Please explain, rifle weights??

gfrost · Oct 11, 2024

Looking at several different rifle, Great Plains, Kentucky, Frontier etc., the Kentucky and Frontier's appear very similar but different lengths but both appear lighter than the Great Plains even though the Great Plains is the shorter of the bunch. What am I missing??

RobertIN · Oct 11, 2024

Barrel profile and caliber more than likely.

gfrost · Oct 11, 2024

I've been comparing all .54 cal rifles

I've heard the term swamped barrel several times which I think is the explanation to my question but not positive

wiscoaster · Oct 11, 2024

gfrost said:
I've been comparing all .54 cal rifles

I've heard the term swamped barrel several times which I think is the explanation to my question but not positive

Assuming the same barrel length, a swamped barrel will make the overall rifle weight lighter, since the barrel is narrower with less metal in the middle. Also, the barrel's OEM may make several caliber's barrels from the same barrel blank, so a .54 cal barrel, having a larger bore, will be lighter than a .50 cal barrel with a smaller bore, if it's milled from the same blank.

RobertIN · Oct 11, 2024

Swamped barrels are fat at the breech, narrow towards the center, and flare at the muzzle. Compared to a straight contour you can save significant weight that could be it but I'm not familiar with those models.

RobertIN · Oct 11, 2024

wiscoaster said:
Assuming the same barrel length, a swamped barrel will make the overall rifle weight lighter, since the barrel is narrower with less metal in the middle. Also, the barrel's OEM may make several caliber's barrels from the same barrel blank, so a .54 cal barrel, having a larger bore, will be lighter than a .50 cal barrel with a smaller bore, if it's milled from the same blank.

Dang it wis you beat me to it.

gfrost · Oct 11, 2024

That's what I thought but didn't know for sure

R Ellis · Oct 11, 2024

I don't think factory built rifles will have a swamped barrel only custom built so it depends on what you are looking for also some custom builders trim the stock some

Jaegermeister · Oct 11, 2024

Swamped is a game changer in my opinion. Seems steadier to hold on target.

smokeum54 · Oct 11, 2024

Keep in mind, websites and manufacturers weight listing isn't always the same. Or even correct.

Nor'Easter · Oct 12, 2024

None of the mentioned rifles have swamped barrels.
.
Barrel weight calculators are available online. Width across the flats - bore diameter - barrel length effect barrel weight.
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The remaining parts can vary from about 3 lbs to 4.5 lbs, depending on the style of the gun. Wood type, hardware type and material, quantity of hardware (nose cap, patch box, side plate, toe plate, etc).
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Go to Track of the Wolf, gun parts, barrels. They have some weights listed for various barrels. 2 1/2 lbs to 10 + lbs.

LME · Oct 12, 2024

Most of my rifles are on the heavy side. I don't like carrying them very far now that I have aged but I see the heavier rifles shine when takeing a running deer.

Please explain, rifle weights??

Help Support Muzzleloading Forum:

gfrost

32 Cal

RobertIN

West Harrison, Indiana

gfrost

32 Cal

wiscoaster

75 Cal.

RobertIN

West Harrison, Indiana

RobertIN

West Harrison, Indiana

gfrost

32 Cal

R Ellis

45 Cal.

Jaegermeister

36 Cal.

smokeum54

40 Cal.

Nor'Easter

26ga. Fusil

LME

69 Cal.

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Please explain, rifle weights??

Help Support Muzzleloading Forum:

32 Cal

West Harrison, Indiana

32 Cal

75 Cal.

West Harrison, Indiana

West Harrison, Indiana

32 Cal

45 Cal.

36 Cal.

40 Cal.

26ga. Fusil

69 Cal.

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