When you’re climbing ridges or covering miles of backcountry, every ounce on your rifle matters. But going light doesn’t mean you should sacrifice accuracy. The best lightweight hunting rifles are the ones that balance packability with the ability to put rounds exactly where they need to go. These rifles are built to stay dependable even when the barrel profile is trimmed down and the stock is designed for weight savings. Here are lightweight options that still deliver the accuracy elk, deer, and sheep hunters demand.
Tikka T3x Lite
The Tikka T3x Lite is one of the most respected lightweight hunting rifles on the market. Chambered in calibers like .308 Winchester, .270, and 6.5 Creedmoor, it delivers sub-MOA accuracy while keeping the weight down for long hunts. Its smooth bolt throw makes it easy to operate even in challenging conditions.
Hunters appreciate that it doesn’t wander after extended use. The synthetic stock handles weather well, and the crisp trigger adds to its precision. When you need a rifle that’s light but still shoots true, the T3x Lite is a proven choice.
Kimber Mountain Ascent
The Kimber Mountain Ascent was built with serious mountain hunters in mind. Weighing under six pounds, it’s chambered in calibers like .280 Ackley Improved, .30-06, and .300 Win Mag. The rifle combines a stainless barrel with a reinforced carbon-fiber stock, keeping it durable despite its featherweight design.
Accuracy is impressive, often delivering tight groups with quality loads. While recoil can be sharper in lighter rifles, the Ascent’s thoughtful design helps manage it. For hunters tackling rugged terrain, this rifle provides serious reach without weighing you down.
Christensen Arms Mesa FFT
The Christensen Arms Mesa FFT uses a carbon-fiber stock and stainless-steel barrel to bring hunters a sub-seven-pound rifle that still shoots tight groups. Chamberings like 6.5 PRC, .308 Winchester, and 7mm Rem Mag give it the flexibility for both deer and elk hunts.
The FFT stock adds rigidity without bulk, keeping the rifle steady shot after shot. Reports from the field show it consistently hitting sub-MOA groups. If you want a rifle that cuts pack weight while staying accurate at distance, the Mesa FFT is a strong option.
Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0
The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 is designed for serious mountain hunting where ounces matter. With carbon-fiber stocks and fluted barrels, some configurations weigh under five and a half pounds. It’s offered in calibers like .257 Weatherby Magnum, 6.5 RPM, and .300 Win Mag.
Despite being so light, accuracy doesn’t suffer. Hunters report consistent sub-MOA performance when paired with good optics and ammo. If you’re tackling steep country and want a rifle you can carry all day, the Backcountry 2.0 is built for that role.
Savage 110 Ultralite
The Savage 110 Ultralite cuts weight with a Proof Research carbon-fiber barrel while keeping the proven 110 action. At around six pounds, it’s available in calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, and .280 Ackley Improved. Its AccuTrigger allows for fine adjustments, giving shooters added precision.
Hunters praise its ability to hold zero after hard use and long hikes. The balance of a lightweight build with dependable accuracy makes it appealing for anyone chasing game in steep or remote country. The Ultralite is proof that trimming weight doesn’t have to cost accuracy.
Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon Speed
The Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon Speed is a lightweight hunting rifle that doesn’t cut corners. Offered in calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, and .300 Win Mag, it features a fluted barrel, composite stock, and Cerakote finish for durability in rough weather.
Accuracy remains a standout feature. Many hunters report consistent sub-MOA groups straight out of the box. The short weight makes it easy to carry, while the X-Bolt’s crisp trigger and smooth action help keep shots on target. It’s a dependable option for hunters covering miles of terrain.
Ruger American Go Wild Compact
The Ruger American Go Wild Compact keeps things affordable while still delivering solid accuracy in a light package. Weighing around six pounds, it’s chambered in calibers like .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .450 Bushmaster. Its synthetic stock and Cerakote finish keep it tough in rough conditions.
Despite its lower price point, many hunters report accuracy rivaling more expensive rifles. The bedding system and cold hammer-forged barrel keep groups tight even with factory ammunition. For a lightweight rifle that punches above its price, the Go Wild Compact is worth considering.
Nosler Model 21
The Nosler Model 21 is a newer entry in the lightweight hunting rifle category, weighing just over six pounds. Chambered in calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor, .280 Ackley Improved, and .300 Win Mag, it blends custom-level accuracy with a packable design. Its synthetic stock and premium barrel contribute to consistent performance.
Hunters praise its repeatable precision and easy handling in steep terrain. It carries like a lightweight rifle should, but it still shoots with the kind of consistency needed for ethical big-game hunting. It’s a premium rifle that fits the backcountry role perfectly.
Barrett Fieldcraft
The Barrett Fieldcraft was designed with one thing in mind—being a lightweight, accurate hunting rifle. Weighing under six pounds, it’s chambered in calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, and .270 Winchester. Its hand-laid carbon-fiber stock and minimalist design keep it strong while cutting every possible ounce.
Accuracy is a strong suit, with many hunters reporting sub-MOA groups from factory rifles. Though Barrett no longer makes the Fieldcraft, rifles in circulation remain highly sought after for their rare blend of accuracy and weight savings.
Mauser M18
The Mauser M18 may not be the lightest on this list, but in many configurations it comes in under seven pounds, keeping it practical for long hunts. Available in calibers like .30-06, .270 Winchester, and 6.5 Creedmoor, it blends classic Mauser reliability with a modern lightweight design.
The synthetic stock and simple build keep it rugged without unnecessary weight. Accuracy remains impressive, with tight groups reported across different loads. For hunters who want a dependable rifle with traditional roots, the M18 delivers without weighing you down.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
