Perfect Out west rifle

[thinhorn_AK]

I'm not trying to derail this topic for the OP, but didn't think my question worthy of a new thread.

As far as a one rifle solution: Do you, thinhorn AK, (or anyone else for that matter) feel that a one pound lighter Tikka is preferable to the heavier Winchester for a do it all, under all circumstances rifle. One pound isn't huge, but over the long haul it could be.

My personal experience with a Kimber Montana in .308 is that I'm not as stable and consistent in all shooting positions. I would rather have a heavier rifle that "settles in", but then it becomes a matter of too heavy. My Father's 10 or 11 pound Browning shoots great, but I definitely don't like taking that far into the field.

I guess the question is: ideal weight for all around? I thought there was a thread on here stating 8 to 8.5 pounds all up was ideal, but I can't seem to find that.

Also, my next rifle will most likely be 30-06.

Sorry for the derail, and thanks.

I don't know, I really only worry about the weight when I'm hunting really steep mountains like sheep hunts etc. The rest of the time, I'm hunting from boats, pack rafts or day hunting for moose out on the tundra and local forests where the weight dosen't bother me. Basically, If Im going to carry a rifle for days, A lighter rifle is nice, if not, then I just don't care. Also, like you said, lighter rifles take more practice to shoot where an 8lb rifle is usually easy to shoot. I tend to think most people don't shoot enough so they would benefit from a rifle that settles down more quickly.

 

[hunting1]

For me it is my Kimber Montana in .308 w/Leupold VX3 3-10 B&C reticle. I have many but this one always ends up going.

 

[jfs82]

I like light because you can choose how much weight to add back on to make it your perfect weight in optics, rail, bipod etc.

 

[One Hunter]

I have been shooting a Model 700 Rem Mag with a NF SHV 6-20 for the past 5 years in Idaho and has served its purpose without breaking the bank. I also put a "little bastard" break on it which made a huge difference in recoil. This significantly helps me(as I hunt solo) get the cross hairs back on the animal to determine Impact. Idaho is big country and long shots may be necessary and being able to make corrections or simply know you made good impact is important. I have shot it without ear protection too(not advised) but didn't leave my ears ringing. As long as your directly behind the muzzle, a shot at a buck isn't the end of the world(IMO) if you forget ear protection. Huh, What did you just say..lol

 

[jonboatjockey]

Montana guy here - 300WM and the best optic you can afford. Bergara is putting out some accurate rifles these days, and I'd shy away from Rem. 700's. Way to many sub par 700's being put out these days. The 300WM will do anything you need it to and more, very versatile from antelope to moose, and you can get ammo anywhere. Keep it simple

 

[C.Oshlick]

helpful thread as I am looking for a do all rifle myself.

 

[Ballbearing]

I’m definitely one that doesn’t shoot as much as I need to be proficient with a light rifle.

It sounds like a Tikka T3 is a good starting point, especially if you intend to keep a suppressor on it full time (which I’m considering). However, it also sounds like an additional 12 ounces in base rifle isn’t that big of a deal overall until you get in the steep areas.

Lots of choices and no real personal experience make decisions difficult.

Great information in this thread. Thanks.


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[TREE ‘EM]

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Yeah, I’m that old