AXMC for Elk Hunt in AZ?

[DeadmansPoint]

I recognize lightweight mountain rifles exist for a reason, but it seems more folks are bringing along tripods and such for the long range game. I have an AXMC that darn near tips the scale at 18#, and the thing shoots lights out. Does anyone actually hunt with these set-ups? After some google-fu, I only saw one account of it and the response was that it wasnt too bad. I'm trying to decide on whether to go heavy or just bring the good ol' 375 H&H at less than half the weight. I'm not really going to be in mountain areas...

 

[PowellSixO]

Depends on the unit, and type of country you'll be hunting. Some units have lots of glassing opportunities, which allow for longer shots. Some units are flat, and thick, which allow for short shots. I killed the bull in my avatar at 40 yards in thick cedars. So it really depends on what you're going to be doing. Personally I'd bring both. If you get into thick cedars take your H&H. If you get into glassing and more open country bring your axmc. I carry a 15lb for my long range stuff, and carry a 9lb rifle for the close stuff.

 

[26Reload]

Wow....i carry my general everyday 8.5-9.5# rifles for everything...
So states also have rifle weight limits....might check on that too....
I know oregon had a limit of 15 many shows ago....no idea these days....

 

[OH58DViper]

I carried my AXMC on lots of trips, it's a pain but I knew it was going to be perfect when I pulled the trigger. I also used Hog saddle/Vyce/Arca rails with a tripod so I had confidence standing if need be. I'm a cardio/ruck junkie though, user experience may differ lol. If you're not humping at altitude I'd say go for it, and if you're a cardio machine take her up the mountains with you. There's something about killing things with an AI that just makes you warm inside.

 

[PowellSixO]

Wow....i carry my general everyday 8.5-9.5# rifles for everything...
So states also have rifle weight limits....might check on that too....
I know oregon had a limit of 15 many shows ago....no idea these days....

No rifle weight restrictions in AZ that I'm aware of.

 

[DeadmansPoint]

@PowellSixO The unit 7W. Thanks for the suggestions. I've always wanted to see a 375 hit and if we start hoping through the cedars... that makes sense. Hilltop glassing, AI.

 

[lancetkenyon]

7W....I hunt and help in that unit a lot for elk. Shots can be from under 20 to as far as you can accurately shoot. Most in the 100-1000 range. Take both.

 

[PowellSixO]

7W....I hunt and help in that unit a lot for elk. Shots can be from under 20 to as far as you can accurately shoot. Most in the 100-1000 range. Take both.

This^^^
Some great bulls in 7W. It's a good hunt. Good luck. Be sure to post pics when you're done.

 

[shphtr]

Although my mountain rifles usually weigh between 6.5 and 7.5 lbs. by day 12 to 14 of a high altitude backpack mountain hunt ( dropped off my heliocopter) I would usually be willing to pay $100 per ounce to lower the weight of the firearm I am lugging around ... didn't used to feel so heavy 'back in the day!!'.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Although my mountain rifles usually weigh between 6.5 and 7.5 lbs. by day 12 to 14 of a high altitude backpack mountain hunt ( dropped off my heliocopter) I would usually be willing to pay $100 per ounce to lower the weight of the firearm I am lugging around ... didn't used to feel so heavy 'back in the day!!'.

Late season 7W can be as hard or as easy as you make it. But not many places except a few of the highest peaks are that remote. There are some areas with no roads for several miles, but not a lot. But those areas get vertical real quick. I have been to the top and all around of all of them.
Pray for snow. We haven't had much, if any yet. That makes the late bull hunt a totally different ball game. I love hunting in the snow for elk.

 

[Dosh]

7W is a great Unit. I'd have to agree with Lance, take both. You may find a good spot to sit on or spot and stalk the junipers. Good luck

 

[lancetkenyon]

I think next week, I will be taking my kid squirrel hunting up in 7W. I will keep my eyes peeled for bulls.

 

[DeadmansPoint]

@lancetkenyon If you wouldn't mind tying one to a tree until the late season rifle hunt starts, I'd be much obliged.

 

[lancetkenyon]

I will see what I can do. The roping arm isn't what it used to be, but I can still build a loop.