Advice on a new lightweight .30?

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mtnGhost

mtnGhost

Member
Dec 15, 2018
3,777
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Defected from the PNW, United States
Hello!

I'm looking for feedback on a new .30. Looking for options on the smallest / most compact, and lightweight platform.

No budget, what do you think?

EDIT: here's what I have boiled the requirements down to that I'd be looking for.

  • Under ~30" / ~76cm length (I'd be good with something that was longer, that could be broken down in under a minute in the field, without special tools
  • Vertical height - I wouldn't want something too tall
  • Under ~7lbs / ~3200gr
  • Needs to be as silent as possible (obviously POI is it's own thing)
  • Durability - I take good care of everything, but Id need something that wasn't a fragile egg
  • Reliability - the primary requirement here is consistent shots
  • Common wear parts would need to be accessible
  • Shot count - I'd need a good amount of (hunting /omg range target) shots, without having to lug over 2lbs / 1kg of additional gear
  • HUGE bonus for lightweight portable air (e.g. valved FX CF bottles, this is extremely attractive to me)

This would need to fit inside of my pack, for 1-3 day hunting trips in the relatively harsh PNW outdoors. 

The Sabertooth Wildcat seems SOLID. I'd be concerned with vertical height and some of the tuning challenges to get a lot of power out of it. The fixed air cylinder might be a deal breaker for this specification (I may just get one just to have though!).

The Impact does seem to be fraught with issues. The form factor does seem to be pretty close to what I want though, the question is would it be reliable for up to 3 days at a time over 100-200 shots? Hard to say.

The Priest does look amazing! I would need to look into part accessibility to be comfortable.


 
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The new Sabertooth Wildcat .30 does not need an aftermarket silencer... the FX silencer system consists of a large diameter barrel shroud and a separate silencer made up of hollow caps that are practically weightless. The Sabertooth Wildcat .30 is extremely quiet and backyard friendly with just the shroud tube alone, but with the silencer attached she is absolutely dead quiet! And this excellent FX silencer does not change the point of impact nor does it have any of the other problems sometimes caused by other aftermarket silencers. This most excellent silencer from FX is provided free with the rifle and prevents you from having to spend $150.00 for one from anyone else. And it is as light as a feather! 

You may find my initial review of the Sabertooth Wildcat .30 interesting...here is a link to it for you: https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/power-tuned-sabertooth-wildcat-30/

Best regards, Chuck
 
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@CHUCK, Great information in that review!!! That thing looks serious! FX says production starts in March, did you get a prototype?

I'm going to take a little time to consider what to get. In some ways, the Impact seems like a better fit for my overall (admittedly unstated) requirements. Portability is a big one for me, being able to break it down somewhat and having the ability to carry an additional air cylinder are VERY attractive features. 

The Kalibrguns appear to be pretty solid too, but I'm going to try and refrain from making any regrettable decisions.
 
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Ghost: I purchased my Wildcat .30 from Palm Beach Airguns and I believe they have more available but you would have to check with them on that. I understand your portability requirements but you must also take into consideration the fact that there are dozens and dozens of videos on how to fix Impacts...for good reason. If you are going to look at Kalibrguns please do your homework on Edguns while your at it. Don't hesitate to call Brian at Edgun West and ask him some very pointed questions before making your final decision. Look for a gun with the least problems, best accuracy and power, best price and handling characteristics...and you end up where we started with the Wildcat! :)

Best regards, Chuck
 
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I strongly recommend the R5 Matador...less issues then the Fx impact X...
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It might come in just at the upper limits of the dimensions, but it's too heavy :/

The Vulcan2 is a dream to hold, it shoulders so nice. With a balance like no other bullpub Ive held. It has a wonderful palm swell in the grip and left hand cocking lever. You can literally shoot shot after shot with out lifting your head or stop looking down the scope tube.
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That looks awesome! I can see how it would be ergonomic, hows the shot count on those? Any general issues or concerns with durability / reliability? I'll add that to my list for sure!

If u can wait till th he shot show.i heard the cricket is coming out with a 30.hold tight. Alex
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Interesting, I'm not surprised though .. .30 cal seems like a hot caliber :)


 
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durability / reliability of the Vulcan should speak for its self, do a search. You just dont read about many problems, becouse there rock sold. Go to Erent Rows web site there you'll see how easy they are to work on. Simple just works. There's a Vulcan 2 tactical for sale $1250, I recommend picking it up, if you dont like it you'll be able to sell it for what you have into it.
 
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durability / reliability of the Vulcan should speak for its self, do a search. You just dont read about many problems, becouse there rock sold. Go to Erent Rows web site there you'll see how easy they are to work on. Simple just works. There's a Vulcan 2 tactical for sale $1250, I recommend picking it up, if you dont like it you'll be able to sell it for what you have into it.
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Those do look nice- the tactical would be too long though, the weight and shot count on the shorter version wouldn't be ideal for this particular purpose. 
 
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