Deer to elk, 60 yards to 600 yards ... what rifle are you grabbing this year?

The title is clear enough I think ... one rifle to rule them all.

Rifle season is almost here in MT. Last year I shot three big critters and one smaller one using a Tikka T3 TAC chambered in .300 Win Mag (Federal Trophy Copper 180gr) with no runners but more bloodshot meat than I'd like, so this year I'll be using this custom Kimber chambered in .308 Win. It'll shoot Federal Trophy Copper 150gr and 165gr ammunition into 5-shot sub 5/8" groups and a Barnes LRX 175gr hand load into 1/2" or better groups.

With 5+1 rounds of Federal Trophy Copper 150gr the entire package as shown below is under 10lb which is good in my book. A 10-round magazine loaded to capacity will put it just over 10lb.

Easy to carry, easy to shoot, this rifle should be perfect for this hunting season. The only things that would significantly improve this rifle would be a Tikka or Sako action and a two-stage trigger.

Kimber 84M custom action
Proof 24" barrel
AG Composites carbon fiber stock
CDI Precison custom bottom metal
MAGPUL PMAG 5 7.62 AC
TriggerTech trigger
SilencerCo Omega suppressor
ASR brake and adapter
MAGPUL MS1 QDM sling
Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50mm F1
Nightforce Ultralight rings
EGW 30 MOA rail

horsemen61 said:

Easy Browning Hunter Long range 6.5 PRC*

*Next year it will have a TBAC ULTRA 7 can on it!

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Nice. How about a photo? I'm looking forward to getting TBAC ULTRA-9 and ULTRA-7 suppressors next year. If my AAC Mk13-SD is back from ECCO Machine in time I might switch out the Omega. The Mk13 has a Ti tube and is lighter than the Omega. Not a big deal though.

KsSkaEnthusiast said:

what's the overall weight on that rifle?

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Not sure if you're asking me or @horsemen61, but the rifle as shown above with 5+1 rounds loaded is 9lb 15oz. Not bad given what it is and how it shoots.

horsemen61 said:

Ask and ye shall receive.

I just got it but I assure you it will be ready for opening Day!

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Very nice! I've shot a few Brownings, never owned one but have always liked them. I shot a Hell's Canyon a few years ago at the Media Day event in LV and liked it for sure.

Encoreman said:

It should be what ammo do you have, pick a rifle in that caliber!! LOL

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Not a problem for me but I'm sure it's a real issue for some hunters.

Navy87Guy said:

Unfortunately I don’t live where a 600-yd shot for elk is an option!

I’ll be taking my Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle in .308 back out this year. From 25 to 300 yds, I’m confident she’ll get the job done!

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I've wanted a Ruger Scout Rifle since they first came out. I'm going to have to fix that soon.

Bill Raby said:

At one time people managed to kill animals with flintlocks. Somehow the Indians managed to survive using spears and bows. Today you need to stick together a few thousand dollars worth of gadgets to do it. 600 yard shots? You would have to be a really lousy hunter if that is as close as you can get. It must be a city guy thing.

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Yep, I figured it'd just be a matter of time before some small brained, know-it-all, tough guy troll showed up. If you don't like the idea of real-world hunting where getting close isn't always an option you're always free to enjoy your flintlock, bow or rock. Knock yourself out ... literally!