Thread: Light weight carry rifle options

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 . . . .

That same Gunsmith (if it's who I'm thinking of, there's not many down that way...) also seems to have a few "as new" kimber actions haha

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.