What is a typical mountain rifle build?

If Barrett made the fieldcract in 280ai it'd sell like crazy. All I have saw or read about, have shot very well.

I built a all mountain/ hunting rifle setup and it's expensive, way more than just buying let's say a seeking precision Havok. Mine ended up at 9lbs total weight and I can shoot to 1000+ yards accurately if I do my part. Now, my 11+ lb rifles are way easier to shoot that far, but I hunt public lands in MT and hiking a long ways and lots of vertical isn't an option if you want above average results. IMO, a 9lb total weight rifle in 280AI is the perfect mountain setup, but just like you've found you have to spend $$ to get there.

MTLIVIN said:

I built a all mountain/ hunting rifle setup and it's expensive, way more than just buying let's say a seeking precision Havok. Mine ended up at 9lbs total weight and I can shoot to 1000+ yards accurately if I do my part. Now, my 11+ lb rifles are way easier to shoot that far, but I hunt public lands in MT and hiking a long ways and lots of vertical isn't an option if you want above average results. IMO, a 9lb total weight rifle in 280AI is the perfect mountain setup, but just like you've found you have to spend $$ to get there.

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I don't mind spending some money to get there especially when some of these hunts (Sheep and Goat) in South Dakota are once in a lifetime tags. Building also lets me buy my parts in stages and should be finished by spring so I can do load development and be ready for a whitetail in November.

i'm in the process of building mine right now. it's a 7mm STW. i got a stockys carbon fiber stock, proof 26" barrel, trued rem 700 action with a jewel trigger topped with a nightforce 4-16 ATACR F1. not sure what it weighs since it's out getting the barrel done now

SavageHunter11 said:

I don't mind spending some money to get there especially when some of these hunts (Sheep and Goat) in South Dakota are once in a lifetime tags. Building also lets me buy my parts in stages and should be finished by spring so I can do load development and be ready for a whitetail in November.

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If you haven't found the stock you want yet I'd get on that one first, Manners will send you sticks to try out for fit and feel free with a deposit, I went with an EH3. Spend the $ on the stock and barrel and keep up on your spreadsheet for total weight or it will inevitably end up heavier that anticipated. I went with a #3 benchmark barrel, I recommend similar or a fluted #4 to keep weight down. I had 10 oz shaved off my 6.5x284 just by fluting the a heavy sporter barrel. I shoot & hunt w a Harris bipod and am comfotable a long ways out with a 9lb rifle & the added weight and stability the bipod provides.

climb-101 said:

i'm in the process of building mine right now. it's a 7mm STW. i got a stockys carbon fiber stock, proof 26" barrel, trued rem 700 action with a jewel trigger topped with a nightforce 4-16 ATACR F1. not sure what it weighs since it's out getting the barrel done now

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That ATACR is probably heavier then most would prefer here. As I was rebuilding this rifle on paper I found that I could not find a FFP scope that was under 25oz, I think I'm going to go with a 3-10x42 SHV for my mountain rifle over a Leupold VX5. I just wish there was a FFP mil/mil scope in the 2ish to 12ish magnification range with covered or locking turrets that was around 20 ounces. That would be a perfect hunting rifle scope IMHO.

SavageHunter11 said:

That ATACR is probably heavier then most would prefer here. As I was rebuilding this rifle on paper I found that I could not find a FFP scope that was under 25oz, I think I'm going to go with a 3-10x42 SHV for my mountain rifle over a Leupold VX5. I just wish there was a FFP mil/mil scope in the 2ish to 12ish magnification range with covered or locking turrets that was around 20 ounces. That would be a perfect hunting rifle scope IMHO.

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ya it is heavier but i had it. it's also very reliable so i figure i little more weight there is ok.

climb-101 said:

ya it is heavier but i had it. it's also very reliable so i figure i little more weight there is ok.

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The reliability factor along with their ruggedness is why I decided to go with the SHV over the VX5. Although the rifle will probably be wearing a 3-9x40 Leupold VX-R Patrol next fall for whitetail just because I have that laying around doing nothing.

I recently bought a "ready made" mountain rifle.
6.5 Creedmoor Browning X-Bolt Pro $1,750. at sportsman's Warehouse.

This rifle weighs in at 6 lbs. 1 oz. Not the lightest mountain rifle but one of the very best. Beware of "mountain" rifles that get their weight down by using 20" or even 18" barrels. You lose too much velocity (& range) with barrels that short.

X-BOLT PRO FEATURES:
1.stainless steel barrel and action
2.carbon fiber stock - 360 deg. wrap, not laid up in strips
3.burnt bronze Cerakote on barreled action and stock
4.fluted 22" barrel, spiral fluted bolt and bolt handle
5.factory lapped barrel (only on Pro models)
6.excellent "Feather Trigger" factory set at 3 lbs.
7.bolt locked with safety ON (can be opened and still on SAFE by pressing button on base of bolt handle)
8.equipped with both 360 deg. muzzle brake and threaded muzzle protector cap

Browning also sells the 26" barrel Long Range version of the Pro.

Last Friday I zeroed this rifle and my last 3 shots were less than 1/2" at 100 yards.
(140 gr. Hornady ELD-M ammo, SWFA SS 3 - 15 x 42 scope, FFP, mil/mil)
Then at our steel silhouette range I easily got 1st shot hits from 212 yards to 547 yards except one narrow gong at 400+ yards that required 2 shots in the 10 mph wind.
LOVIN' THIS RIFLE!

Eric B.

Don't overlook the Cooper Backcountry M92.....several vendors have 280AIs available now including First Stop Gun where I bought mine.....they're great people to deal with. The Backcountry will also take a Jewell or Trigger Tech Trigger if you so desire(I put a Jewell in mine). They have 1/2" guarantee....mine shoots sub .25"......worth taking a look at before you make your decision!

stx said:

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Don't overlook the Cooper Backcountry M92.....several vendors have 280AIs available now including First Stop Gun where I bought mine.....they're great people to deal with. The Backcountry will also take a Jewell or Trigger Tech Trigger if you so desire(I put a Jewell in mine). They have 1/2" guarantee....mine shoots sub .25"......worth taking a look at before you make your decision!

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Wow, an actual quality, pre-built mountain rifle available in left hand and 280A.I. That's definitely a unicorn and now a serious consideration. Seriously, thank you for the suggestion .

Christensen Arms makes 2 light weight rifles in Left Hand. I just finished Load development on one and it shot great.

Did I just read some advice on not sacrificing speed with a too short barrel and then read about the choice of a peashooter cartridge? I guess a 218 bee with a 32" tube will be the next miracle on beasts. Dog gong it, now I am one of those!!

Seriously tho I want to say great ideas from everyone...the coopers really shoot!

MTLIVIN said:

If you haven't found the stock you want yet I'd get on that one first, Manners will send you sticks to try out for fit and feel free with a deposit, I went with an EH3. Spend the $ on the stock and barrel and keep up on your spreadsheet for total weight or it will inevitably end up heavier that anticipated. I went with a #3 benchmark barrel, I recommend similar or a fluted #4 to keep weight down. I had 10 oz shaved off my 6.5x284 just by fluting the a heavy sporter barrel. I shoot & hunt w a Harris bipod and am comfotable a long ways out with a 9lb rifle & the added weight and stability the bipod provides.

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The more I hear about Manners the more I want to go with them. I've never heard of a company sending potential clients units to try out. I have already been thinking I want their EH1 but I've seriously considered the EH2 and EH3 as well. It would be really nice to try them all out and it sounds like I can. Thank you for the information.

The current plan for the barrel is a McGowen #3, fluted, 24 inches long and threaded for 9/16"x24 threads. I was hoping contact McGowan before I ordered though and see if they can give me a close estimate of weight with and without fluting just incase I can get by without fluting and still make weight. Although, I'm guessing I'll end up fluting it regardless because like you said, the rifle will probably end up heavier then my on paper estimates.