Ultralight hunting rifle

[sram9102]

After shooting suppressed, I'd rather have one on a Ruger American than a custom rifle with a brake

This is the mindset more people need. I'm about to be 32 and grew up shooting a bunch with my grandpa/uncles/cousins earpro was for target practice only. My ears have a subtle ringing 24/7 and its awful. I recommend all my friends buying the cheapest can they can get before they buy another rifle. Hearing damage is forever.

 

[Zerk]

Curious, suppressors are just that much better than ear plugs or muffs, or just more convient?

If the $500 are good, I might consider one someday. Also just a matter of getting around to it. I wonder if this will stay a niche market, or will they become more common and competition in prices emerge.

 

[Tahoe1305]

Curious, suppressors are just that much better than ear plugs or muffs, or just more convient?

If the $500 are good, I might consider one someday. Also just a matter of getting around to it. I wonder if this will stay a niche market, or will they become more common and competition in prices emerge.

I wouldn’t say better. Just different. It’s nice not to have to wear ear pro all day to take a single shot. Maybe not time to put it in either.

I think more important than sound is they tame recoil a good amount IMO. Almost as good as a decent brake. The sound benefit plus recoil makes it more pleasant to shoot.

 

[HandgunHTR]

Curious, suppressors are just that much better than ear plugs or muffs, or just more convient?

If the $500 are good, I might consider one someday. Also just a matter of getting around to it. I wonder if this will stay a niche market, or will they become more common and competition in prices emerge.

Suppressors are not as good as good ear protection, but in my experience, most people don't use ear plugs or muffs correctly, so most are not getting the full benefit of them anyway. Add a suppressor and it is just that much better. I still use double hearing protection at the range even when shooting suppressed. Mostly it is because there is almost always someone there shooting with a braked gun.

For hunting applications, you either have to use electronic muffs so that you can hear the animals, or you have to remember to put your plugs/muffs in/on before you shoot. Contrary to popular belief a single gunshot will cause permanent damage and that damage is cumulative.

What a suppressor does for you is get that single shot below instant damage levels, reduce the pressure wave from the muzzle blast (if using bigger chamberings), allow you to actually hear the bullet impact, and when hunting allow you to hear the animal run and crash (if it runs out of view). All of these things make it worth the money to me.

 

[Sled]

Curious, suppressors are just that much better than ear plugs or muffs, or just more convient?

If the $500 are good, I might consider one someday. Also just a matter of getting around to it. I wonder if this will stay a niche market, or will they become more common and competition in prices emerge.

I didn't fully understand what a suppressor does until I purchased one. For me, the overpressure you feel in the head is gone when using a suppressor. The report is changed and harder to identify for game animals. The recoil pulse is changed. The ability to hear and spot your hit is high. Ear plugs don't do any of those things.

 

[allstajacket]

Curious, suppressors are just that much better than ear plugs or muffs, or just more convient?

If the $500 are good, I might consider one someday. Also just a matter of getting around to it. I wonder if this will stay a niche market, or will they become more common and competition in prices emerge.

They are already common and competitive with prices. Companies like Silencer Shop make them Just damn easy to get, even with all of the hoops to jump through. I worked in the industry for almost a decade before I bought my first suppressor. Now I’m at 6.

As far as competitive prices goes, a good, lightweight 30cal can used to run over $1000. Some of these STILL are this expensive, and people STILL buy them. But now cans like the Harvester Evo can be had for less than half as much.

Also fantastic cans like the YHM lineup that may not have every bell and whistle or be super lightweight but are cheap and durable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Stache Attack]

Great thread started here, I’ve been pondering selling my custom Winchester with proof and hs stock and going back to a tikka and a can. My wife got a 7-08 from my family a tikka and it’s a great gun. I’ll definitely trick mine out a bit more, but I spend a lot more time shooting and hunting than her. I’ve been looking at YHM a lot and now I’ll be stuck on the evo.

 

[Ikmclean]

I wouldn’t say better. Just different. It’s nice not to have to wear ear pro all day to take a single shot. Maybe not time to put it in either.

I think more important than sound is they tame recoil a good amount IMO. Almost as good as a decent brake. The sound benefit plus recoil makes it more pleasant to shoot.

I find I shoot better, my 300 win mag still kicks pretty good with a suppressor but the muzzle blast is almost non-existent which I believe causes more flinching than the actual recoil to the shoulder.

 

[Ikmclean]

If the $500 are good, I might consider one someday. Also just a matter of getting around to it. I wonder if this will stay a niche market, or will they become more common and competition in prices emerge.

Most suppressors are designed to function with many different calibers. In my head I split the cost over all the rifles I would use it on which helped me justify the initial cost.

 

[davsco]

i seem to be in the minority, but not a fan of suppressors. i have a tbac7 on my 6.5 creed and have used it on 6.5 prc. i'd def still want to wear ear protection though admittedly it's quieter than a bare barrel or a brake. the other thing, at least for me, is a brake is way better at taming felt recoil and muzzle jump.

all i'm saying is try a few your buddies have before running out and getting a can.

 

[Seeknelk]

I didn't fully understand what a suppressor does until I purchased one. For me, the overpressure you feel in the head is gone when using a suppressor. The report is changed and harder to identify for game animals. The recoil pulse is changed. The ability to hear and spot your hit is high. Ear plugs don't do any of those things.

Yes! For me , it's a much smoother shot experience with a can. Although my 5 port brake reduces recoil better, I'd often have a slight headache on the drive home after shooting my 300wm or PRC.
Now, although the total recoil is slightly higher , the lack of blast tapping into your skull makes shooting just a lot more pleasant, FOR ME! Try one out before buying. See what you think.
Tikka cut and flared is hard to beat.

 

[Zerk]

Most suppressors are designed to function with many different calibers. In my head I split the cost over all the rifles I would use it on which helped me justify the initial cost.

Dollar is a dollar. I look at cost, not paymemts too.

Not saying I never will. $500 has me cusious for $1k, I would rather buy a better scope. Some day I may buy one and wish I never waited so long.




Also why would you need a muzzle break on 6.5? I would rather not have one, due to noise.

 

[Dobermann]

Oh and I was asked what can an ultralight 7prc do that 6.5cm at 11lbs can’t? Well if you read my OP?

Yes, I read your OP; that's the reason I asked the questions I did.

They were genuine questions; answering them will helps folks here be able to help you better.

 

[TheHammer]

If I’m reading this correctly. Step one, order a suppressor… then as you wait for that to clear and gain possession of. You can figure out what rifle you will put it on. I just ordered 2 tbac ultra 5s and a nomad ti to go with my omega and griffin sportsman ultralights. The griffin is great for the money. Plus they are very local to me. Aero precision just released a 5” 7.62 can, but it felt like it was over 11oz. Had a 499$ sticker on it.*

 

[packgoatguy]

No. Those are bare rifle numbers. That lil .260 is 6 lbs 14 oz all up. Too light. Needs another 2 lbs total to get to my sweet spot.

Perhaps with a very lightweight scope and not much else... but starting with a lightweight rifle (5.5lbs-6lbs) allows you the option to add more functionality with extras, and still meet your target weight:

20.5oz scope
1oz scope caps
4.5oz NF ultralight rings
3oz ti rail
3oz full length arca rail
10.5oz ti 30 cal suppressor (including attachment device)
12oz bipod
2oz ammo sleeve on stock with diy foam cheek riser
8oz spare ammo in ammo sleeve (1oz per round)
4oz sling

68.5oz of added weight If my math is correct...

Add that to a 5.5lb rifle, you are at 156.5oz. That is almost 9.8lbs all in, and that is the mass that would affect felt recoil.

Assuming you started with a 7.5lb rifle instead, once you add all the goodies... you are at nearly a 12lb rifle. Say you want to have an NX8 instead of an swfa3-9, then add another 8oz. Want a big ATACR?, add another 10oz on top of that. Want a scope level? Heavier rings? Add another 2-6oz. Want a longer bipod? Add a few more oz. Run a bigger or non ti suppressor? Add another 4-8oz.

Wouldn't be hard for a rifle that starts at 7.5lbs to end up well over 14lbs with even moderately weighted "accessories"

All in... I think most guys would be quite surprised how much their hunting rifle setup actually weighs ready to rock and roll.

 

[packgoatguy]

Seekins Havak element. 28 Nosler 22" threaded barrel, 5.5 pounds.
Also comes in 300 Win, & 300 PRC. and 6.5 PRC-21" barrel
I have the 6 Creed-21" barrel
If you call you can get this right at your budget.

Seekins Precision HAVAK Element 28 Nosler 22" 1:8" Bbl Urban Shadow Rifle w/(1) 3rd Carbon Fiber Mag 0011710085-F-US

Seekins Precision HAVAK Element 28 Nosler 22" 1:8" Bbl Urban Shadow Rifle w/(1) 3rd Carbon Fiber Mag 0011710085-F-US For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

Slight correction; the long action element models are 6lbs, the short action elements are 5.5lbs. Great shooting rifle though. Even in a 300wm, very manageable recoil. Lots of retailers asking $2700 plus, but if you shop around you can find them under $2500, even under $2400.

 

[funkafied]

Suppressors are well worth the weight and cost addition, even to a lightweight build imo

 

[SDHNTR]

Perhaps with a very lightweight scope and not much else... but starting with a lightweight rifle (5.5lbs-6lbs) allows you the option to add more functionality with extras, and still meet your target weight:

20.5oz scope
1oz scope caps
4.5oz NF ultralight rings
3oz ti rail
3oz full length arca rail
10.5oz ti 30 cal suppressor (including attachment device)
12oz bipod
2oz ammo sleeve on stock with diy foam cheek riser
8oz spare ammo in ammo sleeve (1oz per round)
4oz sling

68.5oz of added weight If my math is correct...

Add that to a 5.5lb rifle, you are at 156.5oz. That is almost 9.8lbs all in, and that is the mass that would affect felt recoil.

Assuming you started with a 7.5lb rifle instead, once you add all the goodies... you are at nearly a 12lb rifle. Say you want to have an NX8 instead of an swfa3-9, then add another 8oz. Want a big ATACR?, add another 10oz on top of that. Want a scope level? Heavier rings? Add another 2-6oz. Want a longer bipod? Add a few more oz. Run a bigger or non ti suppressor? Add another 4-8oz.

Wouldn't be hard for a rifle that starts at 7.5lbs to end up well over 14lbs with even moderately weighted "accessories"

All in... I think most guys would be quite surprised how much their hunting rifle setup actually weighs ready to rock and roll.

True, but balance matters, and I don’t add a bunch of stuff to my rifles. My bipod is detachable and doesn’t stay on the rifle. No AS plate (why would you have that AND a bipod?) I don’t use a suppressor. No sling. Just ammo and scope. Less is more. Too much chit just gets in the way and takes too long to set up.

 

[packgoatguy]

True, but balance matters, and I don’t add a bunch of stuff to my rifles. My bipod is detachable and doesn’t stay on the rifle. No AS plate (why would you have that AND a bipod?) I don’t use a suppressor. No sling. Just ammo and scope. Less is more. Too much chit just gets in the way and takes too long to set up.

To each his own.

However my point was merely that if your intent is to add two pounds to your rifle so that it is easier to shoot well, there are plenty of ounces that can be added that add functionality rather than just extra dead weight.

As to why run an Arca rail AND a bipod??

Kind of goes to your balance issue. With a full length arca rail, I can position my arca compatible bipod anywhere along the rail to achieve my optimal balance. Likewise, I have the option to mount to a tripod for some types of hunting scenarios.

Again though, not saying that everyone should run Arca on their hunting rigs, just pointing out that adding 3oz of rail might be more useful than a thicker/heavier profile barrel to add weight (or whatever else you get to make up the difference in weight between a 7.5lb bare rifle and a 5.5lb bare rifle)

That said... even with your no frills approach, let's take the ever popular swfa 3-9x42, put the ultralight NF rings and a ti base, that is nearly 30oz there alone. Add a couple ounces of a lightweight muzzle brake, ammo sleeve on the stock, and a couple scope caps... you are up to about 42oz... no bipod, no rail, no sling, etc. But all in the 5.5lb rifle will weigh over 8lbs. The 7.5lb rifle will weigh over 10lbs.

Now... I'll nip the next question in the bud... why do I need 3 rounds in the mag plus 8 in the ammo pouch? Only need one bullet to kill your elk right? Well, at least when I hunt, I've got at least one other newbie hunter with me, so between our two tags... thats at least 2 bullets. I also carry two wolf tags, a bear tag, a lion tag, and depending on the situation I could take a coyote during the same hunt. Often our elk hunts overlap a deer hunt... I've never been lucky enough to see all those critters in the same hunting trip... but I just know that the day I leave the truck with just 3 rounds I'm my rifle will be the day I see them all lined up laughing at me from 100 yards away. I might as well have the extra ammo attached to the rifle instead of in my pocket... thus the additional weight on the rifle makes it that much more shootable.

 

[SDHNTR]

To each his own.

However my point was merely that if your intent is to add two pounds to your rifle so that it is easier to shoot well, there are plenty of ounces that can be added that add functionality rather than just extra dead weight.

As to why run an Arca rail AND a bipod??

Kind of goes to your balance issue. With a full length arca rail, I can position my arca compatible bipod anywhere along the rail to achieve my optimal balance. Likewise, I have the option to mount to a tripod for some types of hunting scenarios.

Again though, not saying that everyone should run Arca on their hunting rigs, just pointing out that adding 3oz of rail might be more useful than a thicker/heavier profile barrel to add weight (or whatever else you get to make up the difference in weight between a 7.5lb bare rifle and a 5.5lb bare rifle)

That said... even with your no frills approach, let's take the ever popular swfa 3-9x42, put the ultralight NF rings and a ti base, that is nearly 30oz there alone. Add a couple ounces of a lightweight muzzle brake, ammo sleeve on the stock, and a couple scope caps... you are up to about 42oz... no bipod, no rail, no sling, etc. But all in the 5.5lb rifle will weigh over 8lbs. The 7.5lb rifle will weigh over 10lbs.

Now... I'll nip the next question in the bud... why do I need 3 rounds in the mag plus 8 in the ammo pouch? Only need one bullet to kill your elk right? Well, at least when I hunt, I've got at least one other newbie hunter with me, so between our two tags... thats at least 2 bullets. I also carry two wolf tags, a bear tag, a lion tag, and depending on the situation I could take a coyote during the same hunt. Often our elk hunts overlap a deer hunt... I've never been lucky enough to see all those critters in the same hunting trip... but I just know that the day I leave the truck with just 3 rounds I'm my rifle will be the day I see them all lined up laughing at me from 100 yards away. I might as well have the extra ammo attached to the rifle instead of in my pocket... thus the additional weight on the rifle makes it that much more shootable.

I keep my extra ammo, 8 rounds, in Velcro loops on my bino pouch.