I don't know if this is the right place on the forum but here goes:
We're all familiar with the late Lt. Colonel Cooper's concept of a Scout Rifle. There are several commercial renditions of that concept, with the Steyr being the most faithful version of Cooper's criteria. (IMO)
I've toyed with the idea of assembling something close to a Scout Rifle but with some divergence from the true "Scout Rifle" pattern.
I envision a bolt action built on a short action receiver and a barrel chambered for the 308 Win or 7mm-08. I've also contemplated a medium length action and the 7mm Mauser but that's a whole new set of hurdles to overcome.
A long action is unacceptable.
It needs to be weather resistant, so stainless steel or some durable finish that can take abuse.
A synthetic stock or a well protected laminated stock (laminate may prove to be too heavy, not sure)
A forward mounted scope but some provision for back-up iron sights.
A maximum weight of 3.5 kilograms and a max length of 1 meter.
It needs to have a top notch barrel with a contour and length that allows the rifle to meet the weight and length requirements but not too thin/short. This may be a custom barrel blank cut and contoured to meet the criteria.
It doesn't need a detachable box magazine and it doesn't need an integral bipod (but a bipod would be nice)
It doesn't need to accept stripper clips but if it does, that's acceptable.
It doesn't need a hinged floor plate.
Years ago Sako made a medium length action that was perfect for the 7mm Mauser (7 x 57) but I haven't seen one in years.
That leaves us with a short action.
So forum members: WHAT ACTION WOULD YOU USE FOR THE FOUNDATION MEETING THE ABOVE CRITERIA ?