How heavy is too "heavy"

[DocMedic]

Just before the end of the shooting season last year, I finally put together my compitition rifle together, basicaly a 20" JP upper (took 7months to get the barrel...) POF lower with a magpul PRS. and a Accupoint 1-4x mounted with a AD scout. But as I said, I was finally able to put everything together at the end of the season so I never actually had the chance to "move and shoot" with it in either a 3gun or in one of our tactical rifle matches. What I didn't realize was how much this puppy would weigh in at, a hefty 10lbs without mag. The weight is well balanced all through the rifle, but compared to what I was using before. (M&P15T w/Eotech&4xMag = 8.5lbs) It feels like a heavy sucka.

So my question, what are the PRO's and CON's on running a rifle this heavy for something like 3gun matches, I figured fatigue would be the splitting of hairs issue which I'm not really concern of... as of yet.

Edited April 6, 2010 by DocMedic

[BayouSlide]

I find my heavier rifle (also a 20 in.) is actually a benefit in stages with longer distances (seems more stable/planted) and only a detriment when all the stages are close and in your face. Balance is crucial. YMMV.

Curtis

Edited: 'cause I hate tipos typos!

Edited April 6, 2010 by BayouSlide

[Doug H.]

I ran a setup very similar to what you describe. Then I won an 18" Saber fluted barrel and built and upper for it. The weight difference was significant. I can move through close courses faster and I don't think my long range shooting has suffered. I am thinking about shooting the heavy gun at Rocky Mountain.

Doug

[twodownzero]

My philosophy on rifles is as light as possible. With minimal recoil, there is no real advantage to a longer barrel or a heavier rifle, unless the distances are often beyond 300 yards (which I've never had the opportunity to shoot that far in an 3 gun match).

Other than for the purpose of 300-500 yard trajectory (where it gets a little flatter if you can have a few more inches of barrel and thus more velocity), I see no reason to trade off the "handiness" of a lighter rifle.

Take this with a grain of salt, as I've recently gone from a 16" with a medium barrel to a 14.5" with a pencil barrel.

[RH45]

I find my heavier rifle (also a 20 in.) is actually a benefit in stages with longer distances (seems more stable/planted) and only a detriment when all the stages are close and in your face. Balance is crucial. YMMV.

Curtis

Edited: 'cause I hate tipos typos!

+1

[smokshwn]

This is really one of those topics that essentially boils down to preference. Within limits (no 20# guns) there is always a little tradeoff with respect to having a little heavier gun with a little more stability to having a lighter gun and the ability to transition it quickly. I would say for most of us there is a lot of practice that will pay greater dividends than the endless hunt for the right weight of components. A key element is the balance of the gun. For me even a heavier gun can be driven pretty hard if the weight is between my hands versus hanging out at the end of the barrel.

[Bear1142]

Yeah, it really comes down to preference. Find something in the middle weight range that feels comfortable to you and balances well.

IMHO, just like a rifle can be too heavy, they can also be too light. Stay in the middle weight range.

Erik

[kellyn]

Your rifle is fine. You won't even notice once that buzzer goes off.

[Jadeslade]

I think they are a little like newborns-5lbs is probably on the small side and 11lbs is a little too heavy. Kelly is on the money. If you love your rifle-it will shoot good.