Thoughts on this...?

[AG]

I have a Ruger Frontier in 358 Win and I'm thinking about having the barrel either fluted or reprofiled to shed a bit of weight. The Frontier is 6.85# vs 5.75# for the compact.
The only reason I can see why Ruger went with the heavier profile barrel on the Frontier was to allow drilling and tapping for the scout mount. For me that's a non issue. I have no desire to use that setup. I already have a Leupold VXII 1-4 mounted conventionally and don't intend to change that. More recoil is also a non-issue. I would rather trade the weight savings for more recoil in this case. I also have a Ruger compact in 308 wearing the factory lighter profile barrel and like the weight and balance of that setup and would like to emulate it on the 358.
I guess long story short, if I could buy a Ruger compact in 358 I would have vs the Frontier.
I've already removed the scout mount from the barrel. So guys, should I get the barrel fluted or get it turned down to a lighter profile?
I'll add the inevitable reply now to save some of you the trouble...Hit the gym dude...

 

[burnsy56]

Thats a tough call. That is a very desirable rifle to a lot of people (myself included). I doubt those costly mods will make a huge difference weightwise. Will fluting affect the target grey bbl finish?
Just one guys opinion but I'd be inclined to leave it original and sell it for top dollar and move on. Also, if weight is a real factor, try using a safari sling first. They can tame most rifle weights and still keep the rifle "at the ready". http://www.cabelas.com/gun-slings-safari-rifle-sling-2.shtml

 

[Kevan]

I have the same rifle and really like it, my only criticism would be with the very short butt as I added a slip-on recoil pad to create a bit more length, looks funny but it works.
Mine prefers a 225 gr. load so for me the weight factor helps dampen recoil.
I would also like to take the scope mount off the barrel as I don't plan on using it.

 

[AG]

Thats a tough call. That is a very desirable rifle to a lot of people (myself included). I doubt those costly mods will make a huge difference weightwise. Will fluting affect the target grey bbl finish?
Just one guys opinion but I'd be inclined to leave it original and sell it for top dollar and move on. Also, if weight is a real factor, try using a safari sling first. They can tame most rifle weights and still keep the rifle "at the ready". http://www.cabelas.com/gun-slings-safari-rifle-sling-2.shtml

Thanks for the reply

I think I can lose about 1 pound with the barrel work. As for finish, I know I will have to refinish if I do any milling, that's expected.
Selling it? No, I quite like the rifle and want to keep it. Just like to shave a pound or so of what I see as excess weight off it. The weight isn't a huge factor, just sayin that the heavy profile barrel is unnecessary for "my" needs and I would prefer this rifle a pound lighter if possible.

I'm only 5'6" and the size of the rifle for me is perfect as is. I only run 200 grain hornady's and recoil is a non-issue. She's my east coast walkin/stumblin rifle and fits that niche perfectly.

Nice bear she took this fall...

 

[hunter5425]

One way to lose a pound or more is to go to a lightweight stock. I just put together a rifle and the finished weight of the stock with recoil pad , swivel studs and bedding is 21 0z. Wildcat composites made the stock and the price is reasonable , especially if our handy enough o finish the stock yourself.

 

[Superbrad]

That is a beautiful rifle... to change anything on it would be like putting a spoiler on a model T... it should remain as is.... jmop....

If you want something lighter than buy it... 1 pound is nothing...