I've got 3 main rifles now. A vintage Rem 700 BDL in 270 that weighs 8 1/2 lbs with it's original Redfield scope. A CZ 550 in 500 Jeffery that weighs 11.25 lbs with a 1.5-5x Leupold scope. And a Rem XCR II in 375 Weatherby that weighs 7 3/8 lbs with a Leupold 2-7x scope. The weight difference between the two Remingtons isn't really enough to make a difference. I find I need to keep up with the 25 lb barbells if I want to hunt with 500 Jeffery (I took it elk hunting two years ago ...
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Yep, eliptical machines and barbells and especially shoulder shrugs (an excercise with barbells in your hands) work wonders for making a rifle lighter......
I did get my 416Rigby weighed a while ago and it, with its full length bedding, cross bolts and pistol grip re-inforcing bolt, Wiesner extended bottom metal, Tally steel QD rings, Burris Posi Lock 1.75-5 Signature Safari scope and 5 rounds of 400 gr solidsor TSX's packed in goes nearly 13lbs. Packed it for 10-14 days in Africa several times and 14 days in Alska three different times oft with a backpack on my back so the rifle carried in my hand the whole time and hip boots as attire de riguer.
