[Jedi_7.62]

I was wondering? In the area of features, assuming an "on the go scenario" what would you look for in a hunting vs. sniper rifle? What I mean is Assuming the same rifle base and caliber. 308 assuming on the go NOT a stationary SWAT type scenario. What would you look for?

Thanks,

[dakotasin]

portability.

a light, handy rifle will get you miles ahead of a heavy, mostly-stationary rifle.

[USSR]

The most obvious difference is weight. A good tactical rifle setup will weigh atleast 5 pounds more than a typical hunting rifle.

Don

[dfaugh]

A good tactical rifle setup will weigh at least 5 pounds more than a typical hunting rifle.

Easily....and speaking from experience, even a 1 lb. difference in wieght makes a big differerence, if you've carried it around for and entire day, walking through the wood.

I like the heavy barreled guns, and the accuracy they provide, but not if I'm gonna carry them for any distance. If you have aplave where you can set up and shoot easily, but not if you're gonna have to schlepp it around for long.

[308win]

Also, keep in mind that a fluted barrel will save you quite a bit of weight with little or no scrifice of rigidity.

[dfaugh]

Also, keep in mind that a fluted barrel will save you quite a bit of weight with little or no scrifice of rigidity.

I never quite got this...it probably saves a few ounces, if that...And the other supposed advantage is that it increases surface area for cooling...If you do the math, you'll find the surface area only increases by a small amount.

If you really want to increase surface area, and still maintain rigidity you need radial cuts..been thinking about this as an experiment

[308win]

If you really want to increase surface area, and still maintain rigidity you need radial cuts..been thinking about this as an experiment
Radial cuts would compromise the longitudinal stability unless I am missing something.

[akodo]

generally a shorter lighter handier rifle, narrower barrel helps in all of this.

When hunting, you will likely be carrying that rifle A LOT and shooting VERY LITTLE, hence light is good.

Plus, you basically have a 280 degree arc (unless you are hunting with more people, like on a drive) where your game animal may present itself, hence a light, handy rifle can be swung onto target quicker.

Many tactical rifles have bipods, because prone is very stable. Prone also means the long grass makes it hard for you to see, and the stance takes a while to get into and get out of. A hunting rifle is better off with a good shooting sling for taking shots standing up, plus a pair of shooting sticks so you can 'bipod' while standing or sitting. Sitting is a great hunter position, fast to get into, stable enough, and high enough to be useful.

Finally, a lower powered scope. Two reasons here, it is a lot easier to refind a naturally cameoflagued animal once you switch to your scope if it is on 2X or so, rather than 6X, which is sometimes the lowest setting of ubertactical long range scopes. Also, lower powered scopes have smaller bells,which means it sits closer to the actual barrel. This makes it much less likely that you will swing the gun up and appear to have a clear shot, but the barrel is actually obstructed by a branch 5 feet in front of you.


Of course, this is a 'stalking' style rifle. A hunting rifle designed to take prariedogs would share a lot more similarities with a 'sniper' rifle, as would a rifle designed to be used only on a well designed perminant deer stand.

[Zak Smith]

Rifles designed as sniper weapons instead of hunting tools GENERALLY have the following features:

1. more adjustable stock
2. detachable box magazine
3. two stage military style trigger
4. return to zero / removable scope mounts
5. optics with external knobs to make hits out to 1000+ yards
6. threaded muzzle for brake or suppressor

Two good examples to look at for purpose-built sniper systems are the SAKO TRG-22/42 and the AI AW. These were both designed from the ground up in the last 25 years as sniper weapons.

[cracked butt]

Hunting and precision shooting use rifles from 2 completely different universes as the uses will be completely different. If you want a hunting rifle, by all means get one that is lightweight- the remington model 7 comes to mind. You won't like having to carry a 12-15 lb rifle all day or even a 1/2 mile to a stand when a rifle that weighs 7 lbs will do. You don't need 1/4 minute accuracy for hunting within the .308's effective range, a lightweight bolt gun will be plenty accurate for that application. On the flip side, a heavy barreled bolt with a sturdy synthetic stock with a bipod will make for a much steadier hold and more pleasant shooting at the range.

[308win]

On the flip side, a heavy barreled bolt with a sturdy synthetic stock with a bipod will make for a much steadier hold and more pleasant shooting at the range.

I can attest to that. My Remmy (heavy barrel, synthetic stock, w/o bipod) weighs 15 lbs with scope and sling. The recoil is negligable.

[colt.45]

depends on what your hunting. if your hunting a mountain animal like goat, the extra accuracy is sometimes needed for the 500 yard shots. it all depends on how much weight you are willing to carry.

[USSR]

I never quite got this...it probably saves a few ounces, if that...And the other supposed advantage is that it increases surface area for cooling...If you do the math, you'll find the surface area only increases by a small amount.

Actually, on a heavy contour barrel, it will knock off a pound. However, that being said, the primary benefit of fluting a barrel is not in a reduction in the overall weight of the rifle, but rather to balance a rifle which has a long and heavy contour barrel.

Don