think of getting one in 243. anyone here have any experience with these guns. I want a light weight compact deer rifle.

main concerns is balance, muzzle blast, accuracy.

any input would be appreciated.

The most important thing is that it fit you. Some of the "compacts" are another way of saying "youth."

You might consider also a used Remington 600. The "Mohawk" model was very common in .243 (I have one of those). Muzzle blast is what you'd expect from an 18" barrel, but the term "muzzle blast" and ".243" really don't belong together. Very fast handling, and surprisingly accurate (never had a problem achieving 1 MOA or less).

Homer, surprisingly the fit is good. I would consider putting a decelerater pad on it that would extend the LOP a bit.

Anyone who owns one of these id appreciate your input.

My wife has two. Her favorite is the SS Hawkeye in 7MM-08 and the other is a .308. Accuracy has been acceptable with that short BBL... the muzzle blast is definitely noticeable and the recoil (esp. in the .308) is snappy. I put an aftermarket stock on the .308 (for my own usage) and it handles and carries well. For tight spaces or long treks in the deer woods, it's a keeper.

I was hoping you'd see this and chime in. I remember you saying you owned one!
Hows the recoil on the 7MM08? Also what is "acceptable" accuracy?
I'm hunting some hills & hollers where I live & carrying my 700 w/ a boyds lami stock just plain ole sucks!
What scope do you have one them?
Do they balance right? (not too muzzle light)
Im leaning toward the 243 cause my 700 (that I just sold) was in 243 and IMO has been a very capable whitetail cartridge. Plus I like the 9" twist of the ruger.
Thanks
Jerry

I have the ultra light mark 2 in 257 roberts it has the 20" barrel standard lop and a thin stock I really like it it has a 2-7 leupold on it. My dad has the 77 ultra light in 308 with 18" barrel it also has a 2-7 leupold. The 308 starts to walk after 3 shots because of the thin barrel. Dad used it a lot to I got a rem model seven in 7/08 with 18 1/2" barrel.

How do you like the model7? That's my second choice.

I can get you a deal on either a Ruger M77 with a nice McMillan or a Model 7 with a McMillan, both .243, both lightweight.

I'm currently looking for a Rem 700, 20-22" barrel in .243 for a lightweight gun. I have a BC Alaskan TI stock for it already.

Love the model seven would like to find another one. They are hard to find around me. My nephew will take over mine in the fall. It was a youtube model and I put a the lop synthic stock on it have to put the youth wood stock back on it know. Dad was looking for a model seven when he ended up pickling up the ruger about 12 years ago. The model seven with then synthic stock cells like you aren't caring nothing up the ridge.

Jeep, im looking at new but thanks for the offer