10lb rifle for elk hunting

[USAF Ret]

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?

 

[Fire_9]

I’ve backpacked with a heavier rifle. It’ll be fine

 

[Don Fischer]

All gonna depend on just you! What one man is able to do easily another may not.

 

[Forkyfinder]

All gonna depend on just you! What one man is able to do easily another may not.

Anthony hopkins sorta disagreed

 

[rmyoung1]

One of these days I’m gonna backpack hunt with my flintlock that weighs half as much as I do. I say take whatever rifle you want to hunt with. There’s a lot to consider whenever you head afield but don’t let a pound or two worry you too much. Good luck!

 

[MThuntr]

You probably won't notice anything but what kind of chassis did you order because an extra 2lbs over a stocked rifle seems more than I'd expect?

 

[USAF Ret]

You probably won't notice anything but what kind of chassis did you order because an extra 2lbs over a stocked rifle seems more than I'd expect?

The other stock was a 26 oz carbon fiber.

 

[KingOfTagSoup]

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

I would say you'll be just fine. Heavier rifles kick less too

 

[brockel]

Kifaru gunbearer on your backpack and put the rifle weight on your hips. Won’t notice the heavier rifle

 

[TheDudeAbides]

One of things with a chassis system, I would recommend would be a tripod mount.

It sucks carrying an extended tripod, but it makes your life a lot easier when it comes to shooting.

I have a 7mm Howa 1500 in an MDT LSS XL with a can, not sure what it weighs but it is not awful to carry.

A sling or sling system as mentioned above can be helpful as well if it is concern.

 

[Steiny77]

I was griping to a buddy of mine about how heavy my .300 mag is and having to tote it around the hills.
His smart azz suggestion was that if I was worried about carrying a couple extra pounds, I should probably take them off my gut.

 

[brymoore]

@USAF Ret Have you elk hunted before?

I’m not sure what your hunt situation will be for a disabled hunt. It could be road hunting. If you’re hiking and stalking, you’re eventually going to wish your rifle wasn’t ten pounds.

 

[ismith]

If you are worried about the weight look for another rifle. Something in 30-06 that weighs around 8 lbs is about perfect for elk, as long as you can shoot it accurately.

 

[USAF Ret]

If you are worried about the weight look for another rifle. Something in 30-06 that weighs around 8 lbs is about perfect for elk, as long as you can shoot it accurately.

I had a HOWA 30-06. It was a decent rifle and weight, but I have really fallen in love with the 280 AI. Less recoil and the ballistic performance is just under a 7mm RM. I may have to look at getting one built specifically for elk if this one is not manageable. However, it is balanced well and carrying it at the balance point seems not to be too bad.

 

[USAF Ret]

@USAF Ret Have you elk hunted before?

I’m not sure what your hunt situation will be for a disabled hunt. It could be road hunting. If you’re hiking and stalking, you’re eventually going to wish your rifle wasn’t ten pounds.

I hunted elk in my younger days with a bow. I was able to pack in miles when I was in a better state.

I think it will be road hunting with some stalking.

 

[brymoore]

I hunted elk in my younger days with a bow. I was able to pack in miles when I was in a better state.

I think it will be road hunting with some stalking.

You know what you’re getting into then. You should be fine in making the call.

 

[44hunter45]

Kifaru gunbearer on your backpack and put the rifle weight on your hips. Won’t notice the heavier rifle

Eberlestock has several solutions that put the rifle centered down your back and have a hip belt. I use a couple of them and carry heavier than 10lbs comfortably. I can get a rifle with an attached bipod in them, but don't really like it.

 

[Bluffgruff]

My rifle weighs about 10lbs loaded. It's a stable gun. I carry it everywhere. I'd rather lose the 2lbs somewhere else, like my gut.

 

[brockel]

Eberlestock has several solutions that put the rifle centered down your back and have a hip belt. I use a couple of them and carry heavier than 10lbs comfortably. I can get a rifle with an attached bipod in them, but don't really like it.

Slow to get off the pack when you stumble onto elk

 

[44hunter45]

Slow to get off the pack when you stumble onto elk

With the bipod? Yes.
Not without.