Ultralight Ultralight Rifles

[Trackselk]

Yes at that angle and wall thickness you would need a machinist/ gunsmith but I wouldn’t think they would charge you to much? I assumed the ball was crimped in there but maybe not. I’m sure a smith could crimp/stake it in place if it’s not.

Yeah, if I get the 2900-2950 79gr loads that I'm looking for, then I'll try my oversized washer/tab idea since i can do it at home in 30 mins. Should work about like southernfrieds method, but keep the bolt and extension meshed 100%. Still might want steel reinforcement so the corner of the slot isn't worn down rapidly.

 

[ACHILLES]

Agreed that’s worth a try first and I think it would work.

 

[Trackselk]

I’ll have to go back to my notes. But I think I filed my carbon lower magwell, upper, and barrel extension to allow 2.4” overall. I think I Loaded a couple TMK’s at 2.39”.


My load testing shows a much bigger increase in velocity than I would’ve expected gaining .1” of case capacity.


I’ll see what I can dig up.


For reference, this is from my wife’s Howa mini with a 16” barrel:

View attachment 849470


I’ll have to find my notes on OAL at that CBTO, but it was measured with hornady comparator.

Bolt was a little heavy at the 27gr load.

Screamin

Do you think you got that 2900 at the 2.39" or considerably shorter?

 

[KyleR1985]

Do you think you got that 2900 at the 2.39" or considerably shorter?

Looks like 2.43” ish.

 

[Thegman]

Hmm, there's no place for it to grab, so he cut the upper to where the bolt rotates further, which affects the bolt 'cog?' Engagement. I'm thinking this will cause excessive wear, especially with hot loads. There isn't a lot of surface area soaking up any rearward travel. What do you all think about that? I think I would be more inclined to put a slightly bigger washer under the screw, and then cut a matching recess so it doesn't affect the bolt engagement.
I'd probably have to flatten 2 sides of the washer to avoid limiting bolt rotation and maybe to fit in the handle recess for the screw. Heck, maybe 3 sides actually. So, make an oval tab basically...

I've not been able to look at one to really know, but it sounds like your idea could work (?).

I could be wrong, but in the video, I didn't think he cut the upper to allow any more rotation (which you wouldn't want to do as that would change the lug engagement with the barrel extension).

I thought he just made a small pocket for the rear bolt retaining screw to engage with. The only thing that happens with that is that the carrier, along with the bolt handle, gets pushed back slightly by the spring behind the bolt, but the bolt itself does not move with respect to its lock-up with the barrel extension, just the bolt carrier.

That does cause a couple of potential issues I can think of:

The first, which you mentioned, is the steel screw gradually wearing the aluminum receiver at the contact point. I haven't been able to mess with one to see if that's going to happen, but I definitely agree that it seems like it could. An idea like that detent ball seems like a better idea from the get go, but would be easier if it the BCA just came that way.

The second possible issue is that with the video modification, the bolt carrier is going to have a tiny bit of play and move forward when hit by the hammer on firing. I don't know how this would affect accuracy, if at all, but seems like it would be better without. I mentioned this before, but the bolt carrier can't be allowed to be pushed too far back by notching the upper too deeply, or then it will cause light strikes, or completely block the hammer from hitting the firing pin.

Looks like there's plenty to look at when I eventually get them in hand! Thanks for getting us started on the beta testing

 

[Trackselk]

I've not been able to look at one to really know, but it sounds like your idea could work (?).

I could be wrong, but in the video, I didn't think he cut the upper to allow any more rotation (which you wouldn't want to do as that would change the lug engagement with the barrel extension).

I thought he just made a small pocket for the rear bolt retaining screw to engage with. The only thing that happens with that is that the carrier, along with the bolt handle, gets pushed back slightly by the spring behind the bolt, but the bolt itself does not move with respect to its lock-up with the barrel extension, just the bolt carrier.

That does cause a couple of potential issues I can think of:

The first, which you mentioned, is the steel screw gradually wearing the aluminum receiver at the contact point. I haven't been able to mess with one to see if that's going to happen, but I definitely agree that it seems like it could. An idea like that detent ball seems like a better idea from the get go, but would be easier if it the BCA just came that way.

The second possible issue is that with the video modification, the bolt carrier is going to have a tiny bit of play and move forward when hit by the hammer on firing. I don't know how this would affect accuracy, if at all, but seems like it would be better without. I mentioned this before, but the bolt carrier can't be allowed to be pushed too far back by notching the upper too deeply, or then it will cause light strikes, or completely block the hammer from hitting the firing pin.

Looks like there's plenty to look at when I eventually get them in hand! Thanks for getting us started on the beta testing

Good point on the gap, not sure if it'll make any difference, but makes me think more about my crap rubberband idea lol
I had to watch the video twice to verify, but he very briefly mentions cutting the upper so the bolt drops in more, without that his design wouldn't work. Probably fine with normal loads I'd guess, but all depends on his particular rifles engagement:/

 

[SEtoNWHunter]

Has anyone chopped a rifle length gas barrel right behind the gas port? If so, what finished length did you get?

I'm estimating the finished barrel would be about 13". I have some SBR'd lowers that are not getting used too much and I'm thinking about a cheap, portless, UL upper. Either straight pull or BCA bolt action.

 

[Welldone]

Here is my “one ,two” punch. I can’t wipe the grin off my face when shooting the 300 Blackout (6” 1-5)
Weighs 4 lbs, 2 oz as pictured

I feel like most of the builds seen on here are used strictly for utilitarian hunting duty. The simple structure and carbon fiber parts pronounce its purpose to save weight. I’m just wondering IF anyone has gone the extra step and cerakoted or rattle canned their rifle. I would love to see any custom painted ULUL guns.

 

[ezwy]

I feel like most of the builds seen on here are used strictly for utilitarian hunting duty. The simple structure and carbon fiber parts pronounce its purpose to save weight. I’m just wondering IF anyone has gone the extra step and cerakoted or rattle canned there rifle. I would love to see any custom painted ULUL guns.

@Taudisio post 850 is pretty cool. Have wanted to copy that for a while

 

[Welldone]

View attachment 702330View attachment 702332

Here ya go. It does look nice!

 

[packgoatguy]

Has anyone chopped a rifle length gas barrel right behind the gas port? If so, what finished length did you get?

I'm estimating the finished barrel would be about 13". I have some SBR'd lowers that are not getting used too much and I'm thinking about a cheap, portless, UL upper. Either straight pull or BCA bolt action.

I had a 16 inch BCA barrel cut mid gas port, it's 8 inches now. If I recall when I measured my faxon 16 inch barrel, if I'd had it cut at the gas journal, it would have been about 10.5 inches.

 

[Taudisio]

Here ya go. It does look nice!

Post in thread 'Ultralight Ultralight Rifles'
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/ultralight-ultralight-rifles.329402/post-3808378

With suppressor
There should be another post soon after when I rattle canned the suppressor. The rifle and can have some black coming through now. A little “character” if you will.

 

[Dukhtr3]

The listed weight on their website is pretty accurate. I weighed mine at 32 grams.

Just know it's not a tight fit in the proper sized tube, so you have to build it up with some epoxy or a spacer of some kind.

Packgoat, Do you have any up close pictures of your stock build? What foam did you use?

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[Trackselk]

Thought you all might like my latest project. Got a Ruta Locura 22 mag kit, mounted it to a stainless chipmunk pistol action (only stainless option), and chopped down a rail and mount to minimal dimensions for a holosun with the chevron reticle. Should be my new small game rifle, and if need be, it'd take bigger game with 50 grainers. I could definitely shave some ounces off the action if I wanted to Swiss cheese it.
I also have one in 22lr, I'll have to get a finished weight on it.

 

[Thegman]

Thought you all might like my latest project. Got a Ruta Locura 22 mag kit, mounted it to a stainless chipmunk pistol action (only stainless option), and chopped down a rail and mount to minimal dimensions for a holosun with the chevron reticle. Should be my new small game rifle, and if need be, it'd take bigger game with 50 grainers. I could definitely shave some ounces off the action if I wanted to Swiss cheese it.
I also have one in 22lr, I'll have to get a finished weight on it.
View attachment 850582

Maybe Sierra will come up with 50 grain TMK 22WMR ammo. Next level UL-UL-UL big game rifles!

Not recommending it, but one of my neighbors in OK has talked about how many deer his dad used to kill with a 22 Magnum back in the day. I asked if he head shot the deer. He told me he shot ribs/heart/lungs and apparently it worked...how well, I have no idea. But that rifle in 22WMR definitely is more capable than the LR version.

 

[Trackselk]

Maybe Sierra will come up with 50 grain TMK 22WMR ammo. Next level UL-UL-UL big game rifles!

Not recommending it, but one of my neighbors in OK has talked about how many deer his dad used to kill with a 22 Magnum back in the day. I asked if he head shot the deer. He told me he shot ribs/heart/lungs and apparently it worked...how well, I have no idea. But that rifle in 22WMR definitely is more capable than the LR version.

Lol, no kidding! Some guys have gone to the length of pulling the bullets and seating bigger better bullets. I read that it's legal in Maine to hunt deer with WMR, and when I was stationed in VA Beach long ago I was on site after some relatives of a friend mowed down 3 yearling bucks with cheap 22lr ammo. One disappeared to a miserable death, but the other 2 didn't move 5 yards (spot lighted). I butchered those 2 bucks, and all 6 hollowpoint bullets went through the vitals and exited! No expansion I assumed. 15 yards ish...
After that I can only imagine what a 50+ grain 22 mag can do. One guy on YouTube got 24" penetration on gel with the federal 50gr, and supposedly people are having good luck with them on hogs. If a predator messes with my packgoats, it's going to find out how well they work.

 

[Trackselk]

Looks like otter creek has a lighter 1/2 28 adapter that might shave .3oz if it's true to their listing. @packgoatguy
$30! $5 shipping. Looks like they might not be making more. I've got one in route, so I'll post the true weight when I get it

 

[180ls1]

Before I put it elsewhere are any of you ULUL interested? Each is lightest in class (I believe)

Kdc tripods
Vortex bino adapter (mounts direct to KDC which is nice)
Leophoto arca adapter

Would love to sell as a package.

 

[Trackselk]

Looks like otter creek has a lighter 1/2 28 adapter that might shave .3oz if it's true to their listing. @packgoatguy
$30! $5 shipping. Looks like they might not be making more. I've got one in route, so I'll post the true weight when I get it

I forgot to mention that it has flats for a wrench, which can really help with getting the stubborn adapters back off of your can. Oh, and this fits the Scythe-ti I believe, but verify that, as I didn't...

 

[ezwy]

I feel like most of the builds seen on here are used strictly for utilitarian hunting duty. The simple structure and carbon fiber parts pronounce its purpose to save weight. I’m just wondering IF anyone has gone the extra step and cerakoted or rattle canned their rifle. I would love to see any custom painted ULUL guns.

I slapped some paint on mine yesterday. Pretty happy with it. Kept the base black so chipping/peeling shouldn’t matter.