Walk Around/ Mountain Rifles

I'm in the market for a new gun to fill the gap between my calibers and use as my all around gun. So I'v picked the .243. I want a semi-auto but as I've got a few hard miles on my ol body I also want to keep the weight down. In my search I'v been telling people this and they keep saying I need a bolt action because they are a lot lighter. So I read this thread with curiosity. So to compare I looked up the Model 7 (which I liked). The CDL is listed at 6lbs8ozs and the Predator at 7lbs. The semi-autos I'm considering are the Browning short trac stalker listed at 6lbs10ozs and the Rem 750 at 7lbs8ozs. I'd go with the BAR but my all around gun definition includes if the SHTF scenario. The Bar has the hinged mag so no quick reloads or xtra capacity mags. Plus it would cost me $250 more and money is kinda tight. But the 750 dosen't have a very good reputation. I have a 7400 in 30.06 and the only problem I've had was one mag needed tweeked. Its no tack driver but at the distances I'm able to shoot around here its goodennuf. So with the 750 it would weigh more and prob not be as accurate as a CDL or Bar. The scope I want to put on what ever I end up with is a Redfield Revolution 2x7x33 at 11.1 ozs. Remington wouldn't tell me what the MOA might be on the Mod 7 or the 750. Anyone got a shooter to give me a idea on Moa's?
 
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I know you said semi auto but here is an idea, I have a New England firearms single shot breech load in a 243. A friend bought it for me and I never thought I would shoot it as much as I do. I love the gun it is super short and light I strap it over my back when snow shoeing or skiing. It is one of the most accurate rifle's I have and having only the one shot will make you better.
 
"lever action .30-30 perfect walking around rifle". I here that. I carried a Marlin 336 100th anniversary 30-30 with a Bushnell Banner 3x9 scope from when I was a boy till a few years ago when I got a 7400 from my sister. My dad had even put one of those side extensions on the hammer to clear the scope better for me. If it wasn't for wanting a semi I'd throw some of those Hornady Leverevolutions in it for yotes and call it a day. Its kind of funny cause I remember as a young lad at times being cold,tired and bored while deer hunting. I would look at and rub that buttstock emblem with the guy on the horse and somehow it would make me feel better. Built in entertainment I guess. For some kids now a days it would have to be a i-pod or something.
 
I love carrying my Winchester 92 .25-20. It's so light and slim. It couldn't take down an elk at 200 yards though... But I love it!!!!
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I had a Sendero once...heavy walking hiking stick in mountain country is a more fitting description. I pedaled it as soon as I got back from elk camp!
 
Originally Posted By: 204GunnerI had a Sendero once...heavy walking hiking stick in mountain country is a more fitting description. I pedaled it as soon as I got back from elk camp!

They are heavy. Dont really bother me much.
 
hey guys, whats your thoughts on the ruger hawkeye compact ? I looked at one in 243 in a gunshop today, 16.5" barrel, 6 lbs. I know rugers are not generally thought of as the most accurate, but i'm a ruger fan anyway. what would be the drawbacks of a rifle that short and light ?
 
I have a Browning Micro Hunter in 243 with 20" barrel.
It's god-awful loud. I can't imagine what a 16.5" barrel would be like.
I also had a bit of a struggle finding a powder that burned fast enough in the short tube. It wasn't that big of a deal, but again,, the shorter barrel's going to be more of a problem in that regard..
JMO
FWIW, that Browning is definitely a handy, lite-weight little rifle,, and plenty accurate..

Dustballs,,, I have a friend that's about as hard core of an Elk hunter as anyone I ever met. He carries a Sendero with shot added to the stock for extra weight..
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Doesn't bother him in the least, but it sure would me.. Yikes!!
 
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I expected it to be loud, and kick a little more, but will it shoot as good as a the same rifle in full size? if it will shoot MObeercan at 100yds or MOcoyote out to 250 or so that would be good enough. Sure seems like it would be handy as heck to pack.
 
I think so,
I am sure some of the gun guroo will know exactly what lenght is needed but with those small bullets they have already reached there max velocity so you don't need anything longer
 
Along the same lines as this thread is taking... does anyone know the optimal barrel length for a .17 fireball. My new Remington .17 Fireball has a 24" barrel which seems awful long.

Couldn't I get by with a 20-21" barrel?
 
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