Looking to hear what you guys prefer.

Future plans for a custom in 260, likely around 23" in length.

Debating #3 or ???

Looking to make about a 6.5-7.0 lb rifle naked. Stock choice not set but perhaps a Ti or a McM. Not aspiring a fly weight, but want it very handy/portable, yet balanced.

My past preference is a muzzle from .65 - .70 for stiffness, etc. but this rifle will be shot mostly for hunting, and probably no more than 3 shot groups.

Fwt for hutning and 3 shot groups. I use 30-06 Fwt with no problems. .260 is a smaller hole and will be stiffer than my 30-06. Also go with 22 inches.

Have a look at the "Old German Sporters" thread, I have grown to like the Mauser Model B profile a lot, there are several variations but usually its a stepped reinforce then a straight taper. It results in a slim lightweight barrel.

quote:

Originally posted by 6.5BR:
Looking to hear what you guys prefer.

Future plans for a custom in 260, likely around 23" in length.

Debating #3 or ???

Looking to make about a 6.5-7.0 lb rifle naked. Stock choice not set but perhaps a Ti or a McM. Not aspiring a fly weight, but want it very handy/portable, yet balanced.

My past preference is a muzzle from .65 - .70 for stiffness, etc. but this rifle will be shot mostly for hunting, and probably no more than 3 shot groups.

Since you didn't indicate which action you plan to use it'd be kinda hard to say if you'll make weight.

But, in general, a #3 will not yield a sub 7 lb rifle.

I just built a wood stocked Mexican 98 in 7x57 for a customer. With wood stock, it tips the scales at 6.75 lbs. I started with a Shilen #2 and recontoured it to improve the balance and shed weight. Finished length is 23". We would have hit 6.5 lbs but he wanted a red recoil pad which added another 4 oz back.

Thanks for the replies guys, on the action, it is a Borden Alpine, so 26.5 oz is the weight listed on his website.

quote:

I just built a wood stocked Mexican 98 in 7x57 for a customer. With wood stock, it tips the scales at 6.75 lbs. I started with a Shilen #2 and recontoured it to improve the balance and shed weight. Finished length is 23". We would have hit 6.5 lbs but he wanted a red recoil pad which added another 4 oz back.

Would love to see a pic.

Warrior

quote:

what do you like?

The heaviest barrel I've used in the last several years is a #3 for over .30 caliber and a #2 for under that. Usually I use a #1 contour to keep the gun as light as possible and then I can add things like a heavy recoil pad to increase weight if desired....it's always easier to add weight than to reduce it! Adding a scope can also be easier if you want extra weight as bases and mounts add up easily.

I've not found the #1 contours to lack precision.....they have all shot quite well. Douglas also makes a featherweight contour that I've used with good success.

I've even gone to blind magazines on Mausers to reduce weight. I lose one cartridge of capacity but have never shot a gun empty in my life....big deal!

quote:

I've even gone to blind magazines on Mausers to reduce weight. I lose one cartridge of capacity but have never shot a gun empty in my life....big deal!

Never hunted with a single shot? Thanks all.

quote:

Originally posted by 6.5BR:

quote:

I've even gone to blind magazines on Mausers to reduce weight. I lose one cartridge of capacity but have never shot a gun empty in my life....big deal!

Never hunted with a single shot? Thanks all.

Nope....never!

If I was choosing again, I would say #3 milled to octagon. I just like them.

Here's a picture of my Borden Alpine. It has a Krieger barrel in 222 with a custom contour somewhere between a #2 and #3. It weighs 5 lbs 3 oz.

It measures 1.193" at the base of the barrel and .664" at the end. It's 23" long. I have a McMillan hunters edge stock on order and will be putting a Leupold 3.5x10 VXIII scope on it. After I add the weight of the stock, scope and rings, I expect the gun will weigh a little over 8 pounds.

TFF, I think the Alpine I just had built has a S# one or two digits off yours if not mistaken. Picking it up in 2 weeks.

That sir is a nice build. Love the Deuce, has the balance of the Fireball and 223, and never had a 223 personally, that shot great, but admit never a custom. Going after varmints? Looks like a good walk-a-bout and calling rifle.

That should be a one hole gun. Let us know how it shoots! Congrats.