Lightest production .22lr rifle? (manual action only)

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gomipile

Joined
Apr 17, 2010
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Hi. I'm doing some research to find a really light .22lr rifle for backpacking and squirrel hunting. It must be a manual action, as semi automatic rifles are illegal for hunting in my state.

So far the lightest listed weight I've found is 3.25 pounds. Can anyone do better?
 
Don't know if your going to do better than that, I've got an old savage 120A bolt action single shot .22 that weights 4lb 9oz and it's super light.
 
I don't know of a production gun smaller than the Henry AR7 or the Springfield M6. They are both easily transported disassembled and go back together quickly.

Have you looked into those?
 
That rifle looks like it might be semi-auto. I could be wrong, though. Even there own website has no description of the action. Anyone?
 
AR-7 2.5 lbs is the one I would get the price isn't that bad either.
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Those little Crickett single shot bolt guns are pretty light (about 2.5 lbs from what I've found), don't know of any else that aren't semi auto.

-sh00ter
 
Backpacking hunters occasionally slip and fall. If you fall on your weapon, will it be strong enough to keep on working, or will it fold up like paper mache?!

This is a valid concern.
 
sh00ter01 said:
Those little Crickett single shot bolt guns are pretty light (about 2.5 lbs from what I've found), don't know of any else that aren't semi auto.

-sh00ter
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Take a look at the Stevens .22 lineup. Prices are not bad and there is a flavor for everyone.
 
I'm fine with a single shot. Also, as I mentioned in the title, I need a manual action. Semi automatic rifles are illegal to hunt with in PA.

I'll probably end up buying a youth rifle and modding the stock, but I'm not sure yet.
 
gomipile said:
I'm fine with a single shot. Also, as I mentioned in the title, I need a manual action. Semi automatic rifles are illegal to hunt with in PA.

I'll probably end up buying a youth rifle and modding the stock, but I'm not sure yet.
Click to expand...

The cricket youth rifle with the synthetic stock is very light. I'm 5'8" and can use it exactly as is, I think bigger guys might have to add an extension on the butt of the stock
 
Don't know any weights but Henry makes a small bolt action that should be fairly light. Could also look for the old Winchester single-shots. I've also got an old Anschutz, sorry no model number, that is on a very small wood frame. Very light.
 
+1 on the Stevens favorites too although again, I do not know their weight. I have a .22mag wearing the synthetic camo stock and it shoots quite nicely.
 
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I have an AR-7 Explorer.
It, and the one pictured above are semi-auto.
If they made a bolt action it would be ideal for you.
 
Take a look at the CZ Scout. Mine weighs around 4#. May not be the lightest but will be more accurate,durable and well made than many of the trick guns.
 
Don't overlook the used market for a .22 beater single shot...you could shorten and re-crown the barrel yourself and either cut the stock down or drill lightening holes. Pay attention to minimum barrel and overall length restrictions in Federal law. Be sure that an old rifle shoots and otherwise functions before purchase as replacement parts may not be available.

I paid $9.95 new for my first single shot .22 LR - an H & R - was 11 at the time..now 73 but would not be surprised if that rifle was still shooting somewhere.

Have fun and be safe.
 
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