Two years ago I built my first custom, it’s also my only magnum caliber big game rifle in 7PRC. The gun shoots great and I killed a nice bull elk (my first) with it Nov 2024, but otherwise it goes to the range only occasionally.
Kelbly Atlas Tactical Action
Preferred Barrel Blanks 24” Stainless Varmint/Sendero Contour (total 400 rounds)
Trigger Tech Special
KRG Bravo with light Arca Rail and minimalist spigot mount
Burris XTR III 5.5-30X56, FFP SCR 2 Mil reticle
ARC M Brace one-piece scope mount
I love the action and everything about the gun except the weight. It easily shoots .5-.7” with factory ammo (when I don’t flinch). Here is my dilemma, It weights 15.3 lbs with my Nomad L on the end. Not exactly heavy enough for regular precision work with a magnum, and too heavy to comfortably hunt with it where walking and hiking are required., To be honest, I only big game hunt a once, maybe twice year and most of the time I’m pretty close to the truck (2-4 mile walk max, usually less). I do shoot long range (out to 1367 yards currently) for fun and competition, but I have dedicated precision guns in 6.5CM and 6CM for that.
I’m wondering what to do-
Option 1- Keep the gun as is and just deal with the weight for my limited use. Maybe a sling would help with carrying? I guess I could drop 1.1 pounds (from the muzzle) by leaving the suppressor at home, but I like the sound and recoil reduction.
Option 2- Sell the Kelbly altogether and buy a new Seekins PH3 (approx $1900),and save about 4 lbs without swapping anything else. I love the Seekins stuff and already own a couple.
Other options-
Keep the Kelbly, swap the Preferred stainless barrel a Proof Carbon 24” barrel and save almost 2lbs ($1000)
Switch to lighter rings ($200) and save .5lb
Sell the Bravo and swap to a Manners LRH Stock ($1000) and save another 1.2lbs or so.
Sell the Burris and switch to a lighter hunting scope? Cost? Weight savings?
Option 4- Any other ideas?
Just want to make sure I’m not missing some other options that would save weight at a reasonable cost. Thank you!
Kelbly Atlas Tactical Action
Preferred Barrel Blanks 24” Stainless Varmint/Sendero Contour (total 400 rounds)
Trigger Tech Special
KRG Bravo with light Arca Rail and minimalist spigot mount
Burris XTR III 5.5-30X56, FFP SCR 2 Mil reticle
ARC M Brace one-piece scope mount
I love the action and everything about the gun except the weight. It easily shoots .5-.7” with factory ammo (when I don’t flinch). Here is my dilemma, It weights 15.3 lbs with my Nomad L on the end. Not exactly heavy enough for regular precision work with a magnum, and too heavy to comfortably hunt with it where walking and hiking are required., To be honest, I only big game hunt a once, maybe twice year and most of the time I’m pretty close to the truck (2-4 mile walk max, usually less). I do shoot long range (out to 1367 yards currently) for fun and competition, but I have dedicated precision guns in 6.5CM and 6CM for that.
I’m wondering what to do-
Option 1- Keep the gun as is and just deal with the weight for my limited use. Maybe a sling would help with carrying? I guess I could drop 1.1 pounds (from the muzzle) by leaving the suppressor at home, but I like the sound and recoil reduction.
Option 2- Sell the Kelbly altogether and buy a new Seekins PH3 (approx $1900),and save about 4 lbs without swapping anything else. I love the Seekins stuff and already own a couple.
Other options-
Keep the Kelbly, swap the Preferred stainless barrel a Proof Carbon 24” barrel and save almost 2lbs ($1000)
Switch to lighter rings ($200) and save .5lb
Sell the Bravo and swap to a Manners LRH Stock ($1000) and save another 1.2lbs or so.
Sell the Burris and switch to a lighter hunting scope? Cost? Weight savings?
Option 4- Any other ideas?
Just want to make sure I’m not missing some other options that would save weight at a reasonable cost. Thank you!
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