Post by: Olympics777 on February 07, 2014, 12:00:55 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on February 07, 2014, 12:12:08 PM
Post by: headshot5 on February 07, 2014, 12:22:42 PM
Edit to add question. How far out are you generally comfortable shooting at game animals?
Post by: jackmaster on February 07, 2014, 12:27:37 PM
Post by: The scout on February 07, 2014, 12:30:08 PM
Post by: Skillet on February 07, 2014, 12:32:00 PM
I have T3 Light Stainless. Best mountain gun I own. You can ding the stock and not care, the stainless is weatherproof (tends to rain up there!), the bolt is buttery smooth, I like the drop-out mag, sub 1" groups with the right factory ammo right out of the box, and with my Leupold 3.5x10, the weight is a full 1.5# less than my M70 Featherweight with the same scope.
I'm considering slimming down the gun safe, but I don't think this one is going anywhere.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on February 07, 2014, 12:35:09 PM
I'll get in here before Biggerhammer tells you they suck- :chuckle:
I have T3 Light Stainless. Best mountain gun I own. You can ding the stock and not care, the stainless is weatherproof (tends to rain up there!), the bolt is buttery smooth, I like the drop-out mag, sub 1" groups with the right factory ammo right out of the box, and with my Leupold 3.5x10, the weight is a full 1.5# less than my M70 Featherweight with the same scope.
I'm considering slimming down the gun safe, but I don't think this one is going anywhere.
Don't tell anybody, but I have a Tikka 300 wsm. I like it. Stainless/synthetic.
Post by: Bob33 on February 07, 2014, 12:45:27 PM
Your range is far more likely to be limited by something other than the rifle itself.
Post by: Jolten on February 07, 2014, 12:50:22 PM
Post by: Curly on February 07, 2014, 12:58:05 PM
Post by: TopOfTheFoodChain on February 07, 2014, 01:13:08 PM
I love my tikka! it's in 308 I have a 4-12 Nikon with bdc reticle cheap and keeps it lightweight. I've heard some say they are not accurate past 400yds, I shoot 168grn handloads with very good grouping out to 600.
:yeah: I have the exact same setup. Shooting hand loads. Very light and accurate.
Post by: James on February 07, 2014, 01:40:57 PM
Cheap: A blind mag savage 110/10, Marlin XL7/XLS, or Ruger American
Middle: Tikka T3 light, browning Ti, used Remington 700 Ti, savage lightweight hunter, or Forbes
Expensive: NULA
Post by: Olympics777 on February 07, 2014, 09:44:44 PM
Post by: Skillet on February 07, 2014, 10:05:07 PM
Post by: Bmcox86 on February 07, 2014, 11:22:58 PM
Post by: Tim in Wa. on February 08, 2014, 12:11:12 PM
Post by: Weehunt66 on February 08, 2014, 12:15:25 PM
Post by: Bob33 on February 08, 2014, 12:31:40 PM
Thanks, guys. To answer those couple questions: I would be comfortable taking shots out to 400 yards, with the right set up. I am hoping to get a Vortex Viper 2.5-10x44, or maybe the 4-12x44 version.With practice you should do well. I would personally favor the 7mm-08 over the 308. I would also consider the 270WSM.
Post by: 7mag. on February 08, 2014, 04:49:01 PM
Post by: huntnphool on February 10, 2014, 10:16:55 AM
I am going to be buying a Tikka T3lite in the next couple of months. My model 70 is a little heavy for the back country.http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,147181.msg1951301.html#msg1951301 (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,147181.msg1951301.html#msg1951301)
Post by: CAMPMEAT on February 10, 2014, 01:18:05 PM
Might want to check those out. They run $850-$1100 retail from what I found out............
Post by: brocka on February 10, 2014, 01:35:09 PM
Post by: casey58 on February 10, 2014, 01:37:36 PM
Post by: jackelope on February 10, 2014, 01:39:03 PM
Thanks, guys. To answer those couple questions: I would be comfortable taking shots out to 400 yards, with the right set up. I am hoping to get a Vortex Viper 2.5-10x44, or maybe the 4-12x44 version.
Why not put a lightweight/compact scope on your lightweight rifle? I mean...don't ruin a lightweight mountain rifle by mounting a huge heavy scope to it.
Post by: slm9s on February 10, 2014, 01:44:05 PM
$550 - Tikka T3 Lite
$700 - Tikka T3 Superlite
$1100 - Kimber Montana
$1200 - Forbes Rifle
$3500 - NULA / Rifles Inc Strata / etc
Post by: 7mag. on February 10, 2014, 08:23:34 PM
I am going to be buying a Tikka T3lite in the next couple of months. My model 70 is a little heavy for the back country.http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,147181.msg1951301.html#msg1951301 (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,147181.msg1951301.html#msg1951301)
Thanks for the link.
Post by: fillthefreezer on February 11, 2014, 02:30:52 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on February 11, 2014, 02:58:06 PM
I won an auction this weekend for a Remington 700 MTN SS in 25-06. Talk about a light gun, 6 1/2 lbs. The best part is, I bought it for $550.. :tup:
Might want to check those out. They run $850-$1100 retail from what I found out............
I bought this rifle in 7mm-08, and could not be happier with it. It took a little getting used to the ultra light weight gun, but I've worked up a good load for it and its a tack driver. Hell on yoters too. ;)
Post by: CAMPMEAT on February 11, 2014, 03:40:04 PM
Post by: Come Get Some on February 11, 2014, 04:33:20 PM
Post by: Bmcox86 on February 11, 2014, 04:54:42 PM
The recoil lug in a Tikka is a free floating aluminum lug.
Post by: bod on February 12, 2014, 08:05:32 AM
Do yourself a favor and take my advice.
Get a tikka by far the most consistent out of the box accuracy, action is smooth triggers super easy adjust if needed and you beat the crap out of them.
Post by: boomstick on February 15, 2014, 08:57:01 AM
Post by: BKMFR on February 15, 2014, 09:39:37 AM
Post by: Salmo on February 15, 2014, 11:08:06 PM
Were I looking for a lite weight mtn rifle I'd wonder about the T3 SL but the Kimber Montana in .308 can be had used for $850. The .308 montana is notorious for being accurate as hell.
I had a .308 montana and it was the most accurate rifle I ever owned.
Post by: Curly on February 16, 2014, 08:04:35 AM
If a guy is happy with the weight being 6.4 pounds and using it in the high country, can't he call it a mountain rifle? :dunno: My rifle that I've used on the high hunt is 2 pounds heavier than a T3 light and I've also got a 50mm scope on it, so the rifle/scope combo makes it around 2.5 pounds heavier than my Ruger American rifle/scope combo.
So, while the T3 light or Ruger American are not considered mountain rifles to most folks, I consider them mountain rifles since they are so much lighter than what I'm used to. And the price of the American was so reasonable that decided to buy one to use in the mountains this year instead of my 10.5 pound rifle. I could have spent $900 more to get a true "mountain" rifle like the Forbes and dropped another pound or so of weight, but I figure I'm used to 10.5 pounds, so the American is going to feel like a mountain rifle to me.
Someday when this Obama Economy is over, I want to get a Forbes rifle for use in the high country, but until then the American will be my "mountain" rifle. Below is a list of approximate weights for what I'd consider mountain rifles.
Ruger American - 6.4 pounds
T3 Light - 6.34 pounds
T3 Superlight - 6.1 pounds
Forbes (long action) - 5.5 pounds
Forbes (short action) - 4.75 pounds
Kimber Mtn Ascent - 4.8 pounds
Kimber Montana - 5.1 pounds
Post by: bankwalker on February 16, 2014, 04:10:27 PM
Now I wanted a 7mag so the T3 was my first and really only choice. Then I seen the Superlight and had to own one. Accuracy of the magnum in such a light rifle was still up to T3 standards. My setup is under 7lbs loaded/sling ready to hunt. After my first day hiking the steepest bear territory I could find I found a new reason to love the T3 superlight. :chuckle:
Post by: Forks on February 16, 2014, 09:36:31 PM
I think the most important thing on a backcountry hunt is to be in shape. Use the rifle you want to if you to buy a new one buy it . I pack a 11lb rifle on all my hunts. Have hunted wa high hunt and wy at 10000 all with 11lb rifle.Boomstick speaks the truth. So many are wrapped up in saving ounces. My vote is be able to hike 15mi. a day if need be, and practice, practice, practice with the weapon one has.
Post by: fillthefreezer on February 20, 2014, 11:10:22 PM
thats all well and good, but people count ounces for when something hits the dirt. and when two trips arent an option.I think the most important thing on a backcountry hunt is to be in shape. Use the rifle you want to if you to buy a new one buy it . I pack a 11lb rifle on all my hunts. Have hunted wa high hunt and wy at 10000 all with 11lb rifle.Boomstick speaks the truth. So many are wrapped up in saving ounces. My vote is be able to hike 15mi. a day if need be, and practice, practice, practice with the weapon one has.
sure i can pack 70lbs all day long, but i cant pack 70lbs of gear and a full load of meat.
when your gear list looks like mine, theres not many places to save weight, it would be ridiculous to spend $$$ for everything ultralight then pack a 10lb rifle
Post by: Romulus1297 on February 20, 2014, 11:19:33 PM
Post by: Olympics777 on February 23, 2014, 06:31:38 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on February 23, 2014, 10:59:41 PM
Post by: Limits on February 24, 2014, 10:38:29 AM
Doesn't it depend on a person's definition of lightweight? While the T3 light (and Ruger American for that matter) is not "lightweight", both are under 6.5 pounds which is lighter than a lot of rifles out there.
If a guy is happy with the weight being 6.4 pounds and using it in the high country, can't he call it a mountain rifle? :dunno: My rifle that I've used on the high hunt is 2 pounds heavier than a T3 light and I've also got a 50mm scope on it, so the rifle/scope combo makes it around 2.5 pounds heavier than my Ruger American rifle/scope combo.
So, while the T3 light or Ruger American are not considered mountain rifles to most folks, I consider them mountain rifles since they are so much lighter than what I'm used to. And the price of the American was so reasonable that decided to buy one to use in the mountains this year instead of my 10.5 pound rifle. I could have spent $900 more to get a true "mountain" rifle like the Forbes and dropped another pound or so of weight, but I figure I'm used to 10.5 pounds, so the American is going to feel like a mountain rifle to me.
Someday when this Obama Economy is over, I want to get a Forbes rifle for use in the high country, but until then the American will be my "mountain" rifle. Below is a list of approximate weights for what I'd consider mountain rifles.
Ruger American - 6.4 pounds
T3 Light - 6.34 pounds
T3 Superlight - 6.1 pounds
Forbes (long action) - 5.5 pounds
Forbes (short action) - 4.75 pounds
Kimber Mtn Ascent - 4.8 pounds
Kimber Montana - 5.1 pounds
Savage 11 Lightweight Hunter - 5.5 pounds
Post by: huntnphool on February 27, 2014, 10:33:16 PM
Post by: bankwalker on March 06, 2014, 08:54:21 AM
Can't believe no one has suggested a weatherby mark v ultralight....I have one and. Love it....5 3/4 lb....stainless fluted barrel ....great gun :tup:
The ultralight amazing rifles and really light but always get the over looked. I think mainly due to the fact weatherby rifles are notoriously heavy in general. I just sold my vanguard 20" carbine with 2-7x33 scope. because it was a full 1 1/2lbs heavier than my tikka t3 superlight with magnum length barrel and 4.5-14x44 scope.
Post by: autodink13 on March 06, 2014, 09:45:24 AM
Post by: coachcw on March 06, 2014, 10:17:05 AM
Post by: netcoyote on March 06, 2014, 10:40:42 AM
Light, sturdy and accurate. Composite stock so I don't mind getting it dinged up. It's not a looker, but it's a good shooter.
Post by: kentrek on March 06, 2014, 11:20:09 AM
Perfect mountain gun for me would be 6-7 pound scoped..
Post by: Romulus1297 on March 06, 2014, 08:07:49 PM
Post by: jackelope on March 06, 2014, 08:13:23 PM
I think the most important thing on a backcountry hunt is to be in shape. Use the rifle you want to if you to buy a new one buy it . I pack a 11lb rifle on all my hunts. Have hunted wa high hunt and wy at 10000 all with 11lb rifle.Boomstick speaks the truth. So many are wrapped up in saving ounces. My vote is be able to hike 15mi. a day if need be, and practice, practice, practice with the weapon one has.
When are you hunting if you're hiking 15 miles a day?
Post by: Romulus1297 on March 06, 2014, 08:23:15 PM
Post by: snowpack on March 06, 2014, 08:38:14 PM
Post by: kentrek on March 06, 2014, 08:39:56 PM
I think the most important thing on a backcountry hunt is to be in shape. Use the rifle you want to if you to buy a new one buy it . I pack a 11lb rifle on all my hunts. Have hunted wa high hunt and wy at 10000 all with 11lb rifle.Boomstick speaks the truth. So many are wrapped up in saving ounces. My vote is be able to hike 15mi. a day if need be, and practice, practice, practice with the weapon one has.
When are you hunting if you're hiking 15 miles a day?
He said "if need be"
But really 15 miles isn't much..couple hours in the am..couple in the pm..miles add up fast hunting dark till dark...pretty much the standard for me in october idaho
A ULA 24 is pretty easy to carry and shoot. Getting ALOT closer than 700 yds and shooting an animal is a blast. I like up close and personal not 1000 Yards that isn't hunting.
I like to shootem how they come..the closer the better but im a long ways away from being picky while rifle hunting..im there to put critters on the ground
To each there own :tup:
Post by: Romulus1297 on March 06, 2014, 08:51:09 PM
Post by: kentrek on March 06, 2014, 08:54:12 PM
Post by: GoPlayOutside on March 06, 2014, 09:18:18 PM
Post by: Romulus1297 on March 06, 2014, 09:25:08 PM
Post by: huntnphool on March 06, 2014, 10:42:26 PM
:chuckle:I think the most important thing on a backcountry hunt is to be in shape. Use the rifle you want to if you to buy a new one buy it . I pack a 11lb rifle on all my hunts. Have hunted wa high hunt and wy at 10000 all with 11lb rifle.Boomstick speaks the truth. So many are wrapped up in saving ounces. My vote is be able to hike 15mi. a day if need be, and practice, practice, practice with the weapon one has.
When are you hunting if you're hiking 15 miles a day?
Post by: Romulus1297 on March 06, 2014, 11:19:47 PM
Post by: boomstick on March 11, 2014, 01:11:53 PM
Post by: JWBINX on March 16, 2014, 10:48:12 AM
on Pacific ave. Awsome mountain rifle :tup:
Post by: huntnphool on March 16, 2014, 12:20:03 PM
Kimber mtn. ascent in 308. It weighs 4lb 13oz and they are accurate! I saw one in a Tacoma gun shop on SaturdayHave you ever compared it to the Kimber Adirondack? http://www.outdoorhub.com/news/kimbers-adirondack-compact-rifle-weighs-less-five-pounds/ (http://www.outdoorhub.com/news/kimbers-adirondack-compact-rifle-weighs-less-five-pounds/)
on Pacific ave. Awsome mountain rifle :tup:
Wondering what the main differences are.
Post by: Bean Counter on March 16, 2014, 12:22:06 PM
Post by: jackelope on March 16, 2014, 01:01:32 PM
About $300.Kimber mtn. ascent in 308. It weighs 4lb 13oz and they are accurate! I saw one in a Tacoma gun shop on SaturdayHave you ever compared it to the Kimber Adirondack? http://www.outdoorhub.com/news/kimbers-adirondack-compact-rifle-weighs-less-five-pounds/ (http://www.outdoorhub.com/news/kimbers-adirondack-compact-rifle-weighs-less-five-pounds/)
on Pacific ave. Awsome mountain rifle :tup:
Wondering what the main differences are.
Adirondack has a non-fluted 18" barrel. Mountain Ascent if fluted 22" barrel.
Same LOP, same stock, same twist.
Post by: huntnphool on March 16, 2014, 01:05:45 PM
Interesting that the fluting allows the same weight in a 4" longer barrel.About $300.Kimber mtn. ascent in 308. It weighs 4lb 13oz and they are accurate! I saw one in a Tacoma gun shop on SaturdayHave you ever compared it to the Kimber Adirondack? http://www.outdoorhub.com/news/kimbers-adirondack-compact-rifle-weighs-less-five-pounds/ (http://www.outdoorhub.com/news/kimbers-adirondack-compact-rifle-weighs-less-five-pounds/)
on Pacific ave. Awsome mountain rifle :tup:
Wondering what the main differences are.
Adirondack has a non-fluted 18" barrel. Mountain Ascent if fluted 22" barrel.
Same LOP, same stock, same twist.
Post by: jackelope on March 16, 2014, 01:15:54 PM
Post by: JWBINX on March 16, 2014, 01:48:05 PM
The cost is about 1750.00
Post by: huntnphool on March 16, 2014, 02:07:17 PM
I think the balance of the shorter 18" barrel would outweigh any theoretical benefit the added 4" of barrel would have for me. :twocents:About $300.Kimber mtn. ascent in 308. It weighs 4lb 13oz and they are accurate! I saw one in a Tacoma gun shop on SaturdayHave you ever compared it to the Kimber Adirondack? http://www.outdoorhub.com/news/kimbers-adirondack-compact-rifle-weighs-less-five-pounds/ (http://www.outdoorhub.com/news/kimbers-adirondack-compact-rifle-weighs-less-five-pounds/)
on Pacific ave. Awsome mountain rifle :tup:
Wondering what the main differences are.
Adirondack has a non-fluted 18" barrel. Mountain Ascent if fluted 22" barrel.
Same LOP, same stock, same twist.
Post by: huntnphool on March 16, 2014, 03:34:02 PM
I think I'm going to look hard at a Forbes in 7mm-08. $1400 rifle from the guy that created the NULA rifles.M24B or M20?
Post by: jackelope on March 16, 2014, 03:40:15 PM
Post by: gs1150rider on May 28, 2014, 06:06:26 PM
Browning x-bolt .308 stainless stalker
Leupold 2.5-8 x 36
60 degree bolt throw, short action, lightweight, duratouch non-slip for the awesome WA weather, and a detachable mag. It shoots .65” at 100 yards with 45.5 grains of Varget and Hornady Interbond 165’s. Has been a joy to carry and I have been really happy with the performance on blacktail and elk.
Post by: calib on June 01, 2014, 11:14:53 PM
Post by: Romulus1297 on June 02, 2014, 11:04:01 PM
Post by: coachcw on June 03, 2014, 06:09:43 AM
Post by: Colville on June 03, 2014, 10:01:41 AM
However, it does nothing to the meat math problem. An average mule deer is going to have 65 lbs of meat and really good ones closer to 100. You either can or can't carry it in one load without wasting meat. An LB of rifle will not solve that problem. Nor will other minor kit adjustments. The meat math can only be addressed by multiple hunters or multiple trips making where and with who you hunt the solution to the meat problem.
My sense of diminishing returns says get a rifle that shoots better than you to the range you can reliably shoot. Get that rifle in a lighter weight option if possible but I'm not going to spend the cost of two rifles to get one rilfe that is 1 lb lighter and can't improve on accuracy.
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 03, 2014, 11:50:56 AM
Overall, weight's a big deal for a complete pack because of wear down over time. 50+ lbs is just going to beat you down in due course and that's just your gear/food. So I get the point of reducing the rifle a lb or more.for me, multiple trips and often times, multiple hunters are just not an option.
However, it does nothing to the meat math problem. An average mule deer is going to have 65 lbs of meat and really good ones closer to 100. You either can or can't carry it in one load without wasting meat. An LB of rifle will not solve that problem. Nor will other minor kit adjustments. The meat math can only be addressed by multiple hunters or multiple trips making where and with who you hunt the solution to the meat problem.
i know i dont have to tell you this, but for the sake of others, especially those newer to packing in, looking to this section for guidance on gear selection, i feel it should be in this thread.
saving a pound on a rifle is obviously not going to make a difference once an entire mule deer is loaded in the pack plus camp. neither will a pack that weighs 9lbs. or sleeping bag that weighs 4 or 5lbs even. but if going off these numbers (which seem to be common weights for gear alot of people around here pack) all of a sudden my kit is 5, 7, maybe 9lbs lighter... maybe more. i just read a thread the other day where a guy was packing in for a fishing trip and he couldnt understand why he was at 69lbs before water...
Post by: Stein on June 05, 2014, 02:20:59 PM
A general observation at the range is the average guy with a lightweight rifle is probably 20 pounds overweight - some many more than this. I'm not passing judgement, just making an observation that there are many ways to drop weight in the back country.
I figured I would pocket the grand and hit the gym a few more times. Now I have one rifle that I use for everything which has much more advantage in shootability, confidence and practice time then saving 2 pounds.
The grand I saved was used to buy a new trigger, stock, reloading equipment, practice ammo and range time and I ended up with pretty much a perfect solution for me.