How Much Should a Hunting Rifle Weight? 

Weight is an important consideration in the choice of a rifle. It can make a big difference in your ability to manage recoil and carry the weapon in the field. 

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The weight of a hunting rifle is one of the most common questions on gun forums. Many hunters are tempted to get a light barrel on a rifle they intend to hunt with, thinking it will be more accurate and will allow them to shoot harder. However, this often turns out to be a waste of time and money. 

A hunting rifle should not weigh more than 6.5 to 7.5 pounds. This range is a good compromise between the need to be able to comfortably carry the rifle while still being able to manage the recoil. 

If your rifle is more than a few pounds heavier than this, you should consider a lighter model. Some of the lightest rimfire hunting rifles on the market today weigh under 4 pounds, including some made of walnut. 

Those lighter models are great for backpacking and long hikes. They are also easier to handle, especially if you’re a newer hunter and don’t yet have the muscle mass to manage the heavy recoil of a.30 calibers. 

Rifles for powerful cartridges should be slightly heavier than a light rimfire rifle for the same purpose, but not more. This is to keep the rifle from kicking as much when fired, which can be quite a shock for new shooters and can cause them to miss targets on a target practice session. 

This rule of thumb applies to both rimfire and centerfire rifles, but it is particularly important for varmint shooting, where the added weight makes it harder to carry. It is also a good idea to avoid detachable magazines, which add unneeded weight and can poke you in the back when carried. 

The stock is another significant factor in how the rifle feels in the hand. A slim grip and fore-end that fit your hands are more comfortable, while a stock with a rounded bottom feels clunky. 

A good stock can make all the difference in how well a rifle performs in the field, and a good hunter should take great care to choose a stock that works best for him or her. Some hunters prefer a flat bottom for prone shooting, while others feel a more rounded bottom is better for steadying on rests. 

For most hunters, the right stock is a combination of shape, contour, and weight. The ideal stock should have a slim grip and fore-end that fits the hands, but also have enough weight to give the hunter the confidence he or she needs. 

If you are unsure about what kind of stock to buy, talk to your local gun shop and ask them for recommendations. You can also search online for reviews of different types of stocks from various manufacturers. 

Some hunters will also consider the weight of the action and the size of the magazine. While this is an issue that should be considered when making a purchase, it is not a primary consideration when choosing a hunting rifle.