newbie question about standard rifle rules

[jaja]

I have an Anschutz 1808 MSR. I just had it weighted on a certified scale. It weighs 9 pounds 3 ounces with the Leupold scope. The gun seems a little muzzle heavy to me. I, however, would like it to be better balanced for me as I'm holding it in the standing position. Accordingly,I have two questions: First question, am I allowed to add weight to the stock or must I keep everything the way it came from the manufacturer? Second question, if I am allowed to add weight to the rifle stock, what is the correct way to do it? I have only one rifle stock, so I need to get it right the first time. The stock is made out of wood.

[cslcAl]

Jaja, it is perfectly legal to add weight to a gun. Just don't go over 10.2 for std rifle. The simple way is to remove the recoil pad and place your weight in that area. You may have to drill some holes for the weight. BE CAREFULL!!! I usually squirt a little silicone in to secure the weights. Al Foust

[snaketail2]

Personally, I like my rifle to be a bit barrel heavy. Before you drill holes in the stock I'd try it in a match - you may not need to "balance" it.

M

[Trent]

A good way to test how much weight and where to place it is to just make some small lead weights and tape them to the stock. This allows you to weigh the rifle and get it right, and it also allows you to test it for a little while to see if you like it. Like mentioned, under the buttpad is the normal place to drill and insert weights. So, tape the weights at the back of the stock on the right side (if you are right handed).

[boats]

Tape test is a good idea. If weight needs to be added. Drill a hole end grain in some scrap hardwood. Pour lead in the hole, cool then split the wood away. Cut the lead down to weight, then use same drill on the stock. It's going to be tight sanded down makes a nice fit.

Little weight makes a lot of difference.

Boats

[jaja]

Thanks for the ideas.

[Varn]

Tape a weight also works well. It's an adhesive backed weight that is used to balance large off-road tires as well as motorcycle rims. It comes in 3/8 and 3/4 inch widths and is available at most tire shops.

[jaja]

I just had an idea about adding some weight to my stock because the gun is a little front heavy. I want to run my idea by you "steel chicken" guys before I do anything to the stock. I don't think I need to add a lot of weight to the stock to balance the rifle while in the standing position. What if I had a machinist make me a brass or stainless steel spacer to replace the plastic type spacer that go between the stock and recoil pad? This way I wouldn't have to drill any holes into my stock at all. The thickness of the new metallic spacer will be determined by how much weight I need at the end of my stock to balance the rifle. I could always go back to the original spacer if I didn't like the new balance point. Id like to hear your opinions. Thanks in advance. Does Anschutz or some other manufacturer make a metallic spacer that would fit an Anschutz 1808 MSR or is a machinist my only option.

[boats]

You can do that. Since the buttplate is further from the balance point less weight is needed for effect. Suspect the reason you don't see butt plate weight is most shoot muzzle heavy guns.

If you want to try take your plate off add large fender washers or sheet lead over the screws, put it back on. Gap won't hurt anything and give you a good preview. Some shotguns are fitted up like this. Caution is the pull gets longer.

Boats

[Boyd L.]

I have an Anschutz 1808 MSR....The gun seems a little muzzle heavy to me. I, however, would like it to be better balanced for me as I'm holding it in the standing position....

I don't know how much experience you shooting offhand or shooting this particular rifle offhand, but I think you may want to put some rounds through it in at least simulated match conditions before you make many modifications. Muzzle heavy rifles tend to "settle" during the acquisition of NPA easier for many shooters. Once you've shot it a while, you may find the balance appropriate.

...If you want to try take your plate off add... or sheet lead over the screws, put it back on. Gap won't hurt anything and give you a good preview. Some shotguns are fitted up like this. Caution is the pull gets longer....

+1.
Good advice if you don't want to drill the stock. You can use sheet lead and a thinner pad/plate to keep LOP close to original.

This way I wouldn't have to drill any holes into my stock at all.

In my opinion, drilling the buttstock doesn't hurt the value, if its professionally done.