7MM Barrel length and weight
 

For you folks with the 7MM was wondering 1) what you gun weighs out with scope and mounts and 2) if you find the 26" barrel to long for ease of handling.
I have a 7mm with custom stock, etc great accurate gun. Has the 26" barrel and weights right at 9 lbs with mounts and scope. Is real good with recoil.
A) I was wondering if I might cut 1-2 inches off the barrel to make it easier to carry and less awkward and
B) Perhaps flute it to get a few more ounces off.

I think the barrel length is the bigger deal how much performance would i lose? I want to shot 140 rounds only and would like to be around 3100 fps or so withthese and the shorter barrel Doable??

Thanks!!!

I wouldn't worry about losing juice. Operator familiarity and ability is much more important than the 2" bbl difference losing a little velocity.

2" out of a 7mm rem mag barrel will get you about -80 fps. That's enough loss for me especially when you don't have to load hot to gain fps. If your going to cut off 2" of your barrel and try to retain that 3100 fps your going to up your pressures a lot more. I could understand it if your hunting in situations where you had to shoot through heavy timber and the swing of the gun was slowing you down. But if your just packing it on your back and setting up to shoot why ruin a good thing.

Here is my 7MM RM

http://www.berettausa.com/products/a7-st-stainless/

with

http://www.burrisoptics.com/sigselect1.html#4x16x

and I wouldn't change a thing !

Oh yea, with Burris Zee rings and a claw sling........................