why all this controversy over weight........

JustC

I am not hulk hogan but am in good shape and still on the uphill side of life. I can caryy around a 15lb gun, not up and down 10 miles of mountains, but close enough. I hear a lot of talk of lightenening rifles for carry or SHTF situations. Am I mising something? I can carry the heavy barrels and match guns fine, I just want to know from the guys who have some urban experience or combat experience carrying a rifle (tactical bolt or semi) all day. What is/was your weight and build? what was the terrain? how did you do? any suggestions or recollections of good and bad performance with either type? Thanks guys.remember I posted about the Super Match M1A if that gives you any insight.

royc38

I am like you. Everything has a tradeoff. In the fantasy world I think everyone would like a rifle that weighs 17 1/2 oz when it is being carried and 11 lbs when it is being fired. I myself have shot the "light" rifles in the past and after that I say: make mine heavy please. My favorite rifles are heavy: SKS, M1a Springfield, M1 garand, and Thompson. Although The little m1 carbine is better for carrying than those others, and I love my carbine by the way, I would still rather have my "heavy" Springfield in a duel to the death.

Tailgunner1954

I'll take the heavy ones also, thank you, M1 Garand etc. Right now I'm having the 22"#3 Shillen on my -06 Mauser replaced with a 26"#5 Shillen (same chambering)

JustC

tailgunner, I don't think I have a barrel under .875. I like the tonage. I am having a time deciding on an M1A variation. I am hoping I get some answers that relate, so I can make the right choice. I am leaning toward the super match or M21 but I keep hearing all this and that about their size. How does your garand handle in a daily carry situation?[This message has been edited by JustC (edited 03-21-2002).]

modoc

You are right,there is a trade off somewhere down the line.When carring the light rifle is great the shooting of same tends to be iffy.That is when I slide into my sling.Now I said sling,not carry strap.If used properly the light rifle feels every bit as stable as a heavier rifle and is actually easier to shoot.Most have gotten away from the slings but they work well when used right.Either the military style or the hasty will surprise you.Give them a try......

salzo

Just C- Perhaps you are forgetting that women are employed in areas where they might be in combat. They can cry all they want that they are equal to men, but they are not as strong.

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Happiness is a warm gun

He Dog

Sure Salzo, but some men are not as strong either. In the imortal words of Danny Glover: "I am too old for this stuff!" (Ok I fudged a little.) I think in the mountains where I hunt, a 15# rifle would grind me into the ground by the end of the day. I do however, dislike recoil, so several of my rifles are restocked on laminate, and go about 8#. For me that is a decent compromise between carry all day and hammering recoil.

Tailgunner1954

JustC I'm 5'9 175 and have not had any problem toting the garand all day hunting. We don't have mountians here but we do go from rolling open fields to dense brush. Comes right up and holds steady. Now my wife has stated that it's to heavy for her (5'zip 220) but I think her real problem is the amount of HER thats being hauled around.Now I realize that this may not be the exact answer your after, but it's the best I can do.

JustC

tailgunner, thanks for the experience on the heavy gun.OK GUYS, let me try to narrow the focus somewhat,....I am looking at the M1A super match or the M21. I will hunt crop damage permits from the bull bag, which is obviously no problem. BUT, and this is a BIG BUT, what if I need it for personal defense in an urban or free roaming situation. I don't feel that there is much of a drawback to the extra couple of pounds over the rack model, but I am hearing that I should take this into account. I am 5'10" and 170lbs. I work out enough to burn calories and stay non-flabby. I am not a body builder, but I can hack. I want to know if there is a reason I should not go all the way for the tip-top M1A models instead of the rack grade. I am not a professional sniper, but I often take pointers from one. I plan on being capable of 1000yd accuracy in my life time, therefore, is weight really an issue?Any more real life hunting and combat experiences are also very welcomed. These are the foundation of my questions.Salzo, My wife would be given the AR in a SHTF situation, so the weight issue is mine only. I wouldn't dare give a women of average build a battle rifle to protect herself, it's too much gun.thanks guys. I'm gettin there.

coyote-man

JustC,I have packed around heavy rifles for many years and now I see no need in the heavy weights. I am 6'2" and 205lbs. and just have no need for anything over 11lbs. for my 91/2-10 pounders work just fine for what I need. If you can pack the heavy weights then more power to you, but I think you will rethink the idea of carring a 15 lb. weapon after you reach the age of 50.

robsguns

Normal stand hunting, target shooting, short 2 mile jaunts on normal terrain, these are no problem for a heavy gun, not for me, but I have put myself through a bit of hell a couple times. I am talking about scouting, and hunting at the same time, walking upwards of 6 to 8 hours, up very steep terrain, thick brush, 90 degree temps, etc. I swore after that day I finally knew the realities of using a heavy rifle. Guess what, I wasnt using a heavy rifle, and couldnt imagine having had a heavy one, it was a Remington 7600 18" bbl. 30-06, and I was just about ready to leave the damn thing and come back for it later. So the weight issue is important if you get into some really long, tiresome hunts. Thats the only time it is a factor for me.Oh yes, I'm built like you guys, 6ft. 203lb. Medium build, 46" coat size. By no means small, but not like Dano either.

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SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC[This message has been edited by robsguns (edited 03-21-2002).]

JustC

OK , so what is the weight of the M1A SM? or M21? anybody know? I am thinking 11-12 lbs which pretty much hits on the maximum weight coyote-man mentioned. If I am correct? I would think I could use these heavier models.robsguns, man you did want something to do didn't you? 6-8hrs, 90 degrees, up and down steep terrain, was the hunt worth it? I sure hope you bagged the big daddy or at least found his stomping grounds.I am lucky in that my area of the country is flat, but thick cover is no stranger to these parts.I am still learning, glad I posted this one, keep em coming.

Shootist3006

Wondering if anyone knows the relative weights of the M16/AR15/M1a??? There is not a great deal of difference.The M16A2 (Colt) weighs in at 7.9 lbs while the AR15 (Bushmaster) is 8.27 lbs. These minor calibers are a little lighter than the M1A which weighs 9.2 lbs. Less than a 1 lb. difference between the AR and the M1A, not much extra weight for a LOT of extra performance!

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Quod principi placuit legis habet vigorem.Semper Fidelis

gap1916

I am not sure about controversy, , , but when I am out back packing in the back country and I have to carry everything for a hunt, weight is of importance to me. If i am driving to a hunt and setting up a camp and walking from there it is not so important. Weight of the rifle is not as important as total weight. My 2 cents