AusVarmint

I`m looking at getting a lightweight .204

I`ve had a .223 Tikka Lite which I was quite happy with. But I was wondering what other options I might have. What would you recommend?

Cz

What's your budget ?

If unlimited I would build one, otherwise I would consider buying a tikka t3lite or sako and start removing weight.

I have rem700 in light varmint stainless fluted (LVSF) but it's not a patch on my T3 for accuracy and smoothness of operation.

What weight do you want the rifle to be ? Remembering the barrel is were the most savings will be had.

I'm guessing that any rifle that uses an action scaled for the .222/.223/.204 family of cartridges would probably be a good starting point when aiming to keep weight down.

Makes that come to mind and Brno Fox, CZ527, Sako L461/A1, Zastava, perhaps even the mini mark X mausers that used to be sold by Fuller Firearms back in the day. I am sure there are others. Were the early Tikkas scaled actions? I have a feeling that the BSA Hunter was also a scaled action for the .222, but I wouldn't bet my life on it. They're pretty uncommon anyway.

I have a little Anschutz 1532 chambered in .222 that sports a very light and trim stock - feels like a .22 in the hand. Not sure whether the .204 cartridge would fit the magazine. Just checked with a factory Hornady round in the magazine - too long by about half the plastic tip.

A martini action with a rimless extractor would be another option. Bit harder to guarantee a good trigger pull and accuracy though. A Ruger No. 3 would also be a good basis for a semi-custom lightweight walkabout rifle.

Marcus

cz 527 or T3 varmint. I would go the 527 but I'm biased

Branxhunter wrote:Makes that come to mind and Brno Fox, CZ527, Sako L461/A1, Zastava, perhaps even the mini mark X mausers that used to be sold by Fuller Firearms back in the day. I am sure there are others.

The Zastava m85 and the Mini Mark X Mauser are the same action.


For the OP, if you are after light at a reasonable price you should consider a little action like those listed above, don't be afraid to go with a 20Practical instead of the 204 (shorter case) and put all your efforts into getting a light stock (talk to me as it is a subject I have researched ALOT) and a barrel of not more than #4 profile.

Failing that, order a Cooper arms for $2500.