Need some opinions on a mountain rifle.

Andy92

Active Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2018
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29
Location
Alberta
i have my first Dall sheep hunt in 2019 August and torn between what to do when it comes to the gun I'm bringing, the ones I have are currently to heavy. But I was looking at the local gun shop and they have Sako 85 finnlights and a7's, browning x bolts, but to me they seem still a little heavy maybe it's just me, but they have a Kimber mountain ascent only in 6.5 creedmoor and it felt amazing to say the least but started reading online and lots of bad reviews. Another option was local gun smith builds rifles and charges $4500 cdn I've held one before and they feel really good as well he was one built just to show people but don't get to choose the cardtridge and it's in 7mm-08 said he would sell it to me for $3500 never been fired, or go for a drive and potentially get a a Christensen arms, I'm just running out of time a bit to decided as I want to practice a lot, been practicing in mean time with my .270. And I was thinking to get the rifle in 270wsm.
 
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Don't spend the money on a custom rifle if it's not what you want. That's the beauty of the custom rifle. It is built for you with what you want. What are the components for $4500. If it is just a trued 700 I think that is overpriced for what quality parts are available. Just my opinion. The 7mm-08 is a great round by the way. It is a very capable cartridge.

That LGS sounds like it has some awesome factory rifles.

What exactly are you looking for? What are the expected ranges? Weight?

The finnlites seem to be very light to me. But I have only have one in 7mm rem mag. It is a great rifle.
The kimbers that I have had seemed to be finicky. Just get something you feel the most comfortable with and practice.

I am a big fan of the WSM cartridge family.

Nick
 
I have had a Cpl dozen rifles built and this is how I group the weights of scoped rifles, you need to decide what is a comfortable carry weight for you before buying or building, nothing worse than building a rifle...mounting a scope on it and saying holy **** thats to heavy,
Example- my first build and I wanted it light as possible, I love a Mark V Ultra Lightweight rifle (6 lug action) 5.75lbs from factory, they just fit me, so I pick up an used 30-06 and rebarrel to 280AI with a #3 fluted Benchmark, I was in a hurry to build it and the #3 fluted was the only barrel available and I couldn't Wait !!!! I listened to everyone but myself and I didn't know better, The rifle was a tack driver but so barrel heavy it defeated my end goal and frustrated I sold it....!

Know what you want before you build or buy, shoulder and handle as many as you can or borrow rifles to get an idea like you did with the Kimber.

For Sheep hunting use a Stainless Steel rifle and keep your scoped weight 7.5lbs OR LESS and you'll be very happy as that makes for a very handy rifle, Sheep are not a tough animal to kill so Caliber isn't a huge factor, a well placed shot from most any standard caliber will be suffice.

Ultra Lightweight 5.5lbs - 6.5lbs scoped
Lightweight. 6.5lbs - 7.5lbs scoped
Standard weight 7.5lbs - 9lbs scoped
WheelBarrow weight 9llbs and up !

Factory Guns I would consider,
Kimber Montana
Barrett Fieldcraft
Fierce
Tikka T3x Lite
 
Try to get some trigger time with a really light rifle first. I find those ~5lb ultralights tricky to shoot well. Combine a little wind and a 'non resting' heart rate, the light platforms seem to amplify everything.

Personally I'd recommend buying a tikka in the caliber of your choice, drop it in a wildcat composites ultralight stock. Great availability and OOTB accuracy.

If you can keep the optic to around 16oz, with talleys the package will weigh around 7lbs all up.

@Weatherby Fan makes some great points.

How big is your frame? Might not be what you're looking for, but I've found 7 - 7-1/2lbs to be a good compromise when it comes to portility vs shootability. Then again, I'm a little over 6', a little over 200lbs.
 
i have my first Dall sheep hunt in 2019 August and torn between what to do when it comes to the gun I'm bringing, the ones I have are currently to heavy. But I was looking at the local gun shop and they have Sako 85 finnlights and a7's, browning x bolts, but to me they seem still a little heavy maybe it's just me, but they have a Kimber mountain ascent only in 6.5 creedmoor and it felt amazing to say the least but started reading online and lots of bad reviews. Another option was local gun smith builds rifles and charges $4500 cdn I've held one before and they feel really good as well he was one built just to show people but don't get to choose the cardtridge and it's in 7mm-08 said he would sell it to me for $3500 never been fired, or go for a drive and potentially get a a Christensen arms, I'm just running out of time a bit to decided as I want to practice a lot, been practicing in mean time with my .270. And I was thinking to get the rifle in 270wsm.
Could try a Fierce Fury with the titanium action. I don't have one but have heard good reviews so far.
 
I have had a Cpl dozen rifles built and this is how I group the weights of scoped rifles, you need to decide what is a comfortable carry weight for you before buying or building, nothing worse than building a rifle...mounting a scope on it and saying holy **** thats to heavy,
Example- my first build and I wanted it light as possible, I love a Mark V Ultra Lightweight rifle (6 lug action) 5.75lbs from factory, they just fit me, so I pick up an used 30-06 and rebarrel to 280AI with a #3 fluted Benchmark, I was in a hurry to build it and the #3 fluted was the only barrel available and I couldn't Wait !!!! I listened to everyone but myself and I didn't know better, The rifle was a tack driver but so barrel heavy it defeated my end goal and frustrated I sold it....!

Know what you want before you build or buy, shoulder and handle as many as you can or borrow rifles to get an idea like you did with the Kimber.

For Sheep hunting use a Stainless Steel rifle and keep your scoped weight 7.5lbs OR LESS and you'll be very happy as that makes for a very handy rifle, Sheep are not a tough animal to kill so Caliber isn't a huge factor, a well placed shot from most any standard caliber will be suffice.

Ultra Lightweight 5.5lbs - 6.5lbs scoped
Lightweight. 6.5lbs - 7.5lbs scoped
Standard weight 7.5lbs - 9lbs scoped
WheelBarrow weight 9llbs and up !

Factory Guns I would consider,
Kimber Montana
Barrett Fieldcraft
Fierce
Tikka T3x Lite

Try to get some trigger time with a really light rifle first. I find those ~5lb ultralights tricky to shoot well. Combine a little wind and a 'non resting' heart rate, the light platforms seem to amplify everything.

Personally I'd recommend buying a tikka in the caliber of your choice, drop it in a wildcat composites ultralight stock. Great availability and OOTB accuracy.

If you can keep the optic to around 16oz, with talleys the package will weigh around 7lbs all up.

@Weatherby Fan makes some great points.

How big is your frame? Might not be what you're looking for, but I've found 7 - 7-1/2lbs to be a good compromise when it comes to portility vs shootability. Then again, I'm a little over 6', a little over 200lbs.
Yeah sounds good, thanks for the input, decided to not to rush on the building a gun, have a browning x bolt pro in 6.5 creedmoor on hold for pick up.
 
A year sounds like a long time, but when talking custom rifles that deadline comes very fast. Some barrel, and stock makers, are 6 months out to start.
 
Before you dump $4k+ on a set up think of a couple things. First, a lot of Outfitters don't want you taking long shots. Most will be less than 400yds. Second, guides hate muzzle brakes. Third, there is a chance if your flying that your ammo will be confiscated. Ask your outfitter what he uses. He will have ammo. Nothing wrong with your ole faithful 270. You know it well. It's better to be in great physical condition than to worry about 1/2# of rifle. You can shave that 1/2# with better clothing and light gear. I beat myself up about a rifle. I finally got a Rem 700 AWR in 270 because my outfitter said he uses a 270. I had the cheapest rifle in camp and made the longest shot. My 9# rifle was no big deal because I was in good shape and had a good pack.
 
Heck you could take your 270 and hire a gun bearer for less than a custom rifle would cost. Just sayin.
 
Early Aug or late Aug? Do you have a bou tag as well?

I would focus on being able to shoot with confidence at 300+ yards...whether that is with your .270 or a new rifle.
 
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