If you built a mountain rifle?

[Pathfinder101]

Actually, I think someone on the first or second page mentioned the carbon wrapped barrel...

[whacker1]

you are right - I missed it.  Christensen Arms carbon wrap...

[woodswalker]

I got thru about 3 pages is all and saw no mention of the 30-06?  I know it's not the newest, hottest caliber out there, but damn.  I thought I'd throw my rig into the mix - and if it's already been mentioned, then this is just a "+1":

Model 70 Featherweight Classic
30-06
Leupold Vari-X III 3.5x10 40mm objective
Burris Steel Rings/Bases
Custom sling

That's it.  Long action, yes.  Wood stock, yes (Although I did lighten the stock a bit with some strategic drilling).  Just a touch under 8lbs with magazine loaded & one in the chamber.  I use the Burris steel bases/rings, not because they're the lightest, but because I believe they can take a drop better than the aluminum ones. 

If it hasn't been said before, durability is key in a mountain rifle.  I'd put it second to weight, but it may be a toss up.  If I find myself anywhere I am concerned about the additional 1lb my loaded rifle weighs over the other advertised weights here, I damn well want a rig that is going to work every time - no matter the abuse it might take when I'm 5 mountain miles from the nearest bore-sighting kit.  Very worth the trade-off of an extra pound to me.  My next investment is probably going to be a good lightweight synth stock for it - but I love the look of my gun as is...

smiling as my everyday rifle is a SS Winchester Featherweight All-Terrain in 30-06, synth stockl, redfield rings and 3-9x40 Leupold and a Mikes padded sling

[fishseeker]

For me the best mountain rifle is one that would hike up and get my critter and bring it back cause I can't do it anymore

[coastalghost]

Ive got a mcmillan edge rem classic and a rock creek #3 barrel for a 7 mag build. Cant decide on whether to go for broke with a borden timberline or a stock trued rem 700 action.  Any ideas on a good gunsmith here in Washington? 

[257 Wby Mag]

Finally gave up on your old Thompson Greyhawk Nels? Pounded a few bucks with that sucker!

Check out R-Bros down the road from you. Been hearing good things about em. Later

[257 Wby Mag]

That'll be a DANDY Nels. Good parts so far. Can't like the caliber though!! LOL

At least go 7 Weatherby? grin....

Later Nelsy

[actionshooter]

Finally gave up on your old Thompson Greyhawk Nels? Pounded a few bucks with that sucker!

Check out R-Bros down the road from you.

 Jud, Where and who are R-bros?

Ive got a mcmillan edge rem classic and a rock creek #3 barrel for a 7 mag build. Cant decide on whether to go for broke with a borden timberline or a stock trued rem 700 action.  Any ideas on a good gunsmith here in Washington? 

 I've been happy with Brett Evans in Bonney Lake, I'm sure there is someone closer. Just don't know who. 

[257 Wby Mag]

Riddell brothers on Mock Chehalis Rd. Bench rest guys, hunters, great folks...

http://www.rbrosrifles.com/

[257 Wby Mag]

Love their banner, "Lifes to short to shoot a ugly gun". Guessin they don't have any Tikkas around. Laffin

[coastalghost]

Cant get away from the ol childhood caliber.  should be a smacker though.  Muzzy has been laid to rest unless i go out a state.

Nice weatheredby's btw.  240 is kickazz.

I put my buddy onto r bros. Left phone messages etc....never a response.  Gonna make sure i have the funds first before i commit.  They'll def. be my first choice...dont want to send chit out of state. later.

[Huntbear]

Personally, here is what I want in a light weight Mtn. Rifle.

blueprinted Stainless short action, either remington or sako, and a skeletonized bolt handle, fluted bolt.
good quality #2 contour stainless barrel 22" long (Douglas barrels as an example)
MPI Stock, (hollow fiberglass, with foam filling)
Caliber would be .30 caliber and something that will knock down an elk at 400 yds.  Probably a .300 wsm, as I have seen it perform.
limbsave recoil pad

If it kicks to hard (which I doubt) a good muzzle brake.

Scope would be a Leupy VX1 or 2 in 3-9x40

If I have done my calculations right, it should come in at about 7.75 lbs with scope.

[byrdman]

Just bought a rifle this year with intentions of a Blacktail specific mountain rifle. It should see some Sept. hunting.

Rem. Model 7, .260 rem., 20" bbl.
I would like to send it to Lone Wolf that Gearhead referred to for a stock and bedding.
Parkerized barrel and action.
A fluted bolt would be cool. More cool than necessary, but still cool.
Leupold VX-III 2.5-8x36.

Delivering 120 gr TSX's, or 125 gr partitions depending on what it shoots better.

[mossback91]

My mountain rifle
Model 700 BDL 30-06
Nikon 3-9x40

9 pounds
But seems light and packable to me

[Ray]

Definitely a good choice Mossback. In fact I have one setup almost like it. Instead I have a Leupold brand scope. It is quite a rugged rifle that can stand up to abuse and high pressure loads.