Custom Rifle Weight

[PAbow84]

When I first decided to do my current rifle build, weight was a major factor. My last build was a smokeless muzzleloader that ended up around 12lbs. I love that gun but it isn't something I really want to carry around on most hunts. I did a lot of research on the weight of various components but found it difficult at times to get good numbers. The numbers I got didn't always match up with what people said their builds weighed. So I'm finishing mine up and decided to weigh out some components. I didn't take the time to weigh them all individually but it may still help you out.

Manners EH1 (pillars, 2 sling studs, badger rail) - 33 oz.
Hawkins Oberndorf bottom Metal, Wyatts MBE-3 Mag box, spring and follower, Bat Machine screws - 5 oz..
Long Peak Razor Ti LA, Proof Research barrel (24" Sendero .284), Triggertech trigger, MBM Ti Beast 5 port Brake - 70 oz.
Hawkins Hybrid Long Range Rings (low 30mm) - 4 oz.

So that puts me right at 7lbs with only my optics remaining. Haven't made up my mind yet as to what direction I'll go there. I kind of hate to put some big brick on top of it after I spent all that money keep my weight at a reasonable level. However, even if I put a 30 oz. scope on it, I'd still be right under 9lbs. I'll make up my mind soon because I need to start shooting this thing. Its down to the VX6HD, V6, or NXS most likely. There is one other thing I didn't mention. I haven't bedded it yet either so that might add a couple oz. as well.

 

[Droppndrakes]

Thanks for sharing. That is helpful for those of us kicking numbers around like myself!

 

[AK Troutbum]

I’ve often thought about investing in a custom build, not necessarily doing it myself like you are doing (nice job by the way), but having a reputable custom firearms builder build me a rifle. My idea for a custom build would be for “the ultimate mountain rifle.” My only hang up with doing it is that I have rifles that are in the sub 5 and even 4 lb. range, naked, and they are all very adequate shooters. One, a .270 Win., is even a sub 1” grouping gun at 200 yards. 100% of the animals I’ve killed on a mountain hunt (and there’s been a few), have been from less than 300 yards. Would I gain anything at all in either wt. or accuracy, or both, with an expensive custom build? I don’t mean to boast, or be at all offensive with this statement and question, I’m just wondering, what am I missing?


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[thinhorn_AK]

I’ve often thought about investing in a custom build, not necessarily doing it myself like you are doing (nice job by the way), but having a reputable custom firearms builder build me a rifle. My idea for a custom build would be for “the ultimate mountain rifle.” My only hang up with doing it is that I have rifles that are in the sub 5 and even 4 lb. range, naked, and they are all very adequate shooters. One, a .270 Win., is even a sub 1” grouping gun at 200 yards. 100% of the animals I’ve killed on a mountain hunt (and there’s been a few), have been from less than 300 yards. Would I gain anything at all in either wt. or accuracy, or both, with an expensive custom build? I don’t mean to boast, or be at all offensive with this statement and question, I’m just wondering, what am I missing?


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I agree 100% with this, if I did anything to upgrade my mountain rifle I’d probably just finally cave in and buy a fieldcraft 308 and call it a day.

 

[BradArnett]

I agree 100% with this, if I did anything to upgrade my mountain rifle I’d probably just finally cave in and buy a fieldcraft 308 and call it a day.

This about where I'm at now. I've had a bunch of customs that have ranged from 5#-15# and a fieldcraft in either 6cm, 6.5cm, 7-08, or 308 would make a bunch of them not needed. That being said, it can be fun to research and plan a custom build. The fieldcraft sure checks alot of boxes though.

OP, not trying to take anything from your build. Its a nice rifle using quality parts. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!!!

 

[AK Troutbum]

I’ve often thought about investing in a custom build, not necessarily doing it myself like you are doing (nice job by the way), but having a reputable custom firearms builder build me a rifle. My idea for a custom build would be for “the ultimate mountain rifle.” My only hang up with doing it is that I have rifles that are in the sub 5 and even 4 lb. range, naked, and they are all very adequate shooters. One, a .270 Win., is even a sub 1” grouping gun at 200 yards. 100% of the animals I’ve killed on a mountain hunt (and there’s been a few), have been from less than 300 yards. Would I gain anything at all in either wt. or accuracy, or both, with an expensive custom build? I don’t mean to boast, or be at all offensive with this statement and question, I’m just wondering, what am I missing?


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When I reread this, I see that I made a mistake, what I should have said is that I have several rifles in the sub 6 and 5 lb. range, NOT sub 5 and 4 lbs.


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[deerkiller]

When I reread this, I see that I made a mistake, what I should have said is that I have several rifles in the sub 6 and 5 lb. range, NOT sub 5 and 4 lbs.


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STILL plenty light enough I'd say ….. To each their own I always say BUT for the $$$ expended a person could travel, add a room, buy a new toy other than another gun, there are a whole bunch of things money NOT spent can then be put towards something else - that said, if it's your ONLY custom gun and it turns out as hoped then that's all well and good also

 

[PAbow84]

I’ve often thought about investing in a custom build, not necessarily doing it myself like you are doing (nice job by the way), but having a reputable custom firearms builder build me a rifle. My idea for a custom build would be for “the ultimate mountain rifle.” My only hang up with doing it is that I have rifles that are in the sub 5 and even 4 lb. range, naked, and they are all very adequate shooters. One, a .270 Win., is even a sub 1” grouping gun at 200 yards. 100% of the animals I’ve killed on a mountain hunt (and there’s been a few), have been from less than 300 yards. Would I gain anything at all in either wt. or accuracy, or both, with an expensive custom build? I don’t mean to boast, or be at all offensive with this statement and question, I’m just wondering, what am I missing?


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You're not missing anything AK Troutbum. Do I have lighter rifles? Yes. Did they cost a whole lot less? Yes. I didn't do this build to get the lightest possible rifle. It was because I wanted another custom rifle, but I also didn't want it to weigh a ton. Besides the cool factor, you would be gaining in accuracy for sure. If not, than you've done something wrong. However, is that added accuracy needed? Like you said, all of your shots have been under 300 yards. I would imagine the vast majority, including myself, are in the same boat and will rarely take a shot beyond that. With that in mind, a gun that can shoot 1 moa at 100 is more than adequate. Is a custom rifle needed? No, its just like someone buying the F-150 Lariat instead of the XL. I highly doubt the power leather seats are needed but it sure is nice and it makes driving that much more enjoyable. If I got lucky enough to draw a sheep tag this gun would be staying in the safe and I'd go with something better suited. I once got hung up with buying a new bow and how much it cost. The dealer (good salesman) said why not spend the money if its a bow that will make you want to get it out and shoot it more. I'm not offended at all by your question. Everyone has their own idea of what gear they want/need. If we are talking in practical terms, stay away from a custom rifle. If it is something that you'd get enjoyment out of, and would add to your overall hunting experience, then start a build.

 

[PAbow84]

STILL plenty light enough I'd say ….. To each their own I always say BUT for the $$$ expended a person could travel, add a room, buy a new toy other than another gun, there are a whole bunch of things money NOT spent can then be put towards something else - that said, if it's your ONLY custom gun and it turns out as hoped then that's all well and good also

I somewhat agree with you. This isn't my only custom, and probably won't be my last either. So on that point I guess I disagree. With that said, if a custom build was going to take away an opportunity to hunt, skip the build for sure. It definitely isn't going to make you a better hunter. I'm lucky enough to be able to go on a couple out-of-state hunts each year. If not building this rifle would have allowed me to go on one additional hunt it would never have been built. Time is more my limiting factor though and not the funding. I'm not rich by any means but I save for the things I enjoy. I completely agree though that the money could be used in other ways. Everyone needs to be realistic with their financial situation. If its a hardship, or will take away from an opportunity to hunt, there are a lot of inexpensive options out there that will do the trick.