Torn between a portable sporter, or a stand/bench gun that will be carried less, but deer/hogs from a blind.

Alpine SA action
Bartlein will likely be the tube

If a carry rifle - contour -

#2 just not as stiff as I want, so Thinking a custom 2.5 so it is a tad heavier, yet lighter than a #3. Length 22-23, 22.5 might be the ideal

That would go into a McM edge or swirly

If a stand rifle, thinking a #4 or Light Palma, nothing lighter, though nothing more than a Rem V/Sendero contour. This would be a 21 to 21.5 to maneuver well from blinds.

A McM handle that would be suitable for hunting, Tac-style not my thing, and some add too much weight.

Reason for a 2.5 in a sporter, figure it would = a 3 fluted weight

Same for a Light Palma or #4 if I go short/heavier, it would be like an LTR in weight and balance.

Anyone done a Bartlein 2.5 ?? Seen one over on AR done on an Alpine in Triple Deuce in an edge, looked PERFECT.

Cartridge?

A rock Creek #3 is perfect in my opinion, and the Bartlein 2B is just a little heavier where it tapers from the shank, if I was building the 2B would get the nod!

Bartlein makes a 2B contour which is basically the same as everyone else's #3. Bartlein's #3 contour is about the same as everybody else's #4. They do make it confusing.

I'll be ordering a Bartlein "Medium Sporter" 2B soon for a build. That in a Classic Edge and a Borden Alpine or Pierce Ti should make the perfect 7mm-08 build. I'll let you know how it turns out in a year or so.

Never seen a lighter rig that couldn't be used in a stand but I'd not want to hump around a chunk.

I think I have 2 barrels that are #3 contours, they don't hunt. Give me a modest contour every time.

Yep. A good 7.5-8.5lb rig of #3-ish contour can be very "shootable", especially in a modest chambering. We don't walk lots of miles around here, so going standard-fill for balance is probably how I'd go. Edge would get less contour.

List out all the guns with specs you have now...will make the input easier for others and yourself...you will probably see you don't need one so make what you want...

Truck

Get a Bartlein 2B!

Or a Bartlein "Remington Magnum Sporter."

Yes Sir...I have a couple of heavy barrel dust collectors.

Had a magnum sporter in 260s around 23" in Standard fill, if I build a sporter to tote, I'd want it around 7 1/4 - 7.5# probably all up.

Re: heavy bbls, I too have had many, often varmint contour, have a light palma now in a 6.5x47 that I am very fond of....

If I build a heavier contour i.e. #4 Bart or Light Palma, its use will be dedicated to stand hunting and bench work. Looking to do a 7/08, had many in the past, always wanted to have a custom done up. Seen a few guns that looked very nice that had 21" #4 Bartleins in 308 that were built for hunting. A rifle like this will not be carried much.

I found the links to that 2.5 - it was a Krieger, so perhaps not the same as a "Tweener" Bartlein, but it is in 222.

http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/...0931#4821060931

http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/...7641#6471097641


None the less, I agree, if an edge, need lighter to match/balance. I just never was fond of muzzle light or really light rifles, so a 2.5 or it sounds like a 2B might be the ticket if I were to use it mostly in the field and for extended carry. Yes, I have used lighter bbls in stands, but I would not want a short light bbl. 22-23" would be the length.

Seems hard to justify going full custom in a standard sporter that is in a chambering that you can buy in a factory rifle...but I know many 7/08 sporters are built in #2 and #3 specs, so owners felt so inclined.

If I hang on to my 47, I suppose I could let it be my bench rifle, just always wanted to see what a custom 7/08 would do re: accuracy, and heavier is simply steadier for me. Shot some groups in the .2s and .3s at 200 yds with a 21" 700 Varmint 7/08 that I threw in a VLS stock that was only floated, factory adjusted trigger. Fluted that rifle would have been more portable, it was better in an HS stock that I used on occasion.

Strictly as a stand rifle, if I want to really stretch a shot in more open country, I feel more confident in holding POA thru shot cycle. Experience for me has been a 20-21" gets out a window much easier than longish tube.

So 2B - I will have to check that out if I go that route, does anyone know the muzzle OD at 22-23" if shank cut back to lose excess weight.

For still hunting an 1885 is really tough to beat.

Had a Low Wall 243, shoulda kept....

65BR, I'm a little confused about the bartlein 2B nomenclature.

I do have a barreled action with a 30 cal Bartlein #2 sitting in the safe. The barrel has a 1-inch shank. At 22 inches the OD measures 0.635 inches.

FWIW, I measured my Rock #3 at the same point, and she measures 0.640 inches.

I think Rocks are a little slimmer than most. At least my #2 seems to be.

In 7mm, I'd go with a #3 and keep it under 23" with a modest shank. A Brux 3 with .25-.5" shank and 22" would be a nice in a lightish' handle. Flute it if you don't like weight forward.

That's exactly what I did with my last 7MM-08, #3 Brux with a .75" shank/fluted & finished at 22.5". Balances really nice in a Classic Edge.

Rock uses slimmer contours than the Brux/Bartlein/Krieger crew.

Thanks guys, Oregon - as many sporters as you have built, sounds like you have it worked out Thanks PG, I knew Bart was heavier than others, not looked at Brux contour specs.

What often makes matters confusing is that some mfg's measure muzzle diameter at full length (eg. 27") while others measure at finish length (eg. 24"). You can estimate finished muzzle diameter by adding 0.008" for each inch of barrel length removed.

Put me down for another thumbs up for the Bartlein 2b. Rock Creek now seems to be out of the picture for the lighter contours.