Thread: Rifle Weight , What Do You Like ?

I’m interested in what others think is their preferred rifle weight .
I’m talking walk around Bush/Tops centerfire 6.5mm and bigger caliber rifles .
As I’ve got older my rifles have lost weight, but is there a lower limit of practical performance/recoil/balance / handling?

7-7.5lb

My Sako a7 is 3.1kg or 7lb with the a vx3 4.5-14×40 scope and muzzle brake it's pretty nice to shoot and carry

I have found the lighter you go the more you have to pay attention when you are actually doing the "shooting bit". My mates Kimber 30/06 Sub Alpine is very very light and there is no way you can shoot it accurately with out paying attention, none of that fancy shmancy not holding on to the forend that everyone seems to promote. My Saum is not as light but same applies when shooting it.

I used to think light as possible but now I have kinda changed, only my actual hunting rifle now is light all the others are heavier and easier to shoot accurately

Definitely caliber dependent. 7 lbs for real accuracy with the 18" Grendel. At least 7.5 lbs for anything bigger.

Originally Posted by dannyb

My Sako a7 is 3.1kg or 7lb with the a vx3 4.5-14×40 scope and muzzle brake it's pretty nice to shoot and carry

Should add, no problem shooting it super accurately off my pack #600mGun #270gang

My favorite hunting rifle is an M12 in .308 - with scope,sling and full mag, it's 8.3 lb - when I wasn't looking, I turned into an old fart, but I still carry medium to heavy rifles over big distances and difficult country without fuss. Tried the whole superlight carry on but just couldn't jell with it. When you have to make a quick shot, especially on a moving target, or when you have bashed your way over a saddle or ridge, breathing shot, with no time to set up, a medium+ weight rifle is by far better.

If the young fellas have to go all ultralight now, what are they gonna do when they get on a bit?

If you have to muzzle brake it, or suppress it to shoot it, your rifle is too light for you.

Have any of you tried the SSRNZ singles? 2.3kg with a scope and the one I tried was very pleasant to shoot. (7.62x39). By all accounts he made them on 308 as well..I know someone with one and they are a dream to carry....

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

If you have to muzzle brake it, or suppress it to shoot it, your rifle is too light for you.

Can't say I agree with that sentiment, I think that's down to personal preference, that being said I would happily shoot my rifle unbraked, I'm not a fan of suppressors but that's my preference.

Having my magnum braked means my 12 year old can shoot it too, it also is much nicer for a lightweight rifle so why not.
As I've said, no hate just different opinions

Good brake and you can go pretty light and it's not gonna be un-manageable anyhow. My wsm weighs 3.2kg ready to roll with a VX5 on it and it's real easy to shoot. Take the brake off and it's a different story though!

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

If you have to muzzle brake it, or suppress it to shoot it, your rifle is too light for you.

Totally agree, also if you have to use a scope then the animal is too far away for you #banscopesandmuzzlebrakes

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

If you have to muzzle brake it, or suppress it to shoot it, your rifle is too light for you.

Aye?

My rifle is pretty comfortable at 7.7lbs. Its a Howa .308 with a barrel docked to 19", a Stug stock and a gen 4 hardy.

It will lose a little more when I get a MkII DPT (I'll run it with a baffle off too) and take another inch or two of the barrel. Also I intend to put on Tally lightweight rings. All of these proposed changes are not because I want weight savings, but rather I like the gear, and I like short barrels. Few less grams will be nice but it would not worth the $$ for weight reduction alone.

I've got a 20" 260 just shy of 3.8kg (need to re weigh). My preference is between 3.4-3.8kg. It's all about personal preference. To me, balance and manoureability are key for a hunting rifle, however, this is all dependant on the goals you set out with your rifle (such as location, distance, game, weight, calibre etc) be specific. I always aim for, not the worst case but the what if (within reason). My 2 cents.

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Originally Posted by Dama dama

Also I intend to put on Tally lightweight rings. All of these proposed changes are not because I want weight savings, but rather I like the gear, and I like short barrels. Few less grams will be nice but it would not worth the $$ for weight reduction alone.

Agree. money to weight ratio. its not worth it. Ive bought some expensive stuff just to save a few grams ..... literally a few grams, but, hey its a hobby. hahahaha.

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