A Perfect Rifle For Backpack Hunting - Lightweight, Compact, and Tough

[@phild9813]

I’m not a big chassis guy, but I really appreciate your setup. That weight is a good compromise, and the folding stock makes the length with the suppressor manageable. Nothing drives me crazier than massive scopes on big game hunting rifles, but the 2-10 is probably perfect. There’s a reason why 3-9 has been so popular for so many years. 2-10 ought to be the “new” 3-9, but everyone wants 25x lol.

[@ExoMtnGear]

Yup!

[@JAC8504]

the Athlon Helos 2-12 is nice for the price point!

[@Matt-to3jo]

You selected the same scope i picked for my Cross for the exact same reasons. Excellent setup

[@torreyintahoe]

I've shifted mainly to archery but this looks like a very streamlined reliable setup. I do have an NXS5.5-22 on my 7mm rem mag and it's fantastic.

[@masone4589]

That thing is a masterpiece!

[@jamesmooney5348]

Wow, very impressive video! As well as the rifle it's self is exceptional! Great delivery of information! Great job! 👍

[@barrettanderson2781]

Anyone looking for a lightweight gun should look into the Howa Superlite. The 6.5CM weighs 4lbs 7ozs.

[@musician445]

Might wanna try out the One Hundred Concepts scope caps. Maybe the one with the built in ARD if you're into that. The one down side is that they can make some noise, but I heard a guy mention that he was gonna put some leather on the inside to prevent it from clicking around when disengaged. I was originally considering the HNT26, but after reading your article and realizing that another company makes a magnesium chassis, I'm considering the XLR for sure. The price and weight doesn't come out to much different at all and the XLR has some awesome features (although doesn't look as cool imo lol). Considering going 16" and giving myself a bit more room for my Hyperion. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience, it is a driving factor behind why we change our gear choices for sure when we really test what works and what doesn't.

[@quik_the_messiah5179]

Thanks Mark!

[@GM-fw7ho]

Great setup. Thanks for sharing

[@Chrissers2010]

Excellent video!

[@coachbob6894]

I love my XLR Element 4 Chassis. Nice build

[@adamboyd21]

Great video! So much relevant info. Thanks.

[@ExoMtnGear]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jamesmooney5348]

My first time seeing Mark. He must not be in many videos? Great job. I'll have to check out the links.,

[@MTNGear]

Great break down and info.

[@snowplow7883]

What’s the day in day out accuracy of this setup? Would love to see you shoot it with the single cold bore shot at a 5” disc at 500 yards

[@aquila_brown]

Great video as always. Thanks for sharing

[@woodywoodpecker3643]

Nice work! I’ve been wanting to build out a chassis gun in left hand.(lefties unite!) Hard to find. Was looking at 7prc but may look into 7 saum. So great you left the links to everything. TY

[@ExoMtnGear]

7PRC would be a great choice if you don’t mind a long action and a bit more recoil. It has the big advantage of offering factory ammunition.

[@Australian_Hunting_Backcountry]

Great to see the Mtn gear bipod there. It would be great if Nightforce made some more suitable ’hunting’ reticles for FFP also.

[@soonerfrac4611]

My AR10-ish is running an old Horus Vision Hunter model with the H-130 reticle. I’ve asked both Horus & Nightforce to please reintroduce this reticle into their lineup and basically got told not gonna happen.

[@dylanbraamse8365]

Exo Mountain Gear how do you combine a buffalo rifle, elephant rifle, express rifle, punt gun and varmint rifle in one hunting rifle in real life anyway?

[@seetownwv]

Getting to do a 7 PRC in 18 barrel an have several lbs of RL23 so pretty interested to hear that. Gun looks awesome. Waiting on my first XLR for my Tikka but I am 90 percent sure the 7 is gonna get one unless Ultradyne comes out with some more action options. Nice to see a lefty rifle that nice.

[@ExoMtnGear]

Nice! Sounds like you’ll have a great setup.

[@corridemontigny4337]

Can you share the link for your comparison between the two chassis? I am down to those two and trying to decide. Would love to see it.

[@ExoMtnGear]

exomtngear.com/chassis

[@crdavis61]

Great video and you now have a new subscriber. I my have missed it, but what is the overall weight of the set up?

[@ExoMtnGear]

Just over 8lbs scoped and suppressed

[@robertgoertzen3908]

I run the same scope. Hands down best scope caps for hunting on the NXS 2.5-10 (or any scope where power adjustment doesn’t turn the entire ocular) is the Aadland Engineering. I’m confident you won’t be disappointed and they would replace your BC.

[@ExoMtnGear]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@MrTdacosta]

Are the caps made out of plastic or aluminum?

[@TrackDayPorsche911]

I would very much disagree. The caps are well liked in the tactical world, I’m an AR guy, so I bought them for my 2.5-10 NSX on a Seekins Precision Hunter in 6.5CM. The caps, are LOUD. The loudest caps I’ve ever used. The plastic material, is very hard. I hunt in the rain, 90% of the time, so my caps stay closed until I think an animal is near. Popping the AE caps open, can be heard from 80 yards away. Not good for hunting. The Leupold magnetic caps have been the quietest I’ve found (on Leupold glass). They just may pop open if you’re tromping through deep brush. I have yet to find good caps for the NXS.

[@D3l3ri0us]

Great video, very informative!! Did the Sterling Precision folks build this one for you too?

[@ExoMtnGear]

Yes, I did have them chamber this barrel and spin it up on the action. As always, they did a fantastic job! -Mark

[@AaronL-f1r]

Sendero light on this build vs sendero on the previous 7 SAUM? I went with a 20" sendero light and TBAC Ultra 5 on a 6.5 PRC. A few naysayers out there about the sendero light barrels but mine shoots well. I do think the slightly larger diameter of the regular sendero looks better with a suppressor but do not like the weight penalty.

[@ExoMtnGear]

The Light was the only profile available for 18” in 7mm, but it has been great. My previous 22” was Sendero. No complaints either way for me.

[@Barely_Outdoors]

Thanks very much for you time

[@jordanbrown8327]

Stunning set up , ready for a exo trip to come and visit New Zealand

[@boomaf1620]

Fantastic setup and great info! I'm building a similar rifle and much appreciate your video. Which height option did you use on the scope rings?

[@ExoMtnGear]

Low height for the Hawkins rings.

[@wellisnz]

Hi Mark exceptional video with great detail. This rifle is nearly what i am looking at building. Couple of questions. Im thinking 7prc with the defiance ti x action. Can you saum loads mag feed or are they single feed with those 175s? Also do you have any things you dont like about the xlr chassis or does the folding stock negate any problems. Thanks William

[@ExoMtnGear]

The 175s are loaded at mag length (short action) and feed great. Really happy with the XLR overall. I have some things I’d like to see changed in a perfect world, but it is my favorite chassis on the market right now. -Mark

[@xcracer311]

I’ve had good luck with lighter bullets running a suppressor , sacrificing some BC but I can run a faster powder. And I believe this is a lot more efficient with a 20 inch barrel, with possibly less powder going down the barrel.

[@ExoMtnGear]

I have run 143, 155, 160, 168, and 175 grain bullets in this setup, using faster/slower powders. I have had pretty good results across the board, but the 175g with RL-23 has had the most consistent ES/SD overall, which is a good indication that the powder is burning quite fully and consistently. In my experience, light bullets and faster powders can work really well in short barrels, but that isn't exclusively true for all cartridges and barrels. -Mark

[@dc2090]

What's the weight? Basically looking for a factory version of this in probably 7mmPRC...

[@ExoMtnGear]

It weighs just over 8lbs ready to hunt (with suppressor).

[@dools_rules]

What are your thoughts on the Tikka Compact .308 20” barrel (not the tactical version) as a decent mountain rifle? Mainly used for sheep, 500yrd max.

[@ExoMtnGear]

Tikka rifles are generally great for the money

[@AlphaIncog]

Great video. Are you able to seat all the bullets you’ve tried to the lands within magazine length with your chambering? Who chambered it? Not sure if it was covered in the video does the AnTi X rail have any can’t built into it?

[@ExoMtnGear]

Chambered by Sterling Precision. I don’t chase the lands, so won’t comment there. My anTi-X has 20 MOA built in, but I think they offer a 0 MOA option as well.

[@DirtNapSpecialist]

Great video and rifle build...I now have my 18 inch rifle build complete and I"m moving on to load development and I too am utilizing the 175 grain ELD-X and 175 ABLR initially for the high BC and maximizing my shorter suppressed barrel. Can you please give me more specifics on your load so it's all in one place. I'll definitely do my own development working up but your rifles final loads/speeds would help save time in the development. Final charge and COAL for the bullets you've settled on would be very valuable. Thank you sir!

[@ExoMtnGear]

I use 58.5 RL-23 and average 2760fps from the 18” barrel. CBTO is 2.220”, which if I recall correctly is 2.915” OAL. -Mark

[@josephkershner4451]

@@ExoMtnGear Mark, what is the max COAL that you can fit in that mag with the true short action? I'm sold on the 7Saum and considering that defiance action, though I might just take the extra weight on a Tikka action for the significant $ savings. thanks for all the fantastic content you put out! edit the Hawkins chassis mag states 2.980" interior length

[@marcussmith9912]

Any specific reason you went with the pic rail mount for the bipod instead of the arca mount?

[@ExoMtnGear]

The Mtn Bipod didn’t offer an ARCA version at that time. They do now, and that is what I am using.

[@jeffvens9016]

Absolutely love your rifle. Am planning a very similar build. My question is what you feel the difference or advantages of 7 SAUM vs 7 PRC . Appreciate any insight. I’m looking for a one rifle does most hunting rifle .

[@ExoMtnGear]

I've been shooting 7 SAUM for years, before 7 PRC existed. The main benefit of 7 PRC would be the availability of factor ammo, which does not exist for SAUM. PRC will also be a bit faster than SAUM, but that comes at the expense of added recoil, and that extra speed doesn't really gain you much in all reality (as a hunter). The PRC must use a Long action, whereas the SAUM can be built on a Short action. In general, they are both great do-it-all hunting cartridges.

[@natepaul5403]

Great video! I’m looking at building a very similar rifle. Does anyone make a 10 round magazine that would work with this exact setup?

[@ExoMtnGear]

If you stick with a short action and a magnum bolt face, I believe the highest capacity magazine is 7 rounds

[@plank3000]

Would love to see some range videos of this bad boy

[@ethanrall2678]

Thoughts on 7saum given the recent content about smaller calibers? I am having a clone of this rifle built currently but I’d still like to hear if you build this rifle today would it still be a 7 Saum?

[@ExoMtnGear]

I (Mark) am super happy with the 7 SAUM and plan to keep using it as my primary big game cartridge. Can’t say what I would choose if I were starting over today, as I haven’t given that genuine thought. But I don’t have plans to change when the 7 SAUM keeps working so well for me.

[@justinmorrall5958]

I’m curious what the COAL of the 7 SAUM cartridges you shoot is? I’d love to build an almost identical firearm, but I would be using a tikka action. I am curious if the tikka short action would be long enough to shoot the rounds you have been using. Right now my firearm is setup as a long action 7 rem mag in an XLR chassis, but want access to other magazines. Thanks for all the information regardless.

[@ExoMtnGear]

The Tikka actions actually are longer than a true Rem 700 Short Action, which is what I have. You’ll have no problem with length for a 7SAUM on a “short” Tikka. Do some research on Tikka action lengths and bolt stops to learn more. -Mark

[@justinmorrall5958]

@@ExoMtnGear I had no idea Remington 700 short actions were shorter. I appreciate the reply and will certainly dive much deeper into the topic. Thank you.

[@kscarrington]

Mark - I’m curious, what has been your experience shooting off of the Aziak tripod?

[@ExoMtnGear]

Extremely positive for such an ultralight tripod. It isn’t a dedicated shooting tripod, but for a lightweight, backpacking tripod can could be used for a hunting shot, it is great.

[@kscarrington]

@@ExoMtnGear awesome, thanks for the prompt feedback.

[@milo555100]

Thank you for the video. Very impressive rifle. Im a Florida resident but I spend a ton of mental energy building the “perfect” Rifle (in my mind). It’s light and short and chambered in 300wsm or 7prc. Question for ya… Do you think 7mm08 is too light for (out west) game?

[@ExoMtnGear]

Like any “smaller” cartridge for big game, 7mm-08 can get the job done if you are mindful of bullet choice, shot distance, and placement on game.

[@timdixon4883]

Are you able to find out reamer specs. Very cool build.

[@ExoMtnGear]

SAAMI spec was used.

[@phantom4941]

What's your load data on that round? Is it running hot at 2770?

[@ExoMtnGear]

58.5g of RL-23 with WLRM primers in ADG brass. Not getting pressure. N560 would be my second choice powder for a similar bullet/load.

[@phantom4941]

@@ExoMtnGear awesome thank you

[@peterbrouwer143]

Thank you for a run down on your build! I’m headed out to Idaho next week for my very first backcountry Elk hunt! I am looking to add a lightweight tripod to my gear. Would this Aziak hold up to shooting from a seated position or do you recommend another more sturdier tripod option? Thanks again!

[@ExoMtnGear]

Good luck on the hunt! The Aziak Tripod can be used for shooting in hunting situations, but wouldn’t be a primary tripod for high round count shooting (competition, recreation, etc).

[@garyschricker8425]

What barrel twist rate are you using on the 7saum?

[@ExoMtnGear]

1:8

[@rodrigopradof]

What is its weight without scope supressor not magazine

[@qb7384]

Curious about what it took to build it,machine work,tools etc or did you pay to have it assembled?

[@ExoMtnGear]

It would be possible to build this yourself if you use a pre-fit barrel, but I had Sterling Precision chamber, finish, and install the barrel to the action for me. -Mark

[@qb7384]

Does anti x action have moa built in or none?

[@ExoMtnGear]

You can choose 0 or 20 MOA. Mark’s action has 20.

[@Butters283]

Can you run this setup without the suppressor?

[@ExoMtnGear]

Sure. A suppressor isn’t required.

[@BrooklynBowyer]

Love it. Can't wait to get my 7SAUM up and running.

[@GeirMeyer]

Love the video..

[@Elkmountainrevolution]

You can also spend half that on a weatherby or howa that’s lighter and shoots just as good

[@ExoMtnGear]

You absolutely can, there are a ton of great shooting guns out there these days.

[@alanmeyers3957]

Cool, a PRS rig for mountain hunting.

[@qb7384]

How come you didn’t just go 5/8 direct thread?

[@ExoMtnGear]

For the Thunderbeast Ultra suppressors specifically, the "direct thread" and CB Brake versions are the exact same thing. The direct thread version just permanently includes the CB Brake inside the suppressor, so there is no weight savings or anything like that. I like the CB Brake interface since it is tapered, uses less threads (less chance of cross-threading), and doesn't leave my barrel's threads exposed to damage when the suppressor isn't installed.

[@soonerfrac4611]

Is a 10x optic fully capable of reaching out and touching distant targets reliably? Well, the Crayon Eaters only used fixed 10x for a very very long time. Even when they swapped to a variable power optic there were many guys that held fast to their 10x. I prefer the option of going higher in magnification if the situation warrants it, even a close range shot. But by no means would I feel limited by _only_ having a 10-12x max magnification.

[@barrettanderson2781]

The Marines can afford to miss shots at distance and take another shot. Hunting is a bit different. Especially if you're hunting something as rare as a Dall Sheep.

[@TR-uw2sp]

10 is lots just practice more.

[@f5tornadeau]

2700 fps? That seems really low for a cartridge with that much powder. That’s what, like factory stated loadings for a 7mm-08 right? Seems like an odd mix of recoil and performance for a build like that, but maybe I’m missing something. I’m sure the extra powder capacity makes up for the shortened barrel, but it seems like a lot of lost performance with that cartridge. Not criticizing, just curious because I’m looking into building a lightweight rifle for hunting that requires hiking longer distances.

[@ExoMtnGear]

About 2750fps with a heavy bullet and a short barrel. There are plenty of other 7mm bullets that would get far more speed (even in the 18” barrel) is speed is what you want to chase. For comparison, factory ELD-X ammo for 7mm-08 runs a 25g lighter bullet, uses a 6” longer barrel, and gets roughly the same speed.

[@Gmar69]

What's wrong with an AR-10 with the right scope? It's way cheaper and has quick follow up shots if needed.

[@johnjay1147]

Heavy, much more expensive to get sub MOA accuracy, and semiautos aren’t as inherently as accurate as bolts due to bolt lock time.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

Depends where you are. Often legal restrictions (mag capacity, semi auto...). Weight. Tradition. Shooters preference (ergonomics, looks...). Limited caliber options. Limited bullet selection. Price. Although these custom guns can get rather pricey. 10k is not unheard of. Some guys do shoot deer with ar10s.

[@julianhiner8580]

Where is the build list?

[@ExoMtnGear]

List in the video comments, or at: exomtngear.com/perfect-rifle

[@wildnorthadventures]

Any luck with vhitavory powder

[@ExoMtnGear]

N560 has been good in the 7SAUM. N555 has been good in 6.5 CM.

[@wildnorthadventures]

@@ExoMtnGear what kind of velocity were you seeing?

[@evanwindom]

Really, really similar to some factory rifles from brands like Fierce.

[@redneckchemtech7621]

I’d skip the CFW barrel. They are $$$ and the jury is still out as to whether they are an improvement over pencil barrels. In my limited experience load developing for 3 of them, they are a downgrade in accuracy from a steel barrel of the same weight

[@ExoMtnGear]

All of the CF barrels I have shot are more accurate than I am, so no concerns there. If not shooting suppressed, a thinner steel barrel maybe a better option. But for something light and stiff enough to support a suppressor well, the CF barrels are a great choice. The thin steel barrels also don’t thread well.

[@DustinSwanson-c1r]

I like lightweight,i can take the recoil rather take a kick to the shoulder over packing a rock up a mountain lol

[@Travput]

luckily mine came pre scratched

[@jamesmooney5348]

I didn't hear the barrel twist.

[@ExoMtnGear]

This 18” is 1:8. I’ve also shot the 7 SAUM at 1:8.4 with good results.

[@tbo2307]

The Zeiss 2,5-10 HT with ASV turret would be a better choice. Lighter, better quality, better optical.

[@ExoMtnGear]

Zeiss certainly makes a good scope, but it isn’t better than NF for the *specific* purposes of this rifle. The glass and 50mm objective of the Zeiss may be beneficial if you were primarily concerned with first/last light shooting and didn’t use it hard in the mountains.

[@tbo2307]

⁠@@ExoMtnGear Use it hard in the mountains? The Zeiss is no less durable than the NF. 50mm is good in poor visibility situations, foggy, dark skies and shades from the mountain, but yes, a 42mm would also be good.

[@davidavi8554]

WTF is a 7SAUM ??? Are you going to find ammo for that when the SHTF , or when we have another ammo shortage ??? I'll stick with my .308, seems ammos never run out.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

👍

[@johnbaldwin351]

He loads his own rounds

[@Westerner_]

Lol. Because every rifle should be built around the idea of shtf 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@tomenright9]

Lol this isn’t an apocalypse gun. Go back to your cave doomsayer

[@texast2595]

Reloading is exactly for shtf scenarios

[@oscarbear7498]

You don't need a rifle that big, you can do above and beyond with a set up half the size.

[@Frindleeguy]

You don't. He does. And do you mean caliber? Cause that's not a big rifle. It's not a big caliber either....

[@oscarbear7498]

@@Frindleeguy well I was more on the side of half the size for the firearm with adequate caliber. Shooting with in 150 yards is very far, this modern ego shooting of wanting to take shots +300 is just ridiculous. Part of hunting is stealth, besides if your going backpacking, light weight, compact is the goal. Take a large revolver & shooting sticks, it's way more fun, and very reliable at 75 yards. I mean bow hunters have to get in 40 yards of range with a big awkward bow, your going to tell Me a revolver is too hard being more nimble, fraction of size, and 50% more range.

[@Cyclone546]

This set up is out of reach for 99% of all hunters. The consumerism in hunting has become delusional.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

Consumerism in general. It's the same with cars. Houses. Holidays. Eating out at fancy restaurants. Guys who can do splurge... and I see how it may rub guys who can't the wrong way. Keep in mind, some guys spend a disproportionate amount of cash on this stuff relative to their net worth. They may have huge mortgages on their house or massive car loans, or no pension fund whatsoever. It isn't always how it seems. As far as I know many, many people are in debt up to their eye balls. And they'd never admit to it.

[@jackbuendgen389]

🤷 how important is hunting and shooting to you? It might baffle you to build a $3,000 rifle but you wouldn't think twice about getting a $100,000 truck. I personally know guys that own $100,000 trucks, own million dollar houses, and go on vacations to Mexico and Hawaii. But they're shocked that i own $2500 bows and go to 3d shoots. For someone that views hunting as everything it 100% makes sense to build a gun that aids you in getting a killing shot after working your ass off in the west.

[@Tyler_Mattson]

People budget for what’s important to them

[@jackbuendgen389]

@@Tyler_Mattson NNNAH! It's easier to complain and use your credit card on your $700 pavement princess payment

[@brandonurbaniak1890]

Depends. I know ALOT of hunters that have like 6-8 hunting rifles, all that over lap. Most of these rifles being $400-$800. Do the math a lot can afford this rifle. Most just don't want to spend the money or have the patience to do a build like this.

[@alaricowen8760]

Get to the point please

[@RanceRobles]

Suppressed = not fair chase

[@KC-7mm]

What a stupid comment, all your doing is giving anti’s a talking point to use against us. The world of hunting would be a lot better if people kept their opinions to themselves and hunt the way they seem fit. The fighting within the hunting community is childish and honestly pathetic.

[@jamesmooney5348]

Serious?

[@tonygillahan]

🤦‍♂️🤣

[@Grayghost1969]

How? I’d really love to know. Because the critter doesn’t hear as loud of a report? Or because your ears aren’t bleeding after a shot? Have you ever shot suppressed?

[@TMar129]

Hahahahaha wtf 🤣 can you explain how no blowing your ear drums apart isn't fair chase

[@basemandog]

This is a “look how much money I spent “ video YOU DON’t need all this BULLSHIT! I have taken many elk, deer and more, with an early 1990’s Ruger M-77 composite stock

[@chef.papa.6tango523]

Aadland engineering makes hands down the caps you're looking for... and a lifetime warranty. Well worth the money

[@ExoMtnGear]

Will check them out, thanks!