I was handling my J. C. Higgins M50, a rifle built in the early 50’s around an FN action, and was just noticing how thin the barrel was and how overall light it was. I have a number of other 30-06 commercial rifles, most recently a M700 with a Synthetic stock. After going to the gunstore and asking one of the Gun Club gray beards, who has a huge collection of rifles, I am of the conclusion that early 20th Century hunting rifles tend to be lighter than late 20th Century hunting rifles. The Gray Beard agreed, later rifles tend to be heavier.

There are exceptions of course, a M1886 Winchester, monster target rifles, but basically if it was hand carried, the older firearm is lighter.

While this proposition may be false, I think it is true, and I think it is because late 20th Century people drive everywhere. The four wheeler ATV has meant that you can ride in, carry about 300 pounds of gear on the thing, and if you shoot something, you can strap it on the back with all the gear, and ride out. I was told that in the State of Tennessee, you don’t have to get off your ATV, you can shoot while strapped in!.

Prior to the invention of the four wheel drive truck and these four wheelers ATV’s you had to walk to your hunting spot. Or you rode a horse. If you shot something, you had to pack it out. On foot or by horse and you carried your gear with you. So heavy equipment was not something anyone wanted to carry.

Anyone else seen this trend?

I think it's the otherway, most rifles I have seen from the pre64 era are actually a bit heavier. The rifle scopes today are gett bigger but about the same weight as they are now aluminum v steel. Too many of those old Springfield sporters around that go 9# w/o scope.

I think you're given a choice.....look to the Winchester featherweight in 30-06 or Remington's mountain rifle in the same caliber.....these are lighter than the FN you have...not by much but lighter.

I think it choice. You can get about any combination.
My older model 70 with a wood stock is a pound and a half heavier than my new synthetic M70
I have an older mauser in 243 that is verry light and a gew in 30/06 built in 1975 that has a target style shape and is also light.
all these rifles have 24" barrels with diffrent contures except the m70's

I've actually noticed the same thing, the barrel wall thickness on the older guns is lighter and is what usually gets my attention. A friend had told me that people now fire more from a bench than in hunting situations which is the opposite of yesteryear. Which also explains the culvert pipe sized scopes that are now "must haves" by about 99% of the shooting populace, and don't forget that adjustable objective, you won't remember or have time to fool with it and it won't make any difference in a hunting situation but....must have ya know.

If you are looking for modern light try a mod. 200 Stevens in .270, .308 or 30,06. roger

quote:

Originally posted by Chuck Scorse:
I've actually noticed the same thing, the barrel wall thickness on the older guns is lighter and is what usually gets my attention. A friend had told me that people now fire more from a bench than in hunting situations which is the opposite of yesteryear. Which also explains the culvert pipe sized scopes that are now "must haves" by about 99% of the shooting populace, and don't forget that adjustable objective, you won't remember or have time to fool with it and it won't make any difference in a hunting situation but....must have ya know.

Yeah it makes a big difference if you see a big buck at 40 yards and you have it set on 300 all you see is a big blur

I have a higgins 50 in the same caliber, and its prety light, I also have an FN=270 marked 1951. Its not so light. Both are great shooters though.
My Higgins has been restocked by a previous owner, I plan to build a semi custom around the barrel action. But a NEGC wrap around front site on it a a nice piece of walnut , with about as little wood as I can use and still make it fit me. No cheek piece , slim forend mabye shaped somthing like a classic fetherweight model 70.
Hope to start on it in december...tj3006

Well just speaking for myself and the few people I hunt with some of us hunt no different than the "old way". No ATV's, hike in hike out. Kill an animal and you have a cut up and pack job on your hands or on your back is more like it.
I do see some people lugging around some big clunkers but most all of my rifles are pretty trim. I intentionally buy them that way because of the way I hunt. I couldn't generalize like that because there are so many choices today you can buy a heavy or buy a light one they are all out there for the choosing.