Luke Cuenco   08.22.22

We’ve almost come full circle when it comes to the hunting methods we use today. While we started out chasing our game down relentlessly, we eventually moved on to what most of you are familiar with – sitting in a tree stand or blind waiting for your prey to come to you! However, one of my favorite types of hunting is the type that isn’t in a controlled environment. Usually, this type of hunting involves larger game animals, and long treks off the beaten path into the wild unknown to do this you’ll not only have to be a good shot, but you’ll have to have a lot of gear that you normally wouldn’t have at your own property hunting whitetail deer. One core part of this is an accurate, lightweight hunting rifle! That’s right today we’re going to be taking a look at the best options currently out there for lightweight hunting rifles that won’t weigh you down while you’re on your way to put some meat on the table.

The next generation of the ground-breaking Backcountry family, the Backcountry 2.0 Ti builds on the classic steel Weatherby Mark V action with some key updates. The most noticeable upgrade is the carbon fiber Peak 44 Blacktooth stock, the lightest versions of which tip the scales at under 20 ounces. It feature a 3DHEX recoil pad. Hidden inside the pad are a series of interlocking voids that progressively collapse during recoil, expanding the time component of the recoil impulse and deadening the sharp kick of magnum chamberings. The lightweight fluted barrel utilizes Weatherby’s Accubrake ST, while more pronounced spiral fluting on the bolt body not only trims a little weight, it also reduces bearing surface within the action and results in even smoother function. The newly-threaded bolt handle is equipped with a lightweight aluminum extended and skeletonized knob. Built to be the lightest possible rifle and chambered in some of the world’s fastest cartridges, the Backcountry 2.0 is a worthy successor to the throne.

This Sako 85 Carbonlight Stainless is a bolt-action rifle chambered in 308 Win. The barrel is 20.25-inches in length and is free-floated cold hammer forged stainless steel and fluted. If that impressive list of features doesnt grab you immediately the barrel is accompanied by a Meopta Meostar 3-12×56 scope. The 85 Carbonlight Stainless is designed for hunters who are seeking lightweight equipment without sacrificing reliability and accuracy. The carbon fiber stock houses an adjustable trigger while swivel studs allow for easy sling installation.

The lightest, purpose-built, no compromise, production ultralight survival carbine just got better At only 4.6 pounds and chambered to shoot full-powered Mil-Spec 5.56 NATO ammunition, this featherweight champion just got better with newly improved components! It took years in R&D, engineering and multiple US Patents to create the most robust and reliable lightweight AR platform on the market. Building something that is not only lightweight but all the while not sacrificing strength and performance is the ultimate secret of the BATTLEARMS® OIP®. Every component, shy of a few detents and springs, are custom built and designed to work together as a complete system. No, you will not find a parts gun here. Every part is uniquely Battle Arms Development, Inc.

The T3X Lite is a quality, bolt action hunting rifle that will function no matter what the environment throws your way. Tikka has included many features into the T3X Lite that hunters and shooters will appreciate. Hunters know that whatever game they’re hunting will get spooked at the slightest noise, so the stock is filled with foam to eliminate any noise resulting from accidentally bumping it into something. The stock is also modular, allowing you to change out pistol grips to modify your shooting angle and the buttstock recoil pad is sure to save your shoulder allowing you to make accurate shots. With a deform resistance steel recoil lug, metallic bolt shroud, smooth bolt action and wide ejection port, T3X Lite is designed for optimal function that will last you a long time.

Springfield Armory has a storied history of building fine firearms for defense and competition. Now, our skilled gun makers set their sights on their next pursuit – the Model 2020 Waypoint premium American-made bolt action hunting rifle. This 6.5 Creedmoor rifle features a custom-painted Evergreen carbon fiber stock for light weight and rugged strength, and the carbon fiber barrel delivers precision performance downrange.

Luke is currently a full-time writer for TheFirearmBlog.com, OvertDefense.com, AllOutdoor.com, and of course, OutdoorHub.com. Luke is a competitive shooter, firearms enthusiast, reloader, outdoorsman, and generally takes an interest in anything that has to do with the great outdoors. Luke is also a private certified pilot and is currently pursuing his commercial pilot's license in the hopes of becoming a professional pilot. Some of Luke's other interests include anything to do with aviation, aerospace and military technology, and American Conservancy efforts. Instagram: @ballisticaviation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BallisticAviation thefirearmblog.com/blog/author/luke-c/ overtdefense.com/author/luke-c/ alloutdoor.com/author/lukec/

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