Would you guys consider purchasing an 8 pound .308 hunting rifle ? (not scoped)

A lot depends on how you hunt and how far out you think you can handle accurate shots.
a 9 to 9.5 pound rifle (with scope and mounts and full mag) will be easier to shoot with accuracy than a light one designed to be carried all over the place (especially in the mountains). FOr many years on Stone's sheep hunts I packed a 9 pound rifle and was not all that concerned about its weight. At the age of 71 I prefer a lighter one if I am going to do much climbing, but for my elk and moose hunts, my rifle weight is 8.5 pounds these days.

For stand hunts in really open ground, my .308 Winchester is 10 pounds for use on whitetail and mule deer.
 
Sounds like you want it enough that you should just buy it. Tell yourself it is a fitness tool and every step you take with it is that much more conditioning work. :p Makes more sense than a gym membership anyhow hahahaha.
 
Odd how a heavy rifle feels way heavier the longer you hike or the higher you climb. Also the weight of a heavy rifle becomes very noticeable when you are packing out your animal. Lighter is better.
 
On a hunting rile I think I'd prefer the weight to add a bit more length rather than diameter especially since you already have a carbine and trecking rifle covered but if you like it give it a go.
 
Personally, I like a rifle with some heft... I feel that I shoot them better than sub-7 lb. (all in) rifles. "All-in" weight between 8 and 9 lb. Is just right to my taste.

But... reality check, if you have a long range, short range, and lightweight .308, when would you ever choose to shoot a 20" 8+ lb. rifle.
 
It comes down to whether you can come up with a use where that particular combination of characteristics is an advantage.

Sometimes you have to rationalize it carefully. Mostly if I'm going to be carrying a rifle that heavy there better be long range or African level recoil. If it's long range, then a .308 has next to nothing going for it without rules protecting it; but maybe a high volume culling rifle might be the answer. Then it has that short barrel going against it; so then I'd look at the parts and decide
whether it could be rebarrelled into something else and still be a deal. If not, I'd pass it up.

Your process might be different, but if you can't answer the "what's it for" question then it's not for you.
 
My hunting rifle is 10.2lbs scoped and I packed it for 11kms this year. Didnt bother me and I'm not in great physical shape. No mountains though. To each his own I suppose.
 
I would not personally. 8lbs is the weight of my 375 and i think its perfect for that. Humping a heavy pea shooter all day is unappealing to me.
 
I would but not in 308. My tikka is 9.5-10 pounds ish without glass or 6 rounds of ammo. Sure is fun to shoot and the muzzle brake helps stay on target to spot my own hits.
 
maybe a little too much weight for a rem 700 and a short barrel but you are right that is not the place to ask to buy or not a gun ...

buy it ... then you will find a good use of it or not lol ...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom