I have a LH Zastava rifle out getting a 3 position safety fitted. Have been pondering what to build when it comes back. Is it realistic to build a wood stock Mauser rifle chambered .270 Win that is less than 8 lbs scoped ? Would like to end up in the 7.50 to 7.75 pound range with something like a Leupold 2.5x8x36 on top.

Have been looking at several of the custom wood stocked rifles on Hallowell and on GB. Most of them appear to 8lb and up before scope. Not sure what is realistic with wood and a Mauser action.

And NO, I am not looking for "light weight". Just thinking about a nice wood/blue rifle that does not weigh like a brick...

Between 7lb and 7.5lb with a light contour barrel and the right piece of wood.

it will be less difficult to find that right piece of wood, if you have a featherweight barrel contour...

The only way I can get my Mausers below 8lbs scoped is with #1 or featherweight barrel contours, fixed power Leupold scopes and blind magazines.

I have a 270 on a VZ-24 action featherweight barrel, 1909 bottom metal with a Leupold M8 6x., English walnut stock. It weighs 8.25lbs

I am O.K. with a Pre-64 M70 Fwt barrel contour. One question I have relates to the type of wood. Been looking at a couple pieces that have very strong grain/mineral lines running thru the wrist. Similar to the second picture for this rifle.

Also looking for a thinner, more open grip. My concern is that to get the strength for a thinner grip, and to get the stronger grain/mineral flow, I am going to end up with a more dense, heavier, piece of wood (English or Turkish), which is at odds with the goal of being under 8 pounds.

Anyone with first hand experience regarding how much additional weight is added to a stock when going from American Black walnut to a piece of English or Turkish walnut ? The (uninspiring) Win M70 Classic wood stock I have on hand is 37oz. If the heavier wood only increased the weight 10% to 40-41oz, that is probably liveable. If it went up 25% to 48 oz, that would probably be a deal breaker.

Or, just get the piece of wood that I want and don't over think it ?

Different blanks vary from blank to blank in all species of wood. You'll have to tell the vendor what you want. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a light English blank to fill your needs.

I'm no expert, but I believe the French will in general, take and hold finer checkering than black walnut.

I would get the one I liked best and not worry about the weight too much.

One option might be a Satterlee Titanium Mauser with all the M70 tricks such as trigger and safety.That is assuming he even makes them anymore and the action alone was $6500 last time I checked.

But I bet that action with a light contour barrel and a good stick of wood will get you well under 8 pounds.

What's your budget and how's your pocket book?

What Terry said about the vendor. That would be the question to ask--what vendor?

I have a Winchester 280 FW contour barrel here that goes 2.07# and a Browning pencil barrel that goes about the same. I don't know what your Zastava action weighs, but say it goes 44oz with the bottom metal--the weight of a large ring mauser, assuming the bottom metal is steel. So you have 4 3/4# plus a pound of scope and mounts for 5.75#.

It is far easier to end up with a stock heavier than 2# than one lighter.

You can shave another 7oz with a good small ring and aluminum bottom metal but it will take more money and effort.

Bob,
Just looked at the Satterlee website. Was not familiar with his work previously. Not clear if he makes a LH Titanium action. But, will find out. Appreciate the suggestion. A full blown Satterlee custom with all of the bells and whistles would be significantly more than I was originally planning. But, as I move more into the "buy once, cry once" mind set, not out of the realm of possibility.

tomk/terry,
No vendor selected, yet. Have been perusing the various used customs on Hallowell to get an idea whose work I like/favor the most.

The effect I am trying to create is what I call the "attractive farm girl". The kind that is not afraid to go out in the rain and mud to help pull a calf in the afternoon, and later that evening get dressed up and you say "Wow!"

Nice figure will help her and keeping the weight off after she starts showing her age is always appreciated...:)

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I have a wood stocked Sako Mauser in .375 H&H that weighs 7#13.5 oz with heavy detachable mounts and a Trijicon 1.25x4. Minimal contour 21" barrel, iron sights, barrel mounted sling mount, and a Model 70 style safety. Surprisingly mild recoil and accurate. A great package (not for sale).

All,
I appreciate the input and comments...

mrfudd,
Nice rifle. I could live with that...

Some 'standard' rifles:

A pre-64 M70 Featherweight 308, all original with a Zeiss Diatal-C 4X scope in Weaver top mounts weighs 8# 2 oz.

A 30-06 sporter in a 1909 mauser action, 22" octagon barrel, custom stock, Swarovski 3-9x36 Z-3 scope in Buehler mounts weighs 8# 3 oz.

A Kimber Montana 84M 308 with a 2.5-8 Leupold is 6# 1oz.

Yes, under 8# scopes is quite possible. I have a .270 on a large ring commercial Oberndorf Mauser '98 with featherweight contour barrel 24" long, French walnut and steel bottom metal that's just under 8#. Scoped with Leupold FX2 6x36 in Leupold steel mounts. Made by Al and Roger Biesen.