I have a Sako in 375 that weighs about 4#, or at least feels like it when you light it off. What recoil reducers do you like? I'm referring to the type installed in a hole drilled in the stock.

I've installed mercury filled and the Kicking Mule dead-weight type reducers before. To save a little money and end up with the same result, use lead shot mixed with epoxy. I'm not convinced that weight sloshing back and forth is more effective than weight that stays put.

I'm also not a fan of putting the weight only in the buttstock as it can unbalance the rifle. A trough routed in the barrel channel just ahead of the recoil lug is a good spot. It puts the weight more "between the hands". While the rifle will be heavier, it doesn't feel unbalanced when shouldered. You may need some in the butt and the barrel channel to balance things up and get the weight you want.

Good luck.

quote:

Originally posted by M Pursell:
I'm also not a fan of putting the weight only in the buttstock as it can unbalance the rifle. A trough routed in the barrel channel just ahead of the recoil lug is a good spot. It puts the weight more "between the hands". While the rifle will be heavier, it doesn't feel unbalanced when shouldered. You may need some in the butt and the barrel channel to balance things up and get the weight you want.

Good luck.

Excellent advice! I can only add that under the grip cap is another ideal "between the hands" place to add some weight.

Keeping weight off of the two extreme ends of the gun is paramount for good handling.

the lead in the stock is a nice idea.I replaced weight in my gun after removing a big scope and replacing with a very much lighter scope on my 375. I poured about 6oz of lead in a channel I dremeled out directly in front of the reciol lug recess and capped with epoxy, and drilled a 5/8" dia hole in the butt and poured about 4oz. I then added an F990 pad to the stock. To be honest with you, the weight replaced was not necessarily more than what it was before I replaced the scope, so technically the rifle is not heavier per se. But, the F990 pad makes the rifle feel so much more like a push than a punch. I can shoot it now at the bench all day long, and only start to feel it after almost 30 rounds. If you decide to go with the lead, spend that money on the pad, you will not regret it.

I'm convinced that recoil reducers only work by adding weight to the gun, at least that's what my shoulder tells me.

Funny how so many want lightweight big bores...until it's time to start shooting.
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"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

This Sako actually belongs to a friend. My own 375 is based on a M70 LH action and weighs 10#. It's quite pleasant to shoot offhand.

Thanks to all for the comments.