Ideal weight for Dangerous Game rifle

[Bonk]

The #1 priority for a hunting rifle is the ability of the hunter to make excellent shots while using said rifle. If shooting larger caliber rifles one needs a little extra weight to mitigate recoil to honor that priority, so be it. I haven’t weighed them recently and I don’t remember the exact weights off the top of my head but both my CZ550 375H&H and my RSM 404J weigh somewhere around 11.0 lbs with a scope, sling and full magazine. The RSM is the heavier of the two by about a half pound or so IIRC. No, they’re not lightweight sheep rifles but they are 100% appropriate for their intended mission.

My suppressed Ruger Guide Gun 30-06 weighs 9lbs 13oz without a scope, sling or ammo. I just weighed that one a couple of days ago.

 

[bigborelover]

The #1 priority for a hunting rifle is the ability of the hunter to make excellent shots while using said rifle. If shooting larger caliber rifles one needs a little extra weight to mitigate recoil to honor that priority, so be it. I haven’t weighed them recently and I don’t remember the exact weights off the top of my head but both my CZ550 375H&H and my RSM 404J weigh somewhere around 11.0 lbs with a scope, sling and full magazine. The RSM is the heavier of the two by about a half pound or so IIRC. No, they’re not lightweight sheep rifles but they are 100% appropriate for their intended mission.

My suppressed Ruger Guide Gun 30-06 weighs 9lbs 13oz without a scope, sling or ammo. I just weighed that one a couple of days ago.

How hard is it to carry for long distances ?

 

[Warbeast]

While shooting: as heavy as ypu can still hold still
While stalking : light as a feather

In reality it depends on how much recoil you can tolerate and still shoot nicely

If its to heavy: pick a 5 lbs heavier steel pipe and carry it everyday for weeks prior to the hunt.
Then the actual rifle should feel light.

Working on a daily trainer dummy myself theese days since i got out of shape.

A good balance is also important. Dont want to fight an imbalance while carrying or shooting.

 

[Northern Shooter]

375's - 9 lbs
416's - 10 lbs
458's -1.5-11lbs
500s - 12lbs

 

[BC Tal]

375's - 9 lbs
416's - 10 lbs
458's -1.5-11lbs
500s - 12lbs

@Northern Shooter, quite the spread for those 458s

 

[Sika98k]

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.

this is what John “Pondoro” Taylor wrote many years ago.

 

[Badboymelvin]

My 425 Express is a lightweight coming in under 9lb with scope.
Recoil is lively - especially off the bench, but I don't care as I'd rather have the lighter weight for the type of hunting I do.
But for someone building one I'd recommend to go slightly heavier.

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

Hi

Agree with Northern Shooter general guide:

375's - 9 lbs
416's - 10 lbs
458's -10.5-11lbs
500s - 12lbs

And, to me, is of utmost importance, the "weight between the hands"!!! Key for a quick and accurate shoot in a tight spot!

By the way, I dont like too light rifles even in my beloved 7 mm Mauser. The weight of mine, fully dressed, is around 8 lbs and a little more. But that weight between the hands!

 

[RR 314]

Tell us more about this physics defying .600 OK stock. If you are considering a .600 Overkill as your first rifle, my hat is tipped. I don’t think you will enjoy it, but good luck.

Dang. Did not attach the OP.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

10-11 lbs for 416 Rigby or less.

I imagine I could carry a fifteen pound rifle slung on my shoulder quite a long ways. Twice in my life I made full size deer into packs and carried them out whole a couple of miles. And one big bull elk in quarters on a packboard several hundred yards straight up a vertical face to my horses. Carrying a heavy rifle is easy by comparison! At the end of the day for the long hike out I often cross-slung my rifle across my back over small daypack. This allowed both arms to assist with propulsion. The pendulum effect from swinging arms conserves a LOT of energy. And yes, I can get the gun back into action surprisingly quick if needed (once had a horny bull elk scream at me close quarters in the dark - my Springfield was ready for work in a flash!). I always carry a sling in my upland jacket or decoy bag and put it on my shotgun for walk out in the dark. That old A5 magnum is probably the heaviest shotgun ever made ... in twelve gauge anyway. No problem carrying it sling on or off. It is perfectly balanced at front of receiver.

PS: For those interested in knowing how to turn a deer into a pack, forget it! An old Indian trick that I'll not pass on ... except maybe to someone I absolutely despise. Brutal business. Good way to get shot ... which might be a blessing. An end to the suffering!

 

[bigborelover]

Tell us more about this physics defying .600 OK stock. If you are considering a .600 Overkill as your first rifle, my hat is tipped. I don’t think you will enjoy it, but good luck.

Dang. Did not attach the OP.

It uses a piston to reduce recoil. Quite cool actually.

 

[MacJenkins]

It uses a piston to reduce recoil. Quite cool actually.

I can’t imagine 60% reduction. But never had one. I’ll try and weigh my 600 OK.

 

[colorado]

Depends upon the caliber/cartridge you select. 11 lb+ is pretty ideal. (Had a 375 w/ a heavy bbl loaded, spare rotary mag in the butt, scope, mounts, sling + loaded weighed 13+ lbs and was a pleasure to shoot! Son's MT 1999 375 was 11 and fine to shoot.) A <8 lb open sight (handloaded) 458 was NOT. A 9.5 lb 416 (handloaded) was not until 2 Hg recoil reducers were added (11.5 lb). As I find the gun most important, IF it's a heavier model, I'll shed weight in other departments (no pack or other unnecessary gear, compact binos, a practical amount of ammo, and/or myself!) Get a 14 lb'er and put the Gunbearer you paid for to good use! (You'll only have to lift it at the moment of truth!!)

I have a Rem XCR II in 375 Weatherby that weighs 7 1/2 lbs with scope. Synthetic stock, TriNyte finish pretty weatherproof. If i think it's kicking a bit, I just shoot my 12 lb 500 Jeffery (w scope) and go back to the 375, then it's fine lol

 

[Rare Breed]

How hard is it to carry for long distances ?

The thing I do that I highly recommend and I do at 66 years of age is buy a heart cardio 15 pound bar $35 online. I power walk 20-30 miles per week with three days of that on three different mountains using a variety of carries. When I then go on Safari even with a 12 pound rifle it feels like no problem because I practiced with more. Best tip I can provide

 

[bimbo]

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.

Second my skill for a client also well trained with medium body size,9 pound will be maximum DGR which he can bring and use without fatigue when will arrive the moment of the shot with accuracy...
For a PH in same condition ,11 lbs.
Over this weight ,or hunter shall not walk or shall not shoot straight .The gun boy/bringer not always will be, in our days ,available/legal in all the hunting camps...!For this reason when I am hunting and for long walking ,I use a 9.3 double of 8 lbs...for defence in addictional when gun bringer will be available a 10 lbs bolt rifle in 458 W.M.One pound more of weight could be a great difference when u are walking for 20 km daily at 40 degree of temperature after buff or elephant for 14 hunting days...
Difference in other words will be:Harvesting your trophy or watching it neither!!Guaranted!

 

[Northern Shooter]

@Northern Shooter, quite the spread for those 458s

What, you don’t like your 458s in an ultralight? Haha.

 

[Andrew62]

My .375H&H weighs 7lbs 15oz with a scope. My thinking is if I am walking miles and miles hunting dangerous game, why carry a heavy rifle, I would rather take the pain of shooting a lightweight rifle over the pain of hauling around a 10-11 pound rifle all day.

 

[colorado]

10-11 lbs for 416 Rigby or less.

I imagine I could carry a fifteen pound rifle slung on my shoulder quite a long ways. Twice in my life I made full size deer into packs and carried them out whole a couple of miles. And one big bull elk in quarters on a packboard several hundred yards straight up a vertical face to my horses. Carrying a heavy rifle is easy by comparison! At the end of the day for the long hike out I often cross-slung my rifle across my back over small daypack. This allowed both arms to assist with propulsion. The pendulum effect from swinging arms conserves a LOT of energy. And yes, I can get the gun back into action surprisingly quick if needed (once had a horny bull elk scream at me close quarters in the dark - my Springfield was ready for work in a flash!). I always carry a sling in my upland jacket or decoy bag and put it on my shotgun for walk out in the dark. That old A5 magnum is probably the heaviest shotgun ever made ... in twelve gauge anyway. No problem carrying it sling on or off. It is perfectly balanced at front of receiver.

PS: For those interested in knowing how to turn a deer into a pack, forget it! An old Indian trick that I'll not pass on ... except maybe to someone I absolutely despise. Brutal business. Good way to get shot ... which might be a blessing. An end to the suffering!

I used to pack out elk quarters 50 years ago, wrapped them up in orange. Quit doing that when I fell off a 3 story roof in Montana in Feb of 78. But a 12 lb rifle, not a problem. I work out with 15 lb dumbells doing lots of reps. The rifle is not an issue.

 

[Hagler.450Ex]

My .375H&H weighs 7lbs 15oz with a scope. My thinking is if I am walking miles and miles hunting dangerous game, why carry a heavy rifle, I would rather take the pain of shooting a lightweight rifle over the pain of hauling around a 10-11 pound rifle all day.

Truth. I never liked lugging around a heavy double. Fatigue is a real thing and doesn't play around. It's the reason professional hikers and backpackers are always trying to save on weight down to the smallest fraction of an ounce. HEAT, and un-even terrain can do a number on you faster than you'd think, and it can get serious, and you won't know it until it hits you. I go for lighter rifles nowadays. Especially as the years are taking a toll on me. Not doing an 11-12 lb. double again, ever, unless someone else is carrying it for me. Rather have a 9.3 or .404 to carry any day. Heat got to me TWICE back in the 80's, turned COLD all over, that's when you know it's got you. It's all changed now though; you've got someone with you, I would hope. When you don't........prepare for the upcoming thoughts of mom....and getting to some shade and sitting....