Rifle System: What is "too light"

What is the minimum weight you think a hunting rifle system should be?

  • 6 lbs

    Votes: 19 21.1%
  • 7 lbs

    Votes: 22 24.4%
  • 7.5 lbs

    Votes: 26 28.9%
  • 8 lbs

    Votes: 12 13.3%
  • 8.5 lbs

    Votes: 3 3.3%
  • 9 lbs

    Votes: 6 6.7%
  • 10 lbs or more

    Votes: 2 2.2%

  • Total voters
    90
  • This poll will close: .
Every BG rifle I own is between 7.25 and 8.25 lbs. which is for me the sweet spot.
Some of which are customized Kimber 84M's that I've rebarreled with heavier barrels cause the factory ones are too light for me.

I have landed in the same zone, but I haven’t shot at big game past 410 yards. Despite being “out west”, I have always been able to close the distance; in 20 years of hunting I still have 95% of my shots fall within that 300 and in range.

I have built and hunted with sub 6lb AR’s (scoped and suppressed) and they are very wobbly unless on bipod/tripod. Conversely, I have done 10+lbs rifles too, and they just annoy to me carry. I am above average in strength and fitness, but just like a lighter rifle since it’s carried way more than fired. That said, there is no doubt a heavier rifle is easier to shoot. So my own experience across a variety of hunting scenarios landed me in 7.5lb ish range as my personal preference zone.

To each their own.
 
My TIkka SL 308 is nearly stock and I think its right around 8.5# RTH. It could be a bit lighter, maybe 7.5, and I dont think it would hurt my shooting. But I think that would be my lower limit. A Limbsaver Airtech made a BIG difference in my comfort.

But its completely dependent on the cartridge. 223 can be UL, 338LM better be pretty heavy.
 
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