6mm ARC Lightweight Backpacking Rifle Build

[1frc]

Thank you for pushing me towards build like this. Beautiful build! Intrested in what length would be defined as the sweet spot and if you were to build again if you would go shorter.

 

[bojangles808]

Sry if I missed it but what do these barreled actions weigh?

 

[wcasey755]

I also ended up building one of these sweet little rifles. I messed up and ordered the heavier barrel model, but I had it cut to 16” and threaded with the Sig/Q taper for the can I have in jail. The stock is a Stocky’s that I painted. I converted it to CZ mags with Jefferson bottom metal, added a bolt on extended bolt, Rifle Basix trigger, Talley’s, Leupold VX-F 4-12 side focus.

The thing shoots lights out, and is 7lbs 7ozs with the can and a mag. The new can will cut 5 ounces out of that, and I think I can shave several more from the bottom metal with some lighting holes. I’d like to get to 7 pounds flat ultimately, a CF barrel is probably on the horizon. The factory barrel is all broken in now, so I’m going to work up a load for the 87AH.

I have the factory bottom metal, and a mag that are factory new if anyone is looking for one.

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I haven't linked to Instagram before, hopefully this works. This is 10 rounds (so 1 mag change) at 300 yards on an 8" plate with factory ELDM 108s.

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What can did you pair this with? I just got my 6ARC and was looking for a good pairing

 

[turbobrick]

What can did you pair this with? I just got my 6ARC and was looking for a good pairing

I went with the Q Jumbo Shrimp, has a 6.5mm bore, 9.2 ounces, 5.7" long, 1.75" OD. I think its one of the best out there for this application. This rifle has a 19" Carbon6 barrel on it now. With the new barrel and can it weighs exactly 7 pounds, and is the same OAL as it was before with the old can and 16" barrel. I'm just dialing in an 87 grain Absolute Hammer load that is 3010fps with the little bit more barrel.

 

[jamesmc8]

I went with the Q Jumbo Shrimp, has a 6.5mm bore, 9.2 ounces, 5.7" long, 1.75" OD. I think its one of the best out there for this application. This rifle has a 19" Carbon6 barrel on it now. With the new barrel and can it weighs exactly 7 pounds, and is the same OAL as it was before with the old can and 16" barrel. I'm just dialing in an 87 grain Absolute Hammer load that is 3010fps with the little bit more barrel.

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Came out beautifully!

 

[jamesmc8]

Sry if I missed it but what do these barreled actions weigh?

The sporter barrel version is right at 4 lbs.

 

[wcasey755]

I went with the Q Jumbo Shrimp, has a 6.5mm bore, 9.2 ounces, 5.7" long, 1.75" OD. I think its one of the best out there for this application. This rifle has a 19" Carbon6 barrel on it now. With the new barrel and can it weighs exactly 7 pounds, and is the same OAL as it was before with the old can and 16" barrel. I'm just dialing in an 87 grain Absolute Hammer load that is 3010fps with the little bit more barrel.

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That is a SICK unit!

 

[RepeatPete]

I built a 223 mini in a “factory second” stockys VG with a 16” barrel. It’s fun and handy. Before you swap the bottom metal look at modifying the mag. Mine holds 6rds easily and feeds perfectly and I don’t have to problems with it dropping mags like other users.

My stock took some TLC to get right too, I’m bout to cut 2.5” off the LOP and instal a DIY LOP adjustable but pad. I’ll make a post about that when I’m done. It’s for the kids. ….and dad.

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Adjustable but pad:

Did you ever finish your DIY adjustable LOP stock project?
I went down the rabbit hole of camera rig clamps on your suggestion and this seems like a brilliant idea - Interested in how it worked out.

 

[mahonsr]

@turbobrick what size CZ 527 magazine feeds the 6arc? Looks like you have the cz adapter bottom metal. And what’s your opinion on reliable feeding vs the standard mag or a blind magazine bottom metal?

 

[mahonsr]

@PantherCity is there a post on what you did for the mag mod? That looks like another good option and I like the flush mag.

 

[turbobrick]

@turbobrick what size CZ 527 magazine feeds the 6arc? Looks like you have the cz adapter bottom metal. And what’s your opinion on reliable feeding vs the standard mag or a blind magazine bottom metal?

It’s a 7.62x39 mag, works perfect. I find the feeding to be perfect, and the CZ mags to be far superior to the Howa plastic mags. I could save maybe 4oz going to a blind mag, but I am a big fan of detachable mags for easy clearing of a hunting rifle and easy carrying of extra ammo.

 

[Oakridge]

It’s a 7.62x39 mag, works perfect. I find the feeding to be perfect, and the CZ mags to be far superior to the Howa plastic mags. I could save maybe 4oz going to a blind mag, but I am a big fan of detachable mags for easy clearing of a hunting rifle and easy carrying of extra ammo.

Have you ever tried there three round mag in that bottom metal to see if it works? I’d like to go that route but don’t want my mag sticking out as far as the five round mag does.

 

[turbobrick]

Have you ever tried there three round mag in that bottom metal to see if it works? I’d like to go that route but don’t want my mag sticking out as far as the five round mag does.

I have not, just 2 of the 5 rounders. I should get a 3 though, that would be ideal for a first mag while hunting.

 

[Oakridge]

If you happen to order a 3rd you should report back how they fit!

 

[turbobrick]

If you happen to order a 3rd you should report back how they fit!

I just ordered one, we’ll see how it goes.

 

[Te Hopo]

@PantherCity is there a post on what you did for the mag mod? That looks like another good option and I like the flush mag.

A Howa Mini .223 flush magazine, success

So yeah, every body seems to want a shorter magazine and there seems to be a few who have tried to make flush bottom metal but I've only found one reference to cutting a magazine down and that was on the 6.5Grendal forum, which I seem to no longer be a member of or able to join again. So I...

rokslide.com

 

[PantherCity]

@PantherCity is there a post on what you did for the mag mod? That looks like another good option and I like the flush mag.

Another user just posted a link to the mag mod. After more use, I can’t say the factory mags are perfect. Occasional feeding issues and accidental ejections.

I saw that Howa is going to be selling a factory hinged floorplate, I’ll probably buy one of those unless Unknown Munitions makes a good mag and bottom metal solution for the mini. Someone needs to.


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[PantherCity]

Did you ever finish your DIY adjustable LOP stock project?
I went down the rabbit hole of camera rig clamps on your suggestion and this seems like a brilliant idea - Interested in how it worked out.

No, I haven’t chopped into the stock yet. My wife used it this deer season and she didn’t need it any shorter and I didn’t want to mess with it as it was shooting well. I’ll probably do it this summer if I get some free time.


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[General RE LEE]

I’m about to go this route except I might get the B&C stock. The heavier stock will still much much lighter than my other rigs. Should dampen what little recoil exist anyways.

 

[jamesmc8]

I put together a second Howa mini in 223 with a 20" heavy barrel. It's in a MDT LSS with a Magpul DT Carbine buttstock with an upgraded Limbsaver recoil pad. Wanted a set up that was instantly adjustable for both myself and daughter to shoot. LOP adjusts from 11 to 14.5" in less than a second. Topped with a Trijicon 3-9. Weighs 8lb 6oz, not the lightest but a good stable platform with minimal recoil. Photos show LOP adjustment range.