What weight for a predator rifle?

I like lightweight calling rigs. The 2 I use most are 7.5 lbs all up or less.

MY 20" RRA PP is the only calling rifle I use that is heavier than I prefer......
 
Originally Posted By: VarminterrorAs heavy as you're willing to carry. For some guys, that's 7lbs, for other guys, that's 20lbs. I don't wear your pants, you don't wear mine.

Oh no you didn't just throw a 20lb stick in the mix
wink.gif
 
When I started hunting coyotes I thought my 70's vintage 700 varmint special in .22-250 would be the bomb. I quickly discovered there's a lot more walking involved hunting predators than there is shooting groundhogs and such.
I quickly obtained a sporter weight model 700 BDL and found it to be a much better predator rifle.
I've tried a couple of featherweight rifles and find them OK for called coyotes under 200 yards, but I definitely shoot my medium weight rifles better when ranges exceed 200 yards or so. I've concluded that for me, the combination of weight and long range accuracy of my Remington 700 SPS stainless, with it's sporter weight barrel, and light "Tupperware" stock, makes it about perfect for predator work.
 
Everyone's hunting situation is different. Some people walk in and sit down and stay put so lugging in a 14lb rifle might not be that big of a deal to them. When I first got serious about coyote hunting years ago I built a sweet AR-15 with a 20" bull barrel and all the trimmings. I might have well been lugging in a recliner to sit on!! Now, I have a 16" AR-15 carbine with only the necessities as my primary go to rifle. It works perfect for most of my yote hunting. If I plan to be a whole lot more mobile on a particular day then I might opt to take a bolt action with sporter barrel.
 
If I were to make a recommendation to a feller in your situation then I would say give a hard look at a CZ 527 American .223. Excellent rifle, good weight and awesome accuracy. Oh and that single set trigger is amazing. The price is right too.
 
While weight can certainly help steady steady aim and a bull barrel reduce whip it's no guarantee of accuracy.I shoot that CZ Harley mentioned.Very nice gun!
 
Don't discount the Tikka T3s simply because they are a bit more money. In a years time you will likely have forgotten the price difference, and they are truly excellent rifles.

A T3 Lite stainless in a composite stock, in .308,6.5 Swede, or.260 would work rather well. The latter two are tough to find in the lower 48, but where you are at, you are likely able to order chamberings that beretta will not import into the U.S.

I have had more than a half dozen T3s and they are boringly accurate right from the box. I cut my lite stainless .308 to 20"s and now it seems to get used on everything.
 
Originally Posted By: skinneyOriginally Posted By: VarminterrorAs heavy as you're willing to carry. For some guys, that's 7lbs, for other guys, that's 20lbs. I don't wear your pants, you don't wear mine.

Oh no you didn't just throw a 20lb stick in the mix
wink.gif


do you have one under 20lbs skinney?????
 
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