Comp Rifle Weight?

V

vonbalkenbush

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 21, 2008
743
69
43
Reno, Nevada
#1
So, I have been pondering this for sometime and am wondering where I want to go with future builds. My current comp gun is set up as such:

Bighorn Tactical SA
Manners T5A w/mini-chassis
Bartlein M40 Contour fluted at 27" with SAS brake and Suppresor
Premier 5-25x56
Harris bipod
Chambered in 6XC

This bitch is 18 lbs without a loaded mag. If I'm not shooting prone, or off of a barricade I feel like might as well be carrying a club. If I'm trying to hit anything offhand, sitting or even kneeling sling supported it's pretty much a useless endeavor. Am I alone in this?

I know most of the guys that shoot the PRS series have setups similiar to mine. My question is, do you try and learn to shoot a 20lb gun in unsupported positions? Or do you redo your rifle concept and get it down into the 11-12 lb range, where it's more manageable and you can do unsupported positional shooting?

-SBS


 
#3
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

Your problem is likely due to barrel length, not contour: The rifle is too muzzle-heavy.

If you are seated, an 18lb rifle is not so much of a problem.

Standing for long periods with it in position is the main difficulty. But how much standing shooting is there in the PRS?
 
#4
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

Yeah, most guys are running 26" Rem Varmint or Sendero. Some run medium-heavy palma for reduced weight. I run a 26" MTU in matches because I like the recoil reduction of this combo with a brake for my .260. But then again I'm not a PRS shooter.
 
#5
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Who shoots a 27" M40 contour in the PRS? No one. That's your problem right there. </div></div>

I obviously am looking for an answer to this question. What contours and lengths are they runnning? I was thinking of going to a Medium Palma contour? Is that contour heavy enough for sustained strings of fire? (10-20 rds) Also, I shoot the 105's and 115's just like everybody else, how much barrel can I hack off before I start losing significant velocity with H4350?

Thanks

-SBS
 
#6
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

My rifle

Bighorn SA
AICS
Premier 5-25
6MM Compettive Match

I just re-barreled form a heavy palma to a 27" medium palma, no brake or suppressor. Going to shoot a few PRS matches this season for the 1st time, have been shooting prone only matches for the last few years. With the medium palma it balances well for 16lbs loaded rifle. Not concerned about the barrel getting too hot. One of the guys I shoot with has suppressed light palma, same caliber, he does well with it.

Shooting a PRS match next month. Been dry firing a ton in various positions, we'll see how it goes.
 
#8
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

I just recently weighed mine, which is close to your set up but with a Rem Varmint contour...

Bighorn Tac SA
APA dbm
Brux 25.5" with Gap Titan brake
Manners T4a
Bushnell HDMR
Atlas bipod
6xc
= 15.4 lbs unloaded

I think its too heavy

BnC
 
#9
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

My Creedmoor was a 28" MTU and now is at 26.5" after a set back. My 308/243 switch barrel are both 26" M24/40 contours. I like the heavier barrels and don't have any trouble shooting them in positions other than prone. Just personal preference and what you can handle.
 
#10
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

I dont know what PRS is but if its anything like that GAP vid I saw last night I think Id want a Rem varmint contour cut to about 26". And SBS, if your rifle weighs that much mine must weigh at least that much, the HV contour is heavier than the M40 contour, am I right? Chad told me the rifle w/o the scope weighed 13.5lbs, with the scope it feels a lot heavier than that. Id not wanna use this rifle in anything but600yd BR/F-class.
IMG_0795_zpsaf8b04a1.jpg
 
#11
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

Well s**t. I know my Premier ways an ass ton, but the S&B's aren't much better. I feel like if I could get it down to the 15 lb range I'd be good. I'm tall and lean, 6'1" 170 lbs. Very strong for my weight, but long limbs and end heavy guns don't lend themselves to good positional shooting situations in my opinion.

I'm thinking I'm giving up some weight with the mini-chassis as well as the barrel contour. Do you guys think by going to a non-chassis stock and going to a medium-palma I could shave 3+ lbs off?
 
#13
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

I feel like I've seen this question answered a bunch... the consensus is between 16 and 19 pounds all up. If your rifle FEELS heavy... get stronger.

The body is an amazing machine... and lazy, the more you force it to do something the faster it will ADAPT to making that task easier.
 
#14
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

Manners specs are .62 lbs for the chassis

1.3 for the adjustable cheek

The palma barrels have a longer shank as compared to a Rem Var/sendero

You could try fluting the barrel to save a lil weight also

BnC
 
#16
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

I would take the can off and try running it that way.

I run a 27inch LV basically an M40 Barrel

I dont think its too heavy at all, its all about balance loose that can up front and see if the feel doesnt improve.

I used to run a 26inch sendero but shoot the heavier barrel better in all positions, and wouldnt go back if you paid me to. It settles down quicker and feels more stable to me. Its all a compromise really, you want a lighter gun for running around or the added weight and stablility for those precise shots.

i would get in a habit of dry firing a couple of times a week and just getting used to handling and running the gun alot and see if you dont get more comfortable with her.

If that doesnt work out sell it and build another, to me 2 or 3 pounds after a while isnt noticed.

Hitting stuff off hand, or sling supported is tough with any gun wheter it be 10 lbs or 20lbs, I shoot as much as you can and dryfire that should improve your shooting more than dropping weight or changing your rig.

best of luck
 
#17
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

Well, I would much prefer more practice and training as a solution to the problem rather than a new rifle. I've never had anybody really teach me how to shoot a heavy rifle offhand or in any other sling supported position for that matter. Maybe that is the problem?

Thanks for the input fellas, and if you can recommend any video or DVD series on positional/unsupported shooting I'm all ears?

-SBS
 
#19
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SagebrushShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, I would much prefer more practice and training as a solution to the problem rather than a new rifle. I've never had anybody really teach me how to shoot a heavy rifle offhand or in any other sling supported position for that matter. Maybe that is the problem?

Thanks for the input fellas, and if you can recommend any video or DVD series on positional/unsupported shooting I'm all ears?

-SBS </div></div>

https://www.riflesonly.com/pro-shop/rifl...sion-rifle.html
 
#20
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

Your rifle weight is something you can learn to handle. The position I have always utilized for offhand involves slouching down and resting my elbow against the top of my hip basically and then using that hand to support the rifle around its balance point you end up looking a little goofy leaning back slightly but it allows the weight of the weapon to transfer into your skeletal struction. Ideally you want your bone structure not your musculature supporting the rifle. My newest rig weighs in around 22lbs unloaded without the can she is a big beast but stable when proper positions are used.
 
#21
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tmpohuski7</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I shoot an 18 lb rifle in competition, just get a good sling like the mountain shooters and do some curls and sit ups. </div></div>

I have a Turner leather sling made for Highpower. Is there something better?

-SBS
 
#23
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SagebrushShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tmpohuski7</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I shoot an 18 lb rifle in competition, just get a good sling like the mountain shooters and do some curls and sit ups. </div></div>

I have a Turner leather sling made for Highpower. Is there something better?

-SBS </div></div>

Mountain Shooters Sling
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2572793
 
#25
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SagebrushShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, I would much prefer more practice and training as a solution to the problem rather than a new rifle. </div></div>

That is something most don't do as it's more fun and perceived as easier to be chase gear. Stick with this and learn to run your rifle. There's no reason you can't with proper training and practice.
 
#27
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ColdBoreMiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow, I cant believe so many people run such long barrels in competition. I cant imagine running a suppressed 27" barrel. I thought my 24" was long. </div></div>

Longer barrel = more velocity, less TOF.
 
#29
Re: Comp Rifle Weight?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JGorski</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ColdBoreMiracle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow, I cant believe so many people run such long barrels in competition. I cant imagine running a suppressed 27" barrel. I thought my 24" was long. </div></div>

Longer barrel = more velocity, less TOF. </div></div>

Well of course I understand that, but when there are so many good options that shoot outstanding with 24" barrels why bother?

A 24" 7SAUM, 7 WSM, 6.5X47, 6CM, 6.5CM, .243 or .260 would have plenty of velocity for almost any match under 1000yds, and the extra velocity you gain doesn't seem to be worth all the length and weight, especially during competition, particularly if you attach a suppressor, like friendly neighbors do
smile.gif
 
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