Lightweight foxing rifle. Looking for ideas.

[The Singing Stalker]

I am planning ahead here.
As I am a delicate little flower who couldn’t pull the skin off a rice pudding, I am going to be looking for a lightweight foxing rifle next year.
There are a few important things to bear in mind.

1. I am left handed. So it either has to be bolt on the left or single shot (true ambidextrous) no, I do not want to shoot a rh rifle, let’s not go there.
2. It will need to have the butt extended, most rifles are 14 and 1/4 inch lop. I need 16 and 1/4. I do not want a slip on butt pad, I will have the rifle either restocked or the stock extended. This will not be a thing of beauty, but a working tool.
3. Foxes only, as I intend to put a thermal on it, so anything up to 243, but would probably prefer 223 or something.
4. range no more than 150 yards.
5. will need to be threaded for a mod.
6. trigger weight max 2lbs.
7. I don’t reload so needs to have readily available ammo.

I was thinking T3 tikka, cos I had one before, someone suggested a Begarra B13 which interested me. Nice and lightweight.

Go for it, what are your thoughts.

 

[ejg]

I have had a few Bergara's coming through lately and would say I prefer the T3's.
My foxing rig just finished last week. Has an ambidextrous stock, the cheek raiser mechanics can be swopped left to right and the stock can be made for left handed action. Stock weighs roughly or a tad more than the original Lite stock but is stiffer and grippier, also has the adjustable comb / spacer system for the recoil pad.
For under 300yds I would get a Lite 223 and the barrel chopped at 18".

edi

 

[Woodsmoke]

CZ527 would get my vote. I have it in .223 (Stutzen) and it's stunningly accurate with possibly one of the best factory triggers I've used

 

[andychas]

Id go for a tikka t3 in 223, lots of aftermarket stocks to choose from (PSE, (very light but don't know about the fitting?) and German Gunstocks are 2 that Ive used) factory ammo readily available (present period excepted!). Pop a DPT moderator on there and good to go

 

[12gsnapcaps]

CZ527 would get my vote. I have it in .223 (Stutzen) and it's stunningly accurate with possibly one of the best factory triggers I've used

I second the 527. I had one in .223 with a SSS stock and it routinely did 0.3-0.5MOA with factory ammo.

 

[andyk]

Ruger no1? That’s a bit different.

 

[tusker]

I too wanted a light weight foxer. I settled on a Kimber it is right handed bolt but has a straight stock, under 6 pounds without a scope. I have a Hauksen mod on it, feather weight.
I would never shoot further than 150 yards on the ground I have. Also it is very accurate I love it.
Tusker

 

[Sika98k]

I was on the same journey. My Ruger No1V had reached the end of days. I also wanted something considerably lighter.
a LHD T3 turned up in my favourite 22/250 caliber. The stock was swopped for a PSE Hunter carbon stock. A Freyr&Devik 149 moderator went on the end to quieten things down. Talley ring mounts affix directly to the action. If I remember correctly I saved about 11/2 lbs from my original setup.

 

[Farmer_J]

Bergara BA13? Available in .222 & .243

 

[neillfrbs]

xbolt ,lovely and light ,feels nice in your hands ,and accurate as you like .love my 223 stainless stalker fluted barrel in 223 ,the foxes dont though .

 

[308tikka]

Fultons of Bisley have a very nice left hand stainless T3 in their window. I couldnt quite see calibre on ticket as I was in a rush, but its likely a 223 or a 308 if they have it. You could always rebarrel a 308 tikka to 22-250. A perfect fox calibre!

 

[404Boar]

I am sure you will get dozens of posts with recommendations for this.

My contribution is that I have had three rifles that would pretty much deliver on all seven points of your specification list, all three true left hand rifles;

1. Tikka T3 Lite
2. Sauer S202 Outback
3. Tikka T3 Semi-Custom with a PSE E-Lite Stock

I enjoyed using them all with both scopes and thermals, great rifles, lightweight and as accurate as required. As per a previous post .223 and an 18” barrel would deliver everything you seem to need.

I guess as always it depends on personal preferences and how much you would like to spend. Enjoy the search!

 

[404Boar]

This is my current set up... I really like it. A daily user that looks pretty good I think.

 

[Overlay]

see if you can pick up a sako 222, I’ve seen them about, even the older ones are a very accurate pieces of kit
loads of different Ammo and shoot accurately out to where you want to

 

[@theroedeerguy]

see if you can pick up a sako 222, I’ve seen them about, even the older ones are a very accurate pieces of kit
loads of different Ammo and shoot accurately out to where you want to

This, I picked up a great Sako A1 from @Edinburgh Rifles which had been previously been rebarrelled and it cloverleafs with factory ammunition all day long.
It came with an 18” barrel but is currently being chopped to 16.5 inches and re-threaded to be matched with my Freyr and Devik 149 moderator which should give me an even better truck gun and summer stalker.

 

[User00040]

see if you can pick up a sako 222, I’ve seen them about, even the older ones are a very accurate pieces of kit
loads of different Ammo and shoot accurately out to where you want to

+1

Sako Vixen, probably one of the best rifles ever made.

Light, hence exquisite balance, perfectly sized for the .222/.223/.222 Rem Mag family of cartridges.

Try and avoid one that has been to a 'chopper' to be shortened and threaded.

Pardon the bipod!

 

[Pete1774]

I've got a 223 Mauser M18 for foxes. Just over 6 lb undressed with a synthetic stock.

 

[Molly]

This is a howa mini action .204 ruger barrel orax platform , butt extends ,cheek riser , and very light ,

 

[hedge hunter]

Bergara BA13? Available in .222 & .243

Now that looks handy

 

[Taff]

Very limited with left hand Tikka maybe the answer if you want lightness without a big cost.