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
Need advice on a new stalking rig!
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="Pdvdh" data-source="post: 908933" data-attributes="member: 4191"><p>The one priority you provided was you wanted a lighter gun since you're packing around in the mountains. And you stated you're focusing on 600 yd as the long end of yardage.</p><p></p><p>My primary comment is that lots of rifles, even factory rifles straight out of the box, are going to be able to provide the accuracy required to be competent 600 yd slayers of big game. My hunting is almost solely comprised of backpack hunting in mountains also. I refuse to carry an outfitted rifle that weighs more than 11 lbs. I prefer no more than 10 lbs. I don't use a bipod because I haven't found them necessary out to 800 yds, but primarily I'm unwilling to carry the extra weight and grappling hook hanging off my stock when walking thru brushy terrain. I don't use NightForce scopes because I'm unwilling to carry the weight, and there are other options that are perfectly suited out to 800 yds that cost much less, and weigh much less. My scopes weight about 22 oz, and I wish they didn't. But that's better than 28-36 oz. There are scopes that weigh substantially less than 22 oz that would be even better options out to 600 yds. Now NightForce and and bipods are both terrific, as are 12 plus lb rifles in many hunting situations. But if your hunting is largely backpacking and you're going to keep your rifle at 10 or less pounds fully decked out, then you have to go without some of these items that result in the heavy rifles commonly discussed, used, and preferred by the majority of dedicated LRHs on this Forum.</p><p></p><p>I own two Tikka T3s in 7mm Rem Mag and they are both plenty accurate for 700 yds. They're light, they have an excellent factory trigger which becomes important for accurate shot placement at long range, and they are almost always accurate straight from the factory. They aren't expensive either. I too would recommend a better stock than the factory plastic stock, and I'm about to put a lightweight Manners aftermarket stock on one of mine. We have harvested game out to 850 yds with these factory rifles. They're available in 7mm RM, 300 WM, or 300 WSM. Their magazine boxes may restrict your overall cartridge length, but for longer shots, they can be loaded single shot style, so that magazine length is no longer an issue. </p><p></p><p>If you're prepared to spend $4000, you have many, many options available, including a custom action and a thrifty class custom rifle. So don't get hung up on Tikka T3s if they don't impress you for some reason, even though they've performed very well for me. </p><p></p><p>If you want to focus on 800 yd and farther shots, then there are some advantages to the heavier contoured barrels and heavier weight rifles. They're easier to pilot for accuracy at extended ranges. Their barrels don't heat up as quickly, and they seem to be less finicky as to the ammunition they will shoot accurately. But I believe you placed emphasis on light weight and a packing rifle.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Pdvdh, post: 908933, member: 4191"] The one priority you provided was you wanted a lighter gun since you're packing around in the mountains. And you stated you're focusing on 600 yd as the long end of yardage. My primary comment is that lots of rifles, even factory rifles straight out of the box, are going to be able to provide the accuracy required to be competent 600 yd slayers of big game. My hunting is almost solely comprised of backpack hunting in mountains also. I refuse to carry an outfitted rifle that weighs more than 11 lbs. I prefer no more than 10 lbs. I don't use a bipod because I haven't found them necessary out to 800 yds, but primarily I'm unwilling to carry the extra weight and grappling hook hanging off my stock when walking thru brushy terrain. I don't use NightForce scopes because I'm unwilling to carry the weight, and there are other options that are perfectly suited out to 800 yds that cost much less, and weigh much less. My scopes weight about 22 oz, and I wish they didn't. But that's better than 28-36 oz. There are scopes that weigh substantially less than 22 oz that would be even better options out to 600 yds. Now NightForce and and bipods are both terrific, as are 12 plus lb rifles in many hunting situations. But if your hunting is largely backpacking and you're going to keep your rifle at 10 or less pounds fully decked out, then you have to go without some of these items that result in the heavy rifles commonly discussed, used, and preferred by the majority of dedicated LRHs on this Forum. I own two Tikka T3s in 7mm Rem Mag and they are both plenty accurate for 700 yds. They're light, they have an excellent factory trigger which becomes important for accurate shot placement at long range, and they are almost always accurate straight from the factory. They aren't expensive either. I too would recommend a better stock than the factory plastic stock, and I'm about to put a lightweight Manners aftermarket stock on one of mine. We have harvested game out to 850 yds with these factory rifles. They're available in 7mm RM, 300 WM, or 300 WSM. Their magazine boxes may restrict your overall cartridge length, but for longer shots, they can be loaded single shot style, so that magazine length is no longer an issue. If you're prepared to spend $4000, you have many, many options available, including a custom action and a thrifty class custom rifle. So don't get hung up on Tikka T3s if they don't impress you for some reason, even though they've performed very well for me. If you want to focus on 800 yd and farther shots, then there are some advantages to the heavier contoured barrels and heavier weight rifles. They're easier to pilot for accuracy at extended ranges. Their barrels don't heat up as quickly, and they seem to be less finicky as to the ammunition they will shoot accurately. But I believe you placed emphasis on light weight and a packing rifle. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Forums
Hunting
Long Range Hunting & Shooting
Need advice on a new stalking rig!
Top