Lightweight encore - what about barrel Fluting?

[Loosecat]

Heya all,

I have cut n crowned my SS 7mm08 barrel to 21 1/2 inches, mounted aluminium weaver bases, 4x4 rings and a compact sightron 4x32 scope, and I am now thinking of getting the factory barrel fluted to lose that little bit more weight. The T/C standard barrels seem pretty hefty when compared with a lot of other standard contour bolt action tubes - plenty of room to lose a bit - my questions are -
Has anyone had this done to a factory barrel and how did it turn out?
As for the fluting how much weight do you think would I lose?

Cheers..............

[KN]

I don't see any problems with it as long as you don't get too caried away. Look at SSK's web site, I believe they have some pictures of some fluted barrels there.  KN

[toecutter]

You didn't mention it, so I was wondering what kind of stock you had on it? Obviously you know where I'm going with this. Seeing as how you had the barrel cut and re-crowned, I'm sure you have examined stock options thoroughly.
   As far as the fluting goes, I just read someone else's question on the same subject (somewhere here). I agree with the advice that was given, which was you might not get enough of the desired result for the money spent. As much as I love the encore, If weight was my major concern I might consider going with one of the ultralight bolt actions. Good luck

[Thebear_78]

With the light synthetic stocks or the kevlar stocks that VVG used to sell you will cut down a lot more weight than you will with fluting a 21" barrel.  I do think that fluted barrels are pretty cool looking though so go ahead and do it.  Let me know how it turns out and how much, I might have a 22-250 barrel that I would get fluted depending on how yours turns out.

[Loosecat]

Thanks for the responses

I have thought and examined it a bit more and decided to leave things as they are - its under 7 pounds so its not a heavy weight by any standard. Did a bit of off-hand practise and it swings fine now - but the main factor turns out to be carry balance. I do a LOT of walking with a rifle and pack so tend to carry my rifle in one hand on and off throughout the day. At the moment its a wee bit stock heavy (standard factory synthetic) and with the shorter barrel the point of balance is right where the trigger guard is. Any more weight loss from the barrel will put it right out of whack and I will have to have a fingers through the trigger guard to carry it balanced - not ideal.

Now Im kinda wishing I left it at 24" and fluted it  :roll: - oh well next barrel!

Anways thanks for the input.

Cheers.................