Is a 10lb hunting rifle too heavy?

[paul73]

10x42.

canon makes a 10x42 stabilized ones, but it is a 1kg+ brick. i know i will not want to carry it around...
and non-stabilized, as you yourself correctly explained, it wants a support system to be carried around, also an issue.

 

[Rockrivr1]

This is the setup. It's perfect. Pull on a strap to release and you are ready to shoot. Out of the way, fastened to the side of your pack. Not even a discussion.

View attachment 953951

@Rockrivr1 I am by no means an expert, nor am I a great hunter, but I have a number of days in the field/mountains at this point. I am happy to answer any questions you have. I can tell you with 100% certainty the things you shouldn't do because I've probably done most of them.

The point people are making about not worrying about what gun to use is sound advice. Just not important. The advice I got five years ago as for order of importance and what to focus on was the following:

1. Get good boots. And I mean good boots. Fairly stiff shank, good quality leather that goes high enough to give strong ankle support. Legit rubber soles, like vibram. You need a decent shank to make carrying loads comfortable. Think schnees and kennetrek. Plan to spend 400 bucks or more. Wear them several months before you go and break them in our you will regret it. Boots are a game changer and it will make our break your trip. I am not exaggerating.
2. Get good boots.
3. Get good boots.
4. Get a real backpack. Need a real frame. Need load shelf if you are even only carrying the meat from kill site to camp. Has to be able to handle up to 150 pounds. I use a stone glacier 5900 (see pic). Can carry a ton and can collapse to nothing. This is my only pack and it gets used hard. I've hauled a bunch of animals out with it.
5. Gun. Although my focus here would be on optics for the gun. Being able to dial for distance has been a game changer for me, and I don't shoot long distances (350 is max). Good enough glass to buy you those extra few precious minutes. Nothing would piss me off more than to spend thousands on a hunt only to not shoot because my glass couldn't pull in enough light.
5. Great binos. I personally would put this before a gun. Plan to spend at least a grand. It's so worth it and critical. My gun may get used for a few minutes (granted important minutes). My binos get used for hours, mostly affixed to a tripod so I can glass a mile away.

Thanks for the great information. Honestly I wasn't thinking boots yet. Pack, yes, but not boots. Something else I'll need to start digging into. Luckily for me I'm not the one running point on getting the hunt set up. A friend is doing it and getting back to us on what he's found out. He has indicated that a couple places he's talked to provide a Critical to have, highly recommended to have as well as Nice to have items to bring on the hunt. One place even gives you a Don't waste your time bringing list. I didn't realize how many places do guided tours in those states.

As to those that say they wouldn't waste the money, I'm looking at this as a once in a lifetime thing. Yeah, it'll be costly, but what else am I going to waste my money on? More guns? We'll, that wouldn't be a bad thing either but overall I think this is going to be a great experience. I'm looking forward too it.

 

[Rockrivr1]

For the glass, I’d emphasize durable glass. I had a family friend go on a weeklong mule deer hunt out west and missed several shots on one before luckily having the chance of correcting and making a good hit. When he checked back at 100 yards, his scope was knocked off zero several MOA from when he confirmed zero at the start of the hunt. It was a Vortex.

Actually since you brought up glass I'm thinking that a 3-9 or 4-12 is the sweet spot for shots up to 5-600 yards. I have a 3-9 on my Savage 99 deer rifle that I've never had a problem with, but then again, I've not shot at a deer at that distance. Leaning towards a Leopold but this purchase is a bit away.

 

[Fixxah]

Actually since you brought up glass I'm thinking that a 3-9 or 4-12 is the sweet spot for shots up to 5-600 yards. I have a 3-9 on my Savage 99 deer rifle that I've never had a problem with, but then again, I've not shot at a deer at that distance. Leaning towards a Leopold but this purchase is a bit away.

What if you have your intended target at 500 yds.? If you cannot see it, how would you know that hiking a couple hundred yards could get you into the shooting zone you want? Go long on glass. Have plenty of your meds on hand too.

 

[Woodsloafer]

What if you have your intended target at 500 yds.? If you cannot see it, how would you know that hiking a couple hundred yards could get you into the shooting zone you want? Go long on glass. Have plenty of your meds on hand too.

I think the OP is just trolling at this point, who the hell would think about buying a 1970s Ruger 77 that weighs 10 lbs bare for a once in a lifetime hunt, given the state of hunting rifles nowadays. This is a guy that buys Nighthawks.

 

[Tundra02]

This is the setup. It's perfect. Pull on a strap to release and you are ready to shoot. Out of the way, fastened to the side of your pack. Not even a discussion.

View attachment 953951

@Rockrivr1 I am by no means an expert, nor am I a great hunter, but I have a number of days in the field/mountains at this point. I am happy to answer any questions you have. I can tell you with 100% certainty the things you shouldn't do because I've probably done most of them.

The point people are making about not worrying about what gun to use is sound advice. Just not important. The advice I got five years ago as for order of importance and what to focus on was the following:

1. Get good boots. And I mean good boots. Fairly stiff shank, good quality leather that goes high enough to give strong ankle support. Legit rubber soles, like vibram. You need a decent shank to make carrying loads comfortable. Think schnees and kennetrek. Plan to spend 400 bucks or more. Wear them several months before you go and break them in our you will regret it. Boots are a game changer and it will make our break your trip. I am not exaggerating.
2. Get good boots.
3. Get good boots.
4. Get a real backpack. Need a real frame. Need load shelf if you are even only carrying the meat from kill site to camp. Has to be able to handle up to 150 pounds. I use a stone glacier 5900 (see pic). Can carry a ton and can collapse to nothing. This is my only pack and it gets used hard. I've hauled a bunch of animals out with it.
5. Gun. Although my focus here would be on optics for the gun. Being able to dial for distance has been a game changer for me, and I don't shoot long distances (350 is max). Good enough glass to buy you those extra few precious minutes. Nothing would piss me off more than to spend thousands on a hunt only to not shoot because my glass couldn't pull in enough light.
5. Great binos. I personally would put this before a gun. Plan to spend at least a grand. It's so worth it and critical. My gun may get used for a few minutes (granted important minutes). My binos get used for hours, mostly affixed to a tripod so I can glass a mile away.

dido Also those are sexy trousers what brand are they

 

[Tundra02]

Actually since you brought up glass I'm thinking that a 3-9 or 4-12 is the sweet spot for shots up to 5-600 yards. I have a 3-9 on my Savage 99 deer rifle that I've never had a problem with, but then again, I've not shot at a deer at that distance. Leaning towards a Leopold but this purchase is a bit away.

No dude you need to get squared away with your rifle and optic ASAP and learn to shoot it .Your trip will be here before you know it .Tust me hunting the west is not like hunting NE . As far as a scope the 4x12 is a good choice and dont get heavy reticle crosshairs . I use a 2.5x8 Leupold VX2 with heavy reticle and I loose some of the target behind the reticale around 275 yards on smaller targets

 

[Mark from ?]

Things that definitely need to be considered and planned for. A friend of mine went on a moose hunt in Canada last year, he told me it cost a crazy amount of money to get the meat home, a lot more than he had thought it would.

For out of staters, between tags, complexity, specialized gear, costs of out of state tags and licenses, outfitter costs, travel, meat prep, meat shipping. At some point you have to question your sanity on just WTF an Elk, Moose or whatever costs.......IF you even get one. Is it truly worth it?

I mean really......I can go on a hike for the cost of getting there if I just want to see the country. Ive been to Yellowstone, and some other places, not to hunt...but seen the country the animals. Its great.....and very free.....but if it cost me thousands to shoot a deer or elk..that sours the taste dramatically.

Do I really want to add 5K for the possiblilty of killing an elk? 10K for the realistic possiblilty of doing it? Maybe its a goal for some, and used to be for me....but its expensive now and paying the tax to these states who are whoring game to out of staters is annoying to me. Because buying the tags are just feeding the fire. Add to that I don't want it like I used to.......

If your in state like Peterk.....totally different story.........

 

[nstassel]

When you're carrying it is too heavy. When you're shooting it it's too light.

 

[Tundra02]

For out of staters, between tags, complexity, specialized gear, costs of out of state tags and licenses, outfitter costs, travel, meat prep, meat shipping. At some point you have to question your sanity on just WTF an Elk, Moose or whatever costs.......IF you even get one. Is it truly worth it?

I mean really......I can go on a hike for the cost of getting there if I just want to see the country.

Do I really want to add 5K for the possiblilty of killing an elk? 10K for the realistic possiblilty of doing it? Maybe its a goal for some, and used to be for me....but its annoyingly expensive now and paying the tax to these states who are whoring game to out of staters is annoying to me now. Because buying the tags are just feeding the fire. Add to that I don't want it like I used to.......

If your in state like Peterk.....totally different story.........

I heard all this Debbie downer talk from people when I went last Oct . Don't listen to this douche I dreamed of hunting the western US for 40 years and now that my son lives out there I said F$%K it and went .Mark from ? needs to STFU

 

[Mark from ?]

I heard all this Debbie downer talk from people when I went last Oct . Don't listen to this douche I dreamed of hunting the western US for 40 years and now that my son lives out there I said F$%K it and went .Mark from ? needs to STFU

If its your dream for 40 years?? Then by all means go for it! You have the added luxury that your son lives out there. But for sure....awesome!

I was simply stating my view and its not my dream and there are a lot of little odds and ends that end up costing a lot. If that's OK then good.

Ive been out there, and its beautiful. But shooting game at those prices is not worth it for me...if it is to you....then do it and STFU. Like I said...my buddy has spent 20K on 4 elk hunts where he got nothing. He views it as worth it and Im not questioning him......but it is a fact that he spent a lot of money. All I said.

You get one trip around this life....only you can decide what's worth it and whats not. My next trip will be Alaska.....Im just not into hunting and fishing as I used to be....but it will be great to see, and I can afford it quicker by not having to spend the thousands on game tags, transport and outfitters. I pay for these trips cash...as a standard rule, and don't want to take on debt for them.

Many are OK with charging them on a card and paying later....or taking on home equity debt......that's fine but its not me.

 

[M1911]

I heard all this Debbie downer talk from people when I went last Oct . Don't listen to this douche I dreamed of hunting the western US for 40 years and now that my son lives out there I said F$%K it and went .Mark from ? needs to STFU

Your point of view is very valid. He has a point of view as well, and he is free to share it. Only moderators get to tell people to STFU.

 

[Rockrivr1]

I think the OP is just trolling at this point, who the hell would think about buying a 1970s Ruger 77 that weighs 10 lbs bare for a once in a lifetime hunt, given the state of hunting rifles nowadays. This is a guy that buys Nighthawks.

If anything you've been trolling that same message for several posts already. If you don't agree with my questions then don't post in my thread. Yes, I'm looking at different rifles and yes I'm asking about hunting magnifications and I'll continue to do so until I find what works for me. I'm spending a lot of money for this trip and if I find a good quality rifle used that will work then that's what I'll use. I've not done a hiking hunt before so I'm asking the legitimate question. Does an extra 3-4 lbs really make that much more of a difference. From what I'm reading it does. Tomorrow I'm going to be looking at a used Weatherby Vanguard with a Vortex 4-12 scope on it. Is that OK with you?

 

[MickeyD’s]

I’m gonna need current height and weight stats before making a judgment call on the rifle

If you’re 5ft 9in and 260lbs …this might be a last in a lifetime trip so rifle won’t matter

 

[HorizontalHunter]

You get one trip around this life....only you can decide what's worth it and whats not. My next trip will be Alaska.....Im just not into hunting and fishing as I used to be....but it will be great to see, and I can afford it quicker by not having to spend the thousands on game tags, transport and outfitters. I pay for these trips cash...as a standard rule, and don't want to take on debt for them.

Truth.

I will add to do it before you get too old to enjoy it or, like me, can’t physically do it.

 

[Rockrivr1]

Truth.

I will add to do it before you get too old to enjoy it or, like me, can’t physically do it.

Yep. I'm 57 and figure if I don't do it now, I'm never going to do it.

 

[Rockrivr1]

I’m gonna need current height and weight stats before making a judgment call on the rifle

If you’re 5ft 9in and 260lbs …this might be a last in a lifetime trip so rifle won’t matter

Hummmmm, 57, 6-1 and 230. If I die on the mountain then my wife will be a very rich woman!

 

[HorizontalHunter]

Yep. I'm 57 and figure if I don't do it now, I'm never going to do it.

I’m 62 life can change overnight. Do it while up you can enjoy it and definitely post pictures.

 

[Tundra02]

Your point of view is very valid. He has a point of view as well, and he is free to share it. Only moderators get to tell people to STFU.

your right and I am sorry Mark

 

[Broc Tuah]

Your point of view is very valid. He has a point of view as well, and he is free to share it. Only moderators and Broc get to tell people to STFU.

FIFY. Now STFU.

 

[Woodsloafer]

If anything you've been trolling that same message for several posts already. If you don't agree with my questions then don't post in my thread. Yes, I'm looking at different rifles and yes I'm asking about hunting magnifications and I'll continue to do so until I find what works for me. I'm spending a lot of money for this trip and if I find a good quality rifle used that will work then that's what I'll use. I've not done a hiking hunt before so I'm asking the legitimate question. Does an extra 3-4 lbs really make that much more of a difference. From what I'm reading it does. Tomorrow I'm going to be looking at a used Weatherby Vanguard with a Vortex 4-12 scope on it. Is that OK with you?

You just posted a short time ago that you bought a $4K Nighthawk and a bunch of other guns, it literally does not make sense that you are looking at used/older rifles for a once in a lifetime trip, given the awesome state of the art hunting rifles available nowadays for cheap money (a Tikka for well under $1K is a perfect example and has been suggested). You have also posted about bench/target rifles you have had built and the optics you have put on them but yet cannot figure out a good scope for hunting? Not trying to argue with you but the questions you are asking just do not make sense given your knowledge.

Here's my recommendations for scopes, throw one of these on a Tikka stainless/synthetic in 270 or 30-06 and you are good to go. All have Firedots, which I think would be beneficial in low light conditions that you might be hunting in.

First choice:

VX-6HD 2-12x42 CDS-ZL2 Illum. FireDot Duplex

The VX®-6HD 2-12x42mm riflescope takes versatility to the next level. It offers an incredibly wide field of view, while giving you the magnification needed for mid to long-range shots. Its rugged, lightweight body has made it a favorite for any hunter not willing to sacrifice performance or...

www.leupold.com

Second choice:

VX-5HD 2-10x42 CDS-ZL2 Illum. FireDot Duplex

Completely at home on the side of a mountain chasing monster goats or ringing steel at the range, the extremely versatile 2-10x magnification gives you a super-wide field of view, while also allowing for clear, long-range shots.

www.leupold.com

Third choice:

VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter

The VX®-3HD 3.5-10x40mm delivers legendary performance and extreme clarity in an incredibly tough, lightweight package. Its versatile magnification can get the job done in almost any scenario.

www.leupold.com

 

[Woodsloafer]

If its your dream for 40 years?? Then by all means go for it! You have the added luxury that your son lives out there. But for sure....awesome!

I was simply stating my view and its not my dream and there are a lot of little odds and ends that end up costing a lot. If that's OK then good.

Ive been out there, and its beautiful. But shooting game at those prices is not worth it for me...if it is to you....then do it and STFU. Like I said...my buddy has spent 20K on 4 elk hunts where he got nothing. He views it as worth it and Im not questioning him......but it is a fact that he spent a lot of money. All I said.

You get one trip around this life....only you can decide what's worth it and whats not. My next trip will be Alaska.....Im just not into hunting and fishing as I used to be....but it will be great to see, and I can afford it quicker by not having to spend the thousands on game tags, transport and outfitters. I pay for these trips cash...as a standard rule, and don't want to take on debt for them.

Many are OK with charging them on a card and paying later....or taking on home equity debt......that's fine but its not me.

My wife and I were planning on going to Alaska this summer but have put it off one year because of my knee issues, it might be alright but it might not and I did not want to risk it (plus I want to get the new house done this year and have that project behind us).

To each their own but I feel the same as you, I would much rather take that $20K spent on elk hunts and spend a month in Alaska (like you said, if I lived out there and could hunt for cheap money like Peter, I would undoubtedly be hunting elk, etc.). A number of years ago, my wife and I went to Hawaii for 3 weeks and it was heaven being away for that long. We visited every island and saw everything we could. That and our 2 week trip to Montana a couple years ago were our best vacations ever. I like seeing "stuff" more than hunting and fishing, I guess just a different phase in my life, and I enjoy doing this stuff with my wife, which would not happen if it was a hunting trip.

 

[Broc Tuah]

You just posted a short time ago that you bought a $4K Nighthawk and a bunch of other guns, it literally does not make sense that you are looking at used/older rifles for a once in a lifetime trip, given the awesome state of the art hunting rifles available nowadays for cheap money (a Tikka for well under $1K is a perfect example and has been suggested). You have also posted about bench/target rifles you have had built and the optics you have put on them but yet cannot figure out a good scope for hunting? Not trying to argue with you but the questions you are asking just do not make sense given your knowledge.

Here's my recommendations for scopes, throw one of these on a Tikka stainless/synthetic in 270 or 30-06 and you are good to go. All have Firedots, which I think would be beneficial in low light conditions that you might be hunting in.

First choice:

VX-6HD 2-12x42 CDS-ZL2 Illum. FireDot Duplex

The VX®-6HD 2-12x42mm riflescope takes versatility to the next level. It offers an incredibly wide field of view, while giving you the magnification needed for mid to long-range shots. Its rugged, lightweight body has made it a favorite for any hunter not willing to sacrifice performance or...

www.leupold.com

Second choice:

VX-5HD 2-10x42 CDS-ZL2 Illum. FireDot Duplex

Completely at home on the side of a mountain chasing monster goats or ringing steel at the range, the extremely versatile 2-10x magnification gives you a super-wide field of view, while also allowing for clear, long-range shots.

www.leupold.com

Third choice:

VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter

The VX®-3HD 3.5-10x40mm delivers legendary performance and extreme clarity in an incredibly tough, lightweight package. Its versatile magnification can get the job done in almost any scenario.

www.leupold.com

The 6HD are FAP material. I hate that I looked through one at Bass Pro. That was nice glass.

But should go with a 6.5cm.

 

[Woodsloafer]

The 6HD are FAP material. I hate that I looked through one at Bass Pro. That was nice glass.

But should go with a 6.5cm.

Yep, once you look through a scope with the truly nice glass/optics that is available nowadays, it's hard to like your other scopes (without truly nice glass).

6.5cm is BANNED out west, don't ya know.

 

[Broc Tuah]

Yep, once you look through a scope with the truly nice glass/optics that is available nowadays, it's hard to like your other scopes (without truly nice glass).

6.5cm is BANNED out west, don't ya know.

Makes sense.

I hear that out West Netflix recommends only gay movies and Brokeback Mountain took place in Wyoming. Too gay for 6.5cm.

 

[bob6180]

I was waiting for the 6.5 fanboys to check in.

OP- I did a hunt in MT in 2020 - my setup was pretty comfortable for all day hiking. I’ll PM you the specs - but it is a Browning xBolt in .308 with an Sig scope mounted. I’ll get the weight numbers for you but it was a good balance all around.

 

[Broc Tuah]

I was waiting for the 6.5 fanboys to check in.

OP- I did a hunt in MT in 2020 - my setup was pretty comfortable for all day hiking. I’ll PM you the specs - but it is a Browning xBolt in .308 with an Sig scope mounted. I’ll get the weight numbers for you but it was a good balance all around.

LOL ... the way you started, I was expecting something better than a .308.

 

[Agnotology]

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.

That is really dependent on the individual. Someone who lives at 2,000 feet in the Berkshires and is in shape will have an easier time going to 8k or 10k than someone who lives at essentially sea level.

Age is also a factor.

 

[Woodsloafer]

I was waiting for the 6.5 fanboys to check in.

OP- I did a hunt in MT in 2020 - my setup was pretty comfortable for all day hiking. I’ll PM you the specs - but it is a Browning xBolt in .308 with an Sig scope mounted. I’ll get the weight numbers for you but it was a good balance all around.

How long did it take to get drawn in MT (I am assuming it was an elk hunt)? Did you get a good unit? Did you get an elk?

 

[Ultrarunner]

It's already been said here, but I'll chip in my .02. I've been a packer for a Moose hunting outfit in Alaska, and I currently live in Wyoming. Every single client I saw asked questions about weight, and we limited them due to the fact that we utilized super cubs to land on sand bars. But for all the talk of rifle weight, pack weight, booze weight, NONE of them were in shape. Lose 15 lbs on the waist and the rifle weight will matter less. And of course, youve got altitude. If you want to make it a good hunt, hit the gym 3-5x a week with cardio and resistance training. That takes a lot more discipline than shopping for a rifle that is a 1lb or two less..