Some time ago
@Tiger_Shilone originated a thread describing his lightweight 22LR build for competition. My understanding is that lightweight rifles are inherently more challenging to shoot accurately than heavy rifles. Since challenges interest me, the following are the components of my lightweight build:
1. Barrel action: No brainer, Vudoo V22 with 18.0” Kukri contour Proof CF barrel and 20 MOA Al rail
2. Bix’nAndy 2-stage TacSport Pro trigger with Gator shoe
Weight of 1 + 2 = 4.35lb
3. Vudoo Factory DBM bottom metal and action screws; weight =0.37lb
4. Vudoo 10 shot polymer mag; weight = 0.22lb
5. Grayboe Phoenix stock; advertised weight = 2.00lb, actual weight =2.03lb
The other reasons for selecting the Phoenix are: (1) The adjustable comb/cheek rest. If you run a scope and are not anatomically blessed, then an adjustable comb is a necessity;(2) 21st Century technology attachment points, M-Lok plates and QD flush cups rather than 19th Century technology sling studs;(3) The LOP system, efficient, lightweight and adaptable. The memory-foam butt pad is a joy, not for recoil management with 22LR but for its conformability and “grippyness”, both contributing to a firm shoulder weld;(4) The universal barrel channel, the ultimate in functionality at the expense of aesthetics if you do not like a barrel channel “too large.” However, physics says a barrel channel that has space for convection from both the top and bottom halves of the barrel will run cooler than a barrel with convective cooling from only the top half of the barrel. Whether the additional convective cooling is significant is an open question;(5) The Phoenix can be configured for a large number of actions and bottom metals. For my build a Vudoo action inlet and the Vudoo Factory DBM were appropriate. Absolutely no issue with feeding from the Vudoo 5 shot aluminum mag or the 10 shot poly mag;(6) Wait time of about 6 weeks not 6 months or longer; (7) World-class customer service similar to VGW.
6. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x42 with 3” Sunshade and NF Ultralight Low 30mm rings; weight = 1.53lb
This is a lightweight scope that suits my purposes, ie. shooting standing offhand at 46yd, 98yd and 198yd. The reticle is a simple duplex with an illuminated red dot. Since I graduated to scopes from red dots a reticle in the second FP, a red dot and a ballistic turret for three fixed distances is optimal.
Total weight = 8.50lb
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