Looking for some input. I have a Mark V stainless version chambered in 300 wby.
I put a McMillan stock on it (weatherby style), timney trigger, and a Bartlein Rem Varmint barrel (stainless, 5R rifling, 1:8 twist, 26", weighs 4.65 lbs). Sent to a reputable gunsmith (who did great work) who blue printed the action and put it all together for me.
Got the rifle back and it looks great, but the weight of the thing got away from me. It's 10 pounds 5 ounces without a scope and barrel heavy (the rep I spoke too told me the rem varm is a great contour for hunting). I could remove the 4 port beast brake and save 5 ounces (which I plan to do). The scope will be in the neighborhood of 28 ounces (1.8 ish pounds). That makes final weight with rings about 12 pounds.
I am not sure how I feel about a 12 pound rifle for hunting out west. I only hike a handful of miles a day, but it all adds up.
I don't need an ultralight (I have a 6.9 pound 6.5 PRC already), but 12lbs is a lot!!
Not sure where I can cut weight other than barrel and optic. I was thinking maybe reprofiling the barrel down a pound (don't like the look of fluting). Final weight 11 pounds? Too much?
What are your thoughts? Get in better shape and carry a 12 pounder? Reprofile? New barrel (if so, which contour? I'd like something that will do well out to 1000 yards)