Ideal weight for Dangerous Game rifle

[IvW]

No weight fits all.....
Is it 9.3x62mm or 700 NE??? Or anything in between.....
Weight means nothing if fit and balance are absent.....
Caliber vs weight vs then fit and balance......

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

My Heym 89b 450/400 comes in bang on 10lbs. The Trijicon adds a very little extra. That seems to be a good compromise between carry weight and recoil mitigation.
If I ever got a Heym Light Weight in 375 FL or 9.3x74R that, at 9lb 2oz would be a dream.

 

[rookhawk]

What is the ideal weight for a rifle when hunting DG ? Though i do not own a rifle ( or any firearm for that matter ) ,
carrying around about 11 lbs while walking for 10 kms. Your opinions would be valued.

It depends solely on caliber. A 470NE should be 10.5 to 11.25lbs. 450-400NE should be 10lbs-10.25lbs. A 577NE should be 13-13.5lbs.

 

[BC Tal]

My Ruger No. 1 Tropical in 416 Rigby with scope is 10 1/4 lbs. The rifle needs weight, but it needs balance and handling too. You want the weight to soak up that recoil, but you have to pack it around. Choices, choices.

 

[IA1865]

I have a 404 Jeffery made sometime between 1914 and 1925 based on the address listed for WJ Jeffery and the proof marks that weighs in at 8.6lbs unloaded. Shooting ammo loaded to the original spec of 2,150 fps its quite pleasant to shoot off the sticks and is easy to carry.

 

[375Fox]

My R8 375H&H with scope, sling and four cartridges is just over 10 lbs. I recently returned from a hunt for Cape buffalo where I walked 13 miles one day and over 15 the following...all while carrying the rifle. I'm not a big guy at 70" and 160 lbs and not in the best of shape either. Still I found it quite easy to manage. Around 11.5 lbs is what I'd consider the upper limit while also taking into consideration my level of recoil tolerance and cartridge choice.

I'd also say that balance is just as important as weight. Having a rifle that can be carried at the magazine area (where my right hand is on the rifle) with one hand without having to compensate for the forward or rearward bias makes things easier.

View attachment 711104

Beautiful buffalo. I hope to see a report soon.