Ideal Weight and Size for Backcountry Hunting Rifle?

[RWT]

Does that weight include a suppressor?

Yes

 

[COCowboy]

Hey guys,
I'm sure this isn't a new question, but I'm planning on going on my first Colorado backcountry this year and I'm trying to gather all the info I can. We plan on packing in on foot, but possibly going with the base camp approach to stay mobile. I keep seeing a lot of talk about carrying a light rifle in to keep the overall weight low. I currently have a Remington 700 7mm Mag that is about 10 lbs. with the scope and has a 26" barrel. It's a great rifle that I am comfortable and familiar with. I intend to have it strapped to my framed backpack for most of the time while we are hiking. And I have been training/rucking in order to be fit enough carry a decent load. But Im seeing guys say they would carry in anything less than 8 lbs. and a barrel that is 22" max if they had the choice. Has anyone used a rifle similar to mine and made it work without much difficulty? Especially if you are using your backpack as a means of carrying it? We are trying to keep this trip as much on a budget as possible, and adding a new rifle to the expenses would be a bit of a stinger. I'm sure this is going to be a pretty subjective topic, but any info would be much appreciated! Thanks! (From a noob backcountry hunter)

I haven’t read the entire thread but since I’ve spent most of my life crawling through beetle killed timber and rocks here in CO, I thought I’d offer some of my experiences.

First of all, count me a second vote for the @KIFARU_INTL gun bearer! I know it’s a small piece of gear for the price but it’s a game changer. It’s hard to overstate how awesome it is having both hands free for climbing, falling, moving brush aside or whatever else combined with not having your gun slip off your shoulder when you need to bend over or interfering with your pack. I’ve never been ok with having my gun out of reach in my pack. The two times I tried I missed opportunities.

My other advice is tape your barrel!! No impact on your first shot placement but snow, mud and pine needles sure will!

I carried a Savage 116 300wm 26” barrel with adjustable brake for 25ish years. Great gun especially for its price. Weighed around 11.5 lbs with scope, sling ammo and no suppressor. But after carrying it for 10-12 hours my shoulders could tell… especially when packing an elk quarter or dragging a deer carcass. Even with the gun bearer, my right hip would really start to feel it by the end of the day.
Two years ago for my 48th birthday I took the plunge on a Seekins Element 300wm 22” barrel (26.5ish with suppressor). With scope, sling, bipod, ammo and suppressor it weighs in right at 8.5
I can honestly say that the 3 lbs difference is significant on my hip. I’m a lot less sore at the end of the day, especially after 8-9 days in a row.

Despite the magnum recoil, I find it less impactful than on my heavier Savage. I’ve always shot it with either a side ported brake or radial braked suppressor. Without these aids I’m sure the impulse would be much more noticeable.
I can still drop coyotes at 500+ yards and ring steel at 700 from various field positions. I shoot more than most hunters but i definitely don’t consider myself in the same league as any of the competition guys. In other words, if I can do it so can most.

Personally, I don’t find the barrel length to be too much of an issue but I can see the appeal of a shorter barrel in the timber or a saddle scabbard. I like having the versatility of the longer barrel as I frequently transition between brushy timber and wide open country and have harvested equally at less than 200 yards and 500+.

Feel free to dm with questions about your upcoming hunt. Happy to return the goodwill I’ve found on this site.

 

[DugLyfe]

Budget friendly, for sure go with what you own. I use a backpack and carry dumb weight all the time. Too cheap to upgrade

 

[COCowboy]

^^^^
I agree with this

If budget is a factor, you’ll be good with what you’ve got. Easy to get convinced that all your gear ain’t sufficient for a new experience.

Lots of guys killed lots of elk with their grandads Win model 70 30-06 wearing jeans, work boots and a mackinaw coat.

My long winded diatribe was operating on the assumption that you were looking for a reason to buy a new gun and wanted one geared towards a long term involvement in backcountry hunting.

Good luck with your hunt!