Outdoor Life: The New Mountain Rifle

Building a mountain rifle generally follows the path of building the lightest possible rifle. It makes sense, right? Who wants to carry a heavy rifle through the ridges and valleys of the mountains—especially at elevation? That doesn’t sound fun. So, hunters naturally gravitate to lightweight rigs for these conditions. But it has drawbacks. Focusing solely on weight means you sacrifice in other areas. That’s exactly what Tyler Freel of Outdoor Life explains in a recent article about his latest sheep rifle.

A DIFFERENT FORMULA

For decades, hunters have gravitated toward lightweight rifles with slim barrels, simple optics, and just enough capability to get the job done in unforgiving mountain terrain. Tyler Freel has followed that path, carrying everything from a Remington Model 710 in .30/06 to custom rifles chambered in cartridges such as the 27 O’Connor. This year, however, he’s breaking with tradition, favoring confidence and shootability over the lightest possible weight.

At the heart of Freel’s sheep rifle is a custom-built 22 ARC. Built on a Zermatt Origin action and featuring a 20-inch Proof Research carbon-wrapped barrel, the rifle was chambered by Hoover Precision Rifles and represents a significant departure from the larger cartridges commonly associated with mountain hunting.

WHY 22 ARC?

While some hunters may raise an eyebrow at a .224-caliber sheep rifle, Freel’s extensive testing with the 22 ARC—including successful use on moose and bears—has convinced him of its effectiveness. Loaded with 80-grain Hornady ELD-X bullets, the cartridge delivers nearly 3,000 fps at the muzzle and offers wind performance that rivals that of many larger 6mm, 6.5mm, and even .30-caliber loads.

The optic is another notable change. Rather than the lightweight Leupold scopes that have topped many of his previous sheep rifles, Freel chose the Steiner H6Xi 2-12x42mm FFP. The scope’s first-focal-plane STR MIL reticle, compact design, and straightforward turret system reflect his growing preference for mil-based shooting. Completing the package is MDT’s CRBN stock, a lightweight carbon-fiber design that has already gained popularity in NRL competition. Weighing just 27 ounces, the stock combines low weight with excellent recoil management, adjustable ergonomics, an integrated ARCA rail, and M-Lok compatibility.

THE FINAL NUMBERS

RBS SC 5.56 weighs only 10 ounces and remains compact enough to avoid the bulk traditionally associated with suppressors in the mountains. Likewise, Freel is replacing his long-trusted Spartan Precision Javelin bipod with the MDT Mountain Bipod, a 5.8-ounce carbon-fiber design that offers extensive adjustability without adding significant weight.

The complete rifle weighs 9 pounds, 8 ounces, and carries a price tag of more than $7,000. Freel readily acknowledges that it isn’t the ultimate ultralight sheep rifle and still hopes to build something lighter in the future.

ZOOMING OUT

After more than 1,000 rounds through the rifle and countless shots at 700 yards, Tyler believes the added weight is a worthwhile trade-off. The result is a rifle that inspires confidence, shoots exceptionally well, and reminds hunters that while premium gear can offer advantages, success in the mountains still comes down to skill, preparation, and time behind the trigger.

For more articles like this, check out www.outdoorlife.com.