10.5 lb rifle for elk hunting

[USAFRet]

I have a HOWA 1500 280AI in a Stocky's carbon stock. It is a nice setup, but not adjustable. I have neck and shoulder issues and need all the adjustability I can get. I ordered a chassis system for it. The current weight with scope is 8.5lbs. The change in stock will add an additional 2 lbs.

I am 100% disabled, so no backpack hunting. It would be a disabled hunt, but would be some stalking involved. I think this is a good weight, plus soaking up some additional recoil.

Anyone in that situation or who can empathize? Anyone with an elk or mule deer rifle in the same weight range? Is 10.5 lbs fairly good for a setup with some stalking, but no backpacking?

 

[WeiserBucks]

You'll be fine, everything I own is over 10 lbs ready to hunt.

 

[FEENIX]

I have a HOWA 1500 280AI in a Stocky's carbon stock. It is a nice setup, but not adjustable. I have neck and shoulder issues and need all the adjustability I can get. I ordered a chassis system for it. The current weight with scope is 8.5lbs. The change in stock will add an additional 2 lbs.

I am 100% disabled, so no backpack hunting. It would be a disabled hunt, but would be some stalking involved. I think this is a good weight, plus soaking up some additional recoil.

Anyone in that situation or who can empathize? Anyone with an elk or mule deer rifle in the same weight range? Is 10.5 lbs fairly good for a setup with some stalking, but no backpacking?

My .30 Gibbs is 7 lbs and 9.1 oz, without sling, bipod, and no rounds.

 

[Rick Richard]

I assume you will not be alone so that weight of rifle can be carried…and if you get a bit tired then pass it on to someone else to carry. Besides, a bit more weight is more stable for the shot and absorbs some of that recoil.

 

[USAFRet]

I assume you will not be alone so that weight of rifle can be carried…and if you get a bit tired then pass it on to someone else to carry. Besides, a bit more weight is more stable for the shot and absorbs some of that recoil.

Exactly right. Thanks.

 

[USAFRet]

This is it in an Outlier chassis. It came in actually at 10.25 with scope.

 

[Greatgrandad]

I have several rifle-scope combos that are over 10# and used for various hunting here in the West, and the heavier ones are in the 12-15# range when fully equipped.

Are you using one of the Vet/DAV hunts we have here in the West?

 

[USAFRet]

I have several rifle-scope combos that are over 10# and used for various hunting here in the West, and the heavier ones are in the 12-15# range when fully equipped.

Are you using one of the Vet/DAV hunts we have here in the West?

Yes sir. I have already been invited to WY but my wife is disabled and have not had anyone that can stay with her. Just getting something together and dreaming mostly. One of these days.

 

[Greatgrandad]

Yes sir. I have already been invited to WY but my wife is disabled and have not had anyone that can stay with her. Just getting something together and dreaming mostly. One of these days.

If you can't find a friend nor family member, try your local home health agencies, for sometimes, they have a list of free volunteers and then there are the local churches. Of course, the home health agency will have aides who can/will but for a fee. Not sure of your area, but many places have a respite program located in ILF's, ALF's and SNF's. Many of these are small fees per day, but depending on your insurance, it may be covered by them. Also check with the VA/DAV for more info.

I hope you get that hunt and bring back a trophy and many memories.

 

[ATH]

Only you know your limitations, but in general that's a reasonable weight.

My first elk rifle was 12lbs, second 14lbs (big 338). Both went ~20 miles round trip into the Bob Marshall on foot. But I'm not the age I was then either. I've rebuilt the 12lb rifle to 9lbs. But on a non-hiking hunt with a bit of stalking I wouldn't have messed with lightening them up.

 

[memtb]

I have a HOWA 1500 280AI in a Stocky's carbon stock. It is a nice setup, but not adjustable. I have neck and shoulder issues and need all the adjustability I can get. I ordered a chassis system for it. The current weight with scope is 8.5lbs. The change in stock will add an additional 2 lbs.

I am 100% disabled, so no backpack hunting. It would be a disabled hunt, but would be some stalking involved. I think this is a good weight, plus soaking up some additional recoil.

Anyone in that situation or who can empathize? Anyone with an elk or mule deer rifle in the same weight range? Is 10.5 lbs fairly good for a setup with some stalking, but no backpacking?

It's heavier than I like but should be doable with your described condition if you're not covering a lot of ground!

I prefer to stay at or under 9.0 lbs if I'm doing quite a bit of walking…..especially with age starting to take it's toll! memtb

 

[dogz]

I'm in awfully good shape for being 66 and there is Zero chance I'd use a 10 lb set up for an elk hunt. Unless it's a drive up to a blind kind of deal or a hay field hunt....but that's just me.

Keep in mind that I'm a very literal person so how does one who's 100% disabled get around? Not being a jerk but I just don't follow that one.

 

[Longshotjames]

Lots of grey area here, because people are measuring the weight in different ways. When people throw weights around look and see if they are using a Bare rifle, scope, fully loaded?

Yes Absolutely a 10.5lb rifle is a perfect balance of weight for carry and shooting!
On a continuum if they are too far either way of the spectrum, they are either too heavy to carry or no fun to shoot. In the end, the one you are most confident to make the best shot with is the one you should carry!
James

 

[338 dude]

I have a HOWA 1500 280AI in a Stocky's carbon stock. It is a nice setup, but not adjustable. I have neck and shoulder issues and need all the adjustability I can get. I ordered a chassis system for it. The current weight with scope is 8.5lbs. The change in stock will add an additional 2 lbs.

I am 100% disabled, so no backpack hunting. It would be a disabled hunt, but would be some stalking involved. I think this is a good weight, plus soaking up some additional recoil.

Anyone in that situation or who can empathize? Anyone with an elk or mule deer rifle in the same weight range? Is 10.5 lbs fairly good for a setup with some stalking, but no backpacking?

Nearly all my rifles are 10 pounds and up a heavy rifle is an accurate rifle!