When you’re miles from civilization, your firearm becomes your lifeline. Backcountry hunting demands a weapon that can withstand harsh conditions, maintain accuracy over long distances, and bring down game efficiently. The right gun can mean the difference between a successful hunt and a grueling trek home empty-handed. This list covers 15 firearms that have proven their worth in the unforgiving wilderness, from lightweight mountain rifles to versatile shotguns. Each selection balances power, accuracy, and portability to meet the unique challenges of backcountry hunting.
1. Remington 700 Mountain Rifle
The Remington 700 Mountain Rifle is a lightweight powerhouse designed for high-country hunts. Weighing in at just 5.5 pounds, it’s a breeze to carry on long treks. The stainless steel barrel and action resist corrosion in wet conditions. Available in calibers from .260 Remington to .300 Win Mag, it’s capable of taking down anything from deer to elk at long range. The rifle’s Bell and Carlson synthetic stock features a raised comb for proper cheek weld when using scopes, enhancing accuracy in the field.
2. Weatherby Mark V Ultralight
Weatherby’s Mark V Ultralight lives up to its name, tipping the scales at a mere 5.75 pounds. Its 6-lug action is renowned for strength and smoothness. The fluted barrel and composite stock contribute to its featherweight status without sacrificing accuracy. Chambered in potent calibers like .270 Win and .300 Wby Mag, it’s a top choice for mountain goat and bighorn sheep hunts. The rifle’s hand-lapped barrel ensures superior accuracy, often producing sub-MOA groups right out of the box.
3. Savage 110 Ultralite
The Savage 110 Ultralite combines modern materials with time-tested design. Its carbon fiber-wrapped barrel shaves weight while maintaining accuracy. The adjustable AccuTrigger allows for a crisp, customizable pull. At 6 pounds even, it’s comfortable to carry all day. Available in calibers from .280 Ackley Improved to .300 Win Mag, it’s versatile enough for most big game. The rifle’s spiral-fluted bolt reduces weight and provides smoother cycling, especially in cold conditions.
4. Tikka T3x Lite
Finnish-made Tikka rifles are known for their smooth action and out-of-the-box accuracy. The T3x Lite weighs 6.5 pounds and features a synthetic stock that stands up to rough use. Its cold hammer-forged barrel delivers consistent accuracy. With caliber options from .223 Rem to .300 Win Mag, it’s suitable for everything from varmints to large ungulates. The T3x’s modular stock design allows for easy customization, including changing the pistol grip angle for improved ergonomics.
5. Browning X-Bolt Pro
The X-Bolt Pro takes Browning’s popular X-Bolt to the next level with a carbon fiber stock and fluted barrel. It weighs just 6 pounds 1 ounce in short action calibers. The adjustable feather trigger breaks clean at 3-5 pounds. Available in calibers up to .300 Win Mag, it’s capable of ethically harvesting any North American game animal. The rifle’s Cerakote finish on metal surfaces provides excellent protection against rust and corrosion in harsh backcountry conditions.
6. Christensen Arms Mesa
Christensen Arms brings aerospace technology to hunting rifles. The Mesa features a carbon fiber-wrapped barrel and a lightweight synthetic stock. It weighs 6.5 pounds and maintains sub-MOA accuracy. The action is smoothed and tuned for reliable feeding and extraction. Caliber options from .223 Rem to .300 Win Mag make it adaptable to various hunting scenarios. The Mesa’s match-grade trigger is user-adjustable from 2.5 to 5 pounds, allowing hunters to fine-tune the pull weight to their preference.
7. Winchester Model 70 Featherweight
The “Rifleman’s Rifle” has been a backcountry staple for generations. The Featherweight version tips the scales at 7 pounds. Its controlled round feed action is legendary for reliability. The wood stock adds classic appeal without excessive weight. Available in calibers from .243 Win to .30-06 Springfield, it’s a versatile choice for most hunting situations. The Model 70’s three-position safety allows for safe unloading while keeping the bolt locked, a valuable feature when navigating rough terrain.
8. Ruger Hawkeye FTW Hunter
Ruger’s Hawkeye FTW Hunter is built for long-range accuracy in rugged conditions. Its stainless steel action and barrel resist corrosion. The laminate stock is stable in varying weather. Weighing 7.2 pounds, it’s on the heavier side but manageable. Chambered in hard-hitting calibers like .300 Win Mag and .338 RCM, it’s ideal for larger game at extended ranges. The rifle’s integral muzzle brake reduces felt recoil by up to 50%, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and increased shooting comfort.
9. Mossberg Patriot Predator
The Patriot Predator offers great value for backcountry hunters on a budget. Its synthetic stock and fluted barrel keep weight down to 6.5 pounds. The adjustable LBA trigger allows for a crisp pull. Available in calibers from .243 Win to .300 Win Mag, it’s capable of taking game from antelope to elk. The Patriot Predator comes with a 4-16x44mm scope mounted and bore-sighted, providing out-of-the-box long-range capability for hunters on a tight budget.
10. Kimber Mountain Ascent
Kimber’s Mountain Ascent is purpose-built for high-country hunting. It weighs an astonishing 4 pounds 13 ounces, making it one of the lightest production rifles available. The carbon fiber stock and fluted barrel contribute to its minimal weight. Despite its lightness, it maintains sub-MOA accuracy. Chambered in calibers up to .300 Win Mag, it’s suitable for most big game hunts. The Mountain Ascent features a threaded muzzle, allowing for the easy addition of a suppressor or muzzle brake to further enhance its backcountry performance.
11. Sako 85 Carbonlight
Sako’s reputation for quality shines in the 85 Carbonlight. Its carbon fiber stock is both lightweight and rigid. The fluted, stainless steel barrel balances weight reduction with accuracy. At 5.5 pounds, it’s easy to carry on long stalks. Available in calibers from .243 Win to .300 Win Mag, it’s versatile enough for most hunting situations. The 85 Carbonlight features Sako’s unique dovetail scope mount system, providing a low-profile, secure optics mounting solution ideal for rough backcountry use.
12. Benelli R1 Big Game Rifle
For those who prefer semi-autos, the Benelli R1 offers quick follow-up shots. Its ARGO (Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated) system reduces felt recoil. The synthetic stock and 22-inch barrel keep weight manageable at 7.1 pounds. Chambered in hard-hitting calibers like .300 Win Mag and .338 Win Mag, it’s capable of taking the largest game. The R1’s chrome-lined barrel ensures longevity and resistance to fouling, maintaining accuracy even after extended use in harsh conditions.
13. Marlin 1895 SBL
Lever actions have a place in the backcountry, and the Marlin 1895 SBL shines in thick brush. Chambered in .45-70 Govt, it delivers bone-crushing power at close range. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion in wet conditions. At 7.5 pounds, it’s not ultralight but manageable. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in dense cover. The 1895 SBL features an XS Lever Rail and ghost ring sights, providing versatility for mounting optics or using iron sights in close-quarters hunting situations.
14. Savage 212 Slug Gun
For areas restricted to shotguns, the Savage 212 delivers rifle-like accuracy. Its bolt-action design is more precise than typical slug guns. The 22-inch barrel is fully rifled for use with sabot slugs. Weighing 7.5 pounds, it’s reasonable to carry. Effective out to 200 yards, it’s ideal for deer hunting in shotgun-only zones. The 212 utilizes Savage’s AccuFit system, allowing hunters to adjust length-of-pull and comb height for a perfect fit, enhancing accuracy and comfort.
15. Browning BLR Lightweight ’81
Another excellent lever-action option, the BLR Lightweight ’81 offers detachable box magazines for quick reloads. Its aluminum alloy receiver keeps weight down to 7 pounds. Available in calibers from .243 Win to .358 Win, it’s versatile for various game. The rack-and-pinion lever system is smoother than traditional lever actions, allowing for faster follow-up shots. The BLR’s ability to handle pointed bullets, unlike typical tube-magazine lever actions, allows for improved ballistics and longer effective range in the backcountry.
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