UL/LW Builders
- Thread starter ShrtRnd
- Start date
Unless you really need an ultralight rifle <many don't>, it can get very expensive and comes with a few compromises for the sake of weight. Many times handling and accuracy can suffer. If I can get a rifle to weight 7# scoped, I'm much happier with that and they are easier to shoot.
I have a faux TI here in 257Roberts. The bbl contour is between MR and factory sporter. That's as light as I want it. Shoots well, handles well.
I have a faux TI here in 257Roberts. The bbl contour is between MR and factory sporter. That's as light as I want it. Shoots well, handles well.
A while back we did a days testing with two Tikka rifles. Firstly a standard blued T3 Lite in 308 with 20" barrel (pressure point was removed in the factory stock) and a Stainless T3 CTR 308 20" which was fitted into an ultralight Tactical carbon stock. Targets were at 200yds and standard factory Match ammo used, Sako 168gr. The average of each rifle came to .35 MOA for the T3 Lite and .29 MOA for the CTR.
The T3 Lite barrel has roughly .65" at the muzzle so not really that light, the rifle however saves weight with the polymer floor plate that weighs only 73 grams including the magazine and a stock that is around 800grams.
My take is that the .65" barrel weight is about as light as one would want to go for a rifle that should be good for a longer shot. I would save weight on the stock, mag system and magazine but not on the scope.
edi
The T3 Lite barrel has roughly .65" at the muzzle so not really that light, the rifle however saves weight with the polymer floor plate that weighs only 73 grams including the magazine and a stock that is around 800grams.
My take is that the .65" barrel weight is about as light as one would want to go for a rifle that should be good for a longer shot. I would save weight on the stock, mag system and magazine but not on the scope.
edi
I’m in no need or want to chase the UL category in reality. There’s no Elevation or Sheep here and they are certainly beyond my means, but hey.. I can still dream huh?
This is/was more of a curiosity thing then anything.
Your train of thought here SC is mine as well (#7 range) as I’m more a LW guy than say the standard #8-9 all in. Unless of course a Magnum is involved, then I’m searching for that #8-8.5 max range. Yes, it’s a PIA at times on the bench shooting strings of three and letting bbls cool down, but as you say it’s a compromise and a small price to pay imo.
My LW rifle comes in at 8lbs scoped and loaded with 5 rounds total in the gun. It is a Defiance AnTi long action, Benchmrk #2 barrel at 24" and an AG Composites carbon stock with Rem 700 factory bottom metal. Yes I could have made it lighter, but it is just right for me and I would really not want any lighter and certainly no heavier. It handles really well, shoots excellent from field positions and off the bench, and is very accurate with factory and handloads. I would not hesitate to take that rifle anywhere i wanted to hunt, or anywhere I would dream about hunting.
