Model 11 308 to 18"

[Cserv]

So I took the leap towards making my handy huntin/target rifle. I cut my factory sporter from 22" to 18". I cut the sporter because I wanted to be sure I would like the shorter barrel, and man do I ever. It feels like a whole other rifle, shoulders and points sooo nice. Topped it with a 3-9*40 Bushnell I had laying around and zeroed with no issues. This I think will be an awesome deer/pig/varmint rig. And a capable steel ringer/paper puncher.
Any of you other guys rocking any shorties? Would like to see some, with fat or skinny barrels.


Eric

[jbjh]

Just finished putting together a Stevens in .308 w/16" (had to go back to Manners for some adjustments)
http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy185/jbjhill/_MG_4535_zps2ee9f28e.jpg
Can't wait to actually shoot it!

[missed]

I want to build a 16.25" varmint contour 308 with a qd silencer brake on it and a red dot or low magnification scope. Probably a Choate or tacticool stock and DBM. I'm going to do it next spring.

[big honkin jeep]

I know what you mean because they are super handy. This one also started life as a model 11GL (wood stock blind box mag in .243) I picked up some parts in the classifieds here and swapped it over to .308 caliber. I had the sporter barrel I picked up cut down to 16" re crowned,threaded, and braked also shortened up the stock a fair amount by taking a couple of inches off the butt relocating the swivel studs and reshaping the recoil pad. I changed the synthetic detachable mag stock over to left handed tuned up the trigger and gave her a sponge camo paint job. Since this pic was made I have made a Karsten style kydex adjustable cheek rest with the same paintjob.
The entire length is 37" and it handles and points like a dream with plenty of power and accuracy. (same length as a 10/22 and even shorter than one without the brake)
I wish I had built it years ago.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/bighonkinjeep/100_1388_zpscb193db9.jpg (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/bighonkinjeep/media/100_1388_zpscb193db9.jpg.html)
Mighty Lighty

[Mach2]

Ruger does their compacts in 18". I haven't seen any as short as 16 1/4.

[Cserv]

Just finished putting together a Stevens in .308 w/16" (had to go back to Manners for some adjustments)
http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy185/jbjhill/_MG_4535_zps2ee9f28e.jpg
Can't wait to actually shoot it!

Saw this on the Hide. Nice looking set up.

Eric

[Cserv]

I know what you mean because they are super handy. This one also started life as a model 11GL (wood stock blind box mag in .243) I picked up some parts in the classifieds here and swapped it over to .308 caliber. I had the sporter barrel I picked up cut down to 16" re crowned,threaded, and braked also shortened up the stock a fair amount by taking a couple of inches off the butt relocating the swivel studs and reshaping the recoil pad. I changed the synthetic detachable mag stock over to left handed tuned up the trigger and gave her a sponge camo paint job. Since this pic was made I have made a Karsten style kydex adjustable cheek rest with the same paintjob.
The entire length is 37" and it handles and points like a dream with plenty of power and accuracy. (same length as a 10/22 and even shorter than one without the brake)
I wish I had built it years ago.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/bighonkinjeep/100_1388_zpscb193db9.jpg (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/bighonkinjeep/media/100_1388_zpscb193db9.jpg.html)
Mighty Lighty

I am thinking about having this sporter threaded as well. What brakke did you use? It doesn't look huge hanging off the end, fits the contour nicely.

Eric

[Cserv]

I love that my bolt gun s the same length as my Mini 14, and can be carried in my soft case.

Eric

[goinssr]

I have a Remington Model 7 .308 with an 18" barrel that I won't part with for anything. Now I'm going to have to build a 16".....dang you! I have a 22" .243 laying around that would make a great candidate for this.

[oldbrass]

I just posted my woes about my 7-08 lefty only having a 1:11.5 twist, never gave a thought to caliber change..so would this make a good deer/elk rifle (elk within range ofcourse) you fellas got me thinkin now

[jbjh]

Saw this on the Hide. Nice looking set up.

Eric

Thanks. Between here and the Hide, I got a lot of good advice (the Manners group buy on the Hide didn't hurt either). CBI Light Varmint profile splits the diff on sporter vs full varmint.

I'm dying to build a long range gun now, but after just handling my shorty, 24-26" feels like it needs to be crew served!

[stangfish]

Old brass, I have a suggestion for you. Try a hog hunter barrel in 308. I know where one is. I am sending you a PM on how to find it.

[moecarama]

Here we go again; I need to build one of these or something similar. ;)

[BoilerUP]

I'm dying to build a long range gun now, but after just handling my shorty, 24-26" feels like it needs to be crew served!

After owning a 700 16.5" 308 for a month, I feel the same way.

I recently built a 20" 260 (plenty of pep to 1100 and beyond with 140s @ 2700) and am close to sending my 26" barrel down the road.

For a range/prone gun a long barrel is fine, and obviously they provide more velocity for competition, but for hunting and otherwise humping the rifle around the shorter tubes just feel better.

[jbjh]

After owning a 700 16.5" 308 for a month, I feel the same way.

I recently built a 20" 260 (plenty of pep to 1100 and beyond with 140s @ 2700) and am close to sending my 26" barrel down the road.

For a range/prone gun a long barrel is fine, and obviously they provide more velocity for competition, but for hunting and otherwise humping the rifle around the shorter tubes just feel better.

I've seen your builds - very nice. Your .260 is an inspiration for sure.

[handirifle]

With those short barrels, AND the brakes, do not forget hearing protection.

[jbjh]

Eh? What's that!?

[handirifle]

:biggrin-new:

[txbdyguard]

Stang knows all about the hog hunter.

[big honkin jeep]

I am thinking about having this sporter threaded as well. What brakke did you use? It doesn't look huge hanging off the end, fits the contour nicely.

Eric
Cutting the narrow end off of a sporter leaves a pretty hefty profiled shorty and I like it a lot.
Originally I was trying to find a factory adjustable muzzle brake because I like my others and it's nice to be able to turn them off. At the time I couldn't locate one and got tired of waiting. This brake was made locally by ASK Research. Actually it was a takeoff that was laying around behind the counter at a local gun shop run by a buddy of mine. I got him to do the cut crown and thread (5/8x24) because I'm not equipped to properly thread a barrel. I picked up the brake for a song and it is very effective. The only reason I went with it was to dampen the recoil on such a light rig and I really like the way it performs. He did a great job of matching it up and finishing and it shoots very well.
Now If I can just get enough cash together for the Leupold ultra light I've been wanting.