7 Great Lightweight Hunting Rifles Lead

7 Great Lightweight Hunting Rifles

Those who venture into the backcountry—and especially those who hunt the mountains with all their gear on their back—appreciate a lightweight rifle. Here’s a look at seven top-notch options.

New for 2023: Browning X-Bolt Stalker LR

The X-Bolt Stalker LR was designed for long-range shooting with a high strength steel receiver, heavy sporter contour barrel, removable muzzle brake, removable magazine, top-tang thumb safety, extended bolt handle and composite stock with an adjustable comb.

Behind the Bullet: 6.5 Weatherby RPM

The goal was to build a magnum-class cartridge in a small package, and Weatherby has done just that with its 6.5 Weatherby RPM, featuring a rebated rim, large body diameter, low body taper and 35-degree shoulder.

Behind the Bullet: .327 Federal Magnum

Despite the magnum moniker, the .327 Federal Magnum is a pleasure to shoot, giving it a lot of flexibility. It is a viable defensive cartridge, and in a hunting rifle, is a great choice for when shot distances are on the shorter end of the spectrum.

Behind the Bullet: .450 Bushmaster

If you want a cartridge that will handle deer and bear at woods distances in any state while providing the capability of being a rock-solid defensive cartridge, the .450 Bushmaster should have a place near the top of the list.

Field Tested: Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter

Featuring a carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless-steel barrel and rugged polymer stock, the new straight-pull Impulse Mountain Hunter is lightweight, accurate and reliable.

Behind the Bullet: 7mm PRC

Fitting the niche between the 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC, Hornady’s brand-new 7mm PRC cartridge delivers long, high-BC bullets in a long-action receiver, and temperature-stable, magnum speed propellants for consistent velocity and extended barrel life.

New for 2022: Savage Arms Impulse Mountain Hunter

Savage Arms has released an all-new straight-pull Impulse for 2022, with an eye toward weight for those who push limits in the backcountry.

Behind the Bullet: .275 Rigby

The .275 Rigby remains a fantastic choice for the big-game hunter, and has done it all over the course of its 130-year history.

Christensen Arms Announces Mesa FFT Rifle in Optifade Patterns

Christensen Arms has announced the Mesa Hunting Rifle with Flashed Forged Technology (FFT), available in W.L. Gore Optifade Camo.

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