Bush rifles

Hi All,

I'm currently planning a bush rifle, but , as a novice hunter, the more I look into it the more questions I have. I thought it would be cool to see what bush rifles setup other members have, so please post them in the thread below along. Would be great if member cover:
- Brand;
- Calibre;
- Barrel length;
- Scope + brand (does anyone use red dot sights, or does that not provide enough power?);
- Zerod distance;
- Mag type + shots (I've seen some Bergara Takedowns going for a good price, but they only offer single shot);
- Anything else you think might be useful?

Cheers

Just buy any all rounder in a howa / t3 / etc and get hunting

Guns are fun and its great to deep dive into them but just getting anything and getting into the hills is far more important

Tikka T3 308win, 16" bbl, Hardy suppressor. Steiner 1-4x illuminated. Zeroed 106 yards.
Attachment 259260
All you will ever need in the bush.

For a true bush rifle, I don't think you can go past the Bergara single shot rifles for quality and value. You get a very short if surprisingly heavy package. I don't think the single shot factor has ever cost me an animal, although I mainly hunt goats which are much easier to stalk than deer. Calibre is going to be a point of debate as always! I have a 300BLK which is a little outside the mainstream, but it suits my needs. Standard answer is always .308. Scope is a 1.5-5x which is perfect. I zero at 50 metres. Don't think I've ever shot this particular rifle further. Most shots are 20 metres or less.

https://i.ibb.co/R9LcsY8/h2.jpg

I definitely agree - there aren't really many bad bolt-actions out there that can't be cycled quickly.

Having said that, I had a Miroku lever rifle in .243 that I adored. 20" barrel, a 4-round magazine, and a 1-4 Vortex optic made it a real joy to use in the Queensland scrub. Very quick to shoulder, get a good sight picture, and reload if necessary without losing track of the target (or targets).

Really the only critical thing I'd be looking at is a scope with good low magnification - way more important than high-end. 2x is great, 1x is amazing, 3x is the highest I would consider. I think just about every brand has a 1-4 or 2-7 so you've got options at every price poiny.

As above, any rifle, scope, cartridge combination will work.

See if you can find a used Tikka or Howa in any of cartridge you can buy ammo for (anything from 30-06 to 450 Bushmaster will be suitable).
Scope wise, again any 2-7, 3-9, 1-4, type scope will work.
Shorter barrels are better in tight bush, if you want a suppressor then you definitely need a shorter barrel.

Theres a few Howa and Tikka packages on Trademe at the moment between $1000-$2000.

Not to push the OP in one direction or the other, but as you can see I own both a Bergara BA-13 and a Tikka and look at the difference in overall length. The barrel on the Bergara is 0.5 inch longer than the Tikka!

https://i.ibb.co/zXSg7Md/IMG-8742-2.jpg

Kimber hunter, leupold vx3 2.5-8x36, 308 cut to 16 inches, suppressed, all up weighs 6 pounds. Beautifully light, cheap to shoot, no frills and not to expensive you have to worry about beating it up.

If you want cheap, Norinco Bushmaster 7.62x39. Cheap as chips ammo, usual barrel twist is relatively fast in the scheme of things so can be used for relatively heavy subs and did I mention cheap? These things can be had set up with a decent scope for under a grand, and if you look around can be had second hand with a decent low mag scope for under half that. Will probably need a bit of a polish around the action as finishing is usually rubbish to finished by foot, and likely a bedding job but once that's done they are pretty good.

Mine holds about 1" to 1.5" at 100m after all is done, and is perfectly acceptable for deer out to 150m which as noted above is a LONG shot for your average bush rifle.

If your just starting out hunting, perhaps consider a suppressed, bolt action rifle with a compact 3x scope. There will be plenty of great suggestions, doesn't need to be new, could be second hand. Something in 308, plenty of choice and consistency of supply in ammo. Also a great platform for subsonic if the barrel twist rate allows - super nice if you are shooting over a dog.

Bush hunting can be super fun and addictive, but it also can get pretty wearing, particularly when you are starting out, concentrating all day, stumbling around looking at green jungle and not seeing a thing. You can get a little "cooked" on it, and crave a more open/tops hunting adventure, so a bolt action rifle will be a lot more versatile option than a single shot/lever action set up. Lever actions are gonna be heavier given the action weight.

I've got a Browning BLR Lightweight Takedown in 223, shortened barrel suppressed (think it's like 14"), with a red dot. Most shots shooting over a dog in the bush are 5-15m, with a handful out to 30m. I zero to 25m. Sorry to the above Bergara users, I had a look at one, but heavy at around 3.1kg from memory for a single shot - same weight as the Browning which has a 4-5 round magazine depending on calibre choice. Meant I could buy standard factory ammo for a lever action. And take a couple of animals when presented with the opportunity. Love it!

Attachment 259264

bush hunting is great fun but dont make the mistake of limiting yourself in range so I would rule out the short range stuff 300 blackout 7.62x39 - short barrel 308 suppressor get condident with it and 300 meters very doable and those kind of shots present themselves in the bush across a gully onto a slip shame to miss out on animals because you have sacrificed range - wide choice of calibers I have always been un ashamed blow a decent hole hunter - makes blood trailing a lot easier if you have to - 308 7mm08 270 all good but allow some range capability if a mate invites you down to a farm you are capable

Can of worms. In the past I've owned (and foolishly sold) two rifles that were just about perfect. The BLR as snapper ator has shown above but in .308 fitted with low weavers and low power scope was fanfarkintastic. Family issues saw it rehomed. The other was norinco 7.62x39mm suppressed with low power scope....that got sold because I had a
.308 too and very very occasionally that 300 yard shot comes up. Funnily enough it hasn't occured since I on sold it. Really light to carry and killed well. My single bakail is just as short but heavier.

short barrel .308.dont get a single shot for bush hunting, learning youll most definitely need to send more than 1 shot quite often id say.and you should learn to start shooting as soon as safety is confirmed,alot of missed animals due to waiting for a clean shot-just let em have it.

If I could turn the JW103 into a take down, same length and weight it would be fanfarkentastic as MD describes. Take down, into the pack at the end of an unsuccessful hunt and wander past the twig and tweeters and through the carpark with them non the wiser. Plus, going in to the bush at the start and no dramas there either. Couple of areas where crown land runs past rural schools that would be mint as the local mums are still pissy with the 'look' of it even though it's legally fine.

The best thing to do is get people used to seeing hunters carrying rifles (where they are allowed to). Make it normal and not something to get all anxious about.

The two I mainly use now if its thickish bush would be my howa mini in 6.5 gren or my rem 600 mohawk in 243

I don't have one but like the idea of the little light short single shot brake actions. (in a larger bore),
1 -3x min mag. i have used 1, 1.5 and currently us a 2x bottom but that becase I also want to take some longer shots 250 mtr-300 mtr shorts.
Caliber is not a big deal for the short ranges hunted in the bush anything will work but i do belive you still need something that is able to take some longer shorts when you come to clearings or bush margins on the tops.
out to 100 mtr anything 222 and up will work, 357, 44mag pistol calibers, but if you want to shoot further you need something a bit faster.
Out to 200 mtr anything in the 223, or 30-30 familys, 35 rem, 350 Legand, 360 buck hammer etc etc,
if you want to get to 300 or more mtr you probably need to pick a 308 family and don't cut the barrel too short, 6m, 6.5mm, 7mm 30 cal etc.
I carry a 20" barrel lever action in 358win but its a reloaders only proposition as you can't buy much ammo, however I can load it down for sub 100 mtr shooting but still reach out to 300 mtr.
Z

Sako A7 in 308 16" barrel, dpt can and VX3hd 2.5-8x36. Perfect combo for Nth island bush.

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Originally Posted by blip

The two I mainly use now if its thickish bush would be my howa mini in 6.5 gren or my rem 600 mohawk in 243

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ahhh yes the Rem 700 mohawk designed as a light bush carbine

Always liked carrying a M94 in the bush, very easy to snake through the scrub and tree-fall holding it with one hand around the lever. Not really enough legs for out in the open, but hard to beat in the scrub before carbon fibre stocks and suppressors became a thing.

Depends too on your attitude to your gear, rifles do get a bit of a hiding in the scrub unless you take very good care to carry them carefully, but that detracts from the hunting, so if you can't live happily with water and scratches on your Sako, don't buy one for bush hunting.

Another 2c I will add is that a bush rifle slung on your shoulder is about as effective as a lawnmower without its blades when you see a deer up close. So you want something that is comfortable to carry in your hands for long periods of time as you weave your way through the scrub. This means light and well balanced.

If I was setting up a bush rifle tomorrow, it would be something from the list below.

Remington Model Seven, 08 family cartridge with 1-4, 1.5-5 or 2-7, Carbon Fibre stock and suppressor bushing close to forend.
Howa Mini, 6.5 Grendel (or possibly 7.62x39). Same scopes/stock/suppressor situation as above.
Rossi lever action .357/44 with 13" barrel and suppressor. I would stick with the wooden stock version as it has less to get caught on supplejack etc.
Winchester Model 94, 30/30. Ideally the 16" barrel model with a peep sight. (Only if you don't like hearing what people are saying).

Likely nothing wrong with the likes of a Tikka or Bergara either. They just aren't on my list because I haven't used them myself to be able to comment.

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Originally Posted by longshot

Always liked carrying a M94 in the bush, very easy to snake through the scrub and tree-fall holding it with one hand around the lever. Not really enough legs for out in the open, but hard to beat in the scrub before carbon fibre stocks and suppressors became a thing.

Depends too on your attitude to your gear, rifles do get a bit of a hiding in the scrub unless you take very good care to carry them carefully, but that detracts from the hunting, so if you can't live happily with water and scratches on your Sako, don't buy one for bush hunting.

Another 2c I will add is that a bush rifle slung on your shoulder is about as effective as a lawnmower without its blades when you see a deer up close. So you want something that is comfortable to carry in your hands for long periods of time as you weave your way through the scrub. This means light and well balanced.

If I was setting up a bush rifle tomorrow, it would be something from the list below.

Remington Model Seven, 08 family cartridge with 1-4, 1.5-5 or 2-7, Carbon Fibre stock and suppressor bushing close to forend.
Howa Mini, 6.5 Grendel (or possibly 7.62x39). Same scopes/stock/suppressor situation as above.
Rossi lever action .357/44 with 13" barrel and suppressor. I would stick with the wooden stock version as it has less to get caught on supplejack etc.
Winchester Model 94, 30/30. Ideally the 16" barrel model with a peep sight. (Only if you don't like hearing what people are saying).

Likely nothing wrong with the likes of a Tikka or Bergara either. They just aren't on my list because I haven't used them myself to be able to comment.

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I’ve got two 94’s, one is a 20” 30-30 made in 1955, the other is a 16” trapper 30-30 made in the late eighties. The latter has a rugged peep sight mounted and it is great to carry in the thick stuff.


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I’m shooting 150gns threw a 16”708 vx3hd nice and lite shoulders well iv had short .308s in the past to they go fantastic

Howa superlite 308, 14.5" barrel, Vixen 2-8, weighs 2.45kg all up, good wee shooter and still puts the factory 150gr superformance out at 2750fps so good for 350 easy. If they made a floorplate for them I'd be happy, hate magazines in hunting rifles.
Attachment 259302

Rem M7 in a KS McMillan, 16" 7mm08 with DPT and Leupold Mk4 m3 3.5-10x40 (has done everything from 20-300m).

Best load for this is a Nosler BT 120 going about 2650fps.

Attachment 259308Attachment 259309

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Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

ahhh yes the Rem 700 mohawk designed as a light bush carbine

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Prolly forerunner to the model 7

Rossi R92 in 454 Casull. 10" barrel with a 2x Leupold M8 (for looks). The lever action carries nice in the bush.
Shoots 240gr at 2200fps.

I also use a 300BLk with a 1.5-5x scope. Short rifles handle easy in the thick stuff.

If I could have my time again, I'd get a .308, 16" with a 2-7x scope. It'll carry easy in the bush and have the legs to go longer if needed. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...096fe201b7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...472c120052.jpg

Rem model 7.

7mm08.

16"

Burris sixX 2-12x40


Dpt can

Home made carbon wrapped stock

Warne rings.

Handloaded with 160gr TMK doing around 2400fps.

Stupidly light and accurate.

Attachment 259314

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Originally Posted by will.i.em

Rossi R92 in 454 Casull. 10" barrel with a 2x Leupold M8 (for looks). The lever action carries nice in the bush.
Shoots 240gr at 2200fps.

I also use a 300BLk with a 1.5-5x scope. Short rifles handle easy in the thick stuff.

If I could have my time again, I'd get a .308, 16" with a 2-7x scope. It'll carry easy in the bush and have the legs to go longer if needed. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...096fe201b7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...472c120052.jpg

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how many does the Rossi hold with the mag cut back that short

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Originally Posted by longshot

how many does the Rossi hold with the mag cut back that short

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4 in the mag. If I can't get what I'm hunting with 3, then I need to reconsider my hobbies [emoji14]

I really like the Bergara Extreme hunter in .308

Cerakoted to protect from rusting in your hands when you're in the damp bush.
Leupold VX 3-9x40 zeroed at 100m and drives tacks with factory ammo.
18" barrel, I see the current model has fluted bolt and barrel.
3+1 mag, being able to be ready with a quick follow up shot is handy.

I find it comfortable to carry with one hand for long distances which can make a big difference labouring in the bush.

Attachment 259324

I've had heaps of different "bush rifles" over the years - half a dozen open-sighted lever actions, a chopped, scoped and suppressed lever action, open sighted bolt actions, a scout rifle, shortened, suppressed bush pig style bolt actions etc, and I hunt the tight shit in the Kaimais. Nowadays I just use a standard length, unsuppressed Brno bolt action in 243. It does everything, it isn't a hindrance in the bush, it isn't a problem if I want to hunt open country. As others have said, just buy a rifle in a reasonable calibre and get out there!

Attachment 259326

One thing I do rate on my Howa over my Remington is the three stage safety. Being able to lock the bolt closed on the Howa is one less thing to worry about when charging thru supplejack. Have had the Rem bolt flick open and eject or semi-eject a round on a few occasions.

Other than that - as has been said numerous times, just buy a rifle that fits you well, and rip into it.

Short, light, low power scope with see-thru covers, suppressor and a half cock modification so you can lock the action open but close the bolt silently when you need to is what I prefer

So for me that is a Kimber Montana 708, cut down to 16" (with a load to suit). a Hardy Can, Swaro 1.7-10 x 42.

Best rifle to build a bush gun from is something cheap, ideally as thin a profile as possible to reduce snags eg, monte carlo or similar style stock, flush fit/internal mag, recessed or shrouded mag release etc. I started mine with a blued 20" hbar Howa 1500 chambered in .308win that I picked up new for $700 (from memory). I would have preferred a lightweight model but wanted to be able to use my already owned suppressor which has a minimum barrel dimension requirement that is incompatible with thin profiles.
I then had it chopped down to 14" barrel length, fluted for weight reduction (howa 1500 aren't known for being light), and cerakoted as the fluting stripped the bluing. I topped it with a very light and smallish optic, Leupold VX-3HD 1.5-5x20 and have zeroed it at 50m, it's a tack driver. With the suppressor on, it's pretty much the original overall length, approx 1070mm. With it off, it's very (but still well within legal) short, sitting next to the 24" barrel waypoint looks almost comical. Please excuse the dog hair, no one told me springers shed that bad, nor that they had such an affinity to human chairs...

Attachment 259332Attachment 259333

I run the Bergara B13 takedown in .308 and 16” barrel. DPT suppressor and cheap 3x9x40 scope on it. Zeros in at 100m and will shoot almost through the same hole on the target it’s a real little tack driver. Don’t be worried about it being a single shot, very seldom do you get a second chance bush stalking anyway. Only down side is it’s fairly heavy for its size but it’s a solid piece of kit and still shoots a 3” group at 300M.

I chose this as my first rifle because it’s super easy to use, not much to go wrong with it in the field and with a bit of practice you can chamber another round in less than a couple of seconds.

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Originally Posted by blip

The two I mainly use now if its thickish bush would be my howa mini in 6.5 gren or my rem 600 mohawk in 243

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Go the Mohawk !

Attachment 259352

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Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

Howa superlite 308, 14.5" barrel, Vixen 2-8, weighs 2.45kg all up, good wee shooter and still puts the factory 150gr superformance out at 2750fps so good for 350 easy. If they made a floorplate for them I'd be happy, hate magazines in hunting rifles.
Attachment 259302

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This is the winner so far.that speed with factory ammo is amazing, almost unbelievable.

get what @Shearer has can,t go wrong

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Originally Posted by Low box

Short, light, low power scope with see-thru covers, suppressor and a half cock modification so you can lock the action open but close the bolt silently when you need to is what I prefer

So for me that is a Kimber Montana 708, cut down to 16" (with a load to suit). a Hardy Can, Swaro 1.7-10 x 42.

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To the OP, apologies, as this will almost certainly hijack your thread, but here's about 7 pages explaining (more or less) the "half-cock": https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....-safety-96468/

I'd encourage you to have a read, then you can run your own risk assessment, and make an informed decision.

I personally don't do it, as I haven't yet encountered a situation where it would have made the difference. I also have a couple of experiences that support this decision:
- hunting with a mate who swore black and blue running half-cock (bolt half-open) was the safest way to hunt as he heard from a mate you shouldn't trust safety's. We stopped briefly for a map check, with him swinging his rifle hither and thither, muzzle-flashing me 3-4 times in the process. I pointed out his bolt was closed and asked if he'd unloaded. Upon checking, he ejected a live round and went rather white. He had knocked his "half-cocked" bolt closed, and had muzzle-flashed me with a loaded rifle without knowing. Rather than accept wrongdoing, his response was to try and catch me out for safety for the rest of the trip. We don't hunt together any longer.
- another mate ND'd while hunting solo, not realising his "half-cocked" (bolt half-open) rifle was no longer half cocked, and something knocked the trigger. He was honest enough to admit it, and learn from it.

I hope by now you have bought a suppressed Howa .308, and are planning on getting out into the shrubbery!