Convert my heavy tactical or build a new light weight hunter/tactical

[Glassaholic]

This is what I have right now, and I love it, but there is one BIG problem, as it is decked out right now it tops the scales at 17 lbs 7 oz, and while that may be the sweet spot for many whose main focus is shooting tactical, I need something more "practical" so I'm going to call this endeavor the "Practical Tactical" rig.

I see myself with 2 options at this time, I can either try and convert my existing rifle into something more light weight or I can build from scratch exactly what I want. If I build from scratch it means I have to sell my current setup and then wait for the new build, well, to be built. I wanted to ask the Hide because you guys always seem to bring up things I haven't thought of before.

Anyway, here are the specs of what I have right now:
• Surgeon 591 with Bartlein 1:9tw Sendero/Varmint contour (spiral fluted) at 25" with brake (chambered for 7mm WSM) - approx. 6.7 lbs
• AICS 2.0 Stock with Spigot - approx. 6 lbs
• Sierra 7 Bipod - 31.2 oz
• Bushnell Elite Tactical 3.5-21x50mm G2DMR - 35 oz (Bushnell claims 32.5 oz but mine weighed in at a whopping 35 oz)
• American Defense Recon-SL 34mm QR Scope Mount - 8.5 oz

Grand total of 17 lbs 7 oz!!!!

Swap out the above with the following (obviously keeping the barreled action):
• AICS 2.0 stock for Manners MCS-EH1 with Badger DBM - 38 oz (saving 58 oz)
• Sierra 7 bipod for Harris S-BRM Bipod Leg Notch Sling Swivel Stud Mount 6" to 9" Black and Badger TRAMP - 14 oz (savings = 17.2 oz)
• Bushnell ET 3.5-21x50mm for Premier Light Tactical 3-15x50mm illuminated - 25.4 oz (savings = 9.6 oz)
• Seekins 30mm medium rings - approx. 4.5 oz (savings = 4 oz)

Total weight savings = 5 lbs 9 oz!!! New rifle weight = 11 lbs 4 oz (still a bit heavy for tracking around all day, although my current hunting rig is 9 lbs 14 oz so this would only be 1 lb 6 oz heavier... not too bad considering the big thick barrel)

Here's where I need help... What am I missing? Will putting such a heavy barreled action on a light weight stock like this create a forward heavy situation?
Would it simply be better for me to build from the ground up a rifle designed for hunting/tactical?

 

[Glassaholic]

Decided to build a new one.

Here are my initial specs:
• Manners EH1 with Elite GAP finish
• Big Horn TL2 Action
• Chanlynn Light Palma custom contour 26" barrel chambered for 7mm RSAUM
• Surgeon bottom metal
• Thunderbeast BA brake
• Timney trigger

I will post pics when this is finally done

 

[hahco]

Here's where I need help... What am I missing? Will putting such a heavy barreled action on a light weight stock like this create a forward heavy situation?
Would it simply be better for me to build from the ground up a rifle designed for hunting/tactical?

My guess would be yes. I think you made the right decision on building a new one.

 

[Glassaholic]

I definitely think so as well. I'm thrilled to be getting everything I wanted... now I just have to wait, but as they say "good things come to those who wait".

 

[The_FNG]

With all this 6.5 SAUM koolaid flowing, i hope you can find 7SAUM brass. Looks good.

 

[Glassaholic]

I'm actually looking for 300 RSAUM Norma brass However, if no RSAUM brass ever shows up again, then I can always change my order to 7mm WSM or better yet 7/300 WSM as I have lots of 300 WSM brass. Hmmm, makes me think I better keep that brass around, thanks for the tip