By Joe Ferronato
The evolution of hunting rifles has followed suit with that of vehicles. Look at a 1985 square-body Chevy next to the sleek Silverados of today. Or look at Thomas Magnum’s Ferrari 308 GTS as compared to the Ferrari 488 Spider. Both are to be appreciated, both have attributes that make them unique, but the 488 has modern advancements that makes it more efficient, faster, and of course it has those sleek, modern body lines—obviously, though, the 308 is classier because Tom Selleck as Magnum can never be replaced nor can his vehicle of choice.
Regarding hunting rifles, the classic wood-stocked sporters and fine double rifles are the pure embodiment of class and refinement in a hunter, but, just as with cars, as a daily driver, they probably aren’t going to be your first choice. They perform well, sure, but the advancements in today’s technology have made hunting rifles lighter, more accurate, and easier to shoot.
When taking a cross-country road trip or when you have the tag of a lifetime in your pocket, you probably aren’t going to rely on the classics. You can go all-in and buy that Ferrari 488 Spider in a Gunwerks system if you have the means, or you can buy a new Silverado in the new Aero Solus Lightweight Hunter that is just a do-all workhorse.
The Solus is a modern advancement of the rifles that my father and grandfather hunted with for ages. It’s built on the footprint of the Remington 700 that was introduced in 1962. In fact, many of our modern rifles are built around actions that have been used for more than a century. So, even in modernity, homage is paid to the classics.
The Solus Action on the Lightweight Hunter is mated to a Proof carbon barrel. The carbon-fiber wrap around the barrel allows for less steel to reduce weight while retaining the performance of a thicker barrel. The use of carbon fiber has really spurred the evolution of hunting rifles. The combination is dropped into a Grayboe Phenix 2 stock.
When I first put my hands on the Lightweight Hunter, I was instantly impressed. It looks good and feels even better. Ergonomically, the rifle fits well and the texture on the stock provides an excellent hold. The adjustable comb allows the user to find a suitable cheek weld for a consistent shooting position. Although, the adjustment knob for the comb is bulky and intrusive. While the knob doesn’t hinder the shooting experience, I would like to see it recessed into the stock.
I topped the rifle with EOTECH’s Vudu X 2-12×44 scope, threaded on the Lahar-30 K can, and added an adapter for a Spartan Precision Javelin Bipod via the M-LOK attachment points on the forend of the stock. Fully equipped, the rifle weighs in right around 10.5 pounds; a little heavier than some lightweight rifles, but still very comfortable to carry.
Immediately after receiving the rifle, I took it to Montana on an elk hunt. Zeroing it on the range before the hunt, the rifle produced half-MOA groups with ease using Hornady’s Precision Hunter 175-grain 7 PRC. Yep, for those of you that caught it, the Solus Action is now being produced in a long-action platform to accommodate those big magnum loads.
Over the next several days, I dragged the rifle around the mountains exposing it to rough winter weather and adverse terrain. It carried well and never had any functional issues. And trust me, it was ridden hard and put away wet; it still looks brand new. When an opportunity at a bull finally came, he was nearly 300 yards uphill, and I was kneeling with the rifle on sticks. The ergonomics of the Lightweight Hunter allowed for a quick and comfortable position where the rifle was a natural extension of my body. The first shot broke and I cycled the bolt easily and sent another, the bull fell, and the work began.
The rifle was also used by two of my hunting partners to fill cow tags. One cow dropped with another shot at around 300 yards; the other was over 500. In each scenario, the rifle performed.
In the end, even though it’s not a Ferrari 308, I’m sure Magnum would approve of you using this rifle on your next hunt.
Cost: $2,850
Pros: Great fit; accurate; do-all hunting rifle.
Cons: Aesthetically, the barrel is a little off center in the stock, it doesn’t mess with performance, but I notice it.
