Builds getting heavier and heavier

[Huntnful]

Then add bipod mount, bipod, sling,and ammo? That all adds up. But heh I'm gray in the beard, and remember the good ol days

Oh yeah. I'm not ignoring that stuff. I just don't count it when comparing base rifle weights. My current comparison is my base rifle with a weight of 9.3-9.4lbs. I'm just talking about the build itself for easier comparison is all.

 

[Huntnful]

9-10 lbs scoped with bipod is the sweet spot.

Yeah, for your ****-ant, barely 910 yard capable cartridges. We're talking about real cartridges and real bullet weights here

 

[blvette75]

Anyone else intentionally switch from "lightweight" builds, to heavier builds? Once I started really wanting true long range CONSISTENT performance, I realized my lightweight, ultra packable rifles were much more of a hinderance than help. Started at 7.5 lbs scoped, then 8.4lbs, then 9.3lbs and my next build will be pushing 10.5-11lbs scoped if all goes well. The increase in shootability and recoil management by adding just one pound to a build is pretty noticeable.

I've just slowly cared less and less about weight, and more about ability and consistency. 1000+ yards is no chip shot, especially in field conditions haha. No more TI actions, no more carbon barrels, bigger more dependable scopes and mounts, heavier and sturdier bipods, are just some things I've slowly switched over to. So my guns are technically getting cheaper, and easier to shoot. Kind of a win win haha. I do mostly pack-in type hunts, and I would say that the rifle and spotting scope is probably the only thing where I'm not thinking about the weight this season. Everything else is pretty light.

Of course 13lbs or 15lbs would be even easier shoot yet, maybe I'll get there one day, but that seems excessive .

Well getting older, mid sixties I am still trying to go the other way with my rifle, but with heavier longer barrels, 34 mm scope bodies, arca rails and tripods, bi pods it is challenging to keep the weight down. What I have discovered with the correct brake even the lighter rifles shoot well. If I can get the scoped weight to 7.5-8.4lbs I am happy, everything else in my pack.

 

[dioni]

Yeah, for your ****-ant, barely 910 yard capable cartridges. We're talking about real cartridges and real bullet weights here

Bro, the really big bucks are worth getting sub 900 for which is prime territory for the little murder missiles. Lol

 

[lancetkenyon]

Opposite for me. I started out with a few 15-16# rifles. Great for shooting, SUCKS for carrying.

I am not a fan of featherweight rifles, but somewhere in the 8.5-11 all in (scoped and suppressed) weight range is where I want to be. The 8.5s are for long carry days. The 9.5-10.5 are a majority of my rifles. 11 is about all I want to carry anymore.

 

[Elk Hunter 338]

All of my personal builds for LR hunting in country that I know will yield potential for 1000 plus yard shots and under will weigh in the 11-12 pound all in range. My last years setup 338 edge, scope, rifle, can, loaded mag etc. weighed 11# 10 ounces ..
build specs
22" #4 9 tw bart spiral fluted
mcm gamewarden 2.0
BAT HR
338 ultra can
UM DBM
NF ultra light TI rings
ZCO 4-20 added 6 ounces to that weight
ran most of the year with a 4-32 nx8

This rifle shot amazing and I could give a **** less what people say when I pull out a big ole 338 to hunt deer.. it straight flattens em. I will more than likely build another 338 edge or 300 rum in this comparable weight range and run either the ZCO 4-20 or the new march D28HV52WFIMAX
Haven't made up my mind though!

 

[Huntnful]

Opposite for me. I started out with a few 15-16# rifles. Great for shooting, SUCKS for carrying.

I am not a fan of featherweight rifles, but somewhere in the 8.5-11 all in (scoped and suppressed) weight range is where I want to be. The 8.5s are for long carry days. The 9.5-10.5 are a majority of my rifles. 11 is about all I want to carry anymore.

Yeah I'm really curious to see what I think of 11+lbs. If it is just noticeably ridiculous I'll drop into the 10lb range and not really feel hindered much at that weight either.

 

[Huntnful]

All of my personal builds for LR hunting in country that I know will yield potential for 1000 plus yard shots and under will weigh in the 11-12 pound all in range my last years setup 338 edge, scope, rifle, can, loaded mag etc. weighed 11# 10 ounces ..
22" #4 9 tw bart
mcm gamewarden 2.0
BAT HR
338 ultra can
UM DBM
NF ultra light TI rings
ZCO 4-20 added 6 ounces to that weight

This rifle shot amazing and I could give a **** less what people say when I pull out big ole 338 to hunt deer.. it flattens em. I will more than likely build another 338 edge or 300 rum in this comparable weight range and run either the ZCO 4-20 or the new march D28HV52WFIMAX
Haven't made up my mind though!

Great info! Thanks dude. And I totally agree about big cartridges and big bullets. They can't be too dead for me either haha.

After much much MUCH scope deliberation, I have come full circle back to the March FX 4.5-28. The ZCO 527 was the optical winner. And if you had room for a 15" 39oz scope on your build platform, it's pretty solid. But for the size and weight of the March. You basically give up 5% optical performance, and zero functional performance, to have a much smaller & lighter package, that still have excellent glass. The trijicon also had better glass than both those ATACRs.

 

[Huntnful]

Wait, the ZCO power ring and integrated throw lever is amazing and definitely better than the March.

 

[Mark37082]

I'm sure you will give us your objective evaluation of the build. I'm looking forward to it.

 

[Muddyboots]

Interesting, true fact, I have NEVER weighed a rifle. I know what some are bought new without anything added but never totaled out. Guess what I don't know doesn't hurt?

 

[2buffalo]

Great info! Thanks dude. And I totally agree about big cartridges and big bullets. They can't be too dead for me either haha.

After much much MUCH scope deliberation, I have come full circle back to the March FX 4.5-28. The ZCO 527 was the optical winner. And if you had room for a 15" 39oz scope on your build platform, it's pretty solid. But for the size and weight of the March. You basically give up 5% optical performance, and zero functional performance, to have a much smaller & lighter package, that still have excellent glass. The trijicon also had better glass than both those ATACRs.
View attachment 446238

Are you a pupe welder?

 

[Huntnful]

Are you a pupe welder?

Yeah I am

 

[2buffalo]

I was also. Now in the management side but would rather be out in the field.