intelligent, would comment sometimes about how Brian's thinking just worked different/better than most people.

Awesome, thanks for the great info! I have some spots that would be absolutely perfect for star and planet gazing and I really wanna give it a go!

[Dov]

Awesome, thanks for the great info! I have some spots that would be absolutely perfect for star and planet gazing and I really wanna give it a go!

Your very welcome.

On positive note Stargazing away from town should be virus safe, so if your situation allows time for it now I think it'd be good couple/family activity.

Not sure of your local climate, but I've found here in Midwest outside of winter months mosquitoes to be a right pain for watching meteor showers and such. Part of that is mosquitoes like me far better than other people, so we sometimes sit in the SUV and on slight incline if possible so can use both windshield & sunroof/moonroof with all windows shut to watch.

Thats why when we do get a telescope I plan to make sure have the right brackets & gear to set scope up outside and view via smartphone or other digital camera to tablet or laptop screen away from the bugs when they are bad.

One positive for midwest winter star gazing with good winter gear is one can be quite cozy and avoid straining neck by making bed in the snow.

[Chuck Whitlock]

So, after reading Misanthropist's excellent article, I started snooping around Remington's site and found this:

https://www.remington.com/rifles/bol...seven-laminate

Adding the DBM from PTG:

http://pacifictoolandgauge.com/remin...aics-mags.html

..would yield a pretty damn Scouty rifle, with rifle sights and everything. Personally, all I'd need to do is lop off 1-2" off the stock, which would be easier to do with the laminated wood than synthetic, although this would be a lot cheaper to buy-in:

https://www.remington.com/rifles/bol...c-heavy-barrel

[OlongJohnson]

I like that idea. Not that I need any more .308s.

https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_...ington%2085963

The synthetic is ~1.5 lb heavier with a shorter barrel, per the listed specs. Also, there are aftermarket options to upgrade the Rem factory rifle sights (assuming they're like the 700 and 870 sights) that just drop right onto the factory ramps. Another nice thing about laminate is you can always shave it down and make it even lighter. Just be careful of the dust. Wear an N95 like it's made of covid - it will screw your lungs up for real.

[jrm]

I totally get where you are coming from. At one point I was thinking of going for a very expensive Carbon fiber maggiolina. I then decided to go with something more economical to see if I even like the whole RTT thing. Well it turns out that I really do like it.

I don’t know much about enclosed sleeper trailers but it sounds like that may give the most comfort and still allow for light off road/unpaved areas. For trailers designed for RTT’s but with fully built in kitchens and water have you seen the very expensive and very impressive Patriot trailers, from Australia? Turtle back trailers from AZ are also very nice.

I am not familiar with the ones you mentioned and I’ll be checking them out.

Going out there with a telescope sounds like a great time. My wife has an app on her iPhone that you point at regions in the sky and it shows you constellations and planets. What would be a good entry level but good telescope one could buy?

https://shop.astronomerswithoutborde...ctor-telescope I would highly recommend this telescope for entry level and fairly portable. You need a table or stool to set it on though. A cheap scope may be ok but a cheap tripod will be misery.

[Maple Syrup Actual]

So, after reading Misanthropist's excellent article, I started snooping around Remington's site and found this:

https://www.remington.com/rifles/bol...seven-laminate

Adding the DBM from PTG:

http://pacifictoolandgauge.com/remin...aics-mags.html

..would yield a pretty damn Scouty rifle, with rifle sights and everything. Personally, all I'd need to do is lop off 1-2" off the stock, which would be easier to do with the laminated wood than synthetic, although this would be a lot cheaper to buy-in:

https://www.remington.com/rifles/bol...c-heavy-barrel

Glad you enjoyed it also - that Seven is sure classier than my plasti-puncher, plus the irons are a nice addition.

I do like the prices on the no-frills heavies, though.

[Chuck Whitlock]

Glad you enjoyed it also - that Seven is sure classier than my plasti-puncher, plus the irons are a nice addition.

I do like the prices on the no-frills heavies, though.

I've enjoyed everything I've read that you've written.....you have a style and sense of humor that I enjoy reading.

I noticed that PTG also makes DBM for Ruger 77 series, which opens a whole realm of possablities, albeit sans irons.