If you hang around this industry long enough you will think you’ve seen it all, but then you will begin to see trends resurface. For example, lightweight rifles currently enjoy a major resurgence, from custom shops to factory offerings from major manufacturers.
The BIG Trend: Little, Lightweight Rifles
Modern machining practices and technology have brought this resurgence for lightweight rifles. Not so long ago machining titanium was an endeavor only the most advanced machine shops could handle. With today’s CNCs, even the smallest shops can produce titanium parts at incredible tolerances. Exact tolerances are needed to produce an action from titanium, and several firms are producing them. Pierce Engineering, Defiance Machine, Lone Peak Arms, Mack Bros and Zermatt Arms are producing titanium receivers. Actions come at a dear price. Let’s just say you are paying for what’s not there.
Carbon fiber has also taken ounces from the overall weight of today’s rifles. Originally used for space age aircraft and race cars, it didn’t take long for firearm enthusiasts to get onboard. Christensen Arms was one of the first with their carbon fiber wrapped barrels. Others soon followed suit, including Proof Research and Carbon Six, which are producing very accurate lightweight barrels.
And speaking of carbon fiber, let’s not forget about carbon fiber stocks. Fiberglass stocks have been around for many decades and were a significant weight saver. However, the use of carbon fiber has taken weight savings to a whole new level. Stocks from firms like Manners and AG Composites weigh in at 1½ lbs.
These rifles and actions are custom and come with a hefty price tag. If you are on a budget and looking for a lightweight rifle that won’t break the bank, there are several manufacturers to mention.
New Ultra Light Arms
Custom builders like the Ultra Light Arms (ULA) began back in 1985. Melvin Forbes built these lightweight rifles for many years until Colt approached Forbes to purchase ULA. The deal went through, but Forbes unable to rest on his laurels began building rifles under a new name, the New Ultra Light Arms (NULA). In 2023, Wilson Combat purchased NULA and has run with it, producing excellent lightweight rifles. The Wilson Combat NULA weighs 4-5 pounds sans scope.
For more information, please visit wilsoncombat.com.
Rifles, Inc
Lex Webernick of Rifles, Inc has been producing bantam-weight rifles for decades. Webernick consistently flirts with rifle weights at around the 5-pound mark, depending on caliber. Many of these rifles are built on skeletonized and blueprinted Remington 700s and hand-laid composite stocks.
For more information, please visit riflesinc.com.
Savage 110 Lightweight Storm
Weighing in at 5.8 pounds, depending on caliber, the Ultralite boasts a Proof Research carbon fiber wrapped stainless steel barrel and blueprinted action with a spiral, fluted bolt. It also features the Accufit stock, Accutrigger and is available in left-hand models in an array of calibers from the .308 Winchester to the 7mm Back Country.
For more information, please visit savagearms.com.
Howa Superlite
The Superlite is the lightest entry at 4. 3 pounds. It features the proven Howa action, a 16.25-inch barrel which is threaded for a suppressor, one-piece Picatinny rail and Limbsaver recoil pad. The stock is available in solid colors as well as several camo patterns. The Superlite comes chambered in 243 Win, .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor and 7mm-08 Rem.
For more information, please visit howausa.com.
Bergara Ridge Carbon Wilderness
While not the lightest firearm in the Bergara lineup, it’s difficult to justify a 3-ounce weight savings for an additional $700. This is not a stripped-down model by any means. Weighing in at 6.4 pounds, the Ridge Carbon Wilderness has a Bergara No. 6 CURE carbon fiber barrel, hinged floorplate, and comes standard with an Omni muzzle brake. It also comes with a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee.
For more information, please visit bergara.online/us.
Kimber Mountain Ascent
The Kimber Mountain Ascent tips the scales at just over 4.75 pounds, depending on caliber, and has features even the discerning hunter desires. It comes with a Mauser-type claw extractor and Model 70-type three-position safety. The .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor have a 22-inch barrel, while the 270 and 30-06 boast a 24-inch barrel. Finally, the .300 Win Mag utilizes a 26-inch stainless steel tube with a muzzle brake. A sub-MOA accuracy guarantee is standard.
For more information, please visit kimberamerica.com.
No matter if you want to build a lightweight rifle or buy one off the shelf, there are certainly no shortage of choices today, and remember, you carry them much more than you shoot them.
