Hunting Rifle in .308

AR/M4 Beyond 5.56/.223
1

I am in the process of changing over all my rifles to the AR type.

I have a MWS on order but I think it is going to be heavier than what I would like for use as a hunting rifle.

What is out there that is of a fairly light weight that would be good for use as a hunting rifle?

This rifle would be hunting ONLY (chiefly whitetail with an eventual trip to Wyoming with a friend for elk), no tactical classes, no defensive use.

Anything out there that is lighter than the MWS that would be suitable?

For comparisons sake, my current hunting rifle is a Browning Abolt 30-06 with a 2-7X33 Leupold VXII.

I plan on selling this rifle (and it’s backup) and using the scope on the new rifle.

Any leads?

Thanks

2

i’m not sure any AR platform in 308 that is light…i would much rather have the bolt gun if my hunting application involved and significant amount of walking.

If you are a stand hunter, then most any would do for me…i have killed several whitetails with an armalite.

3

DPMS offers a relatively lightweight gun with an 18" barrel and a carbon float tube. They list it as a hair under 8 lbs:

http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=5296

4

That carbon free float tube may be light, but I wouldnt be making many repeated rapid shots with it on. If your not going to make repeated rapid shots with your rifle than why get a semi auto. The only reason I say this it looks like that tube has no way of venting heat other than through the front. Never fired this rifle so I may be wrong, may be the carbon fiber is good at drawing heat out or something and thats why it doesnt need vent holes.

5

The LMT would probably be about in this weight class, and to be honest, with a good sling, it’s not bad. The VCAS padded is perfect in my mind.

I could have also saved weight by going with a CTR, a shorter rail, aluminum rings, and a smaller 10x scope.

The MWS will be able to utilize the lighter polymer mags too. I would venture that you won’t even notice it for whitetail, and the sling will carry the weight when you go for elk, mule deer, or antelope.

6

Anyone have/shoot the Remington R-25?

I know it is a DPMS but I like it because it says it is only 8 lbs which is not too heavy and it doesn’t have a muzzle brake which is an absolute for me. I don’t do muzzle brakes.

I will definitely wait, however, until I get my MWS, I’ll set it up and take it on a couple of scouting trips and see how much of a hassle it is to carry. If it isn’t bad, I’ll just stick with it.

Thanks

7

Well, the ArmaLite lists itself at 8.25lbs or something, I think. The second you drop on a sling, the rings, and an optic, and a mag full of ammo, you get up to 10lbs really fast.

R-25 looks nice for a hunting gun, but I think the DPMS branded version is a little cheaper. Since it doesn’t have the camo and such…at least that’s what I’ve noticed in shops that carry both out west.

8

I’ll bet this is a shooter: http://www.ar15performance.com/its_12___308_class_uppers

“These are not typical 308 uppers that have been lightened, they are redesigned from the start to be a lightweight hunter with a new billet upper, new carrier, new bolt and barrel extension. Complete rifles should range from 7-8 lbs without optics.”