Rifle Balance - What's Your Preference?

[Maple57]

Muzzle heavy, with the balance point in front of the magwell.

Could use a little more weight in the front though.

I've found that when the rifle has to press the mag into the bag, is a great way to create an FTF. More forward balance allows the mag to reside naturally away from the bag and reduces chance of pressure causing a feed problem Yes, even Vudoos can have a problem when pressure is applied to the mag. Yes tweaks can be done to overcome, and should be, but still better to have more forward weight. Best to have a longer barrel... I'd rather have a half pound at the end of the barrel than a whole pound on the fore end.

 

[Mystic Precision]

If you can't load into your rifle without causing feeding issues... FIX IT

There are many situations where the right position demands some forward push into a bag and/or prop. so if you have issues with the mag, or set up, increase the barricade stop so this is no longer an issue.

YMMV

Jerry

PS, something alot of shooters forget as they turn their rifles into pig heavy platforms... you still got to move it, maneuver it and many times, support it. Too heavy can also lead to being too slow.

 

[Walterfisher]

PS, something alot of shooters forget as they turn their rifles into pig heavy platforms... you still got to move it, maneuver it and many times, support it. Too heavy can also lead to being too slow.[/QUOTE]

I could not agree more. I have tried a bunch of rifles and a 20 pound rifle is just not for me. I can shoot a lot more consistently with one that is properly balanced and that weighs about 13 lbs all up. I am also not getting any younger - so there is that. It is much easier and quicker for me to maneuver into position with a rifle that doesn't handle like a piece of cord wood.

 

[Jefferson]

I'll echo what others have said: I setup my PRS (centre fire) rifles to balance in what would be the middle of the support bag when the magwell is pressed into the bag (ie a few inches in front of the magwell). If anything you want to err on the side of being front heavy over rear heavy.

is that because it is easier to bring the muzzle up,or the rear of the stock down

than lift the stock,up