advise for weight savings with fluted bolt/magnesium firing pin/aluminum shroud

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DMS1

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Not really a precision question, but I figure you guys would know more about it than anyone.

I have a 700 VTR in 223 that I use for coyotes. I am interested in tightening my groups and also saving some weight and have a few questions:

1) say a Gre-tan firing pin assembly with titanium firing pin and aluminum shroud should save some weight. I found a web site that shows about 3 ozs. I pulled my stock firing pin assembly and it weighs 3.9 ozs - shouldn't there be a greater weight advantage? can anyone confirm this? I know the benefits of the lock time and j-lock elimination are a plus, just want to know about the weight

2) how much weight does fluting the bolt and skeletonizing the handle save? There must be some advantage. I know about the flutes helping to clear dirt/ice etc, plus the tacticool look.
 
rifle weight and pic

stock vtr, cut the brake off the barrel, leupold 4.5-14x40 scope (no ao, weighs under 13 ozs), leupold DD 2 pc rings and mounts (posted in optics about switching to talleys to save weight), accushot bipod, total weight is 9.5lbs

IMG_0297.jpg
 
Just have to ask why do you need to loose the weight on the rifle?
For the weight savings attained by your mods you would be better off leaving that extra sandwich and can of pop behind.
The Gre-Tan pin conversion has proven its worth in increased accuracy.
Just my 2 cents worth.
RC
 
Fluting bolt and buying new fireing pin might save you max 2oz, expensive and not worth it. Aluminum Weaver bases and scope rings might save you 4oz in weight and pile of money. Scope is good but 6x36 Leupold might save you another 4oz and some $$$ to, cut the 2" of the barrel with the brake and another 4oz bites the dust. Fluting the barrel would get rid of another 4oz easy it being .224" bore the flutes can be rather deep. Thats total one pound allready....Is that stock solid plastic or hollow in the butstock? Drilling holes and routing the forearm might add some more savings. How heavy is that bipod? There is so much choice out there, I bet you can save some oz right there. It is best to plan ahead for light weight rifle but selling some components of yours and buying lighter ones will lighten it up considerably IMO.
 
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If you want light weight, go for a Tikka. I put together one for a friend, total weight of the rig was 7 lbs 2oz. Tikka T3 Lite with barrel cut to 18.5" - DNZ Tikka mount - Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40. I think you could get a little lighter with Tikka standard rings and Leupold VX-II 3-9x40 but thats only about 3oz which would make it under 7 lbs.
 
thanks for the input. I never really thought about the weight of the rifle so much until I swapped scopes and thought 4 ounces less was really noticeable. I don't mind keeping the weight where it does some good, but was curious about removing it in other areas for an advantage.

On the bipod, I chose it because it is compact, no springs to get tangled, and it is fairly light weight (10ozs). I'm not sure what I could switch to that would be much lighter?
 
How far are you planning on hiking with your coyote rifle? I have a medium heavy contour on my browning x-bolt varmint. She isn't the lightest rifle but I go to my area (about 300 yard walk) and sit with a bipod and call... I don't notice the weight at all. I can see a light rifle for sheep hunting in the mountains but for coyote hunting??
 
On the bipod, I chose it because it is compact, no springs to get tangled, and it is fairly light weight (10ozs). I'm not sure what I could switch to that would be much lighter?[/QUOTE]


Take a piece of string about 6' long, put a loop on each end...sit down on your butt and put a loop around each foot. Wrap the string around the barrel one time and apply upward tension to the gun, slide your feet apart or togethor to adjust vertically for shot elevation. Not quite as solid as bipod but much lighter.:D
 
Regarding the weight, I mostly walk with this rifle. I am just starting to call coyotes. Usually we have 5-8 guys and we push and post small bushes, fence rows etc for them. Lots of great excercise especially with the snow, and it does work. 29 so far this year and 6 fox.
 
DMS1 said:
Regarding the weight, I mostly walk with this rifle. I am just starting to call coyotes. Usually we have 5-8 guys and we push and post small bushes, fence rows etc for them. Lots of great excercise especially with the snow, and it does work. 29 so far this year and 6 fox.
Click to expand...

Awesome, well in that case you have justified a light rifle. If I were you, I'd just consider buying a new rifle. Look at the Tikka T3 lites.
 
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