New light weight backpack rifle w/pics

[dasbear]

I posted this over in the handgun forum but really belongs here though this could still be a handgun without the brake and stock on it. This encore is a
Bullberry 35 Whelen AI, 16 1/4" barrel, T5 3/8" Aluminum stock, aircraft aluminum 6 screw base / rings and a 2-7x28 leupold compact scope. total weight is 6.#03oz without bipod or 6#10oz with. I still need to cut off tail at bottom of grip and polish edge of plates

 

[Toecutter]

You get some cool points on that one. Gun projects are always fun. Any range results?

 

[dasbear]

Toecutter It has been fun and frustrating trying to come up with ideas that are
lt wt, practical and mechanically sound I'm still not 100% satisfied with the bracket on top but its almost what I want. I went out on an overnight trip last week end and the stock fits perfectly in my side water bottle pocket and barrel only comes up maybe 4" over my head. The LOP is a bit long for me but it works. Now a range report with the bipod on and scope bore sighted I got 3 shots on paper at 30 yds to start with then the forend screw pulled through as years ago I had countersunk the hole for a different screw not the allen head presently installed. The stock itself is sturdy doesn't wobble or tweak so thats good, Now the bad part that thin rod flatout HURTS so I am working on a pad/cushion and will post pics when finished.

 

[Timnterra]

Looks cool I think I would have picked a lighter recoiling caliber but I bet it will serve you well!

 

[Gmac]

Nice mod

 

[dasbear]

I know its been awhile since I gave a update to this project so here is the latest.
The first prototype stock had a 13.5" LOP with the but pad I built and the rise in stock profile at top prevented me from getting a clear view through scope so I remade the stock 3" shorter also added 3 rings on scope as slippage was noticed on my scope. now for the skinny on how it carries and shoots AWESOME the
OAL is 32.25" LOP is 10.5" it feels like my Ruger 22 mag when I hold it to my shoulder and the accuracy is the same as before I stocked it 1"@ 100 yds with 63.5 grs RL15, fed215 primer and sierra 235 gr boat tail bullet@ 2500fps. I will eventually change calibers but this was an experiment with the 35 whelen AI anyhow. The total wt on complete stock w/ grip is 13.2ozs complete gun w/ scope is 6#3.2ozs it straps to side of backpack and is covered by the hood I will try to add a new picture tomorrow.

 

[Litehiker]

Nicely done in a true UL minimalist fashion.

Maybe some small pipe insulation for the cheek rest? Cover it with a Gorilla tape wrap for durability. Easily replaceable when needed. I wouldn't want to put my bare cheek against the metal pipe stock at -10 F. or even +10 F.

Eric B.

 

[dasbear]

Here are new pics

 

[dasbear]

Now that hunting season is done I have time to reflect on this project. I used this rifle for all my backcountry bear trips 3 total. This setup is the best rifle I could hope for in a encore platform excluding the caliber don't get me wrong the 35 Whelen AI is a great cartridge and I will use it until I build a new barrel in a 6.5-.30 call wildcat??? For a flatter trajectory. Any suggestions for Cartridges?

 

[Toecutter]

Sweet setup Glad to hear it worked out well for you. Fortunately or not, most of the bears up this way arent all that big so i think the world is your oyster as far as calibers go. 7-08 would be my choice for today i think. Im blessed to reload for most anything i could want, so it all comes down to day of the week. Got a new 375 JDJ to play with now, but thats not very flat shooting. Variety is the spice of life. Merry christmas!

 

[Litehiker]

For a 6.5 mm bullet I like the 6.5/284. It's all the speed you will EVER need for either hunting or long range competition.

Yeah, it's a barrel burner but so are all fast, flat shooting cartridges. Weatherby cartridges are mostly barrel burners but for a hunting rifle you will not get near 1,000 rounds downrange.

I have read of some 6.5/284 AI wildcats but at some point speed is obtained at waaay too much recoil for way too little increase in velocity.

Eric B.