I am planning to get a 280 AI for larger critters than I normally hunt (whitetail) when we burn our points in a couple years. Most of my rifles are a bit on the heavy side an wondering how critical rifle weight is going to be hiking around Colorado for instance. What weight should I be focused on (without scope) or does 1 or 2 pounds not really matter at the end of the day.
I am sure hunting in forests is much different than stand hunting which is all I do today...
If you don't mind, what do you have in the gun safe as of now?
A kimber Ascent in 280 Ack or .270 would be an incredible beast. Or if you have a bit more cheddar have Melvin of NULA build you one with a #2 barrel cut to 24".
I have a Montana in .308 with a 6x36 Leo on it, it shoots 3/4" at the bench but is too light for me for killing on demand at 400 yards plus. Point being, I've found I shoot my NULA/270 mucho better. It's about a pound heavier and that really helps with my crappy technique...
My NULA with a 2-8 Leo with M1 on top weighs right at 7 "all up" (scoped, rounds, sling). With the #2 barrel @ 24" it's incredibly user friendly and I feel like I can kill on demand to 500 (which is plenty darn far for me anymore........).
I've carried the heavier magnums quite a bit but didn't like them to be over 8.5 lbs "all up".
Lastly, I do find that the heavier barrels out front help me to settle down when the chips are down and I have to make it happen right now!
For myself, I like the stock to be 28 ounces or less, the barrel to be between .62" and .65" at 23-24" and I like the scope to be no more than 16 ounces. Lastly, the sling with hardware no mas than 4 ouces.
Just my way and something to consider, if you ever get out this way let me know and we'll go put a couple thru the wringer so to speak.