Hello all,
I'm a Highpower across the course shooter but would like to get started in smallbore silhouette. I picked up a very nice condition Anschutz 54 as an 1807. Took it to the range and the first time firing it, and first time ever trying silhouette, I got addicted. Hit 14 of 20 including 5 chickens in a row as well as 5 rams in a row using CMP Remington ammo. I was pleased and want to start playing around with it. Just standard class, not hunter. Now the problem....

Total weight is 11.2 lbs with scope. Of that, the stock is 3.8lbs, action/scope is 7.4lbs. I know I would have to trim down the deep belly of the stock, which I wouldn't mind doing, but that would probably only shed a few ounces, maybe 1/2 pound at most. I guess I would have to cut back the barrel, which is a 26" medium straight barrel at 0.865" diameter. So should I pursue cutting this one down, or just go with another such as a 54 MS?

Thanks,
Travis
Jacksonville, FL

What scope do you have? Scopes vary anywhere from 14oz to over two pounds.

Probably the easiest way to shave weigh, in your rifle's case, is in the stock. The composite stocks seem to run right around 2 pounds.

Welcome to the sport! It is addictive as heck!

Don't waste your time triming the stock. Picture a cubic inch of wood and you'll be looking at 0.5 ozs. It takes a lot of wood to get a couple of ozs. 1/2 lb would be 16 cubic inches.That's a lot of wood.
ppkny

The LONG barell is the problem assuming the stock fits the dimensions from center of bore to bottom of stock right in front of the trigger. Theory has it that any barell over 18 inches long just slows down your bullet.

I have a cheap scope on it now, but it comes in at just 17oz. I agree, most weight is in the action. Are there composite stocks out there that are really 2#? Who are light stock makers? Without costing a fortune that is. That would make weight alone without setting back the barrel.

Anyone have an idea of how many oz. per inch in a barrel this size? I seem to read there some conflicting ideas as well about setting back the barrel vs cutting at the muzzle.

If I could make weight through a stock change, that would be great. I am conflicted on either chopping this barrel, vs just keeping this gun and getting a different one to start with.

Thanks again, Travis

I think most of the Mark Pharr, Wooster and the McMillan "FWT" stocks are all under 2.5lbs. The FWT stock may come in the lightest. It is a direct replica of the 1712 sporter stock.

There are calculators on the Internet that will allow you to calculate the weight of a steel tube. You enter the dimensions (including the bore diameter) and it'll output the approx weight of the tube.

I went through the same exercise with my old M 54 Super Match. In the end it made more sense to sell the 54, and buy a new 1712

Ever want to get rid of it altered match rifle is not going to bring much. Seems more you put into it less it's worth used. Cutting the barrel has it's risk too may work well may not. I would set back before cutting off, and it's not cheap to have done. Unaltered they sell quick and used 1712’s bring almost what they cost new. Everybody sells everything sometime. If you have a Hunter class rifle most matches you can shoot twice once hunter once silhouette. It's a strategic advantage.

Couple of guys at our club shoot re-worked 54's and do well though

Boats

The stock and the barrel are the eazy ways to drop weight.....NOW if the folks that make the stocks would get to making them again we could all finish our guns.

A good stock that is very light are as expensive as a barell. If you have a decent barell, you could just have it shortened for a lot less money than a new one.

So I guess I'm looking at either going with a very light stock or setting back the barrel? The cost isnt a big deal, but i want it to make sense. Even with cost involved, I almost would prefer the light stock, as if I set back the barrel, I will have to still cut down the stock i have and lighten it up. Since I'm new to silhouette, who makes a good light stock? Other than McMillan, I can't seem to find much online. Where do i start in looking for a stock and what price ballpark am I looking at?

I went through the same sort of predicament but with a Kimber 82G that I happen to like very much! It shoots much better than I do but it also too heavy and there is an issue with the stock being legal. I looked at the alternatives with my gunsmith and decided that it made more sense to get another rifle and shoot both the hunter and standard class.

I am not trying to discourage you if you really want to have hot rodded project gun but the costs can add up quickly.

As a shooter, hang on to that one, use it in the local club matches until you can get another 17XX or similar rifle. Great action etc, but by the time you modify to meet all the requirements, you will have spent the same money and have one already there like a 1710 or 1712.

Mary

So who is making stocks? As previously mentioned, I have concerns about hunter class and want the heavier gun and lighter trigger, as my Highpower guns close to double that weight. I can find info on McMillan online, but what other sources are there for light stocks? I guess I'll keep my eye out for a 1710, but would still restock it. Are new barreled actions available?

Not trying to sell Hunter rifles but

Weight and a light trigger makes for more targets hit for sure. Our club I rarely shoot the match serious what with all I have to do as Match Director. Sometimes, not for record, I use my 15 LB Schuetzen single shot, double set triggers 4 oz let off, 20x scope, hook plate and palm rest. Hit rates are way higher than I can shoot with the Hunter class gun.

However light gun will improve your skills. All that weight and solid stock attachment hides positon problems that come to light with a light rifle. Read Tubb's first High Power book, He recomends Silhouttte with a Hunter class gun as a training tool for High Power. Hunter guns often shoot the highest score and win a lot of matches. Should not be that way but it's what happens. It's the two match same gun tactical advantage.

Most matches will let you shoot your Match 54, not for record. Spend some time with it before dropping a lot of cash into alterations is my advice

Homer at Champions Choice had some 1712 barreled actions few months ago.

Boats

tmccoy wrote:So who is making stocks? As previously mentioned, I have concerns about hunter class and want the heavier gun and lighter trigger, as my Highpower guns close to double that weight. I can find info on McMillan online, but what other sources are there for light stocks? I guess I'll keep my eye out for a 1710, but would still restock it. Are new barreled actions available?

I have a single shot McMillan Anschutz thumb hole style in blue and white, and a fagen single shot for the 54 if you are interested send me a pm. I am also thinking of selling a 54MS.