Your favorite “shorty”

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I'm on a quest to build/buy a deer hunting rifle with a shorter barrel (16-18"). It will eventually be suppressed, and I primarily hunt PA woods and swamps, so something short and handy appeals to me. I've got plenty of 24-26" barrels of rifles that are just a tad more cumbersome than I'd like.

I'm considering my caliber choices, and it got me wondering what everyone here liked. I'm sure everyone's favorites will be a little different. I want as little recoil as I get get away with while being able to kill easily out to about 500 yards. Short action, manually operated (per PA law), and efficient/clean burning. The option of a short length of pull is also preferable for my little T-Rex arms. I hand load so wildcats are an option (I love me some wildcats).

I'd love to hear about and SEE your shorty rifles.

 

[Bucklowery]

Factory I have a 308 first choice but also a youth 243 with the short stock and light weight, is very handy

Thanks

Buck

 

[TC338]

Just my opinion, but a Howa mini action in 6.5 Grendel, or 6 ARC would be my recommendation. I have the ultra light version, 22" barrel, and it's sub 5lbs before optic. Cut it down to 16" and you've got an ultra light option for very little money. Mine easily shoots sub moa with factory ammo.

 

[Gabe22BR]

5lb set up w/o the heavy 2lb scope
It's a 20-221AI
Donor M21 Cooper action for the light wt..

New 20 cal Guy also

I’m a regular on accurate shooter, got referred to this site, gotta say when I’m not shooting BR competition, this looks like the place to be on knowledge and experience shares on my everyday life as a farmer.. Here is one of my main everyday tools of choice I use- I didn’t want to clutter up...

www.longrangehunting.com

 

[SKanez]

6.5 Creed for me (16").

 

[Roughrice]

308 with 16" CA Carbon on Remington 700 SA with Proof Carbon stock and Skythe suppressor for short <400 or in woods. Super light and great handling rifle.
Just now took the picture because I'm on a cull hunt with 120 yd max range .

 

[SKanez]

Another shorty in 6.5 Creedmoor (16").

 

[Greta06]

All tikkas, I don't do favorites because I can't pick one...
All 18-inch carbon six barrels, 6.5 & 7 saum New this year a 300wsm, in pic below.
Started with a factory 308 tikka that I cut to 18 inches and threaded, still have it but let the kids use that one.
I don't know why I didn't do at least one at 16 inches?

 

[Will.284]

Sig cross in 6.5 creed with scope and bipod and 5 rounds in the mag 8 lbs

 

[LRNut]

6.5 Creed for me (16").View attachment 641475

Nice deer!

 

[LRNut]

I use a Rem Mod 7 in .308. Bought it the first year it came out and have owned it for 42 years. Original wood stock was replaced with a Rem Tupperware. Bedded it. Later replaced the 18.5" bbl with a 20" and must say it is still handy. I still have the original wood stock and intend to put it back on, but the rifle is at my daughter's place in MN (where I deer hunt every year) and the stock is at my PHX place.

I have always wanted to spin on a .338 Fed or .358 Win barrel. It is pretty rare to have a LR shot in northern MN unless you are watching a field or a clearcut; I have never killed a deer beyond 150 yards and most have been less than 50.