Balance point off gun

[wzee]

At what point on a 17 # gun would the balance point be ?

 

[Jay Christopherson]

An easy way to find it is to set the gun on the edge of a table (being careful, right!?) or bench or chair arm or something and adjust it forward and back until it balances. Bingo, you found the balance point.

It's usually somewhere just forward of the action, but different factors will cause it to vary.

 

[wzee]

Thanks

 

[Lapua40X]

Did you want to know how to find the existing balance point or how to manipulate it's balance point?

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Ive been told by renowned 1K BR shooters much more experienced than I, that a rifle that is TOO heavy towards the muzzle will have vertical stringing issues at long range (1K). Many of them shoot 28" or even 27" barrels cut from 30" blanks having a 1.250" to .9" taper. I guess the forward riding weight effects how the rifle rides in the bags. I dont know any of them that use straight bull barrels on light guns (17 lb). I believe the shorter tapered barrels help keep the muzzle lighter.

The point of balance can be shifted to the rear by drilling out the butt of the stock and insterting lead weights. Of course this should be tested and properly balanced before drilling out a stock. And obviously you would want to be careful not to exceed your competition rifle weight limit.

Im sure some of the experienced BR rifle and stock builders can expound on what I am trying to convey with more detail and perhaps give more insight on where the proper balance point should be in reference to your front rest bag.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I like em to balance within an inch of the trigger guard forward

 

[wzee]

Thanks again guys !

 

[4xforfun]

My .02......Balance point of the gun means nothing if you don't put the front rest in the correct spot under your stock.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

My .02......Balance point of the gun means nothing if you don't put the front rest in the correct spot under your stock.

Right. Thats why i was hoping someone could detail the balance point of the rifle for the OP in reference to the front rest bag. I was given this info a handful of years ago at a shoot but have not shot competition since and forgot exactly what was recommended. Just dont have the time for it anymore..I apologize for my forgetfulness.

I know its important because the rest is your axis.

 

[4xforfun]

Again...my .02. I always....ALWAYS...place my front rest as far forward as I can....just enough so that the gun does not slide off of the rest during recoil. That point is determened by shooting style (hard hold, light hold, free recoil) and the amount the gun recoils (dasher vs 300 WBY).

I see many people with the front rest WAY, WAY back on the stock where there is hardly any weight on the rear bag....it is all hanging in front of the front bag.

Also, I place the rear rest as far back on the stock as possable....just to the point where the recoil pad/butt plate is up against the back of the rear bag.

Again, just my opinion...which probably doesn't carry much weight any more!! ;D

 

[bdale]

I like em to balance within an inch of the trigger guard forward

I have 2 Shehane ST1000 stocks one Laminate and the other fiberglass both Bat B models with 28 inch barrels HV and I can't begin to even get close to this ???

 

[25AI260]

often wonder how... an if i'm do it wrong...
would love to hear more ... please do chime in
thanks..

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I like em to balance within an inch of the trigger guard forward

I have 2 Shehane ST1000 stocks one Laminate and the other fiberglass both Bat B models with 28 inch barrels HV and I can't begin to even get close to this ???

Yeah my hunting rifles with #4 and #5 contour barrels wont even balance that far back.

 

[dkhunt14]

Dusty is probably talking short range bag guns with 20 inch barrels. Matt

 

[Dusty Stevens]

On a br gun that shoots good enough to see it, you can watch vertical come right on in when you get weight off the back. May have to flute a barrel or run a different taper. A good weight system can adjust that 1/2oz at a time. But hey shoot em how you want thats what its all about! Main thing is to just have fun. Plenty of fellowship to be had.

 

[savagedasher]

At what point on a 17 # gun would the balance point be ?

The balance point is where the weight is equal front to rear.
The weigh percentage change from that point depends on the stock. Not changing the 17# number the front rest location changes the % front to rear. Stock with a long fore end can give a be a advantage with long barrels. Larry