Talk me out of or into this rifle

[j3butch]

I’m almost certain I’ll be in a lighter rifle for this hunt. I’m just in a deep dark rabbit hole of lightweight rifle builds! I’m pretty set on that 7.5lb mark all in minus cartridges. I’m liking the NF NXS 2.5-10x42 at 20.5 OZ. It’ll be a 6.5 PRC and ideally 18” barrel. I came across the Fierce Mountain Reaper and it actually checks a lot if not all of the boxes for me but dang there are some horror stories out there on Fierce as a company. I’m also concerned with fit and finish and if it’ll feel solid.

 

[jpmulk]

Just be aware, the Christensen Arms quality control issues are no joke. Nice rifles if you get a shooter though. If.

 

[ReddingArcher]

I think you’d be real happy with the lighter rifle. I have the Mesa fft in 6.5 prc with a Nightforce shv 3-10. I’m right at 7.75 pounds and man is it nice to pack and shoot! I’m not going back to long barrels, in fact I’m going to sell or rebarrel everything I have for more compact guns. I had a Tikka in 6.5 prc I was going to take on my sheep hunt but decided to try out the Mesa and I love everything about it! I sold the Tikka.

 

[TheHammer]

X2 on the savage 110 lightweight storm. Mine in 308 is 7.1lbs, rail, rings, scope, sling and stock sock. It’s not a pretty rig but they all are reliable and hella accurate.

 

[MTNHUNTER76]

This post pertains to my 2024 NWT Dall hunt with Nahanni Butte outfitters. I’ll also admit I’m pretty new into the rifle game being a 50 year old mostly archery hunter, but I’ve been enjoying the process of learning and shooting more.

I’m currently running a Viking Armament Apex TI in 300 PRC, XLR Element 4.0 Magnesium Chassis, folding stock, Lone Peak Razor TI LAM bolt, Defiance AN TI X Action, Benchmark 22” Carbon Sendero Lite 1:10 Twist, topped with Nightforce NX8 4-32 x50. She weighs in a little over 9lbs and closer to 10lbs with my Tion Dragoon 7.62mm can. Heavy but I enjoy shooting her and it’s really my only option…Unless…..

I’m considering a CA Ridgeline FFT in 6.5PRC 18” barrel, topped with Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42, lightweight Hawkins rings. From my research it looks like this set up will be around 7.5lbs?

So…I know I can man up and take my 300 PRC, I’m in good physical shape living and recreating in CO. But, I also enjoy a lighter pack and do plan on taking my 65mm Swaro spotter and I’d like to take my RRS tripod with anvil head to shoot off of (weighing in at a massive 4lbs and change) that’s still TBD though as I also have a lightweight Slick and Outdoorsman micro pan head.

I appreciate your thoughts epically from those that have direct experience with hunting the NWT (helicopter support) and experience with the CA rifle/weight. THANK YOU

You have put together a really nice rifle. I wouldn't go backwards in quality to save a few lbs. You can trade suppressor for a brake, change scope/rings to save a good bit of weight.

Do you really need to carry a spotter with an outfitter?

Leave the rrs tripod at home. Most likely you will be shooting prone or off surrounding rocks.

 

[gtriple]

I could not agree more-I love the planning process of each hunt I go on whether it be in my home state or travel hunts. I’m’ pretty sure I’ll be bringing my spotter, I enjoy watching animals do animal things too much to share or wait my turn.

Talk to your outfitter about the spotter. Unless he has a nicer spotting scope than that, tell him that you are bringing yours and that he doesn't need his. You really only need one and you can split the weight.

As far as the Christensen... I have a Ridgeline Ti in 300PRC that shoots sub minute with factory ammo. It is a great gun. But.... I got lucky. And the stock is crap. The XLR is a huge upgrade in shoot-ability.

I’m almost certain I’ll be in a lighter rifle for this hunt. I’m just in a deep dark rabbit hole of lightweight rifle builds! I’m pretty set on that 7.5lb mark all in minus cartridges. I’m liking the NF NXS 2.5-10x42 at 20.5 OZ. It’ll be a 6.5 PRC and ideally 18” barrel. I came across the Fierce Mountain Reaper and it actually checks a lot if not all of the boxes for me but dang there are some horror stories out there on Fierce as a company. I’m also concerned with fit and finish and if it’ll feel solid.

What does your rifle weigh without the scope and can on it?

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

You have put together a really nice rifle. I wouldn't go backwards in quality to save a few lbs. You can trade suppressor for a brake, change scope/rings to save a good bit of weight.

Do you really need to carry a spotter with an outfitter?

Leave the rrs tripod at home. Most likely you will be shooting prone or off surrounding rocks.

On the spotter (will add binoculars, tripod, range finder)....

First, it would depend on the hunter. Some hunters want to nap and let the guide do everything. Other hunters want to play a very active role in their hunt.

Second, it'd suck to have a alpha spotting scope at the house to find out the guide is using a beta or lower spotting scope. Not all guides have top of the line equipment. It can also piss the guide off if then hunter is constantly saying "can I look". Great way for the guide to stop telling you what he/she is seeing (same applies if the hunter leaves their binoculars home).

Third, it'd suck to rely solely upon the guide's range finder. Things stop working, get forgotten, get lost. And most folks, including guides, are horrible at judging distance with their naked eyes.

Fourth, can use a lighter/small (though potentially less stable) tripod when glassing and also use for some shooting situations.

 

[j3butch]

Talk to your outfitter about the spotter. Unless he has a nicer spotting scope than that, tell him that you are bringing yours and that he doesn't need his. You really only need one and you can split the weight.

As far as the Christensen... I have a Ridgeline Ti in 300PRC that shoots sub minute with factory ammo. It is a great gun. But.... I got lucky. And the stock is crap. The XLR is a huge upgrade in shoot-ability.


What does your rifle weigh without the scope and can on it?

I'm guessing around 7.5lbs. The weight I want to be at with scope! lol

 

[6.5x284]

I'd look at a Seekins Element if you want a shiny new toy topped with your NXS you mentioned for a light setup. I'd pass on the CA and Fierce. Used Fieldcraft would be awesome. Tikka's are great. A 6.5 CM or PRC, 7-08, etc... will all be great sheep medicine.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Thanks, I have but will continue for sure as I’m in no huge hurry. I’ve actually not come across much in negative reviews on the Ridgeline FFT or regular Ridgeline. I was just talking to Jim Lancaster and he has the same exact setup in 6.5PRC and loves it. He’s loaned it out to hunters and he says the rifle has over 20 rams down. I would really like to hear your thoughts on it though-sometimes the bad reviews are more helpful than the good ones! Thanks.

The FFTs are awesome, but since you can't take a can to Canada, you will be working with a 20" barrel. Whether or not you use the brake vs thread protector, you will have a certain amount of muzzle blast being so short. Also, most 6.5 PRC load data is going to be for a 26" or 24" barrel. If the bullet you are trying to deliver doesn't jive with your rifle and 20" barrel at the higher end of the load data for your powder, then you are basically working with a 6.5 CM anyway after you take off the 33fps per inch.

If I were you, for this hunt, I would get a regular Ridgeline in 6.5 PRC (vs the FFT). Currently on sale for $1.647.99 at Eurooptic:

Christensen Arms Ridgeline 6.5 PRC 24" 1:8 Green W/Black & Tan Webbing Rifle 801-06015-00

Christensen Arms Ridgeline 6.5 PRC 24" 1:8 Green W/Black & Tan Webbing Rifle 801-06015-00

www.eurooptic.com

You will want to order the replacement knob on Christensen's site:

FFT Tactical Bolt Knob | Christensen Arms

Large, tactical, FFT bolt knob to help you find your bolt and rack in another round easier. Available for purchase on our online store.

christensenarms.com

 

[HornPorn]

Most people I talk to are killing their sheep between 250 and 450 yards, but one guy killed his at 600 last year. Heard of several wounded/lost sheep last year as well with outfitters, both dalls and stones. Talk about nightmare. Buy yourself a new rifle and shoot what you already have as well as the new one.....whichever one YOU feel the most confident making YOUR $35K+ shot with, is the one YOU should take on YOUR hunt, regardless of if it wins popularity contest of strangers on a forum or not.

 

[Mannsbuick]

Having the proper rifle sling system to secure to your backpack and to your body makes the rifle much less of a burden if carrying a 11# vs 8" setup (you need to weigh as will carry so shells, bipod, scope cover, etc).

If you are climbing and hiking with the rifle bouncing on your shoulder with a single strap then that is more tiring than the effect of +3 pounds. My opinion and have done a lot of miles on side hills and uphills and slick footing and mountain-goated up a few rock ledges. Single strap is no bueno. The rifle falls from shoulder to elbow and then rotates smacking something including hard things with the scope or crown of barrel is hit.

What make and model sling system are you using..just curious Thanks

 

[JP100]

Never has a client ever complained their rifle was too light...................

Ive carried all kinds of rifles in the mountains, and 9-10lbs is HEAVY. By 3rd of 4th day youll be sick of that thing.

Keep it simple. There are a fair few standard factory rifles that weigh around 6-7lbs, add a basic scope and your done.

Nightforces are good, but always heavy.

A leupold or Swaro will be lighter and just as good, 4-14x VX3 or 3.5-18x Z5 are probably the best scopes for that type of hunting ive used. Id be being a boring Tikka with a Z5 on it, but im a simple man.

 

[MTNHUNTER76]

On the spotter (will add binoculars, tripod, range finder)....

First, it would depend on the hunter. Some hunters want to nap and let the guide do everything. Other hunters want to play a very active role in their hunt.

Second, it'd suck to have a alpha spotting scope at the house to find out the guide is using a beta or lower spotting scope. Not all guides have top of the line equipment. It can also piss the guide off if then hunter is constantly saying "can I look". Great way for the guide to stop telling you what he/she is seeing (same applies if the hunter leaves their binoculars home).

Third, it'd suck to rely solely upon the guide's range finder. Things stop working, get forgotten, get lost. And most folks, including guides, are horrible at judging distance with their naked eyes.

Fourth, can use a lighter/small (though potentially less stable) tripod when glassing and also use for some shooting situations.

Definitely agree on the spotter. Make sure outfitter has good glass or bring yours.

Yes, carry your own range finder and spare battery. I know a guy who's range finder went for a swim, ruined his whole hunt.

 

[Theringworm]

Lighter rifle for sure. No way I would buy a Christensen. Way too many QC issues.

If you don’t want to wait on a custom build and have money to spend, go buy a Proof Research Glacier Ti or an Ascension and put a scope on it. They are extremely accurate and extremely lightweight. Also extremely expensive. I have the Terminus in 28 Nosler that has been to Alaska for moose and mtn goat. It’s slightly heavier than the two mentioned above but my buddy had a Glacier Ti and I coveted it while climbing each day.

If you have time or get lucky on finding a pre-build, look at Alamo Precision. They make some very affordable excellent custom rifles.

Doesn’t Weatherby and Tikka also make a super lightweight rig that won’t be anything close to the others price wise I mentioned above?

 

[j3butch]

Most people I talk to are killing their sheep between 250 and 450 yards, but one guy killed his at 600 last year. Heard of several wounded/lost sheep last year as well with outfitters, both dalls and stones. Talk about nightmare. Buy yourself a new rifle and shoot what you already have as well as the new one.....whichever one YOU feel the most confident making YOUR $35K+ shot with, is the one YOU should take on YOUR hunt, regardless of if it wins popularity contest of strangers on a forum or not.

That’s some sound advice and full of pressure! Haha

 

[cbeard64]

I have used a Sako Finnlight for the past 8 years. Topped with a Leupold 4.5x14. It fits me and I am comfortable with it.

 

[ol490]

My 1 cent. I’ve killed two sheep with a tikka t3 lite. Since then, myself and 3 other family members bought Christensen rifles and only 1 of 4 isn’t garbage. I bought a Proof Research Ti glacier last year and it shoots unbelievably well.
Summary of my 1 cent - don‘t pack a 9 or 10 pound rifle, buy a budget killer like a tikka, or pony up for a proof or similar proven light shooter…..

 

[j3butch]

I have hunted BC and the Yukon several times.
Took a 9 lb. rifle on my first hunt in 2006.
Took a 9 1/2 pound rifle on a desert sheep hunt in AZ in 2014.
Switched to a 7 1/4 lb rifle (total weight scope, sling, loaded) after that.

I would never go back to a heavier rifle. Many will say “it’s only a couple of pounds”, etc., etc. To me, rifle weight is much different than pack weight. That said, I am not a fan of the super ultralights either. 7-8 lbs is the happy medium IMO. But I’m not a strapping mountain athlete like many are - just a regular dude who tries his best to prepare in advance.

As for the details of the setup, that’s personal to you. As long as you like it and shoot it well, that’s all that really matters.

Just my thoughts.

What’s your lightweight build?

 

[j3butch]

4-32X scope is absolutely overkill for where you're going and the types of shots you'll have. Obviously won't be able to bring the suppressor, and I would check your overall length with stock folding to make sure it's Canada legal.

I was originally going to take my Ridgeline in 300 WM with a 3-15 on it (8.5 lbs total) and when Covid pushed my hunt, I started fiddling around with a Kimber Montana in 6.5 Creed with a 3-10. 6 pounds flat all in and felt comfortable making shots of a pack out to 500 yards with it, I'm glad I did it. Ended up taking my shot at 140 yards, it's pretty rare to be shooting past 400 yards in the NWT. I wouldn't hesitate to take an FFT Ridgeline, but there's other guns out there in the same weight class to look at too.

I would honestly also drop the tripod and spotter. Your guide is going to have one and generally let you use it to look at whatever you want. Even for just looking at stuff far out, I didn't see a reason to pack one for myself and really happy that I didn't.

16 inches I believe.

Google machine says:
“A rifle is subject to the NFA only if the rifle has a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length. A weapon made from a rifle is also a firearm subject to the NFA if the weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length.”