I'm thinking about purchasing a ruger compaq for those times when you get stuck in those small deer stands. Anyone out there have one or heard anything good or bad. I appreciate any help, by the way I was thinking about a 7mm-08

My friend recently purchased one for his nine year old son. The rifle is the laminated stainless version chambered for the 260. The rifle is very light and allows the round to have a little more recoil than say a 7.5 lbs rifle. The gun is very accurate averaging around 1.25 inches at 100 yards. This is with factory ammo. The only complaint was the stiff trigger pull. One trip to the local gunsmith and that was remedied. Other than that he loves the rifle and his son can handle it well. The 7MM-08 is very similar to the 260 and if I were to buy one of these rifles it would be the 7-08.

I bought one in 223 for my son to shot groundhogs. He shoots it much better than I do. Be sure to check that the rifle fits you before you buy. The compact has a very short LOP and is difficult for me to shoot well.

IMO a Rem Model 7, Ruger Ultra-lite, Browning Micro Hunter or Winchester Compact would be some good alternatives. They're a little larger but better suited for a adult in need of a short barrelled bolt carbine.