Overweight 1712

[DavidABQ]

My 1712 weighs in right at 8.5 lbs. so if I replace my Leupold FX-3 fixed 12 power with a variable Leupold VX-2 , 6-18x40 I will be overweight.

I have been debating having my gunsmith shorten the barrel by a couple of inches to make weight with some to spare.

Any thoughts?

[sdwooster]

For hunting rifle it can weigh 8lbs. 8oz.

[chuckjordan2]

David,
Let me first say that I don't own a 1712, however, what I would do is find 'easy pickin's' to remove weight.
1) From the 1712's that I've seen the bolt knob is massive. Many are steel (as opposed to aluminum). I would first remove the entire bolt assembly from the rifle and weigh the rifle. How much is that saving (I know the knob is just a portion of the entire bolt assembly). What I'm getting at is identifying key areas where weight is the heaviest.
2) what brand and material are your rings? Steel vs. aluminum? I use BKL (aluminum) as they're sleek and save weight. There are other types that can save weight.
3) How much does your trigger guard weigh? Assuming it's steel, aluminum (or even plastic) will save you weight.

These are options to consider before chopping off the barrel. Cutting the barrel will also shift the weight to the rear a little. Also, if Anschutz has a choke on the barrel, you'd lose that too (note: some Anschutz target rifles had chokes on the barrels, I know my olde Walthers and Feinwerkbau's do).

[DavidABQ]

David,
Let me first say that I don't own a 1712, however, what I would do is find 'easy pickin's' to remove weight.
1) From the 1712's that I've seen the bolt knob is massive. Many are steel (as opposed to aluminum). I would first remove the entire bolt assembly from the rifle and weigh the rifle. How much is that saving (I know the knob is just a portion of the entire bolt assembly). What I'm getting at is identifying key areas where weight is the heaviest.
2) what brand and material are your rings? Steel vs. aluminum? I use BKL (aluminum) as they're sleek and save weight. There are other types that can save weight.
3) How much does your trigger guard weigh? Assuming it's steel, aluminum (or even plastic) will save you weight.

These are options to consider before chopping off the barrel. Cutting the barrel will also shift the weight to the rear a little. Also, if Anschutz has a choke on the barrel, you'd lose that too (note: some Anschutz target rifles had chokes on the barrels, I know my olde Walthers and Feinwerkbau's do).

Excellent ideas! Thank you, I did not consider the balance point. It would probably be better to have my gunsmith remove material from the barrel exterior instead of shortening it.


Actually I am going to confirm the accuracy of my scale first and then replace the steel rings with aluminum rings and see what that gets me.

Thank you.

[BCloninger]

According to Leupold specifications, the VX2 6-18x40 is only .5 ounce heavier than the FX3 25x40, so you're only a gnat's whisker away, and maybe even closer given some variation between individual units. Definitely try the less invasive changes before altering anything about the action or barrel!

[DavidABQ]

I suppose I can reduce weight the easy way with lighter scope rings and swivel studs removal first.

[sdwooster]

I have a aluminum trigger guard that weights 1.5 oz. I have also have took recoil pad off and drilled out some wood and put lite weight pad on. How many oz. over are with a scope on it? Steve

[DavidABQ]

Right now I am right at 8 lbs 8 ozs with the magazine inserted, steel Warne scope rings and a Leupold FX-3 12x40. .

A Leupold VX-2, 6-18x40 will put me over by by 0.5 oz.

I want and ounce or two for a buffer.

Now this is all assuming that my scale is spot on and not off by a couple of ounces one way or the other.

I am also concerned about being below the limit on my scale at home but over the limit at Nationals because of differences in scales.

I do not want to be in the position that OldRanger was this year with him driving down and almost not allowed to participate because the toe of his stock was too low.

I need to try and verify my scale against another. If it is indeed accurate then I will ditch the steel scope rings and look at my other options.

[cedestech]

Scope rings. Changing to BKL will save you a couple ounces.

[OldRanger]

Sling swivels, scope rings, then wood. I would be very hesitant about messing with the barrel.

[Jerry G]

I'm with you on that one OR. There is NO need for steel rings or the swivels.

[DavidABQ]

I got thinking that instead of cutting the barrel as a last resort I will take Kevinbear's suggestion about drilling holes in the barrel.
I can have my gunsmith drill holes in the muzzle creating a muzzle brake!

Kevin, that is pure genius!

[BCloninger]

Just changing to BKL rings will probably get you there with less cost and drama.

[kevinbear]

I got thinking that instead of cutting the barrel as a last resort I will take Kevinbear's suggestion about drilling holes in the barrel.
I can have my gunsmith drill holes in the muzzle creating a muzzle brake!

Kevin, that is pure genius!

That's not really a gunsmith project, bring it up to my new years eve party and we'll make it into a contest, like most holes you can drill in 30 seconds!!! We'll try and stay away from the chamber and scope.

[OldRanger]

I got thinking that instead of cutting the barrel as a last resort I will take Kevinbear's suggestion about drilling holes in the barrel.
I can have my gunsmith drill holes in the muzzle creating a muzzle brake!

Kevin, that is pure genius!

3.16.1 Compensators and Muzzle Brakes - The use of compensators,
muzzle brakes and barrel porting is prohibited, except in Air Rifle Silhouette
competition. (The adjustment holes on the Boss-CR are not considered to be
compensators, muzzle brakes or barrel porting.)

Just stay away from the barrel......