Shopping my first "nice" rifle

[nksmfamjp]

First thought process: Get an ultralight deer/antelope rifle. Sub 6 pounds, low recoil, longer range capable (meaning 400-500yd to me).

Can you show me a sub6lb rifle that shoots 400-500 yds accurately? I’ve never heard of or seen that.

Seriously, 8.5-9 lbs is probably the lightest you can built a solid rifle that can hold zero, hold steady enough to shoot 500 yards and will hit what you want.

Had it in my head I want a muzzle brake to keep recoil super low. (6.5 creed perhaps).

What do you want the brake for? Recoil reduction or seeing the animal during and after the shot? Most brakes are good enough on a 6.5 C, imo.

Then I got to thinking...in the coming years when I draw elk tags, I'm not going to want to reach for the heavy ole 30-06 and leave my new fancy rifle at home..

What is wrong with a 6.5 c launching 140 AB, 143 ELD-X or 124 Hammers? Seriously. Leave the 06 at home.

Then I get to reading the pros and cons of muzzle brakes with the concussive blast and the absolute need for ear pro....I start considering suppressors (which would decrease recoil, but not nearly as much as a brake from what I've read)

Suppressors are great until you consider the weight, length, regular loosening, and occasional burns. They do work, but those are issues. Brakes can be a better choice. In the field, the noise is real, but not as bad as you think.

 

[Mike D Texas]

To each their own. No chance I am wearing something in my ears all day. But all I do is western mountain hunting. Maybe sitting a blind or treestand.

I'll stand by my opinion/advice that breaks are dangerous on your hearing for hunting purposes.

Sure you are entitled to your opinion/experiences.

But there are definitely options from “drop in” to custom molded. The custom molded are very comfortable to wear all day.

Not sure why western hunting vs tree stand hunting would make a difference. I elk hunted 3 days in Wyoming this year with electronic in ear the whole time.


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[eric1115]

Sure you are entitled to your opinion/experiences.

But there are definitely options from “drop in” to custom molded. The custom molded are very comfortable to wear all day.

Not sure why western hunting vs tree stand hunting would make a difference. I elk hunted 3 days in Wyoming this year with electronic in ear the whole time.


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If I still shot brakes rifles I would definitely be in this camp. What's battery life on those like? Multi day backpack hunts ok? I hate all the recharging at night, needing bigger and bigger power banks for lights, phone, etc.

 

[Mike D Texas]

If I still shot brakes rifles I would definitely be in this camp. What's battery life on those like? Multi day backpack hunts ok? I hate all the recharging at night, needing bigger and bigger power banks for lights, phone, etc.

I currently have the Axil Extreme 2.0 corded model and I was able to hunt all 3 days with them.

I did turn them off when hiking with the rifle strapped to my pack and when sitting/glassing.


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[Seeknelk]

A lightweight deer rifle=lightweight elk rifle. One and the same.

 

[MatukaJoe]

"A lightweight deer rifle=lightweight elk rifle. One and the same."

This above completely, and while I didnt read through all the posts, from the original post, a 30-06 is not More an elk rifle than a 6.5 CM or 6mm CM or whatever. Calibers don't kill, bullet types do. And they all do but some do it in a different wounding manner than others (frangible vs bonded vs non-lead.) I am shooting a 6.5 PRC (suppressed) which weighs right around 8lbs. Choose based upon your intended killing ranges (not marksmanship that's different IMO) and what you want in a rifle based upon stock style action etc etc. Not sure of what you want in those factors? You may need to shoot more different rifles. Happy shooting!

 

[nksmfamjp]

https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Earplugs-Replacement-Shooting-Construction/dp/B08B3WGRH9

These are easy on/off, one.

 

[Jeff_Gibbons]

I think I’d look at a 280ai or a 270 if I wanted a “just one” rifle for western hunting w/o reloading. I’m a big fan of 7rm and acknowledge the 280’s very close performance. The old 270 is timeless for very good reasons. If going that path look for faster twist options to take advantage of the newer bullets if/when they start showing up in factory loads.

Note - as a contrarian, it’s hard but the 6.5 PRC in a rifle with longer mag box does have a certain appeal

 

[jrh357]

Buy once cry once same with the scope make sure to put good glass and do your research on scope tracking

 

[TaperPin]

I love this time of year and get excited even when someone else is getting excited about a new gun. lol

The 6.8 O’Connor Ram Slammer has been doing it for 100 years (or is it 101?).

Of course everyone should have a 6mm so get that first.