Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 8.5 lb rifle not a problem.

I just got back from my Mule Deer hunt over some extreme terrain, I was trying to pay particular attention to whether or not the weight of the rifle was bothersome, 8.5 lbs all up. I have to say that rifle didn't hinder me at all, in fact I hardly noticed it at as I climbed up and down 70% grades, and traversed shale slides. I did have the rifle on one shoulder or the other often while in hairy situations where I may be needing both hands to grab terra firma, but the footing I was on at such times would have made it near impossible to make a good shot. I was traveling light with my fanny pack only containing a few energy bars, Gatorade, Kershaw Alaska knife, a knife sharpener, a game bag, a bit of rope, and flash light.

I will now don my asbestos underwear for the flaming I will receive from the under 7 lb crowd.

Hard to top the humor of someone lauding an empty pack.

Congratulations?.................

knight,

Its become difficult to have a discussion here due to the return of Big Stick now known as pale white cracker.

Its too bad but he spoils most topics with insults.

I feel sorry for him. He must be in such pain. Put him on ignore like I do and hope that he gets banned. Thats whats happened to him in the past.

As for the weight of a hunting rifle. About 8 lbs was maximum for me for big game however I have varmint rifles that weigh 10 lbs and target rifles that weigh more.

Now due to age I like the lightweights for hunting.

8.5# sounds about average for my rifles. I've few that all up go 7 � 7.5 #s and a few that over 10#s.

Knight did you get your mule deer?

So true. And thanks.

70% grades are amazingly steep...

No need to put him on ignore I actually find him to be funny and interesting sometimes, other times not so much. And I can laugh at myself.

I didn't get my deer so tag soup was for dinner last night? I did see a couple of spikes, but I only hold out for 4 point or better, I don't like venison all that much. Actually even the locals were complaining about the lack of good bucks in the area, we had a tough winter 2 years ago that was hell on the population. The highlights of the trip were the amazing views, and when I got within 50 yards of a nice 6 point elk with 9 cows while they knew I was there they were content to keep grazing for 20 minutes or so. Just getting out and hunting in unfamiliar ground, and seeing what is over the next rise are the main reasons I hunt, bagging an animal is gravy.

Yes they are, getting back down is always the fun part. My hunting partner is always worried about how he is going to get me out of there when I break my leg. I tell him its easy I will just come back down on his back, with my arms wrapped around his neck.

I hate fanny packs. I much prefer regular back packs even if they're mostly empty. It is tempting to overfill them however. That be as it may, the rifle sounded about right. If a fellow gets in decent shape beforehand, he shouldn't have a problem. good on you.

I like backpacks.Don't believe I could fit a deer in a fanny pack.

I'm a fan of big packs,mainly because they provide options,especially if one is entertaining a lifesize mount.

I've too many rifles in the stable,to think that there's an extrapolation to "X" amount of rifle weight equating to "Y" much Precision. I tend to use the tool for the job and when in doubt,that means something lighter/handier,mainly because they boast more utility.

Going up is the easy part and being pared down on that assault,will pay dividends on the descent with a laden pack,especially if you are doing so in one jaunt.

So like most I've piles of stuff in the 8.5lb realm,but relegate it more to lighthearted pursuits,as opposed to a real ball buster.

Light done right,leaves nuttin' to wish for....................

it does seem like there is a ton of whining over how much guns weigh these days doesn't it. man up, a 9# rifle should be easily carried if its not stick to the pickup truck or 4 wheeler. if the terrain is such that a light rifle is desired, its also more than likely a long shot will be needed, this is where a 9# rifle will do better. all the older winchesters and older guns all weighed about 8#'s bare 9#+ with scope, guys did it back then, why not now. I also find it funny that most of the guys moaning about heavy guns live back east somewhere, ie not where there are real moutains like the wasatch, uintas or rockies. I carried a 10.5# muzzleloader for 5 days 10-12 miles a day on an elk hunt last month. in ruff terrain, I have a fairly big gut as well, and somehow managed. toughen up!!!!!!

I can live with an 8-8.5 lb rifle but not much more. If you ever hunt with a sub 7 lb. rifle it makes it harder to go back. After that everything else feels like it has a brick duct taped under the barrel.

I've done 8.5 lbs and 7.5 lbs is better... and 6.5 lbs is better yet. Beyond 6.25 lbs all-up is leaning into the "too light" category for me...

Aside, "better" assumes proper balance, stock configuration, etc...

Brad, help me calibrate here... I lack a scale, what would a .325 Montana with Talley LW's and a Leupold 2.5x8 weigh, do you think?

Jeff, can't say about your rifle, but my Kimber Montana 300 WSM with 3-9x40 in (heavy) Burris Zee's, Uncle Mikes Mountain Sling and three rounds goes 7lb's 6 oz's... subtract 2.4 oz's for the Zee's, 3.1 oz's for the rounds, 3.5 oz's for the sling... you're under 6lbs for sure, but I never calculate rifle weights sans sling and rounds as that's not how they're carried.

Aside, I did a backpack hunt this weekend for our Montana elk opener and was glad my rifle weighed no more than it did... especially packing out gear, head, meat, etc...

Would love to see a pic of that Bull................

Once you taste light done right,everything else is tainted and rest assured I've wares running the full gamut..................

Ask and even you shall receive...