INTRODUCTION
I have always wanted to build a lightweight 6.5x55 from an original military configuration that is also suppressed.
I'm talking sub 7lbs all up.
In New Zealand lightweight, suppressed rifles are really all the go especially for long carries and the extensive alpine hunting available. Plus its a lot easier for young hunters to get used to a centrefire rifle that is not heavy in weight or recoil.
I use a Sako A7 .308 which scoped is somewhere under 7lbs and a joy to shoot, but its not suppressed and the recoil is too much for my young boys. This project aims to better that by adding a suppressor to the mix and still keeping it under 7lbs so a bold aim.
Just to make it interesting I also aim to do this as cheaply as possible without sacrificing quality so whilst I wont be using the 'lightest and newest' options available such as ring sets I will be making such significant weight losses elsewhere it wont matter.
The Rifle
The donor for this project a 1941 Swedish Mauser model M38.
It has already been sporterised with a cut down stock, has the original barrel configuration but has not yet been drilled or tapped for scope mounts.
The bore is shiny with plenty of rifling - the bluing is okay but is going to be coated later so it doesn't matter.
Accessories
Stock
The stock is from a short action Stevens 200 - its plastic and very light, possibly one of the lightest and cheapest ones out there. Not the most rigid but still good enough. The action area needs reconfiguring but grinding out and bedding will take care of this. Both action screws need re-drilled but these will be steel pillared when the action is bedded in. An aluminium magazine box will also be added as this relies on being a blind magazine to achieve the weight reduction.
Suppressor
Aluminium over-barrel suppressor with aluminium internals - Gunworks brand made here in NZ. It has a 9/16 unf thread and extends 125mm (5") forward of the muzzle and 200mm (8") back.Scope
An argon purged Bushnell Elite E3940 3-9X40 will adorn the rifle. Not the lightest option but very reliable - to be fair a 2-7x33 Redfield would be my preferred choice, maybe later down the track.
Rings and Bases
Burris Signature rings and Weaver bases complete the mounting. Sure, I could use Talley lightweight rings but the weight saving is so minimal and although steel, I trust the Burris rings beyond anything else.
Gunsmithing
The barrel needs shortened to around 21", rear sight removed and thread cut for suppressor at 9/16 unf. I will most likely hacksaw off the barrel to the correct length to facilitate the removal of the rear sight. This is soldered on so after taking out the screw in the sight it needs to be gently heated then tapped off - at this point it is prudent to be prepared with a wool blanket so you can wipe off the solder before it hardens again.
Modifications
The major modification is the removal of the internal magazine, floor plate and trigger guard assembly. The magazine will be a blind one to reduce weight. I have not yet decided whether to remove the bolt knob and replace it with an aluminium tactical type knob but I most likely will not.
The external steel will be painted in Hammerite black instead of bluing - the reason being that I have done several in the past and they all worked out really well. Three weeks curing time but a very resilient and rust proof finish. The bolt will be polished up a bit but left as is.
Cost
These are costs to me - I have done a bit of wheeling and dealing so below are the actual costs for ME.
Rifle $ 200
Suppressor $ 185
Stock Free
Rings/Bases $ 75
Scope $ 50
Gunsmith $ 150
TOTAL $ 660
Weight Comparisons
I have a Ram-Line stock for this project to compare apples with apples in terms of synthetic stocks in terms of overall weights. This configuration also relies on using the original steel floor plate and trigger assembly.
I broke down the rifle into its parts and did some guess work as I still have yet to remove the rear sight and cut down the barrel. I have off cuts here and another rear sight so its pretty accurate.
STEVENS STOCK, SCOPED, RINGS, SUPPRESSOR = 6.8lbs (3.1kg)
RAMLINE STOCK, SCOPED, RINGS, SUPPRESSOR = 9lbs (4.1kg)
Wrap Up
I will post pictures as I go along but for now this all seems pretty feasible. I will also shoot some paper to see how it all goes in terms of accuracy at the end of it all.
