Project - General Purpose "Woods" Rifle

[Swamp Rat]

I am kicking this around, in addition to my primary project for 2018 (the "lightweight long range" gun I mentioned in another thread).

I've grown weary of dragging around heavy bolt guns with long barrels to stands where I am not likely to get a shot over about 250 yards. And most of the shots are inside 150-200. When I put my suppressor on a rifle, it adds between 6½ and 7 inches to the barrel, and it starts getting ungainly in a confined stand with a blind on it. So, I'm considering either an off-the-shelf option or a build. With the lightweight long range project, and the newly discovered need for extensive dental work, I am leaning towards a turn-key solution, but I'm being picky on specs. I have a gun or two I can sell to fund this.

I may can nip this firmly in the bud up front - anybody around that can give me a muzzle diameter measurement on a Remington Model 7? And another measurement at about 18"? That platform is about the size I'm looking for, and a 260 chambering would be nice.

[Glenn]

You about ADD as hell.

I bet you've got "project" notes and parts laying all over the place. Let's see some finished projects!

[Swamp Rat]

You makin' my eye twitch. I got a couple of AR projects finished, but they're boring to look at.

And, yes, I am 100% ADD as hell.

[jwterry3]

Check out the Model 7 youth......it can be had chambered in 260 and is stainless. The barrel should be either 18 or 20 inches to begin with.

Pretty simple to have the barrel capped and threaded to support suppressor then you be around 24ish in total barrel length

[jwterry3]

Check out the Model 7 youth......it can be had chambered in 260 and is stainless. The barrel should be either 18 or 20 inches to begin with.

Pretty simple to have the barrel capped and threaded to support suppressor then you be around 24ish in total barrel length

[duckman88]

I know this probably isn't what you are looking for but I shoot an out-of-the-box Browning A-Bolt Composite Stalker in 30-06, only deer rifle I own. Has a Leupold VX-II 3-9x50 on it, had the gun since I was in high school. I shoot Winchester ballistic silver tips and have shot numerous deer with it from 75-235 yards. Never had one go further than 20 yards after the shot with all but two (one went about 5 yards and one 20 yards) being DRT. I know if I had the funds I would love to build rifles and have high end scopes, suppressors and the like but that isn't in the cards right now. I understand its a hobby for y'all but some of you gun nuts seem to overthink things, haha.

[Swamp Rat]

Check out the Model 7 youth......it can be had chambered in 260 and is stainless. The barrel should be either 18 or 20 inches to begin with.

Pretty simple to have the barrel capped and threaded to support suppressor then you be around 24ish in total barrel length

I'll look at it, but I'm willing to bet that (A) the stock is cut to a shorter length of pull, and (B) the barrel would indeed need to be beefed up at the muzzle to have enough meat to thread. I am leery of the effect that will have on accuracy (harmonics). May be no issue at all.

This stuff is always fun to discuss. If I sit still long enough and drink enough coffee to slow my brain down, I realize that the "long range rifle" project would also fill this niche, but with 2 inches more barrel. Which I should probably do - just have one gun that I do 80% of my hunting with.

[Saltydog235]

That little Ruger American Ranch I put together for my 7yo is a badass little gun. 16" threaded barrel, takes Mini-30 mags and is light and handy as hell. Think I paid $425.00 for it. They offer it in .223, .300BO, 7.62X39 and .450 Bushmaster. The 7.62X39 is the only one that takes the mini 30 mags.

23CC6AD6-A595-4374-A7D3-3E0C37B167C9.jpg

[Coastal Woodie]

Well I guess I'll throw my 2 cents in since everyone else is. My pick would be a 700 AAC-SD with the 20 inch threaded barrel in 6.5 creedmoor because that is the only caliber available in that model other than 308. Drop it in your preferred stock, I would go with the B&C m40 for cost savings and add a timney trigger.

The 700 5R stainless would also be a great option if you want a 308 instead.

[Coastal Woodie]

That little Ruger American Ranch I put together for my 7yo is a badass little gun. 16" threaded barrel, takes Mini-30 mags and is light and handy as hell. Think I paid $425.00 for it. They offer it in .223, .300BO, 7.62X39 and .450 Bushmaster. The 7.62X39 is the only one that takes the mini 30 mags.

I took a look at one a while back in 308. and it was pretty darn light with a can on it. I'm not sure if it was the Ranch model but it had either a 16 or 18 inch barrel. They are some handy little rifles.

[Phone Man]

Ive been eyeing those little ranch rifles myself

[Swamp Rat]

I understand its a hobby for y'all but some of you gun nuts seem to overthink things, haha.

That is 100% true.... and Glenn is 100% on my dragging out projects. But I like to think about it, and eventually I do stuff. This started back in the 80's with me buying cheap '98 Mauser actions, cheap barrels ($60) and building accurate guns on them. It can be addicting, but having so many partially done guns is indeed a pain in the ass.

That little Ruger American Ranch I put together for my 7yo is a badass little gun. 16" threaded barrel, takes Mini-30 mags and is light and handy as hell. Think I paid $425.00 for it. They offer it in .223, .300BO, 7.62X39 and .450 Bushmaster. The 7.62X39 is the only one that takes the mini 30 mags.

I handled one. That intrigued me, but I want to ensure I have the terminal performance at, say, 200 yards. Pass throughs with ample exit wounds on at least a slight quartering shot is a mental requirement for me. Accuracy reports I've seen from it are pretty good. The scope I have in mind for this project is the Trijicon 2.5-10x56 I have on order - that may be bigger than the rifle lol.

Well I guess I'll throw my 2 cents in since everyone else is. My pick would be a 700 AAC-SD with the 20 inch threaded barrel in 6.5 creedmoor because that is the only caliber available in that model other than 308. Drop it in your preferred stock, I would go with the B&C m40 for cost savings and add a timney trigger.

The 700 5R stainless would also be a great option if you want a 308 instead.

I'll look at the 700 AAC-SD - was not aware it was available in 6.5 CM, which would simplify logisitics. The 700 5R is too heavy for this niche.

[Swamp Rat]

I took a look at one a while back in 308. and it was pretty darn light with a can on it. I'm not sure if it was the Ranch model but it had either a 16 or 18 inch barrel. They are some handy little rifles.

This is an option - I've heard people complain about recoil being substantial. I'm not generally recoil sensitive though. The American Predator is the one in 308 - it has an 18" threaded barrel. The 6.5 CM is 20 or 22"

[Baggy]

Any interest in a Steyr mountain rifle chambered .284 Winchester?

[Saltydog235]

This is an option - I've heard people complain about recoil being substantial. I'm not generally recoil sensitive though. The American Predator is the one in 308 - it has an 18" threaded barrel. The 6.5 CM is 20 or 22"

My 9yo got the Predator in 6.5CM, nice little gun too. 22" on the barrel but nowhere near as handy as that little Ranch. I put a 3-9X40 Accupower on it and it's dang impressive in low light. Gun is very accurate too.

I put a 2.5-12X44 Viper HS on the Ranch, it really needs a 1-6 or so though. I just put the higher magnification on there so that the boy can see what he's shooting at better and gain more confidence. A red dot would also be a great option on it. I'm sure he'll "outgrow" it in a year or two and I can inherit it and go that route.

[PharmHunter]

That little Ruger American Ranch I put together for my 7yo is a badass little gun. 16" threaded barrel, takes Mini-30 mags and is light and handy as hell. Think I paid $425.00 for it. They offer it in .223, .300BO, 7.62X39 and .450 Bushmaster. The 7.62X39 is the only one that takes the mini 30 mags.

23CC6AD6-A595-4374-A7D3-3E0C37B167C9.jpg

Like that alot!

[bigtimeduckhunter]

That little Ruger American Ranch I put together for my 7yo is a badass little gun. 16" threaded barrel, takes Mini-30 mags and is light and handy as hell. Think I paid $425.00 for it. They offer it in .223, .300BO, 7.62X39 and .450 Bushmaster. The 7.62X39 is the only one that takes the mini 30 mags.

23CC6AD6-A595-4374-A7D3-3E0C37B167C9.jpg

Is that the factory stock?

[Saltydog235]

Is that the factory stock?

Yep. Doubt I'd change it either on that little gun.

[winyah]

I may can nip this firmly in the bud up front - anybody around that can give me a muzzle diameter measurement on a Remington Model 7? And another measurement at about 18"? That platform is about the size I'm looking for, and a 260 chambering would be nice.

I've got a Model 7 in 7mm RSAUM here at the house, working up some loads for a buddy. It's the 22" stainless version with the tuperware stock.

Measurements:

Muzzle is .650"
at 18" is .665" which would be just thick enough for 9/16-24

[Swamp Rat]

I've got a Model 7 in 7mm RSAUM here at the house, working up some loads for a buddy. It's the 22" stainless version with the tuperware stock.

Measurements:

Muzzle is .650"
at 18" is .665" which would be just thick enough for 9/16-24

Is the magnum barrel on those a heavier contour than the standard?