Is a 10lb hunting rifle too heavy?

Build one. Tikka action, KRG bravo chassis, proof carbon fiber barrel, fat bastard muzzle device, seeing that you’re from Mass and can’t have a can.
 
Rockrivr1 said:
So I looked at a Ruger M77 Hawkeye rifle in 300 Win Mag today as I continue to search for a hunting rifle. This rifle was made in the 70s and to be honest it felt pretty good. The only problem is that she’s 10lbs before adding a scope, rings and ammo. So thinking 12-13 lbs all dressed out. I’m wondering if that’s too heavy for a hunt where’d we be moving a lot. I’m used to hunting from a stand or a single position and I’ve used my father’s old Savage 99 in 300 Savage. Pretty light rifle.

This hunt will be nothing I’m used too so weight will be a consideration. Plus to this rifle is the weight will dampen recoil. Negative is hauling the extra weight.

What say hunters?
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That sounds very heavy, even with a great sling adjusted perfectly. Do you think an M1 garand is heavy? That's 9.5 lbs. loaded with bayonet, 10.5
 
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Springfield has a line of lightweight bolt guns in a bunch of “large bore” calibers. They come in a carbon fiber stock and you can get them with a carbon fiber barrel. That should keep the weight down.
 
If you're asking if a 10lbs rifle is too heavy, I'd say you haven't tried to hike through the woods for any measurable amout of distance with a 10lbs rifle and all the associated gear required for such a hunt.

Take whatever AR15 you own, add a bunch of shit to it to get 10lbs and go for a walk. I'd bet you'd start looking at lighter rifles pretty quick.

Unless you're hunting from a truck or ATV, then weight probably doesn't matter.
 
ChevyGuy91 said:
If you're asking if a 10lbs rifle is too heavy, I'd say you haven't tried to hike through the woods for any measurable amout of distance with a 10lbs rifle and all the associated gear required for such a hunt.

Take whatever AR15 you own, add a bunch of shit to it to get 10lbs and go for a walk. I'd bet you'd start looking at lighter rifles pretty quick.

Unless you're hunting from a truck or ATV, then weight probably doesn't matter.
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I agree with you. But I’ll say It’s easy to get an AR15 to ten pounds. Which is pretty mich a much an unloaded 9 lb. AR15. Which is pretty much a 7.5 pound AR15 with a scope on it. Ya… it adds up quick.
 
I think you need to consider everything, not just your gun if you are planning a hunt out west.

Couple questions. Is this a guided hunt? Is it a backcountry hunt? Are you hiking in or will you have horses to lug your gear?

I use a tikka t3x in 308. It's about as light as I would want to go. If I were shooting a 300 win mag then I'd probably want a more hefty gun. My gun has gained some weight over the past couple of years as I have upgraded the scope and added a rail to accommodate a bipod and tripod. I have decided that I'm willing to add a little weight, but not too much, to increase my odds of making a lethal shot. My attitude toward a hunting rifle is likely different than most. Instead of a larger more powerful caliber, I rather go with the one that punishes me the least but still gets the job done. I also will not take a shot beyond 325 to 350 yards.

If you are hiking in then consider everything that will be on your back. Figure out all the areas you can reasonably reduce weight. And get your hands on very good boots. They will allow you to tolerate more weight more comfortably.

Last thing is, train. I'm 58. But I can carry more weight today than I could five years ago. This has allowed me to bring additional things like a scope and my heavier tripod, and add stuff to my gun.

I know I've gone sideways regarding your question. I guess my point is, ya ten pounds is a lot of gun to haul around. But if that is what gives you the confidence you need, then bring it. But consider everything, not just the gun. Hiking in is rough. Coming out is worse if you have an animal on your back. I call it Type III fun.
 
peterk123 said:
And no, don't rely on a sling to lug your gun. Most likely you will have a pack on you at all times. Slinging a gun on your shoulder blows with a pack. Ask me how I know. Use a gun sling that attaches to your pack. I do have a DIY webbing sling on my gun, but it's not for carrying.
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This is 100% correct i plan on rectifying this nonsense on my hunting rig this spring
 
My hunting rifle is a Browning BAR in .30-06 which felt like I was carrying a five foot long pinch bar by days end. Not sure of the actual weight but I haven't used it hunting since 1994.
You are more than welcome to borrow it if you want. Remington 220g Core-Lokt were the most accurate.
 
Rockrivr1 said:
We’re planning an Elk hunt in Colorado or Utah. Looking at 300 Win Mag as the caliber. I know some have said to go with a 270 or 7 Rem Mag, but think I’ll stick with the 300.
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I have my Grandmother's Remington 788 in .308 she took many Elk, Mule Deer, and other deer with.

Happy to lend it.
 
peterk123 said:
I think you need to consider everything, not just your gun if you are planning a hunt out west.

Couple questions. Is this a guided hunt? Is it a backcountry hunt? Are you hiking in or will you have horses to lug your gear?

I use a tikka t3x in 308. It's about as light as I would want to go. If I were shooting a 300 win mag then I'd probably want a more hefty gun. My gun has gained some weight over the past couple of years as I have upgraded the scope and added a rail to accommodate a bipod and tripod. I have decided that I'm willing to add a little weight, but not too much, to increase my odds of making a lethal shot. My attitude toward a hunting rifle is likely different than most. Instead of a larger more powerful caliber, I rather go with the one that punishes me the least but still gets the job done. I also will not take a shot beyond 325 to 350 yards.

If you are hiking in then consider everything that will be on your back. Figure out all the areas you can reasonably reduce weight. And get your hands on very good boots. They will allow you to tolerate more weight more comfortably.

Last thing is, train. I'm 58. But I can carry more weight today than I could five years ago. This has allowed me to bring additional things like a scope and my heavier tripod, and add stuff to my gun.

I know I've gone sideways regarding your question. I guess my point is, ya ten pounds is a lot of gun to haul around. But if that is what gives you the confidence you need, then bring it. But consider everything, not just the gun. Hiking in is rough. Coming out is worse if you have an animal on your back. I call it Type III fun.
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Excellent perspective, this is all common sense stuff that people do not think of, but absolutely should. You spend a lot of time in the country hiking and scouting, not just hunting, and have developed physically as you have noted. Hunting in the east is a lot different than hunting in the west and, not only do you need to be equipped correctly, but need to be in excellent shape to enjoy and have a good hunt. I think the OP said he was considering Colorado for the elk hunt and, from what I have read, it is one of the least forgiving in terms of terrain (i.e., elevation, ruggedness) to get to where elk are. Also, as you have stated (and I agree 100%), there are not a lot of people who can consistently shoot accurately at long range without a significant amount of practice (and not sitting at a bench on a sunny day), and it is even more difficult under hunting conditions with wind, being tired, out of breath, etc.
 
Rockrivr1 said:
So I looked at a Ruger M77 Hawkeye rifle in 300 Win Mag today as I continue to search for a hunting rifle. This rifle was made in the 70s and to be honest it felt pretty good. The only problem is that she’s 10lbs before adding a scope, rings and ammo. So thinking 12-13 lbs all dressed out. I’m wondering if that’s too heavy for a hunt where’d we be moving a lot. I’m used to hunting from a stand or a single position and I’ve used my father’s old Savage 99 in 300 Savage. Pretty light rifle.

This hunt will be nothing I’m used too so weight will be a consideration. Plus to this rifle is the weight will dampen recoil. Negative is hauling the extra weight.

What say hunters?
Click to expand...
What distance range are you planning on or are comfortable shooting at if you get a shot?
 
You're thinking 12-13 pounds total? Nice from the bench but heavy to carry. Whatever you get, practice offhand shooting. Nobody likes doing it because the results are so depressing but it's probably how you'll shoot.
 
.
peterk123 said:
I think you need to consider everything, not just your gun if you are planning a hunt out west.

Couple questions. Is this a guided hunt? Is it a backcountry hunt? Are you hiking in or will you have horses to lug your gear?

I use a tikka t3x in 308. It's about as light as I would want to go. If I were shooting a 300 win mag then I'd probably want a more hefty gun. My gun has gained some weight over the past couple of years as I have upgraded the scope and added a rail to accommodate a bipod and tripod. I have decided that I'm willing to add a little weight, but not too much, to increase my odds of making a lethal shot. My attitude toward a hunting rifle is likely different than most. Instead of a larger more powerful caliber, I rather go with the one that punishes me the least but still gets the job done. I also will not take a shot beyond 325 to 350 yards.

If you are hiking in then consider everything that will be on your back. Figure out all the areas you can reasonably reduce weight. And get your hands on very good boots. They will allow you to tolerate more weight more comfortably.

Last thing is, train. I'm 58. But I can carry more weight today than I could five years ago. This has allowed me to bring additional things like a scope and my heavier tripod, and add stuff to my gun.

I know I've gone sideways regarding your question. I guess my point is, ya ten pounds is a lot of gun to haul around. But if that is what gives you the confidence you need, then bring it. But consider everything, not just the gun. Hiking in is rough. Coming out is worse if you have an animal on your back. I call it Type III fun.
Click to expand...
You didn't go sideways on the question.

Training and proper gear set up (backpack) are way more important than 1 or 2lbs on the rifle.

I am not giving the OP sh*t, but I don't think he thought this through. That being said, we all asked a lot of questions we are not getting answers to, so it is hard to give a good answer.
 
Broc Tuah said:
.

You didn't go sideways on the question.

Training and proper gear set up (backpack) are way more important than 1 or 2lbs on the rifle.

I am not giving the OP sh*t, but I don't think he thought this through. That being said, we all asked a lot of questions we are not getting answers to, so it is hard to give a good answer.
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Yup, not a lot of info, and the OP goes back and forth from asking about carbon fiber barrels to a 1970s blue/wood Ruger 77 boat anchor for the hunt, so not sure if this is truly serious. First question I would be asking is how people prepped physically, and for how long, for a Colorado or Utah (the states mentioned) elk hunt, was it enough, how many miles hiked at what elevation/elevation gain, etc. Selecting a gun is the easy part.
 
Broc Tuah said:
.

You didn't go sideways on the question.

Training and proper gear set up (backpack) are way more important than 1 or 2lbs on the rifle.

I am not giving the OP sh*t, but I don't think he thought this through. That being said, we all asked a lot of questions we are not getting answers to, so it is hard to give a good answer.
Click to expand...

I’d give answers if I had them as were still in the planning phase and getting the gear required. It’ll be a guided hunt and we’re leaning towards horseback in. A couple places indicates no shots over 500-600 yards and to be proficient with your rifle and scope. There is a significant list of gear required. Figured I’d get ahead of the curve with the gun so hence my search. Appreciate the answers so far.

Even with riding in there will be a lot of hiking.
 
Woodsloafer said:
Yup, not a lot of info, and the OP goes back and forth from asking about carbon fiber barrels to a 1970s blue/wood Ruger 77 boat anchor for the hunt, so not sure if this is truly serious. First question I would be asking is how people prepped physically, and for how long, for a Colorado or Utah (the states mentioned) elk hunt, was it enough, how many miles hiked at what elevation/elevation gain, etc. Selecting a gun is the easy part.
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And how are they carrying all that meat back.

Going out with 20- 30lbs of gear (if you are really good at packing and have experience) for what I assume will be a camping trip and coming back with 60-80lbs (maybe more) is no joke.

I hike a lot, I got my 5 day pack down to around 30lbs, including water and food, and I would HATE having to walk back with 2x or 3x that weight, and I am in good shape. F*ck that sh*t.
 
Rockrivr1 said:
I’d give answers if I had them as were still in the planning phase and getting the gear required. It’ll be a guided hunt and we’re leaning towards horseback in. A couple places indicates no shots over 500-600 yards and to be proficient with your rifle and scope. There is a significant list of gear required. Figured I’d get ahead of the curve with the gun so hence my search. Appreciate the answers so far.

Even with riding in there will be a lot of hiking.
Click to expand...

Honestly, put your energy on finding a proper backpack and gear. This takes a lot more work than finding a decent rifle.

As far as a rifle, it has been mentioned before, get a light TIKKA and move on to gear, working out and practicing shooting.
 
Rockrivr1 said:
So I looked at a Ruger M77 Hawkeye rifle in 300 Win Mag today as I continue to search for a hunting rifle. This rifle was made in the 70s and to be honest it felt pretty good. The only problem is that she’s 10lbs before adding a scope, rings and ammo. So thinking 12-13 lbs all dressed out. I’m wondering if that’s too heavy for a hunt where’d we be moving a lot. I’m used to hunting from a stand or a single position and I’ve used my father’s old Savage 99 in 300 Savage. Pretty light rifle.

This hunt will be nothing I’m used too so weight will be a consideration. Plus to this rifle is the weight will dampen recoil. Negative is hauling the extra weight.

What say hunters?
Click to expand...

Younger and poorer I sometimes used to carry a .308 M700 varmint to hunt that was maybe 10.5-11# with scope to hunt if I thought there might be a longer shot than a shotgun or lever .44 could handle. Didn't bother me but age, strength, endurance may be a big factor
 
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Broc Tuah said:
Honestly, put your energy on finding a proper backpack and gear. This takes a lot more work than finding a decent rifle.

As far as a rifle, it has been mentioned before, get a light TIKKA and move on to gear, working out and practicing shooting.
Click to expand...
This. Your pack and the gear you are hauling is going to be more important than what rifle you pick. Call the guide service and ask them for their advice, I am sure that have a LOL list of dumb shit people bring on their hunts that they regret.

Once you get your pack and gear figured, put it on and start walking in it, even if it is just a few laps around the cul-de-sac.
 
Woodsloafer said:
Too heavy, IMO, I would want it around 9 lbs all in, I like my hunting rifles (under 8 lbs for sure) lighter but given it's a 300 WM you don't want to go too light. WTF model weighs 10 lbs bare, that's way too much for a hunting rifle.

Also, if it is a Hawkeye, it was not made in the 70s, they did not introduce that version of the 77 until 2006.
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This....too heavy for carrying around the mountains....don't go too light for 300 mag. Suggest no more than 10 pounds loaded up with scope. It all depends how much your climbing, etc, or is this a ranch type hunt where your driving around.

Like Woods, Broc and PeterK say......

If its a back country hunt...Id worry about what shape your in, what additional gear and its weight, and will you have and elevation issue sickness much more than what rifle your carrying. You just don't go on a high country elk backpack hunt from the east coast. You have to be in phenomenal shape and your stuff has to be light and made for the mountains. Where most people fail on these hunts is they either get elevation sickness, or can't physically do the miles needed to hunt and stay around camp where the elk might not be.

Now if your going to a ranch where all the elk come down in the low country and you are driving around...different hunt. Honestly, I would do that type of hunt right now in my 50's and pay the extra money if I really wanted to kill an elk. Most of my friends from here have done backpack or horseback elk hunts and got nothing....they've gone multiple times for thousands of dollars and some have over 10K-15K invested or more without any elk. Note that just the out of state tag is fairly rediculous.

I would get with PeterK as he is the resident expert on this type of thing and has been successful.
 
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Mesatchornug said:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzvQS0KWEZ0
Click to expand...

i am still not clear of the rationale when people expect to shoot an animal 500 or 700 yds away in the hills or mountains, and then they have to hike through terrain with possible no clear visibility to the spot where the animal was? what are the chances to even find that spot?

i lighter 6lbs rifle, a smaller caliber like 270, and shoot within 300yds - all that would make life simpler.
 
paul73 said:
i am still not clear of the rationale when people expect to shoot an animal 500 or 700 yds away in the hills or mountains, and then they have to hike through terrain with possible no clear visibility to the spot where the animal was? what are the chances to even find that spot?

i lighter 6lbs rifle, a smaller caliber like 270, and shoot within 300yds - all that would make life simpler.
Click to expand...
Glassing......hike to a high spot and glass the hillsides. Could end up with some serious distance shots out west.

In some cases....you have two people and one will hold back and guide the other to the spot when the animal was shot at via spotting scope.
 
Mark from ? said:
This....too heavy for carrying around the mountains....don't go too light for 300 mag. Suggest no more than 10 pounds loaded up with scope. It all depends how much your climbing, etc, or is this a ranch type hunt where your driving around.

Like Woods, Broc and PeterK say......

If its a back country hunt...Id worry about what shape your in, what additional gear and its weight, and will you have and elevation issue sickness much more than what rifle your carrying. You just don't go on a high country elk backpack hunt from the east coast. You have to be in phenomenal shape and your stuff has to be light and made for the mountains. Where most people fail on these hunts is they either get elevation sickness, or can't physically do the miles needed to hunt and stay around camp where the elk might not be.

Now if your going to a ranch where all the elk come down in the low country and you are driving around...different hunt. Honestly, I would do that type of hunt right now in my 50's and pay the extra money if I really wanted to kill an elk. Most of my friends from here have done backpack or horseback elk hunts and got nothing....they've gone multiple times for thousands of dollars and some have over 10K-15K invested or more without any elk. Note that just the out of state tag is fairly rediculous.

I would get with PeterK as he is the resident expert on this type of thing and has been successful.
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Elevation sickness should not be an issue in Colorado. But, I am basing this on myself going from ocean to sleeping in a cave at over 10K feet. LOL.

Although I could feel breathing wasn't easy getting up there. But that could be because it was a desert.
 
paul73 said:
i am still not clear of the rationale when people expect to shoot an animal 500 or 700 yds away in the hills or mountains, and then they have to hike through terrain with possible no clear visibility to the spot where the animal was? what are the chances to even find that spot?

i lighter 6lbs rifle, a smaller caliber like 270, and shoot within 300yds - all that would make life simpler.
Click to expand...

My buddy that often hits deer at over 300 yards, one day shot one at 250-300 yards or so. He always gets the heart, so that is what he was aiming for. The shot hit the neck. He was lucky, it was still a quick kill.

But he thought someone f*cked with his scope. Until he walked over and realized there was a small valley with very strong winds. That valley was between him and the deer, but he didn't realize it.

Things like that are another challenge in the mountains.
 
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