The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

One for those of you with hunting rifles. What do they weigh including the sling and 'scope if you use one.

Depends on the calibre.

Full Bore, .243 to .303 ish

My Remi with a scope (.308) - No bipod, but leather sling weighs just under 9.5lbs - with a wildcat Mod.

Mike

Depends upon where being used and what you're hunting.

Heavier rifles are more pleasant and easier to shoot, especially if shooting some of the more recoil prone calibres (270, 30-06, etc). However you'll feel every extra pound if carrying that rifle in the hills, stalking reds.

My Kimber Montana in 270 with Kahles scope is barely 7lbs in total and is my rifle of choice if climbing some real hills.
My Tikka M65 in 25-06 with Swarovski Habicht scope and moderator weighs a wee bit over 9lb and is perfect for woodland stalking.

Generally i avoid weight unless using the rifle to cull where i'll need to make rapid, repeated shots. I rarely carry a bipod in favour of a small set of sticks which can be used seated or kneeling and stear clear of heavy bull barrels. Unless hunting rabbits, its rare to shoot more than twice at a time (assuming dropping 2 deers), so a normal sporting barrel is fine.

Our S&L 6,5-284 weighs 5kgs without the sling and although it keeps the recoil down it is still quite a lump. I have certainly handled lighter hunting rifles.