Thread: How heavy should a hunting rifle be?

Reading this thread made me go out and weigh a few rifles, all ready to go bang as it were. Bit surprised actually.
308's vary from 3.4 to 3.91 kg. 223's 4.878 for night hunting rig and 4.073 for my main 'work' rifle. The work rifle could do with going on a diet but it carries well over an 8-10 hour day and shoots real good, almost as good as my departed AR which was a joy to use. My favourite 308 weighs 3.776 kg, is great to carry but can be a bit lively to shoot. Apart from the night rig, which is badly balanced and a bit of a pig to carry, all my rifles carry in hand well. if they didn't they'd be history. I'm 181cm tall / 85 kg's weight and don't have a problem carrying any of my rifles in hand for extended periods and a bit of weight sure makes for a steady shot, especially offhand and 'blowing' a bit.
Having used a mates 30.06 quite a bit, which weighs about 4.1 kg's, I wouldn't want to go much lighter. It recoils with a bit of authority, especially with heavier loads.
I'm a bit set in my ways but if 4kg's or there abouts is too heavy, harden the fuck up or get fitter. Just my 2c.

Originally Posted by woods223

I'm a bit set in my ways but if 4kg's or there abouts is too heavy, harden the fuck up or get fitter. Just my 2c.

Haha thank you, appreciate it