Thread: Light weight carry rifle options

Hey guys, looking at picking up a new rifle. Looking for feedback on the howa Superlite or any other suggestions.
Preferably available in synthetic/stainless
Needs to be light and short-ish
Sub-Moa with factory ammo, not into reloading.
Hunting 0-300 yards so any of the following calibers would suit 308, 7mm-08 6.5 creed, 243
Budget is $2500

Tikka T3 in 308/708

3.5-10x40 scope

No suppressor

Light and powerful

tikkas are excellent, but comparatively heavy due to long action.

i'd ponder a howa superlite 16" 308 or howa mini if 6.5 grendel was an option.

Originally Posted by STC

tikkas are excellent, but comparatively heavy due to long action.

i'd ponder a howa superlite 16" 308 or howa mini if 6.5 grendel was an option.

I had a howa Superlite 16” 308 in me hands this arvo, did like it, just wondering if anyone owns one and has hands on experience with it before I fork out for one.

It kind of felt toy-ishly light as if I was going to break it.

I've got one. I've had nicer rifles. I've had (much) more expensive rifles. But it's turning out to be o e og my favorite rifles I've ever had. Mines cut to 14.75". Throws the 168 eldm out at 2600fps (superformance match 168eldm factory load) stupidly light and accurate. I've dragged it round a bit. Seems tough enough. Mine has the @robhughes-games aluminium bottom metal - massive improvement. Weighs 2.35kg scoped and ready to go as pictured

REM Model7 in a CF stock would be another great option

A t3 is a easy to carry light weight rifle.


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have a look at the new Weatherby MK 5 very light just look and feel a bit better made than a Tikka fluted barrel bolt nice

There is a sako carbon lite in 308 at h&f Hamilton, but it is a couple of levels higher in term of budget.

Currently I have a Kimber 84M Hunter in 308 as my lightweight goto carry/truck - the latest in a very long line and a keeper, its an fantastic shooter, the stock is "just right" and all stainless . . . But getting hard to get. Prior to that I had a Howa Superlight but with a walnut stock. Both excellent rifles but the Kimber is a bit more refined, it's trigger is excellent, a step up on the Tikka which is no slouch. Some people get on OK with the Howa two stage trigger but I'm not one of them, they are fine for target work but I could never get them (two Howa mini's and the superlite) to break how I like for off-hand shooting out on the hill.

With the Kimber you'll probably have to get it shortened (they are usually sold in 22") but when you do you can run a 14x1 thread, bigger at the muzzle is always better. The Howa people are good at honouring their guarantee but they have had to be, a gunsmith I know has bought several superlite "duds" off the wholesalers for future projects.

Opinions . . . .

Originally Posted by Tentman

a gunsmith I know has bought several superlite "duds" off the wholesalers for future projects.

Opinions . . . .

Could you elaborate? Just so I know what to keep an eye out for if I do go down the brand new route.


If I went Kimber and took it down to 16” do you think the weight would be comparable to the Howa?

Originally Posted by Tentman

Currently I have a Kimber 84M Hunter in 308 as my lightweight goto carry/truck - the latest in a very long line and a keeper, its an fantastic shooter, the stock is "just right" and all stainless . . . But getting hard to get. Prior to that I had a Howa Superlight but with a walnut stock. Both excellent rifles but the Kimber is a bit more refined, it's trigger is excellent, a step up on the Tikka which is no slouch. Some people get on OK with the Howa two stage trigger but I'm not one of them, they are fine for target work but I could never get them (two Howa mini's and the superlite) to break how I like for off-hand shooting out on the hill.

With the Kimber you'll probably have to get it shortened (they are usually sold in 22") but when you do you can run a 14x1 thread, bigger at the muzzle is always better. The Howa people are good at honouring their guarantee but they have had to be, a gunsmith I know has bought several superlite "duds" off the wholesalers for future projects.

Opinions . . . .

Have you bedded your Hunter? I think I need to get mine done to make it consistent. Whats your approach to shooting it (being a light skinny rifle) off a bench?

Originally Posted by Tahr

Have you bedded your Hunter? I think I need to get mine done to make it consistent. Whats your approach to shooting it (being a light skinny rifle) off a bench?

Mines not bedded. With both it and the S&L light 223 I've got to hold the fore-end with my left hand forward of the rest ( or the bipod if using one, either on the bench or prone, I just grab the left leg) to get consistent shots on the same POI - completely different to anything in the 3.0 kg and up class. And as @Roarless20 has pointed out you need more shoulder pressure than usual. Some people call it "getting over the rifle" Sorta sounds a bit lewd when you put it like that haha. With the Howa superlight I had and the Kimber you can "walk" the POI about 100mm just by varying the hold.

Originally Posted by Chkm8

Could you elaborate? Just so I know what to keep an eye out for if I do go down the brand new route.


If I went Kimber and took it down to 16” do you think the weight would be comparable to the Howa?

I don’t thibk so the go was extremely light weight always wanted a kimber and could never find one when looking unfortunately

The Howa is definitely a wee bit lighter than the Kimber, maybe 400gm? The Howas is also very short in the stock, something to consider if you are lanky.