Fellows: I have a newer M70 in .375 that does not balance well and is just too barrel-heavy. Can anyone recommend a smith who can change/cut down the contour and shorten it? I do realize there is some risk involved in the accuracy department, but....PM's are fine, too. Thanks so much, Arthur Olds

Some years ago purchased a used long range match rifle w/ Krieger barrel that was far larger in diameter than I preferred and asked 'smith at that time about doing what you are asking and was told it could be done, but he did not advise doing it. He agreed to do it and it worked out fine, but after it was done, did shoot to different zero, not much, but different. As in my case, if the work is done carefully by quality 'smith, should work ok, but there are differing opinions on such projects.

martin

Why not add some weight to the butt and change the balance point. A lot cheaper and faster.

If the barrel is on the heavy side, say a #5-like contour, it's not usually a problem especially when alos on the shorter side. But light contours can be problematic. Just this week I had one a customer wanted lighter, but when I put it between centers on the lathe it was just not straight enough to cut down. It had over .050" runout in the middle so I left it alone.

why not flute it???

no problem just make sure you do it slow with lots of coolant. you may have some stock work to do after

Dennis Olson can do it.