Compact, lightweight deer rifles
 

I have plenty of deer rifles, and some real favorites to boot. But I'm in the process of trimming my arsenal, and want to buy a new (or lightly used) Compact-lightweight rifle for deer hunting. I will likely go with a .243, 260 Remington, 7mm/08, or 308, ... haven't yet made up my mind, but the offerings of the rifle I decide on may limit my chamber choices anyway.
I do little to no stand hunting, but usually hoof it long distances and cover a great deal of woods and swamps in a day. I can appreciate the lightweight and ease of carrying a small package.

My question is directed at all those out there who currently own a very compact and lightweight deer rifle right now.

I'd like to hear the pros-cons of the rifles you have and like or dislike.

I'll be shopping for one of the following, new or used, and if you have other suggestions I'd like to hear them. I'm partial to the wing safety of the Ruger and Winchester but won't rule out anything. My budget is $1200 including glass. Of course spending less would be a very good thing.
Remington Model 7 CDL
Ruger M77 Hawkeye Compact
Winchester M70 Featherweight

(awaits the mod 7 owners...)

Ive heard the Remington Model 7s r good.

I have bolth a model 7 (in 7mm-08), an a model 70 ( in 300 wsm). the model 7 is about a pound lighter and 6 inches shorter. One of the guys i hunt with has the ruger (in 308). The ruger is a few oz. lighter then the mod. 7, and 2 or 3 inches shorter.Money wise win. rem. then ruger. All great rifles. got to pick them up and feel them all dif. But i love my model 7 with a leupold vxIII 1.75X6 hot stuff in woods!

I like my Tikka T3 in 30-06. About 6.5lbs with a 2x7 Nikon Monarch on it and LW Talleys. The Battue in 308 looks to be a sweet one too.

I don't personally like rifles with barrels shorter than 20". They start to loose the quick pointing ability the shorter they get. Now thats FOR ME.

I have the light 20" Model 70 CARBINE in 30-06. I love it for walking around.
I went looking for a light .308, but I'm just as happy with the '06.
I'm not sure of the exact weights, but it is much lighter than my 24" BDL, without
sacrificing it's ability to aim naturally.

I like the 94/336 lines of lever actions too, for light rifles.

what about the remington 700 mtlss? 22" barrel, about 6.5lbs, carrys, shoots and looks great! mines about 7.5lbs w/ scope & steel rings. only short action it comes in is 7-08 but who could ask for more?

My wife has two Ruger Compacts (one in .308 and one in 7mm-08, both of which I have shot). They are quite nice, and certainly would work for your purposes. Here is another option. Last October I picked up a Win. model 1885 Low Wall in .243. I carried it a lot this fall and fell in love. It's short, light and deadly accurate. Additionally, the single shot is just plain neat! :cool2:

Check out the Browning Micro hunters/Medallions before you purchase any of the others. They are not "youth" models.