I'm considering putting my Model 70 .375 H&H on a weight loss program. With scope and sling it's around 10.8 lbs. I have a Bansner High Tech on a Model 70 30-06 that I like a lot. Comparing weight between High Tech and factory .375 stock saves 1 lb. I can replace the steel 1 piece Williams floor plate with an aluminum unit from PT&G and save 3 or 4 more ounces. Suddenly I'm around 9.5 lbs. Much better!!

So my only concern is handling. I layed the .375 action into the High Tech. Doesn't fit at all of course but my impression is that it felt great. Puts the balance forward and really seemed to bring the gun to life.

So the simple question is does anyone have a similar setup and what are your likes and dislikes?

Thanks!

I've considered the same thing, but then I thought I'd just rechamber to 375 Weatherby and the weight would seem about right...

I sold my 7 lb. 375 Mod 70 to someone here on AR a few years ago. It was a pussy cat to shoot. Should have kept it!

You can hollow out the Butt and Fore end as well
and that takes a fair amount of weight out.

On a Classic Style Laminate stock we make, the difference is 28 oz between them, so one weighs 48 oz, the Ultralight weighs 28oz.

That should save you a few Ibs plus with the other ideas in your post, you could get it down to 8lbs or less.

Hope that helps.

.

wyattd,

Depending on the scope mounts you might save a much as 3-4 ounces by changing to Weaver mounts. They are strong as can be and don't let anyone tell you different.

Mark

I agree with Mark, Weavers are unsung heros, and they return to zero as well as the high dollar mounts if you keep the screw tension the same..I do that by bringing the screw slots tight to vertical or horizontal (either one will do), sight the gun in at that screw setting and return to that setting each time you remount the scope on the rifle. Same applies to the Ruger QD or Talleys, keep the tension the same.

You didn't mention what scope you are using but for light weight a 1.5-5 Leupold or a 2-7 mini Lupy are great on a 375. If you can't shoot something at 5X magnification you shouldn't be shooting.
My M70 weighs about 8lbs+ and handles great and is fine to carry all day long.

It hadn’t occurred to me to go lighter on the scope mounts. But, I currently have Talley bases and 2 sets of quick release rings with low power Leupolds. VX-3’s in 1 x 5 and 1.75 x 6. I’m pretty happy with that setup.

BT, what is the configuration of your 8 lb rifle? Factory barrel? Factory wood stock? Does that weight include scope and mounts?

quote:

Originally posted by wyattd:
It hadn’t occurred to me to go lighter on the scope mounts. But, I currently have Talley bases and 2 sets of quick release rings with low power Leupolds. VX-3’s in 1 x 5 and 1.75 x 6. I’m pretty happy with that setup.

BT, what is the configuration of your 8 lb rifle? Factory barrel? Factory wood stock? Does that weight include scope and mounts?

Scope mounts? Yeah, like that will make a BF difference!

quote:

It hadn’t occurred to me to go lighter on the scope mounts. But, I currently have Talley bases and 2 sets of quick release rings with low power Leupolds. VX-3’s in 1 x 5 and 1.75 x 6. I’m pretty happy with that setup.

BT, what is the configuration of your 8 lb rifle? Factory barrel? Factory wood stock? Does that weight include scope and mounts?

Keep your Talleys.

I would also like to know how Blacktailer got 8 pounds. Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by wyattd:
It hadn’t occurred to me to go lighter on the scope mounts. But, I currently have Talley bases and 2 sets of quick release rings with low power Leupolds. VX-3’s in 1 x 5 and 1.75 x 6. I’m pretty happy with that setup.

BT, what is the configuration of your 8 lb rifle? Factory barrel? Factory wood stock? Does that weight include scope and mounts?

Custom kevlar stock, Talleys and 1.5-5 Leupold. P64 factory barrel. Since you asked, I put it on my digital scale. 8.915 lbs ( I did say 8+ on my first post). I wouldn't want to go much lighter as I'm no fan of recoil and it does carry and point well.

What length barrel do you have? If it's 24" cut it down to 20" the animals will not know the difference. You can try a lighter contour barrel or carbon fiber barrel. Remove the open sights and utilize a red dot type that will fit on your quick detach mount set up. The weavers are excellent but I would leave the talley's alone also leave the williams bottom metal in place. Compare weight of stocks from different manufacturers and see if the difference justifies the expenditures.Use lighter sling. I personally like a heavier rifle in that caliber 8.5-9.5lb. When it's too light it takes longer to get on target for repeated shots.

I have some light weight rifles but I can definately shoot better with a heavy rifle, especially on off hand and running shots as the heavy guns settle down faster and are more solid to hold. Same with longer barrels.

My light short guns are mostly for horse back hunting..a pound or two packing a gun on my shoulder makes little difference to me. If I can't pack that two pounds I figure I'm in trouble and need to be working out more.

If your a hunter like the TV guys and can sit and wait for a broadside shot or let the elk walk off, then the fwt. rifle is perfect. I think real hunting is more realistic than that and I take most shots as they come and use enough gun to get er done, and the heavy guns work best for me.