Ok, let's start with a dilema and a question...I WANT a good rifle to backpack with...current thought is a 7.5 lb 30-06 with a M70...but there is the Kimber lurking in 308 OR I do have a g33/40 OR where to go from here??? Looking for suggestions from those who "have been there and done that"...generally, deer but throw in Elk, sheep maybe, etc. Looking forward to so good advice here. Thanks, Arthur

the thompson G2 Contender with a 23" barrel weighs only 5.4 lbs, and a good all round calibur would be a 280 or 7mm. i think this might be my next rifle for backpacking and sheep hunting. maybe even flute the barrel and shave a litle more weight off of it. weight is the issue here right. the only thing that u have to give up is it is a single shot rifle. the single shots will always be the lightest though.

I'm happy with a tupperware stocked Rem 700 Mtn rifle in .280. POI changes a bit after the 4th shot from the bench, but I've only ever needed one in the field. I've taken caribou, deer and one goat with 140 gr Barnes.

I also have a teflon coated 700 in 30-06 with a Millet stock. Both are about 7.5 lbs out the door. I gave up rock climbing with a wooden stock about 25 years ago.

Might also think of an Encore in the caliber of your choice. They are pretty light and of course you can break them down and stick them in your pack if you want. I have a .25-06 and a 6.5-06 AI barrel and they both shoot at or below MOA.

Good hunting and Happy New Year!!

BTW,
Contenders are only available in "lower" powered rounds, say under 40K psi or so depending upon the round. There are some pretty hot wildcats available for the Contender.

My new favorite is a G2 in 7 TCU with an 18" barrel, 6x Weaver and a sling under 6 pounds. It killed 6 does this year from 25 -130 yds. For next year, I thinking about a .25-35 AI in a 22" barrel to get a little more range.

Some would say they are butt ugly, but don't forget the H&R/NEF single shots...they are a lot of gun for the money. I got bored shooting crows with my .204 this morning and got out my NEF 22 K Hornet and went 5 for 5 at 225 yds with the 35 gr V-Max. It's nuttin special, but it shoots really well.

Depending on what one is looking for. If one is just worried about weight then one of the Ti rifles out there is the way to go.

There are many good rifles out there with just a few custom features one can make any of them a good back packing rifle.

Make a list of what you want the rifle to do.

Then pick the one you want.
Or have it built for your purpose.

There are so many good options out there for a backpacking rifle now. What's best really depends on your tastes and the specific use...with personal tastes/preferences being the biggest factor!

About 10 years ago, I decided to build a lightweight rig for sheep and goat hunting primarily. It would be for long and short (weekends or day) backpacking hunts. I wanted a gun that would stand up to wet/miserable conditions. I also wanted something flat shooting and was always partial to the 264 Win Mag. One of my buddies had a 6.5/06 (actually his was a 6.5/270) built on a Rem 700 with a Brown's Precision stock, and it finished around 8 pounds and I quite liked it too. After talking to Ron Propp at a Cranbrook Gun Show, I settled on a 6.5 Gibbs for mine...I had a M700 ADL '06 length action and I like to be a little different.

So, I had a gunsmith (Chris Kotkas) put the rifle together for me. He turned some weight off the action, skeletonized the bolt and nickel plated both. He put on a #1 contour Douglas barrel, finished at 24" and chambered to 6.5 Gibbs. I put on a temporary PRI synthetic stock and a Leupold M8 6x scope (my favorite). Fully dressed and loaded, it weighed 7.5 lbs. With a Kevlar Pounder stock, I trim another 14 oz's off that weight.

So that's my favorite backpacking rig. If I were to do it all over again today, with the options that are available now, I think I'd do it differently.

For example, I quite like the 270 WSM cartridge. It'll do everything my 6.5 will with 140 grain bullets, and has a little more power with the heavier bullets which would be better for elk...so it would be more versatile than my 6.5. There are also lots of good, lightweight, S/S factory rifles out there now. I am not sure which would be my preference. I think I wouldn't mind giving a Ti actioned rifle a whirl though.

There are also some interesting takedown rifles out there. Kifaru and Dakota come immediately to mind. It would be a plus to be able to shove your rifle in your pack some times! I am not sure the tradeoff of not having your rifle handy for an emergency (g-bear on the trail, etc) would be worth it though.

I am very interested in hearing everyone's thoughts on this subject. There are so many interesting options out there.

Cheers,
Canuck

The best reply to this question is contained within it; you have a G-33/40, end of search. Here is what I would do for backpack hunting in B.C. where Grizzly encounters are an increasingly serious problem and backpacking your meat in their territory is kinda hard on your nerves.

Take the G33/40 to a good 'smith and have him install a Wisner safety and Kepplinger or Blackburn trigger. An Argy 1909 bottom metal setup, left stock, but, polished with the issue follower beveled for bolt closure when empty should be installed.

Then, a good 22" barrel in anything from .270 Win. to .338-06 can be put on after the receiver is trued, opened a tad and D/Ted. An NECG banded ramp front sight, with Talley lever mounts and "peep" sight should be installed. I would then have this hot blued and GunKoted and bedded into a good synthetic stock of your choice, with a Decelerator pad.

I would use the 1.75x6 VXIII Leupy with a Leupy FX-IV as a spare, both in Talleys and work up a load using a heavy for caliber premium bullet and I would stick with ONE weight of bullet. I would tune it, sight it in and then PRACTICE. Such a rifle should weigh about 7.25-.5 lbs. ready to rock.

I have a number of rifles quite similar to this and two under construction; these are a 9.3x62 on a Brno 21H action, a commercial modification of the G33/40 and a .338-06 on a Husqvarna HVA 4100. These will be my main, backpacking rifles when they are finished. I would choose a .280 Rem. as my cartridge if I hunted where Grizzlies were not as troublesome as here in B.C.

Patrick Smith of Kifaru has told me that he would build me a CRF "Rambling Rifle" in .338-06, but, these are too costly considering what I now have for the hunting I will actually do. I wouldn't own a Dakota "take-down", in fact, I wouldn't own a current Dakota, period.

My dream choice, in non-Grizzly country, for backpack hunting would be a Martini&Hagn single-shot rifle in 7x65R, but, I am not willing to work enough now to afford one!

quote:

Patrick Smith of Kifaru has told me that he would build me a CRF "Rambling Rifle" in .338-06,

That would be very cool! I'm a big fan of the 338/06...great cartridge.

quote:

My dream choice, in non-Grizzly country, for backpack hunting would be a Martini&Hagn single-shot rifle in 7x65R, but, I am not willing to work enough now to afford one!

That would be VERY sweet!

Cheers,
Canuck

I have a couple of Kimbers, and for me, they are about ideal backpack rifles. The price is right when you factor in weight, fit and finish, and accuracy. Last summer I had a 6.5 lb .338 Winny built. With the muzzle brake, firing 250 gr bullets was similar to firing 168 gr bullets from my Kimber .300WSM. Unfortunately that rifle had some serious flaws and ended up being refunded by the 'smith. I was hoping Kimber was coming out with a .338 mag in their Montana, but after talking with them last week, it doesn't sound too promising in the forseeable future, so I'm getting ready to have another one built.

I schlepp my 9 1/2 pound .300WinMag around everywhere, 6x fixed power S&B scope...

Frans

If you can't deal with a scoped rifle that wieghs 10 pounds. How are you going to deal with a 200 pound deer, Elk or Moose?

It is a total wieght issue, rather than the weight of any particular item. My rifle/scope weighs a little over 6 pounds. If I can trim a little weight here and there, then I can keep the total pack(with rifle) down around 40 pounds. To me, there is a big difference between 40 and 50 lbs. when it comes to my 170 lbs scrawny ass carring a pack up a mountain!

Where do you find these 200 lb. Elk or Moose?

Seriously, I find a heavy rifle, even in a Kifaru Gunbearer, to be a much more annoying burden than a 75-80 lb. pack of emerg. camp, hunting gear and boned Elk quarter. I usually "schlepp" my roughly 9 lb. old Mod. 70s in .338 Win. for B/P hunting, but, I do appreciate a lighter rifle. My partner humps his Sauer .375 "ouch and ouch" with EAW mts. and a 30mm Swaro 1.5x6, he is a "better" man than I am as it is HEAVY!

Agreed, I'd switch to a lighter rifle immediately if I wasn't such a cheap bastard!

Weighing 135 lbs (60 kg) wet after a shower, 20 kg (45 lbs) is a lot to carry around all day.

Frans

Kutenay, as usual, is right on...all of the "why not just loose weight" or "what about all the elk, deer, etc. to carry" is that all of the above in either ON you or ON your back, close to center of mass...the rifle, on the other hand is out in your hands / arms and after a while out there, it gets HEAVY...Arthur Olds

well I take my Sako 338 with an old B&C stock with me--probably weighs 9.5 lbs--so far hasn't hindered me---chris

Again, it is not a question of hinderance or actual weight...time, the altitude, carry-carry-carry, all wear on you...I suppose that I am, at heart, given to the minimalist tradition...why do I need more than a pair of black and a pair of brown shoes for work??? Toothbrush cut in half, only half of the MRE, smaller binos...why take (carry) more than you need...we can argue "need" for some time, however...Arthur

I was at first looking at a Kimber 8400 Montana in 300 WSM, but a guy that I've know for awhile manages a gun store in Beaumont, TX and he told me that they have never sold a Kimber that would shoot worth a crap. Several sent back to Kimber with not really any improvement. This of course is second hand.

My choice became the Model 70 CLassic Fwt SS in 30-06, Leupold QR rings (because I'm semi-cheap), Leupold 2.8x8 FX-III, and it is going to get a McMillian stock of some sort. Fully loaded should come in under 8 lbs. I must state that I'm going to be an X-treme back packer, but have a drop hunt for caribou scheduled. I may try something a bit more strenuous depending on how this hunt turns out. I also wanted a rifle that would probably end up being my standard hunting rifle. And it will pair nicely with my Model 70 SS Classic .375 H&H as a good 1-2 punch for Africa.

I also figured the real world difference between the 30-06 and 300 WSM was nill and that I'd be more likely to practice with the 30-06 (lots of cheap ammmo floating around). The only fly in this is that I've had to send the Model 70 back to Winchester because it wouldn't feed properly - will post the results of this.

I am on the lookout for the Browning Ti in 300wsm.

I just scored another excellent backpacking rifle today, it is a minty Husqvarna 4100 in .270 Win. I got a tip from a buddy that it was in a local gunshop at a very good price, so, went to have a look. This is almost always hard on my chequing account and this was no exception, it came home with me.

I may get a Brown Precision stock, a Wisner 3-pos. safety (if still made) and maybe Conetrol Q.D. mounts plus a Leupy 2.5x8 and carefully put this all together for a superb Sheep/Goat/Mulie and even Elk rifle. I have a 7x57 done this way and it packs real nice, but, the .270 is about the finest cartridge for getting velocities with heavy bullets in short barrels.

I have a pair of matched P-64 Mod. 70 FWTs. in .270 that cruise a 150 NP at 2900+ over RE-22, so, this one with it's 20.5" tube should run 2800++ with a similar load, or, maybe H-4831sc. It will weigh almost a pound less and that makes a difference.

It's neverending.....the relentless search for the PERFECT backpacking rifle, an obsessive disorder and a seriously debilitating condition....fun, though!

Hi, mine started as a Rem 700 LSS Mt rifle in 7mm-08. I just removed the heavy laminated stock and bedded the action into a fiberglass blank from Brown Precision. Presto, it weights 6 1/4 lbs with Leup DD mounts, a Burris Mini 4x and a simple web sling. It is joy to carry AND shoot. I feel it compares fairly closely to some of the semi custom/custom rifles that are available now.Five years ago this approach was under a grand.
Best regards, John 358

Remington titanium receiver, 24" SS barrel chambered 280 in a #3 contour(.610@muzzzle)to steady things a bit, Lupy 2.5-8...just under 6#...it is light and steady but certainly lacks the appeal of the g33

I'm thinking that a Rem. Model 7 SS with a 20" barrel in the new .338 Federal would be a nice pack gun. Mcmillan stock, Leupold 4x Compact with some work done by Premier Reticles.

Do you all finish the Brown Precision stock yourselves or have someone do it for you? I would love one of the Pounder versions (Kevlar) but could not finish it myself? Any ideas? To have Brown do it is cost prohibitive... Arthur

No way would I use a G 33/40 for a backpacking rifle. And I am saying this as one who owns 5 G33/40's and makes custom rifles from English walnut and blued steel. Backpack hunting is brutal and you will likely be dragging rifles over rocks and busting brush. I have done this with English walnut, but won't any longer.

Yes, weight matters. The leverage of a rifle really makes its weight felt. You can easily have an '06 made into a 5.5# rifle and the .308 you mention into a 5# rifle. These weights are with scopes mounted. Closest thing I have seen in a factory rifle that I would use on a backpack hunt is a Kimber.

I don't understand why you would not use the G33/40 to build the type of rifle I outlined; is this due to weight issues, rarity of the action or a preference for (shudder) pushfeed Rem. 700s? Each to his own, but, I use my BEST guns for backpack hunting because of the very frequent Grizzly problems we are currently experiencing here in B.C.

I quite frequently hunt Elk with my Dakota 76, with a truely fine piece of Q-sawn English and have drug it through some pretty harsh, wet bush; while not ideal, it cleans up well afterward and the accuracy and superb balance of this rifle make it one of my favourites.

I used to have, long ago, a Mannlicher-Schoenauer 1961MCA carbine in 6.5x55 Mauser and I hunted the roughest parts of the West Kootenays with it for about two years and it was just fine. I was young, wanted to go to college and so sold it in '68, to my lasting regret as it would put three under a dime at 100 with a 2.75x Kollmorgen on it. It was a really fine backpacking rifle and certainly did the job.

In this part of the world, something like a Serengeti laminated stock or an Obeche one from down in your stomping grounds may actually be better than a synthetic as the "plastic" handles ain't too comfy in real cold weather, especially against your cheek. So, I am just curious about the G-33/40 as it seems ideal to me.

ArthurOlds - yes, I did finish it myself. If you want to call it that. It certainly aint pretty. I just filled in the defects with bedding epoxy, sanded and a few coats of paint did it for me. I did shorten the forearm to proprtion it to the barrel lenth. It looks pretty good (to my eye) and is more durable than I thought. It is showing some wear now after five years but I think of it as "character" and I cant bear to touch it up. I am not sure if you can finish a kevlar based stock that simply or not. It may be tough to sand.???
In regards to the KEVLAR version. It is a quite-a-bit lighter than fiberglass version that I used. I think it is a better pick if you use the Rem 700 Mt Rifle barreled action as a platform for a rifle because the barrel is very thin reducing weight out front. A lighter stock may allow the rifle to balance better.
Best regards, John358

I have asked myself the very same questions some years ago.I wanted the lightest rifle that would do the job.The job was to put down sheep.
I knew that at times the distances would be long,arbitrarily lets say max 500y.
I would therefore "need" a flat shooting rifle,rather than bother with a steep trajectory.
When I looked at all trajectories of different calibers etc,I found out that the differences are really not that much.And yes,elk can also fall into this category, you never know what opportunity presents in western mountains.

So I decided to build a 300RUM, flattest calber I could find

Next,what kind of barrel etc
Every gunsmith and barel manufacturer told me that the "light weight" barrels including the new carcon barrels flex too much.
No question they are a (relative) pleasure to schlepp up,but what mattered most to me is the ONE shot I would have up there.
I had to make it count.
I decided to rather take a standard - too heavy rifle up and have it shoot well ,than a leight weight that would not pattern reliably.

these were my thoughts.

I am not an experienced or knowledgable shooter.
I take 1 big hunting trip per year and dont kid myself as to what I am doing.

I bring up this issue to see what actual experiences are there to second the advice I received.

quote:

Every gunsmith and barel manufacturer told me that the "light weight" barrels including the new carcon barrels flex too much.
No question they are a (relative) pleasure to schlepp up,but what mattered most to me is the ONE shot I would have up there.
I had to make it count.

If you are after benchrest competition accuracy, there is certainly some truth to the advice you got. But the way some people denigrate light contour barrels, you'd think that you'd be lucky to shoot a 6" group at 100 yards with one! In the real world (ie. hunting), it really doesn't make much difference.

My 6.5 Gibbs with a "whippy" #1 contour barrel will shoot 3/8" 3 shot groups all day, every day. Its more accurate than you would ever need from a hunting rifle.

If you only go on one big trip a year, particularly if you are guided, obsessing about a light rifle is probably a waste of time.

My best friend, who is a dall sheep guide, does wish some of his hunters would invest in lighter rifles though...he frequently ends up carrying their pack and their rifle, in addition to his own.

Cheers,
Canuck

This topic I believe requires the mention of Melvin Forbes and his NULA rifles. Mine (.30-06) shoots .75 MOA with Federal 180gr TSX and is a joy to carry. I did have a little trouble with the trigger initially, which was quickly rectified. It helped me collect my sheep and two wolves this past September in Alaska.
Don

Hello Guys

Good point raised by Canuck - its always better to lose 5 lbs from your waistline (the bit inside your belt !!) than try to save a last 5 ozs from your rifle !!

Cheers

Canuck said it all about light contour barrels. They are really not contraindicated for a big game light weight hunting rifle...from an accuracy standpoint. It seems the three I own and others I have shot would shoot the first two shots from a cold barrel nicely to the desired point of impact. That satisfies my requirements for hunting. Thats all mine are for.
What I wonder more about is what I give up in shootability and steadiness. The wind, my pulse and my breathing surely effect light rifles more. I was worried about offhand shooting because I noticed it in practice. So far it hasnt been an issue in the field. I made two very tough offhand shots recently that have got me thinking that I am not giving up much in that department. I sure do like to carry a 7lb rifle
Best regards, John358

I've carried my 300 Rem Ultra Mag Sendero up the mountain for the last time. My Model 70 Featherweight in 30-06 is next in line.

well I'm down to one rifle..
remember what they say about a man with only one rifle - BEWARE!!



I was down to one shotgun until an old family 20ga came home.
my favorite shotgun- 12ga. Browning BPS with Briley chokes, mag porting, camo teflon.



I'm a happy camper with either of those or my trusty recurve.



If I can't do it with these 3 then I'm not going !!

quote:

Good point raised by Canuck - its always better to lose 5 lbs from your waistline (the bit inside your belt !!) than try to save a last 5 ozs from your rifle !!

Actually, I think its good to lose 5 pounds from your waistline AND 5 ozs from your rifle. If you do any amount of mountain hunting anyway.

A pound in your hand is like 5 lbs on your shoulders. BUT, nothing compares with being as fit as possible before going to the mountains. It doesn't have to be an "or" thing.

Cheers,
Canuck

Backing is always easier w/ a lighter rifle. A factory long action 700 Ti w/ the light barrel, .550 at the muzzle, Aluminum mounts/rings & 2.5x8 leupold weighs in at 6.5 ready to hunt. I'd like a bit heavier barrel & might later.

I come to think of a Winchester m94

Greetings Gentlemen,
My name is Greg, and I live at 587 feet in Michigan. I spend time every spring and fall at altitude. Hunting birds, photographing and camping.
I'll post some pics later.
As far as lightweight rifles go, I have 2, a 700Ti in 308, cold shot accurate to 400 yards, and a 700Mt in 243.
It is very difficult to shoot ultra lite rifles well. I find my 308 to be a little harsh from the bench. And I weigh 220. Often I wish they were a little heavier in the barrel just for the steadiness factor.

Training your heart and lungs prior to your climbs makes the shot much easier. Practicing with a .22 and a mountain bike before your trip helps a great deal as well. The whole process of getting down, getting a rest, finding the target, breathing, relaxing, and taking a good first shot, requires practice to be consistent.
Preparedness can save your trip.

Just try hitting a 3" target at 100 yards when your heart is beating 140BPM. It's very hard.

quote:

Originally posted by Canuck:

So, I had a gunsmith (Chris Kotkas) put the rifle together for me. He turned some weight off the action, skeletonized the bolt and nickel plated both. He put on a #1 contour Douglas barrel, finished at 24" and chambered to 6.5 Gibbs. I put on a temporary PRI synthetic stock and a Leupold M8 6x scope (my favorite). Fully dressed and loaded, it weighed 7.5 lbs. With a Kevlar Pounder stock, I trim another 14 oz's off that weight.


Cheers,
Canuck

About how much weight can be saved by turning down a Rem 700 action?

While at first glance it would seem an ultralight rifle would be a very desireable thing, Do any of you shoot one very often?,
I have struggled with keeping UL stocks in the pocket during recoil. I've worked on my follow through, and recoil acceptance, and still struggle to return to target after recoil.
Getting the first solid view of the target while panting is way harder with my 308 than my 7mag. Getting steady, and making the first shot count is a very important thing to me.
I suspect recoil and getting a steady sight picture is one of the reasons there are so many used handi rifles at my local gunshop.
My .243 Mt (non-dm) weighs 6,11oz w/3-12 X42 on it. I'm going down to a 6x single VXlll w/mildot to get better eye relief and balance.