Rifle weight and difference front to rear.

L

Lager

Guest
My rifle is allowed to weigh 10 lbs in the Sporter class. Since my rifle weighs less then 10 lbs I was thinking about adding weight to help stabilize the rifle .
So, where would you add it? Im thinking the front of the stock, forward of the receiver.
Since Im ordering a new unfinished stock already? Why not lighten the rear, then add the weight to the front with drilled holes, filled with lead to bring you up weight?
I might be over thinking this, but this is what we do with race cars. Make everything as light as we can, then add weight where we need it.
Im just trying to make my junk rifle more competitive in the sporter class with out busting out another thousand. My Female would castrate me if I did that.
Thoughts?
 
You want your rig to balance at about the barrel /action junction. You're probably going to want weight in the butt.
 
If I were you, I would add the weight to the butt stock, under the pad or plate. What caliber is your rifle, and how do you shoot it? Do you hold it, or try to touch it as little as you can?
 
Lager,

I have always found whether shooting rimfires or airguns that when adding weight it's best to add it to the butt as close to the pad as possible, especially when shooting from a rest. I you add it to the forend you will find that the butt will tend to lift (float) causing the gun to be less stable as the gun is recoiling. We even do this when a Class of guns claim to be recoilless like the airguns we use when shooting benchrest.

Now, where you're going with a new wooden stock you'll want to move slowly when adding weight and maybe try to keep the gun's point of balance back over or behind the trigger rather than at its midpoint, meaning you'll probably have to add weight in both places.

Just my 2¢ worth, but that usually doesn't account for much.

Dave
 
Im so glad that you all didnt think I was crazy even attempting or even thinking of this.
Will respond to you all as I see them.
Member Boyd Allen, This is a Savage MK2 action chambered in 22 RL but Im adding a Boyd Tactical laminated stock because it has a better hand grip that will allow a more straight back trigger pull. For best results, I need to add downward pressure with my right thumb to bring the sight up? Then then some pressure with my right shoulder.Meaning the rear of the stock is clamped down and pressure added forward. Free floating lead to disaster with this gun.
Member Tim, that makes sense. Balance it there, seems like the mid point. Thanks !
Member Dave? Never underestimate your self, your advise has been right on in the past and I appreciate it.
This time, they way you explain things ? Has helped a lot and made sense at the same time.
Weighed out the rifle today on a certified scale and it looks like I only have 1 lb of free weight to adjust. Thats not a lot, but It might help?
Plan to use some stick on lead weights to get the right balance front to rear, then drill the stock add some lead slugs plug and finish. Hope for the best.
Thanks for everyone's responses, this shooting sport is not real popular. Its nice to talk to like minded folks.
 
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At my club's last match there was another shooter sharing my rest and bag. She was shooting an Annie 54 in a new Kelbly br stock. As I was helping her adjust the rest and bag to her rifle I lifted up the butt to gauge where to place the forend stop. I noticed that the rifle was way nose heavy and pointed it out to her dad. I moved the forend stop rearward to help her out. Next match there will be some weight in the butt.

With a rf you can get away with a rearward placed forend stop. On a cf the gun might recoil out of the front bag.
 
Member CRB, Thanks for your input.
Just received my new stock just the other day.
Haven't had the chance yet to see how it fits the metal part. Im sure I will have to do some adjusting/relieving. Then work on the weight and balance.
The fun part will be in the finish I decide to do.Love working with wood and this laminate stock is going to have some challenges.
 
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