10.5 lb rifle for elk hunting

[kgarrett]

My 300 PRC is 9 lb 6 oz with scope, sling and brake. It has a 24" barrel and is nice to carry and shoot.

My Fierce 7 RM is a little lighter, about 9 lb 3 oz I believe. It has a radial brake, but I always hunted without it. Your braked 280 AI at 10.25 lbs should be a nice combination of capability a carry-ability.

Also, if you're hunting with a partner, I'd get used to shooting off a tripod. It's amazing how well you can shoot off one when it's not possible to get prone. It really soaks up the recoil too.

Best of luck in your future hunting adventures!

 

[dogz]

My 300 PRC is 9 lb 6 oz with scope, sling and brake. It has a 24" barrel and is nice to carry and shoot.

My Fierce 7 RM is a little lighter, about 9 lb 3 oz I believe. It has a radial brake, but I always hunted without it. Your braked 280 AI at 10.25 lbs should be a nice combination of capability a carry-ability.

Also, if you're hunting with a partner, I'd get used to shooting off a tripod. It's amazing how well you can shoot off one when it's not possible to get prone. It really soaks up the recoil too.

Best of luck in your future hunting adventures!

If u don't mind, how often do u hunt elk on your own and in what states?

 

[USAFRet]

If u don't mind, how often do u hunt elk on your own and in what states?

I have not been elk hunting in 20 years. I used to hunt CO and UT, when I was stationed out West. I got an opportunity when I friend hooked me up with an outfitter in WY that takes disabled vets on hunts with donated tags. I am hoping I get to go one of these days, in the meantime I just want to have a rifle ready to do with loads worked up. It keeps me from going crazy.

 

[dogz]

totally get that, hope you get it sorted out

 

[USAFRet]

totally get that, hope you get it sorted out

Well, if it is in God's will it will happen. Like the saying goes, if the farmer prays for rain, he needs to plant his crops with faith that God will send the rain.

 

[Rotten]

I have a m1a with scope with mount and a swfa 10x that's pushing 13-14 lbs with out loaded mags. At the age of 20 I would pack it no problem at the age of 52 not my cup of tea. My father was a Vietnam vet that was issued a m14 and always talked about how much he liked it over the M16.
I handed him my m1a fully loaded and handed it to him after a few seconds he said get this heavy piece of crap of me he was 78 or so and 45% dessabled at the time.
For hunting you don't need the weight you need mobility.
I believe I had a conversation with you before and the offer still stand if you're in Utah your more than welcome to any help I can give. Including my 25' camp trailer. God bless even if you're just dreaming about hunting that's okay.
But theirs plenty of people out there willing to help.

 

[USAFRet]

I have a m1a with scope with mount and a swfa 10x that's pushing 13-14 lbs with out loaded mags. At the age of 20 I would pack it no problem at the age of 52 not my cup of tea. My father was a Vietnam vet that was issued a m14 and always talked about how much he liked it over the M16.
I handed him my m1a fully loaded and handed it to him after a few seconds he said get this heavy piece of crap of me he was 78 or so and 45% dessabled at the time.
For hunting you don't need the weight you need mobility.
I believe I had a conversation with you before and the offer still stand if you're in Utah your more than welcome to any help I can give. Including my 25' camp trailer. God bless even if you're just dreaming about hunting that's okay.
But theirs plenty of people out there willing to help.

Yes, I remember and thank you so much. If my wife was well, I would probably be trying to get out there every fall. My late son moved back to CO in 2017. He had loved it out there so much when he was a boy. He and I had all kinds of plans to hunt, camp and fish. They never came to fruition and I know he would want me to go.

 

[Rotten]

Yes, I remember and thank you so much. If my wife was well, I would probably be trying to get out there every fall. My late son moved back to CO in 2017. He had loved it out there so much when he was a boy. He and I had all kinds of plans to hunt, camp and fish. They never came to fruition and I know he would want me to go.

I'm sorry about your wife. I've lost 2 brothers to cancer. I know how hard that is to see someone whilt away and to take care of them. I'll pray for you and you're family. Just remember we all have an expiration date stamped on us.
Just be squared away with the Lord and know most people want to help if the can.
God bless comfort to you and your family.

 

[USAFRet]

I'm sorry about your wife. I've lost 2 brothers to cancer. I know how hard that is to see someone whilt away and to take care of them. I'll pray for you and you're family. Just remember we all have an expiration date stamped on us.
Just be squared away with the Lord and know most people want to help if the can.
God bless comfort to you and your family.

Amen brother! Not only squared away, but looking forward to the day I meet our Savior and see my son again. Thank you for the prayers. They are always welcome and needed.

 

[ickes123]

Well, congrats on being 66 and being in that kind of shape. That would be nice.

It is 100% VA disabled. Am I in a wheelchair and eating my meal from a straw, no. Chronic headaches and pain. Titanium rod in neck. Both shoulders torn up and most of the discs in my back are bulging or herniated. Oh, and go to the doctors and they tell you, "We don't know what the cause is. It could be toxic exposure or, based on your field, radiation exposure. Here are some pills. Oh, and here are some pills to help with the side effects of those pills. Oh, and here are some very painful shots that may or may not work." Meanwhile, on a good day, you can function. On a bad day, you can hardly get out of bed.

VERY SAD. THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE.

 

[USAFRet]

VERY SAD. THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Thanks, but God has been with us every step. Every tragedy had an overwhelming blessing from it.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

 

[Hoss50]

To me the weight has less to do with the scenario vs the balance of the rifle. I had a 300 win mag of my dad's with a bull barrel. It was about 12lbs and was the worst thing I ever carried in the field because it was so front heavy. This year I carried my 300 win mag which is about 13lbs but balanced and it was fine.

Weight matters, but balance is more important IMO.

I just put a Howa 1500 in a MDT fieldstock and really like it. It is just under 11lbs ready to hunt minus suppressor. The balance is good though so it carries well.

 

[USAFRet]

To me the weight has less to do with the scenario vs the balance of the rifle. I had a 300 win mag of my dad's with a bull barrel. It was about 12lbs and was the worst thing I ever carried in the field because it was so front heavy. This year I carried my 300 win mag which is about 13lbs but balanced and it was fine.

Weight matters, but balance is more important IMO.

I just put a Howa 1500 in a MDT fieldstock and really like it. It is just under 11lbs ready to hunt minus suppressor. The balance is good though so it carries well.

Very good point and I did notice, when carrying the rifle on the centerline it is very balanced.

 

[VarmintBob]

My Weatherby Vanguard (Howa) in 300 WM weighs 8 lb 10 oz and shoots 200 gr ELD-X into one hole at 100 yds. 5 shot group below: