Any one have one? Looking at getting a Model 11 in 308. 5.5 lbs. Looking to build a light rig.

Back when I last looked at them I didn't like the blued and wood. I do believe they have a stainless and synthetic version now. My guess is that they would be a good shooter if you like the ergonomics. I would also want some owners to give the actual weights. They may be 5 and a half pounds but sometimes manufacturers estimates are a good bit off.

I would think the competition would be a Tikka Superlight, the ones with the fluted barrel only sold at Sportsman's warehouse and Cabelas. Barrett is also coming out with a really nice 5 lb light weight but it is way up there at $1700. Cooper also has a new one in that price range. Then three's the Kimber,which is nice unless you get one that isn't. Howa also makes a light weight. I really don't see much in competition to the Savage except the Tikka in that price.

Yep I've been researching them a lot the last few weeks. The blued/wood combo looks good to me, and I have seen reviews which claim it weighs in around 5 lbs 10 oz, which is what they list for the synthetic/stainless version in 308. I looked at the Tikkas and Howas also. I'll have to check out Cooper and Barrett. Kimber, on the other hand, I've researched a lot. They have a version of their mountain ascent in stainless with a moss green synthetic stock that comes in at 4 lbs 13 oz, but it is around $1800 and has to be ordered, could take months. And I too saw the off review of terrible accuracy, even with their Sub-MOA guarantee.

I've always owned Savages, and most likely will buy a 11 LWH sight unseen for better or worse, just wanted to see what the forum's thoughts were.

Savage Pros:
20" Barrel
Better Looks (IMO)
Price (~$715)
Availability

Savage Cons:
Pencil Thin Barrel
Detachable Mag
Toughness in Regards to Blued/Walnut

Kimber Pros:
Removable Muzzle Brake
Stainless
Weighs Roughly 13 oz Less

Kimber Cons:
22" Barrel + 1.5" w/ the Muzzle Brake Installed
Price (~$1800)
Availability

The Savage in stainless/synthetic can be had for around $625, but if I'm getting the Savage, I actually like the look of the blued/walnut.


The problem is my main carry rifle right now is a Savage 116 Stainless/Walnut 338 Win Mag that with scope comes in over 11 lbs. Just too dang heavy for stomping around the woods. I struggle to keep it aimed when viewing deer in the woods even from stands unless I'm in a shooting house. I'd like to keep it the way it is and make it a shooting house/elk trip gun, and get something on the complete other end of the spectrum. It has a 3-18x44 VX-6 that is 20 oz. If I get the LWH or Kimber I'm going to top it with the 2-12x42 VX-6, its only 5.4 oz heavier than the 2.5-8x36 VX-3i. That Kimber with that scope on it would be nice....but I may regret not having that 3/4 lb of the Savage in regards to kick. But then again the Kimber has the muzzle brake to help with that. Decisions decisions...

Most of the 308 Kimbers owned by guys I know shoot very well. You might have to bed it,shorten a mounting screw and the mag box if it is binding but it is a real nice platform.I think if I went that route,I would look for a used gun just under $1000 so even if I rebarreled it I would still be right at the $1700 that Barrett wants.

I have a Kimber Montana in 7mm-08 and a Forbes in 270. The Forbes is a real shooter with no work.I had to bed my Kimber and shorten the mag box but it shoots good now. Recoil is not a problem with either of mine. The stock design and good recoil pad cause me to feel recoil less than same caliber guns I've had that were considerably heavier.

I think if I really wanted a light weight shooter,I would just bite the bullet and order a Barrett or Cooper,unless the non bolt locking safety is a deal breaker for you. I don't know the Cooper weight but the Barrett is exactly 5 lbs in 308.If you really want light weight,that 10 oz difference is quite a lot,but still a long way from your 11 lb rifle.

Here's some info on the Barrett.
http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/11197217/3

I'm saving for one in 6.5 Creedmoor.

This is a bad ass lightweight rifle! I have been toting the 7mm08 for the last couple years. I enjoy the accutrigger , fluted bolt, and nice walnut stock. It fits and points well. Carrying a heavy rifle through the woods is overrated!

You won't have to worry about recoil from a .308 kimber. I'd do like Clark said and buy a used Montana instead of a mountain ascent though. I chopped my barrel to 20" and put the exact same scope on it that you're thinking of putting on one. It weighs 5lbs 2oz naked. You could actually put an aluminum trigger guard and a skeleton bolt handle on it and get it to to just about the same weight as a mountain ascent. I don't know how a fella could have a finer all around lightweight rifle.

It shoots pretty decent too

I put the Titanium bolt and Aluminum trigger guard on my Montana. If the platform means anything to you, there isn't anything better than the Kimber Montana. Honestly,I don't worry about bad accuracy reports with the Kimber Montana. Even if they came without a barrel, the action and stock alone is worth $1000. You are getting one of the finest stocks in the industry, a CRF action with a 3 position model 70 safety and an incredible trigger very similar to old model 70 in its simplicity.

Most of those bad accuracy reports come from people without the ability to shoot a light rifle from the bench.Then look at why you are buying a Montana. I use mine in the way I assume the OP is interested in using one,as a woods gun. It's a nice light gun for me to carry when I want to do a lot of walking-exploring somewhere like the Bankhead. I honestly don't need it to shoot MOA at 400 yards. Nobody ever complained about the accuracy of a 30-30 lever action, though most I have shot were 2-3 MOA or so at 100 yards. People carry a lever 30-30 because they are light ,handy woods guns. To me the Montana is a lot more of the same,much lighter, and even handier. It is also plenty capable of 400 yard MOA in the right hands. I know someone will post sub MOA 30-30 lever targets, but the point is that the way I use mine a 70 yard shot is a long one.

Here's a couple pictures of groups with factory ammo from my Montana after I did the things I listed before.

Average size



Worst of the day, still 1"



Best of the day. First one I shot, cold.




I was adjusting a scope during those targets. I did put some in the dot at the end.

Wise words Mr Clark. For the money the Montanas are the finest mountain rifles ever made.

A Montana chopped to 20" will prob be flirting with 5 lbs? Hmmmm..

Also considering the Adirondack with 18" barrel. Kimber sells the brakes for them too.

You can do that, I wouldn't though unless I found a really good deal. it would be cheaper to chop one and change the bolt handle and trigger guard. You should still save about $400 going that route from what Kimber is asking for the Adirondack. I also see no reason to chop one shorter than 20". I wouldn't even do that until I saw how it shot. I'm not really considering the brake though because I see no reason for it. I would be willing to bet the 308 would kick less than your 338,even as light as it is.Honestly,my 7mm-08 has less felt recoil than a Sako 243 I have that is 2 lbs heavier. Personally though,I would rather have the 6.5 Creedmoor. Nothing wrong with the 308 but Creedmoor factory ammo is just as good and inexpensive right now,but that's just me.

The thing with the Adirondack is that if I didn't like the 18" barrel blast.I would have no choice but to replace it. With one 22", I could try that for a while than go to 20" and then 18" if I wanted at about $80 every chop. I might go 18" with a suppressor,but that would be the only way,I think.

Just under if you replace bolt handle and trigger guard.

How far are you from Double Springs Chris? If you ever want,you are welcome to meet me at the range there and try my Montana that is finished at 6 lbs and my Forbes that is finished at just under 7 lbs.

much wisdom in this thread ...

I just bought a 7-08 off campfire that has been chopped to 19" and has an aluminum trigger guard and a mountain ascent skeletonized bolt on it. It's at my ffl I haven't went and picked it up and weighed it yet but I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't just under 5 lbs.
I'm gonna have it chambered to a 7-08 AI to try to gain back the little bit of velocity it may have lost from being chopped to 19". Totally unnecessary I know but I just like fooling with rifles.

Yeah I'd prefer to stay at 20" or over. It will be a woods and scouting gun for sure. I'm in SE AL, about 30 mile from FL and 15 miles from GA. I appreciate the offer though! No where down here has any Kimbers that I've found yet. Or the Savage LWH for that matter.

I've got an itch to buy a 7-08 or 308, have it chopped to 20" and send it to JES to be bored into a 358 Win. I know a guy that did one with JES and the barrel is large enough if you cut it back to 20". I have zero need for it but I have an itch for some reason to fling heavy bullets from a short light gun when hunting in the thick stuff.

Mr Clark how much does it cost to have a barrel re-bored? I'm about to turn a 243 into a 338 federal but I was just gonna put a new PacNor barrel on it

Please call me Randy,if you like. If I remember accurately it's just over $300, might have been about $270, but call to make sure. I'm fairly sure that includes any chamber work too, whatever is needed to load it and shoot your new caliber.

http://www.35caliber.com/3.html

Got an inquiry out with a distributor on that moss green mountain ascent...I may be able to get one for about $300 more than a new Montana. At that I think its worth it, and I like the green stock.

Got a luggage scale (cool little thing on Amazon, $8) that you can hook to the sling and lift a rifle up to get an exact weight. My 338 weighs 10.38 lbs, and my 270, which I considered much lighter, came in at 9.64 lbs (it has a heavy boyd's stock on it and a heavy bushnell x50 scope). My Savage FXP64 22LR (semi auto) with Bushnell 2-7x32 came in at 7.08 lbs.

By my calculations, with the VX-6, alumina covers, talley lightweight low mounts, and a lightweight sling the Savage LWH will come out to (assuming 5 lbs 12 oz...4 oz heavier than Savage claims) 7 lbs 3 oz. The Kimber MA would come out to 6 lbs 4 oz. After confirming the weight of my 22, I really would like it to come under that, which leaves me at the Kimbers. The Montana, un-modified, would be around 6 lbs 9 oz.

Woah.....can get it with a 2-12x42 VX-6HD...

https://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/kimbers-subalpine-mountain-rifle/

Chris,if you are going to spend that much you really should look into the Barrett. It's my opinion that the Barrett would have a greater chance of shooting well right out of the box.

Can't find a weight for the Barrett, and they simply say 5-6 lbs? I may call. But still, I think its going to come in $200 higher than I can get a mountain ascent, and be atleast 1/4 lb heavier at a minimum.

On the accuracy concerns with Kimber, a 1.5" group won't bother me. Its a deer rifle for the woods. I just don't want a 10" group ha.

Look at the link I posted on the Barrett. The weight for a 308 is exactly 5 lbs. There's a good chance the Kimber will shoot fine,but don't go by their guarantee. Their guarantee is actually nothing more than a statement of what should be,not a guarantee of what will be.

Since it's a deer rifle for the woods, why the need for the VX6 2-12? I put a Razor 1.5-8 on mine,which I like better than a VX6 anyway. Since you are counting ounces and paying big $$$ for them ,the choice of scope is a huge part. A simple VX2 2-7 is a great woods scope and much lighter,plus it balances on a Montana wonderfully.

Unfortunately I have a cataract in my right eye that limits my vision to a corrected 25/20 - I know thats still pretty good, but I have really placed an emphasis on high quality glass, and I can tell a big difference in say VX-2 vs VX-6. And I'm a Leupold fanboy ha. I was definitely considering the 2.5-8x36 VX-3i, but having just put a 3-18x44 VX-6 on my 338 I'd hate to have worse glass on the rifle I'll use 90% of the time I hunt, if that makes any sense whatsoever ha. The VX-6 2-12x42 is only 16.8 oz, while the VX-2 2-7x33 is 9.9 oz and the 2.5-8x36 is 11.4 oz. Thats a lotttt of optics for the ounces.

For instance, your Razor 1.5-8x32 is 13.4 oz - just 3.4 oz lighter than the 2-12x42 VX-6. That is an impressive FOV on that Vortex though...

I agree with you on weight but you should still take a look at that Razor if you can. I think the glass and reticle is actually better than that VX6. I know the eye box is. I love the very generous eye box and FOV on 1.5 for a woods gun. It makes it very easy to get behind and get on a moving target fast.

I do like the illumination and power range on the VX6. It's a good scope. It's just personal preference,because everything is a trade off in some area.

I don't know worse glass is relative. If you are talking about a woods gun you just don't really need all that to shoot a deer. Maybe sheep hunting but around here no way. Consider this I got Schmitt and Benders...but you know what I hunted with most of deer season? A 2.5-8 Leupold VX3 on my woods gun and a Minox HD 5 on what I was food plot hunting with late afternoon. And I didn't need anything more expensive. Hail I got a 35 remington with a $150 RedField on it I deer hunt with. Does everything I need it to do.

The FOV alone is gonna inspire me to look at that one...

And for some reason I just like the idea of the 2.5-8x36, so that is still on the table. That could bring the Savage down under 7lbs, and be pretty cost effective.

My backup rifle, a Savage Stevens 270 I paid $170 for new in college, sported a $25 tasco for years and I killed piles of deer with it. It now sports a $100 Bushnell that has also killed piles of deer.

You should also look at the VX2 2-7.I actually like it better for close range. The VXR 2-7 is a nice scope too for a woods gun and gives the advantage of illumination. Lots of good choices.

Having owned both and all things considered.......
The Vx-3 2.5-8x36 is the finest all around woods/short action rifle scope ever made
The VX-6 2-12x42 is the finest all around scope ever made period.
Leupolds have better eye boxes and faster target acquisition than any other scope ever made IMO

Mostly I would agree but I think you would really like my 1.5-8 Razor HD LH.

Does it have a heavier reticle than the standard vortex duplex? Heck I can't see the danged thing.

I pretty much told the Vortex guy at the shot show to can the mall ninja act and put a standard reticle in that 1.5-8. He looked at me like I was crazy. They don't get it.

This is my first Vortex,but I would assume yes. Mine is the G4 BDC and it has a very nice,sort of modified German #4.It is a lot heavier than the pictures would lead you to believe. I might loose the dot right at the last minuet in big woods at long range but I could still bracket any shot on a deer because of the heavy posts.

This gives you a pretty good idea of the reticle, but I was very impressed in how the image goes right to the tube without any hint of a baffle ring or image blur. It is also even easier to get behind than a Leupold VX2 2-7 IMHO.
http://www.rokslide.com/gear/optics/442-review-vortex-razor-1-5-8x32-riflescope

Have you heard how the Barretts shoot or if they will ever make a .280?

I haven't seen a lot on the Barrett yet. I think it will be very nice given the company reputation. That link I posted didn't show any paper targets but it did show head shots on a steel silhouette with the 308 from 475 yards.

I think they list some calibers on the site. I only remember short action calibers for now.

I shouldn't judge them by this but I was told by a fella that used to work for them that the only accuracy test the army requires for their 50's is that they shoot a 5 shot 3" group at 100 yards. He said they had to be worked over pretty good before they could actually be used effectively in combat. Whether or not that's true I can't confirm though.
On another note, I just picked this one up from my ffl. 5lbs 11.5 oz scoped. It's a little newer model than my .308 and has a little more texture to the stock. Keeper for sure if I can get it to shoot like I want it to.

I agree that the Montana's are really nice. I'm actually wanting a NULA now that I've seen how my Forbes 24B shoots and handles. I would have to sell some guns though that I would miss to get one right now, otherwise I would have to save my fun money for about a year. I'm sort of waiting to see how the Barrett does and saving my money for that 20B 7mm-08 NULA.

Which scope is that? 3.5-10x40?

2.5-8x36. We weighed the rifle it was exactly 5 lbs even with Talleys on it. I'm pretty sure that scope is 11.5 oz

Yep it is. I should've figured that out ha. That looks pretty nice...

I was talking to someone last night that had recently been somewhere Forbes was and he told me if I wanted a NULA I had better get one ordered. He went and got old on us.

Someone start a new thread on NULA so we can talk about what we would order. Cause I'm about to order one.

Since no one else has said it, I will. Its hard to beat a Sako finnlite in 308 (or 7-08 or 260) for a light weight woods gun. I sold my first one but replaced it pretty quickly.

They are nice rifles, but when weight is the primary objective, its hard to include them in the discussion at 6.2 lbs naked. On the light side, but not in the featherweight class.

This thread might help a little.
http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads...ns#Post11814106

For me the choice would be simple. 7mm-08 with a 22 inch barrel. I don't think you could get a better all around light weight hunting rifle able to take everything in the US with the exception of brown bear.

My opinion is the same,and I owned 3 before I traded one for my Forbes.

Well it's official nowhere in Dothan has a Kimber of any kind. I do have some feelers out for the authorized distributors to get back to me on price/lead time on that green mountain ascent. I just like the look of it. I did manage to stumble onto a Savage 11 LWH in 243. Felt pretty nice but wasn't as light as I expected.

Chris,Just order one from Eurooptic. I've bought guns from them and they had good service. Most FFL's only charge $20 transfer fee where I live, and you don't have to pay the state tax.

Whittakers is another good one to deal with. I've even know of them helping customers get things made right with a hard to deal with manufacturer.

Oh yeah I've got an FFL by me that only charges $15, just wanted to put my hands on a Kimber before dropping the money. I've never seen one, much less worked an action.

I understand that. I wish you were a lot closer to me. you could try my Kimber and my Forbes to see which you liked better. I think I actually prefer the Forbes.

You can still buy some of the original Forbes rifles on Gunsamerica but there is one caveat. i was told by a very well known gun writer that the first couple dozen Forbes were made by Melvin himself teaching them what they needed to know to be up to his standards. The original agreement with Forbes was that Melvin would test fire every gun. That writer told me that for a year or so things were good at Forbes then the quality started going down hill fast. Melvin got out and it wasn't long before the company folded.

My Forbes is one of the first 20 made, so it very well may have been assembled by Melvin. I'm not exactly sure at what point in the serial numbers quality started to suffer. I have heard reports of guys with very good rifles in under #200 guns but that's just what I've saw specifically reported.

On the action. Mine seems loose and may even rattle until I chamber a round. Then it is plenty tight and it shoots good. I popped a quart oil bottle a few days ago from just over 200 yards just laying down on the ground propped on some brush.

I bet that is a superb rifle. Kimber offices are closed until Tuesday because everyone is at some show/event. A local place actually has a guy going to the same event and is going to ask the Kimber guys face to face about getting me one of the Moss Green mountain ascents. Can't wait to hear the news.

This may be shorter than you would want.It may be shorter than I would want but I saw it on sale,so here it is.
http://www.eurooptic.com/kimber-adirondack-7mm-08-rem-3000767.aspx

That is an excellent deal, and Kimber sells the brakes for those (I've read they shoot better with them on). I just have my heart set on 308, and my favorite color is green ha. Big fan of the 22" vs 18" barrel for the Montana/Mountain Ascent vs Adirondack. But I bet the Adirondack is an absolute joy for trekking around the woods in. One day I'd like one of them as well. With 9 depressing months left until rifle season I'm not in a rush. On March 10th I'll at a minimum have something on order. The older I've gotten the more I've learned to buy what you want the first time, or else it gets expensive ha. If I get a green Mountain Ascent that'll shoot 165 grn Nosler Partitions within 1.5" groups I'll be happy as can be.

The 2017 Montanas are available in the green stock too now I think. I plan on getting prices on the green Montana, green Mountain Ascent, and Subapline and going from there.

I think a green Mountain Ascent and a 2-12 VX6 is what I'll end up with. Can't wait. I sure appreciate your input on this thread, you'll have to let me know if you make it to SE Alabama so we can shoot. Where I'm putting that bench I built today I can shoot to 600 yards. Plan on getting my 338WM out and ringing some steel. That's one thing about a Savage. I put a Model 114 American Classic stock with Euro comb on it for looks. Never did anything for accuracy, and it will shoot 200 grain rounds at 1/2 MOA all day. The groups look bigger because the holes are so big! Ha

Yep,it always ticks me off that the Savages shoot so well. I don't know that I have any reason to be down that way but if I do I'll sure let you know. You do the same if you head this way anytime.

Well here she is...shooting it tomorrow, can't wait.

What caliber did you get Chris? I forgot. Can't wait to hear how it shoots. Lots of scope there though. Fine if you like it.

308. Yeah the scope is on the heavy side at roughly 21 ounces with the covers and illumination, zero locks, side focus, etc but it's a ton of scope for the weight. The sling is also a heavier one but I like them best as well. It's still over 4 pounds lighter than what I'm used to toting. I more or less went with the attitude of pick my perfect scope and then make the lightest rifle. Could lose 3 oz with a nylon sling if I was so inclined.

It would be easily around 5 lbs 12 oz with a 2.5-8x36 and a nylon sling, but that may be too light.

Nice! Let us know how it shoots.

Chris,picking a light rifle so you can use the scope you want without having a 10 pound package is a valid school of thought.As long as it balances and handles to your expectations,it doesn't matter what anyone thinks but you.

Personally,I am finding that my 7 lb all up rifle is easier to shoot well than my 6 lb all up rifle.I just haven't yet decided if weight is the deciding factor or not.The heavier rifle fits me better and has a heavier barrel which won't heat up so quick.

So only had time to shoot two of the four rounds I'd bought today. Tried the Nosler 165 Partitions first. Pretty consistent 1.25-1.5" groups. Somewhat dissapointing, but not near as much as the 2 FTE's in 14 rounds. Moved on to the Federal 180 Partitions and to my surprise got it easily down to under 1", probably around .85"ish. They also ejected "vigorously" as noted by both me and my buddy shooting with me. They consistently flew 4-5 ft to the side whereas the Noslers that ejected went a foot or so. Pleased with that for now I pulled out the chrono and averaged 2531 FPS over 3 shots, not bad when Federal claimed 2570 out of a 24" barrel. Overall very pleased. Very little kick and the noise isn't even as much as my 338WM without a brake. I'm still going to give the other two partition factory loads a chance but it may be a few weeks.

Try some Nosler custom loaded with Accubonds if you are going to shoot factory ammo.