10lb rifle for elk hunting

[Ought Six]

I’d say nut up and don’t be a sissy. 11lbs is nothing.

 

[canadianrifleman]

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 can say this. You will shoot better with a heavier rifle. I have found that a few times before that if you're moving around and have to take a shot, sometimes it can be hard to get yourself to settle into the rifle for the shot. The heavier rifle takes some of that out. My old 270 WBY Mag is 9.6 lbs and I always shot really well with it, especially compared to my newer composite stock rifles. I wouldn't worry too much about it and just go with it. If you're stalking generally you're not going to be moving quickly, so just take your time and rest however much you need to. Also, if you're disabled do you get ATV privileges for being disabled? Where I am from if you're disabled you can use an ATV for mobility where other hunters cannot. That might be something to help, depending on where and how you're hunting.

 

[RckyMtn]

My main rifle is about 10.5 lbs loaded. Its not a weight that affects my hunt. I prefer a heavier rifle for the benefits in regards to recoil tbh. Also for the feeling that if I drop it that it won't immediately break, but that's not based on science or anything haha