Who hunts with a 10lb+ rifle?

[WhiskeyTango]

9-11# seems to be my sweetspot. Although, like others have said finding a more economical way to carry may allow for a little heavier options.

 

[Elkhntr08]

Always heard you carry it more than you shoot it, sub 9# is what I hunt with. New Browning AB3 in 300 WM is 8# 4oz ready to go.
The 325 wsm is 8# 9.5oz.

 

[Dean253]

12.4 lbs. here, that is with bipod attached.

 

[tdot]

I had a Cooper Jackson Hunter 300wm w/ NXS 3.5-15, that was just over 11 pounds. Between the weight and the 26" barrel, I hated carrying that rifle. I'm either in tight brush or going up hill, often both at the same time. Now I'm down to a 22" barrel at 8lbs for my heavy rifle and I'm equally as accurate from any supported field position, better off-hand and can spot shots better as the new rifles have a brake, the 300wm did not. Stock design was more important for shootability then just weight alone.

 

[dr.fred]

Mine is heavy but not with a gun bearer—a great piece of kit.

 

[PowPowHawg]

I’d haul it anywhere knowing that a chance of a lifetime is just a press, follow through, and solid wind call away from that opportunity being carved into unforgettable history… Regardless of yardage within effective range…With a stock, optic and mount swap I could get it down into the easy 11#s but those couple to few more pounds makes it soooo much more pleasurable to get behind…. Being able to dial well past a mile with 20 plus usable Mil’s makes training for those half mile plus opportunities almost chip shots if I do my part…. Though 10-12 pounds is my Ideal comfort Carry/pack zone for most calibers/shooting situations…

 

[TJE0705]

My 28 Nosler is right at 11lbs scope, bipod, and suppressor

 

[MasonfromWi]

What method do you guys use to carry your 10+ pound rifles? Does the Kifaru gun bearer bother you’re being under the armpit like that? I need something that is quick to access but a standard sling over a pack strap is less than enjoyable. TIA

 

[Muley Buck]

What method do you guys use to carry your 10+ pound rifles? Does the Kifaru gun bearer bother you’re being under the armpit like that? I need something that is quick to access but a standard sling over a pack strap is less than enjoyable. TIA

Yep, I use the Kifaru gun bearer for the lighter ones and the heavier ones. It works great no matter the rifle.

 

[MasonfromWi]

Yep, I use the Kifaru gun bearer for the lighter ones and the heavier ones. It works great no matter the rifle.

It looks like it would be awkward being under your arm, I take it that this isn’t the case?

 

[Muley Buck]

It looks like it would be awkward being under your arm, I take it that this isn’t the case?

Not much, if at all for me. I suppose it can/may appear more awkward, but it hasn't felt awkward to me during use. Hands down best way to carry a rifle I've ever used.

 

[MasonfromWi]

Not much, if at all for me. I suppose it can/may appear more awkward, but it hasn't felt awkward to me during use. Hands down best way to carry a rifle I've ever used.

Great. Thank you for the info!!

 

[Petersen]

I don't mind a 10+ rifle out hiking but I do really like the eberlestock packs that hold the rifle as well. I do get tired of that much weight slung on the shoulder.

 

[270quest]

I may tote one around this year after elk...Early in the year I picked up a NIB Old Stock Sendero 300 RUM. Sent it up to Karl and he put deeper flutes in it, a matching contour 2 port brake, bead blasted it, and installed a timney trigger then bedded it together. I topped it with a Zeiss V4 - 4-16X50. This rifle weighs between 10.5-11 pounds.

I built this as a Long Range Elk rifle and it slings 200 grain accubonds at 3100 FPS and 180 Factory Scirrocos at 3300 FPS - So I am thinking I need to suck it up and pack it around the elk woods this fall.

 

[madcalfe]

8lbs 4oz

 

[willfrye027]

For me I think the sweet spot is somewhere around 10-12lbs. I find it so much easier to shoot accurately and spot impacts, especially in field conditions when the heart is pounding and the setup is not perfect.

350 yards and in I’m bringing my factory tikka 30-06 with swfa ultralight at a little over 7lbs..

 

[Sadler]

Just a few ounces shy of 10 lbs loaded and ready to hunt.

 

[Stefan]

Sako TRG-42 in .338 LP, S&B PMII. Not a lightweight. I was hunting caribou in Alaska.

 

[z987k]

Sako TRG-42 in .338 LP, S&B PMII. Not a lightweight. I was hunting caribou in Alaska.
View attachment 333581

338LM on a bou hunt! Hahaha!

Here I am looking at going down to 243 because a 264 is overkill!


Props to everyone that hauls all the boat anchors up the mountain!

 

[sreal217]

hunted the mountains with my 13 lb rifle for 2 years now and its just switching from one shoulder to the other.going to be investing into something lighter instead of carrying a bench rifle .always pack light