Hunting Rifle weights

[OmegaRed]

Does anyone have a list/chart of hunting rifle component weights to get a light elk hunting rifle? I'm entertaining having a new barrel chambered to shave a few pounds but don't know if it will be enough weight to justify the cost.

Looking for something like this:
Action
Stock
Trigger/Bottom metal
Barrel

Optics

 

[potatojudge]

I think you're looking at 20oz in optics to get a good illuminated hunting scope. I put together a Kimber Montana in 7-08 and a Mountain Ascent in 280AI. VX6 on one and a Leica 2.5-10 on the other- both light with good eye boxes, but the VX6 is illuminated so has an edge for hunting. Swarovski, Leupold, and Leica all make reasonably lightweight high quality scopes. You'll take a few ounces penalty for illumination, but IMO worth it. Optics aren't the #1 place to save weight, but no need for a 30oz scope either.

Sticking to a short action is a great way to lose a few ounces as well.

Tally aluminum one piece are about as light as you'll get for reasonably priced rings/bases.

 

[Jud96]

I can add more, but here is a very nice 7mm Rem Mag lightweight rifle we finished for a customer not too long ago. I’ll list the build specs below on it. It was right at 6lbs for the bare rifle. Add in some Talley rings and a decent scope like a Vortex LHT and you would be right at 7.5lbs.
-Pierce Engineering Featherweight LA
-Proof Carbon Sendero 26” 1-8.4T
-McMillan Game Hunter Edge Fill
-Hawkins BDL bottom metal
-Pierce Ti Muzzlebrake

 

[std7mag]

I had a Forbes 24B in 280 Rem. 5.5lb with the Talley rings.
Alas, i bought it used, and the previous owner kept the rings.
I put an EGW zero MOA one piece base, Vortex Viper low rings, and a Sightron Field Target 4-12X40 on it.
With nylon sling came in just under 7lb.
And it loved the 150gr ABLR.

Unfortunately i sold it last summer. I had bought it as a western hunt rifle, that didn't look like was ever gonna happen.
Now my wife tells me, "if you want to hunt out west, do it!"...

 

[OmegaRed]

ttt

 

[Kurz]

Does anyone have a list/chart of hunting rifle component weights to get a light elk hunting rifle? I'm entertaining having a new barrel chambered to shave a few pounds but don't know if it will be enough weight to justify the cost.

Looking for something like this:
Action
Stock
Trigger/Bottom metal
Barrel

Optics

Lilja used to have a barrel weight calculator on their website. I haven’t looked recently though. Most of the barrel makers list weights of barrels generically which can be used as a guideline. Action makers will list weights also especially if they are competing in the lighter weight category. Commercial stock makers will have generic weights listed because of the number of or types of fill used in todays stocks.

As to someone have a complete list of all of the above, it’s possible but it takes some work to find all that information then format it to be useful.

 

[OmegaRed]

Lilja used to have a barrel weight calculator on their website. I haven’t looked recently though. Most of the barrel makers list weights of barrels generically which can be used as a guideline. Action makers will list weights also especially if they are completing in the lighter weight category. Commercial stock makers will have generic weights listed because of the number of or types of fill used in todays stocks.

As to someone have a complete list of all of the above, it’s possible but it takes some work to find all that information then format it to be useful.

Appreciated. I assumed (probably incorrectly) that smiths may have an outline when a customer says "I want a rifle to come out at X"...but it may have just been from trial and error and seeing builds come through then copying.

 

[hogpatrol]

I stripped down a 6.5x47 that weighed a skosh over 7.5 lbs. total sans ammo. Parts used were a Defiance anTi S/A, Talley lightweight aluminum rings (no rail), 20" #3 contour fluted barrel, 3 port MBM brake, B&N tacsport trigger and H.S. Precision 3 round box magazine trigger guard/floorplate setup. Sightron S-Tac FFP 3-16x42, Weight was saved primarily in the stock, a carbon fiber layup unit that weighed 23 oz.
McMillan Hunters Edge would be a comparable weight stock.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

61 this year, just weighed my primary rifle for Montana this fall. TC Icon (30tc), Sig Sauer steel rings, Leupold 3.5-10x40 vx3, 300 Harvester suppressor, claw sling, Harris 9-13 bipod, 3 rounds ammo. 10.62 pounds.

 

[Kurz]

Appreciated. I assumed (probably incorrectly) that smiths may have an outline when a customer says "I want a rifle to come out at X"...but it may have just been from trial and error and seeing builds come through then copying.

Many of us do have lists of weights and measurements for specific types of builds. However it can tie up an awful lot of time searching out that information and then formatting that information into a usable form. Many have significant investments into stocks, barrels, actions and scope mounts for potential lightweight builds. These builds are not just assembled willy-nilly with the hope that they come out on the weight suggested. The work has been done upfront and careful notes made as to what works and what doesn't.

Lightweight rifles do not guarantee an accurate rifle right off the bat. In fact some shooters have noted problems with accuracy when attempting to manage a lightweight rifle when shooting groups. Adding a little weight judiciously can make a rifle easier to obtain your accuracy goals.

I suggest caution when selecting scope mounts and/or bases. Too many times I've had to machine the bases to get them true to the bore. Not only is this a nuisance but it costs time and money you shouldn't have to invest. The manufacturer should bear that cost upfront during manufacturing. Using some lightweight mounts may not be in your best interest. Check with your gunsmith.

I use fixed power scopes and non-illuminated reticles if weight is a real consideration. Illumination and the more layers of glass in variable power scopes add weight.

Beware of stocks which claim that bedding is superfluous. Some stocks work quite well with bedding blocks or pillar bedding, while others really need to be bedded stress-free. I have one chassis which I did not bed which shoots excellent, all others are bedded.

I have one lightweight rifle which I carry in very rough terrain in the desert which runs about 7-1/2 lbs. complete with ammo and scope. Most other rifles will run in the neighborhood of about 10-11 lbs. complete.

Talk to your gunsmith before making critical and costly decisions. Many times they will have some suggestions and observations which can be helpful in your build.

 

[8andbait]

Most carbon stocks are 24-28 oz
Anti action 20-22 oz
BDL, screws, box, spring, follower 5-6 oz
Trigger 2 oz
2b barrel at 24” 48-54 oz depending on shank and bore
APA mini bastard 2 oz
Talleys 3 oz
LHT HD 19 oz

I have several rifles set up like this with a bart 2b or brux 3 (same weight)
They are all 7 lbs 14 oz to 8 lbs 3 oz depending on bore, shank and if they have a brake or not.

 

[OmegaRed]

I just ordered my action today. Gonna start sourcing the rest of the parts.

 

[Downhill]

Not a custom, I have used a Steyr Mountain Rifle in 270 for years. 7.5 lbs before scope. Can carry it all day with no issue. Fantastic 2 stage trigger. Accurate. But the pencil weight barrel will string out with sustained fire.

 

[JohnD]

Not to hi-jack this thread but along the same lines…Can anyone tell me if it is possible to build a rifle around a 700 action in ADL configuration with a # 5 26” barrel that would come in at about 8 lbs?

John