Eliseo Tubegun - Light Weight Hunter...

[Nodak7mm]

As we "all", tend to spend our free time scheming & dreaming about our next project. I would love to build a quick & handy hunting rig based on Eliseo's tubegun chassis in the lightweight hunter. I have plenty of hunting rifles, but one can always use another and this way I would have a great foundation to build another Target rig on if so desired.

But I have been unable to figure out what weights a guy can get it down too. I emailed Gary and he says the lightweight hunter weighs about 2-2.5# lighter than the reg chassis. Most tube guns tend to run into the 14-16# range. However those typically have a hvy target type barrel and optics. These numbers leave me wondering still...

So, does anyone have any real life experience in building a lightweight hunter TubeGun and tried to keep it lightweight. Use a 20-22' #3 contour & smaller hunting scope? Looking for real world weights?

Can you picture how schweet a 6.5 Lapua would be in a rig like that for hunting. After hunting season, swap out the barrel and buttstock, then you have a match ready rig...

Bear with me, winters are slow with plenty of time to ponder the next great build.. Regardless good topic for discussion, eh?

Rod

 

[racesnake]

I wouldn't hesitate a minute if I wanted to build a light-weight hunting rig using Gary's hunting model. I've owned one for a year and love it. I have mine set-up so I can switch between a hunting wt. and target wt. barrels. the only mods I've have made is install a conventional recoil pad in place of the slip-on AR style pad that comes with it.
Dave

 

[effendude]

Rod,
I was thinking similar thoughts, but not lightweight, a few months ago. Here was my plan: I ordered a RTM chassis for the AI single stack .338 lapua mags. I planned on building an .338 Edge as I have a lifetime supply of .300 RUM brass. I had forgot about having ordered the chassis until Gary called saying it was ready. I picked my color and got the chassis. I then ordered a magnum long action from Jim Borden with a CG 2 stage trigger which arrives today. I ordered a AI magazine to test fit the .300 Edge and found there is a reinforcing rib on the mag that prevents the .300 RUM brass from being used. I started planning to modify the magazine and then got lazy. The .338RUM is about .1" shorter to the shoulder, and the brass fits nicely. The .338 RUM had better ballistics than the Lapua until you get to the 300 grain bullets, then they are about equal. I know Lapua brass is great, but Nosler makes .338 RUM brass and I have had great luck with the Nosler brass. I ordered 29" Bartlein 5r barrel this morning with a reamer and throater. When those parts arrive, I will have it put together with a big brake on the front. I will top it with a Huskemaw 5-20X or G7/Nightforce 5.5-22x with a custom turret. I am not sure what it will weigh, but it won't be light. I will keep you posted.
Scott

 

[GSPV]

I was thinking the same thing in 260 Remington. Then I remembered that I currently live in Ohio. No rifle hunting. Oh, well, I just have to satisfy myself shooting paper.

Greg J.

 

[Brad from ND]

I've been toying with the same idea Rod. Build yours first so I can check it out and see if that's what I "need". Although I probably have enough irons in the fire at this time.

 

[Nodak7mm]

Although I probably have enough irons in the fire at this time.

Hah! Ain't the truth.. Here we both are waiting on stocks for current rigs and we are planning the next and the following after that........ ;D

Rod

 

[kjcpoint]

Rod,

I had that chassis, and with a stiller predator and a lilja tactical straight taper barrel at 27in it weighed about 12 pounds. My guess is that you would be about 8 or 9 pounds. I have an RTM that should be here soon, the barrel will be a #5 brux fluted.

Kyle

 

[Nodak7mm]

Hey Kyle,

Good to see your still out there.

Thanks for the numbers. In my "old" age, I've gotten tired of carrying around 12# & heavier, 4' rifles.. Like I said, I think the RT5 or RTS in the lightweight hunter config with a #3 fluted, 20-23" barrel would be one sweet fast handling, pleasant to carry, "truck" gun. And if desired, swap out the barrel & the buttstock and go shoot highpower.. Its definitly a dual purpose platform that wont depreciate in value.

One of these days, we're gonna hook up & you'll let me shoot that new RTM, eh? I have had the chance to fondle a few of RussT's tube rigs, but never shot one yet.. Definitly on the must-do list..

Rod

 

[Cowboy Tom]

Be sure and let us know how this one turns out, specs and all. This one has been rattling around in the back of my little brain as well.

 

[buddha]

I believe the Elesio hunter weighs 3 lb 12 oz. The XLR industries chassis weights a little more and has a really nice buttstock. Also, they have just come out with a chassis that has a carbon fiber tube and is skeletonized. It is 3 1/2 lb and has the same buttstock. I saw it, but have not seen it on the web site yet. It is very nice, but more expensive than the Elesio.