Forums
New posts
Search forums
What's new
Articles
Latest reviews
Author list
Classifieds
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles and first posts only
Search titles only
By:
New posts
Search forums
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Forums
Hunting
Long Range Hunting & Shooting
Gear Weight Considerations
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="aspenbugle" data-source="post: 671232" data-attributes="member: 6481"><p>Some good advice already. I carry a 12 # rifle a lot now. It is easily at the extreme of what you'd want to carry for a walking hunting rifle. Something 8-9# is much better. The main reason I do, is because where I hunt now in CO (mostly for elk) I have a couple of ridges I tend to spent a lot of time on. The heavier barrel and glass pay some dividends there, but are a real liability when doing lots of hiking. It will end up depending some on where and how you eventually end up hunting. I'm also getting a 17# much longer range rifle - but it will only be lugged back and forth to a ridge, where I will spend most of my time.</p><p></p><p>I agree if you're young and tough you can carry it; I'm not as young now and I do fine - still doesn't mean you should. First, you may end up with many shots that are 150 yards or less (on the deer and elk) and you don't have time to drop to the ground or a knee or find a tree. Shooting a 12# rifle off-hand, huffing and puffing from climbing, with buck fever etc. - isn't easy. I joke that I'm a deadlier shot at 600 yards than I am at 100 with my gun - since it's a chore to hold steady for a "surprise/pop-up" shot. Many times you and the game will both spy each other at the same time at that distance, and you many just have 3-4 secs to send lead before their internal timer tells them it's time to bolt. The 17# gun would be pure lunacy (for elk/deer) - other than walking to a ridge you were going to sit for hours. Just because you can do it, doesn't mean you should. Us that extra energy to hike another ridge, or save it for packing the game out. If the terrain you end of hunting isn't real open, and you do lots of walking - you'll wish you had lighter than even the 12# - especially if you are in a foot of snow. Even though this is "long range hunting" - many of your chances at game are often at 300 yds and less, and you don't need 1/2 MOA accuracy for that. </p><p></p><p>A pack for the gun is good, but in timber and close shots - you'll probably want it in your hands. Some of the "stretchy" type slings, like those from Butler Creek, really do make the gun feel a couple pounds lighter, and won't kill your shoulder if you do sling it. Although a 12# rifle seems to be about the max weight I'd want on one of them. Good advice on some of the packing. Remember "layers" - so you can pull on and shed layers as you go. Shed the layers long before you're soaking wet from sweat. Good boots are key. I wouldn't recommend most combat boots - more like good quality hiking boots like Meindle and the like (best $ you'll spend). I've found, all but the tallest bipods are pretty useless in the mountains - hills too steep, brush/grass to tall. Tall bipods or shooting stick seem to work best.</p><p></p><p>Find some hunters at work, church or get to a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation event/dinner or anything with sportsman and make a friend or two. Many will be happy to have you tag-along on a hunt. You can learn from some locals for a bit at least. Good luck!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="aspenbugle, post: 671232, member: 6481"] Some good advice already. I carry a 12 # rifle a lot now. It is easily at the extreme of what you'd want to carry for a walking hunting rifle. Something 8-9# is much better. The main reason I do, is because where I hunt now in CO (mostly for elk) I have a couple of ridges I tend to spent a lot of time on. The heavier barrel and glass pay some dividends there, but are a real liability when doing lots of hiking. It will end up depending some on where and how you eventually end up hunting. I'm also getting a 17# much longer range rifle - but it will only be lugged back and forth to a ridge, where I will spend most of my time. I agree if you're young and tough you can carry it; I'm not as young now and I do fine - still doesn't mean you should. First, you may end up with many shots that are 150 yards or less (on the deer and elk) and you don't have time to drop to the ground or a knee or find a tree. Shooting a 12# rifle off-hand, huffing and puffing from climbing, with buck fever etc. - isn't easy. I joke that I'm a deadlier shot at 600 yards than I am at 100 with my gun - since it's a chore to hold steady for a "surprise/pop-up" shot. Many times you and the game will both spy each other at the same time at that distance, and you many just have 3-4 secs to send lead before their internal timer tells them it's time to bolt. The 17# gun would be pure lunacy (for elk/deer) - other than walking to a ridge you were going to sit for hours. Just because you can do it, doesn't mean you should. Us that extra energy to hike another ridge, or save it for packing the game out. If the terrain you end of hunting isn't real open, and you do lots of walking - you'll wish you had lighter than even the 12# - especially if you are in a foot of snow. Even though this is "long range hunting" - many of your chances at game are often at 300 yds and less, and you don't need 1/2 MOA accuracy for that. A pack for the gun is good, but in timber and close shots - you'll probably want it in your hands. Some of the "stretchy" type slings, like those from Butler Creek, really do make the gun feel a couple pounds lighter, and won't kill your shoulder if you do sling it. Although a 12# rifle seems to be about the max weight I'd want on one of them. Good advice on some of the packing. Remember "layers" - so you can pull on and shed layers as you go. Shed the layers long before you're soaking wet from sweat. Good boots are key. I wouldn't recommend most combat boots - more like good quality hiking boots like Meindle and the like (best $ you'll spend). I've found, all but the tallest bipods are pretty useless in the mountains - hills too steep, brush/grass to tall. Tall bipods or shooting stick seem to work best. Find some hunters at work, church or get to a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation event/dinner or anything with sportsman and make a friend or two. Many will be happy to have you tag-along on a hunt. You can learn from some locals for a bit at least. Good luck! [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Forums
Hunting
Long Range Hunting & Shooting
Gear Weight Considerations
Top