Heavy Gun, Is it worth doing?

[Terry]

In IBS 600 and 1,000 benchrest, is a Heavy Gun worth building?

If it is, how heavy?

Why would you build one and what would you use?

Thanks!

Terry

 

[Hombre0321]

Good question! I think it is worth doing, they compete in different class's at the same match. This gives the shooter the chance of shooting two rifles in one match. That alone is reason enough for me. I usually shoot my F-Open rifle in heavy gun, it weighs 22 lbs and the light guns are limited to 17 1/2 lbs in Long Range and Mid Range Benchrest. As to cartridge that is kinda of a personal thing but most heavy rifles I see are in the same cartridges you see in light gun, a lot of Dashers and 6mmBR and just about anything else you can imagine.

As to how heavy, man the sky is the limit. In a recent match in Pennsylvania I saw heavys that ran almost any weight you and a friend "Or Two" can carry to the line. One was a all aluminum stock that weighed 170 lbs to this after they got it to the bench the bolted on another pure lead weight that weighed 50 lbs. I believe this one was chambered in 6 Dasher as well, to say that it didn't move under recoil would be an accurate statement.

RS

 

[diego-ted]

As to how heavy, man the sky is the limit. In a recent match in Pennsylvania I saw heavys that ran almost any weight you and a friend "Or Two" can carry to the line. One was a all aluminum stock that weighed 170 lbs to this after they got it to the bench the bolted on another pure lead weight that weighed 50 lbs. I believe this one was chambered in 6 Dasher as well, to say that it didn't move under recoil would be an accurate statement.

RS

No disrespect, but whats the point?

Diego

 

[Hombre0321]

As to how heavy, man the sky is the limit. In a recent match in Pennsylvania I saw heavys that ran almost any weight you and a friend "Or Two" can carry to the line. One was a all aluminum stock that weighed 170 lbs to this after they got it to the bench the bolted on another pure lead weight that weighed 50 lbs. I believe this one was chambered in 6 Dasher as well, to say that it didn't move under recoil would be an accurate statement.

RS

No disrespect, but whats the point?

Diego

Better question might be what is your point? I was responding to the mans question

"If it is, how heavy?"

RS

 

[Hoier]

I just bought a stock and haven't done much with it. I'm gonna run a 6.5x47 and I think with my stock and a 1.45 barrel it will weigh about 25-30 lbs. I don't know if I was gonna run a low recoil round like a dasher or the such I'd want a super heavy gun. However Guys also have good luck with huge calibers in huge guns.

 

[Immike]

I see it as a application of Science class and it brings in some interesting rigs. Most guys just shoot it with a light gun and do very well. There are some real masters of heavy gun and it is very entertaining to watch them. They take accuracy of a cartridge to another level. If you got time and are a skilled machinists then you can find all you want in it.

 

[Hoier]

I can't afford it.

That's why I got the stock I got. It is basically a MBR Tooley with a 5in forearm and a regular size butt. So I can run my normal rest(Seb Max) and my regular rear bag.

 

[diego-ted]

My point is what is the use of shooting a rig that you have to strap another 50 pounds to? That's all I was getting at.

Diego

 

[Immike]

I can't afford it.

That's why I got the stock I got. It is basically a MBR Tooley with a 5in forearm and a regular size butt. So I can run my normal rest(Seb Max) and my regular rear bag.

It's still a shooting match, can't get away from that!

 

[savagedasher]

The nice part about a heavy gun is that you can take all your junk and make it Your night force scope nxs heavy savage action old heavy stock add wing to it along with weight .And still have fun. Good Shooting Larry

 

[Hombre0321]

My point is what is the use of shooting a rig that you have to strap another 50 pounds to? That's all I was getting at.

Diego

Well then your "Point" question was directed at the wrong guy, I didn't say I built it or that I had anything to do with it. I was simple relaying that such a rifle competed in a rifle match.

Roland

 

[waverly]

A true heavy gun has to track. In other words you shoot it and push it back to the stop, and shoot again. If returns to the same place each time you push it back then you will be faster in your string. The more you have to adjust then the more likely you can be caught by a condition change. I have a Dasher that weighs 36, a 308 Baer that weighs 65 lbs. I don't hold and shoot the Dasher the same as the Baer.

The super heavy guns in smaller calibers remove the tracking part of the equation, and allows the shooter to just run their string as fast as possible. These gun do not move under recoil. Some of these folks are amazing to watch, and can run a 10 shot string in 10-15 seconds.

There are plenty of people that do shoot their light guns in both classes, and now that you can use a break in heavy gun(IBS) it makes shooting both classes easier.
A dedicated heavy gun is a lot of fun, but there is more expense in the building of that gun over a light gun, plus a rear rest, and usually a wider front top.

The why part is simple. A heavy gun is just plain fun to shoot. Also by having a dedicated heavy gun less wear on your light gun barrel and throat. The difference in (IBS) 600 vs. 1k is 5 shots light and heavy, in 1K 5 shots light, and 10 shots. heavy.

The older I get the better I like my 36 lb Dasher. I hope this answers some of the questions in this thread. Regards, Waverly

 

[82boy]

Pay attention at match's and see what people are winning with. How many people are winning heavy gun match's with light guns compared to heavy guns? If a heavy gun really had an advantage wouldn't it show up there?

 

[Hoier]

At our 1k matches it seems like a true hg wins but at 600 it's kind of a toss up.

 

[4xforfun]

the light guns are limited to 17 1/2 lbs in Long Range and Mid Range Benchrest.

RS

Show up at a match with a 17 1/2 pound rifle and you will either be stripping parts off it to make the 17 pound weight limit or you will be watching from the sideline!!

As far as the OP..I think it is worth it...I shoot 30 cal and mine weighs in at around 85 LBS.

One of the most successfull shooters I know has a heavy gun, but it is dimensionally exactly the same as his light gun. he shoots FIBERGLASS Shehane ST 1000's. He had a bunch of lead weight added to the HG Stock when it was made and shoots it with a 1.35 inch tube. Both are dashers. It is a sweet setup and he only needs one rest/bag setup.

Tod