Is a 10lb hunting rifle too heavy?

[PatMcD]

I'll go against the grain here and say I would ABSOLUTELY make that hunt with a classic rifle. Ruger 77 tang safety, pre-64 Model 70, sporterized Springfield, etc. You want to make that hunt with a rifle you love. Tikka makes a great rifle, but are you going to buy one, shoot a few rounds through it to sight it in, and fall in love with it? I wouldn't.

To get on-topic; 10lbs is heavy. But it's not a deal-killer for me. My sporterized '03 chambered in 35 Whelen (the caliber you should choose) has a 26" barrel. It's heavy, but I love that rifle. My friend put the barrel on it and chambered it for me. I did the browning.

 

[Bodhisattva]

Don’t be afraid to head over to Rokslide and look around at that forum. There is a wealth of knowledge over there. They are pretty friendly when it comes to helping people figure out gear for hunting at elevation.

 

[Rockrivr1]

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

Not disagreeing with you. I’ve spent liberally for guns I’ve wanted and have been very lucky in my searches and what I’ve purchased. Almost all of purchases are used guns with the exception of the precision rifle I had built.

This though is a little bit different. Not only do I need the gun/glass but pack, gear, boots, clothing on top of the hunt costs. Believe it or not there is a good second hand market out there to be used to find the right gear. I’ll see what I can find and if nothing works out I’ll go new as needed.

A little sleuthing tonight and I found a couple rifles that might fit the bill. A Tikka with a Nikon Scope, a Weatherby Vanguard with a Nikon Scope and a Christianson M14 with a Zeiss scope. All dress out under 10lbs with scope. To be honest I really enjoy the hunt for this stuff. Almost as good as buying it.

 

[Ultrarunner]

Some people think a $5.00 cup of coffee is too much, others think a NetJets membership is a bargain. To each their own. Ive seen hunters lay down cash that could buy me a comfortable piece of acreage and go home with an empty tag.

 

[Chevyman123]

Currently put together a tikka t3x super lite in 30-06, 22” barrel. it’s under 7lbs unloaded.

 

[Woodsloafer]

Currently put together a tikka t3x super lite in 30-06, 22” barrel. it’s under 7lbs unloaded.View attachment 954157

Nice setup, the perfect all around big game hunting rifle right here. What model Leupold?

 

[Chevyman123]

Nice setup, the perfect all around big game hunting rifle right here. What model Leupold?

Thanks, went with a

Leupold VX-3HD Rifle Scope - 2.5-8x36mm - Duplex​

 

[Chevyman123]

Thanks, went with a

Leupold VX-3HD Rifle Scope - 2.5-8x36mm - Duplex​

Also, got the barrel custom ported, swapped the recoil pad with a limbsaver and did the recoil lug.