switch barrel rifle build

[sanjuanfly]

I'm in the design process of building an antelope/mule deer/elk rifle. It will be on a Rem 700 action. I do a lot of backpack hunting so weight is at a premium.

Here are some of the specs currently:
- calibers are: 340 Weatherby and 7 mm RUM (possibly 7 mm Weatherby)
- stock - Lone Wolf Monte Carlo - weight about 2 pounds
- bottom metal - PT&G aluminum 2.4 ounces
- barrels Pac-Nor - 22" but not sure about the contour...either a lightweight
unfluted (2.3 pounds) or a #1 fluted (2.3 pounds)
- bolt work...alum firing pin, alum bolt shroud, fluted, lightweight bolt handle.

Some questions I have:
1) would anyone be willing to flute an lightweight barrel? I could drop the weight another 8 ounces.
2) any other ways to cut weight?
3) recommendations for a good lightweight scope and scope rings?
4) any other issues I might be missing?
5) Other caliber recommendations?

Thanks in advance,
Scott

[rscott5028]

If you really want a switch barrel, take a look at Blaser.

[Gene Jr.]

Your best choice for lightweight glass is Leupold. I have a 6.5-20LR and love it for the power/weight it has.

Have you considered a carbon wrapped barrel? That would be one way to reduce weight and retain rigidity.

[sanjuanfly]

rscott: I have looked at the K-95 (beautiful but they don't offer the long range thumpers I'm looking at.

Gene: I did look at the ABS barrels...they get good reviews, but I think they are pretty expensive and would likely be longer than I want. I have heard good things about the lightweight Leo's, that will likely how I will go for glass.

Thanks for the replys.

[lazylabs]

With that short of barrel you could go with one of the short mag cases and a rem short vs long action and save some weight with action and stock, 300 WSM would still get you lots of power for that barrel length. the 7 RUM with a 22" barrel would be a flame thrower.

[rscott5028]

Originally Posted by sanjuanfly

rscott: I have looked at the K-95 (beautiful but they don't offer the long range thumpers I'm looking at.

Gene: I did look at the ABS barrels...they get good reviews, but I think they are pretty expensive and would likely be longer than I want. I have heard good things about the lightweight Leo's, that will likely how I will go for glass.

Thanks for the replys.

K95 is not what you want. You would need to look at the R93 or R8.

They make excellent long range, switch barrel, rifles up to 338 LM.

But, you have some very speific ideas about what you want. So, a custom may be the better way for you to go.

[sanjuanfly]

Originally Posted by rscott5028

K95 is not what you want. You would need to look at the R93 or R8.

They make excellent long range, switch barrel, rifles up to 338 LM.

But, you have some very speific ideas about what you want. So, a custom may be the better way for you to go.

rscott...those Blasers are damn nice...a little too nice for my style of back pack hunting.

My original (and still a possibility) was a ultra light weight (5.5 pounds scoped) 300 WSM. One issue is that I already have a 7 mm SPS that I was using for the build. I guess another $500 for the rifle won't add too much to a custom build.