Chasing weight...

[jamerling]

I recently acquired a T3 in .270 WIN and quickly got the bug, purchasing accessories before fully considering how I would use the rifle. I opted for a Gen 2 LSS XL chassis and SCS buttstock, along with a premier grip and full-length Arca rail. The scope I chose weighed in at 23 oz, which I felt was reasonable. In the end, I ended up with a non-folding rifle that weighed 11 lbs plus. It shot like a dream, and for a while, I was satisfied with it.

However, during a recent trip to Wyoming, I used a Kifaru gun bearer, and after walking 23 miles, my perspective changed. I realized I needed to rethink my setup and began rebuilding with weight in mind. I decided on an Element 4.0 mg chassis and a carbon buttstock with a folding mechanism. When everything is said and done, should be right at 8.5#. I aimed for a more manageable overall weight while still maintaining performance and reasonable recoil. At this point I feel like Im chasing this elusive sub 8# scoped rifle. When is enough enough? I feel like the cost to reduce weight is started to be prohibitive. Looking for overall thoughts and suggestions...

 

[Trigger Monkey]

I don't know much hunting rifles for Wyoming but I know about throwing good money at an arbitrary goal that actually doesn't actually amount to much. If in the course of your endeavor to shave an additional 8 oz of weight off the rifle you should make some compromises that could affect the accuracy, durability, and repeatability of the overall package, would it have been worth it just to say "the rifle is now less than 8 lbs." Sometimes the 80% solution is the right solution, those are my thoughts on the matter.

As far as suggestions go, you didn't mention how much the other gear you were carrying weighed but if you're still looking to reduce overall carried weight then perhaps look at that other gear to see where ounces can be shaved. A lighter pack, a different bag fill, a different tripod, a little less pogie bait, it can add up.

 

[HMRamateur]

My rifle is around 10lbs with a scope, and I'm happy with it. Would it be a bit easier to carry at 8lbs? Likely. Would it be a bit more difficult to shoot? Just as likely.

Are there weight savings in your other gear that can be found before chopping more weight off the rifle?

 

[Sogan]

I’d probably stop right where you are at. I’d get it as low as possible before you start paying $100 per ounce of savings

 

[ma smith]

There often times tons of weight to save on your clothes, rucksack, boots, socks, underwear, gloves, raingear, electronics, etc etc. UL Hiking gear like that will typically cost you around $1 per Gram for weight savings (~$28/oz).

Seems to me an 8-9lb rifle should shoot just fine and be manageable in the field to carry.

A lot depends on where you hunt, the amount you hike, and your load-out.

 

[mark5pt56]

Unless you need the folding stock, I would either go back to the factory stock or do one of the Manners/McMillan/Redhawk, etc. lightweight stocks with standard factory magazine. Use the Talley one piece aluminum rings(bottom is the direct attach base) and look at a scope that get's you under 20 oz.
Then as others have mentioned-look at the gear you carry and assess it's TRUE need. One example being is do you truly need (if you have it) an ARCA rail on the gun and a tripod? What kind of tools do you carry and do you need them all or reassess what you have vs. need. Another example, look at the fasteners on your rifle, are you carrying a fixit sticks kit or do you have an allen wrench for the action screws and one for the scope? In the above ring scope example you would need a T15 and either 3/16 or T25 keys, just two keys verses a full kit. Just some ideas to help spur thought.

Everyone's needs are different, such as you humping 23+ miles with that verses someone getting out of their bro dozer and walking a mile or less to the condo. I'm sure you will get the ignorant comments such as "hit the gym bra" etc.

 

[BJames]

The biggest weight savings is in stock, barrel, and optic. My origin, xlr magnesium, proof sendero 24”, ultra 5, and Zeiss v4 (23.4 oz) in NF ultralight rings weighs in at 9.7#. In 300 WSM, it’s perfect. Great balance between shootability and light enough to climb mountains, pack around for awhile. There is a point where weight savings will decrease performance, and provide diminishing returns. But depending on your needs for a rifle system might be worth it, short ranges, generous size targets, long distances on the boots with a heavy pack and lots of elevation…. Strip every oz off that bitch. Change one of those variables, and it changes the system requirements.

I chased the ultralight game just to prove the concept, a 5.7# 6.5 cm was hard to drive consistently. Ultimately I prefer a heavier system that performs a lot better. And I spent waaaay more time training for my fun

 

[jamerling]

It all makes sense. I could definitely cut some weight in my pack and that would help to reduce overall fatigue. I also recognize there is a diminishing return regarding the cost to decrease weight. I appreciate the input. I guess its another rabbit hole I need to learn how to avoid LMAO

 

[BJames]

Or jump in with both feet and see where it goes. I just built a second 300 WSM off a tikka, mesa altitude, 20” bartlein CF, with the same optic as my previous post, ultra 5, that one weighs in at 8.6#. A touch of a handful with the ultra 5, pretty pleasant with my area 419 brake or my ultra 9.

I will own that my deficiencies in shooting light weight rifles were 100% me, fundamental errors. Too used to shooting 16+ pound AI’s and match rifles.

 

[srt-4_uk]

Making a heavy gun light is cost prohibitive. Buying/building a light rifle to begin with is the way to go. There are a few rifles you can buy under $2000 and weigh under 6.5 lbs without a scope. It's extremely easy to get a sub 8lb scoped rifle if you start off being weight conscience.

 

[jamerling]

Making a heavy gun light is cost prohibitive. Buying/building a light rifle to begin with is the way to go. There are a few rifles you can buy under $2000 and weigh under 6.5 lbs without a scope. It's extremely easy to get a sub 8lb scoped rifle if you start off being weight

 

[AleksanderSuave]

Making a heavy gun light is cost prohibitive. Buying/building a light rifle to begin with is the way to go. There are a few rifles you can buy under $2000 and weigh under 6.5 lbs without a scope. It's extremely easy to get a sub 8lb scoped rifle if you start off being weight conscience.

Just went through this exact thought process when considering building a lightweight rifle, ended up ordering a closeout Tikka special from eurooptic for $999 that weighs in around 6 lbs according to the product page.