After a long wait I received a Contender G2 stainless steel 23" 6.8 SPC barrel recently
It was a parked project for when I had some time to sort it out
Well ill health meant I suddenly had a bit of free time
I don't know why but most factory Contender barrels are full bull barrels. 20.7mm
So this was always going to be a cut and suppress job
I had chronographed some factory ammunition before cutting off 120mm
Which is 260 grams weight saved already
Relatively small hole in a fat barrel = weight
Set it up in the lathe in the fixed steady and faced off and crowned the muzzle
Tapped up the DPT muzzle forward suppressor I had brought from 1/2-20 to 5/8-24
1/2" is pretty small for a high powered rifle suppressor thread
Threaded the barrel and fitted the suppressor
This is the complete 6.8 SPC set up using the quick tool less break down stock screw I make
Sure it could be smaller if taken down at the hinge pin and only needs an allen key.
But this is quick and easy and nothing to loose
This 7075 alloy knurled screw is actually lighter than the factory steel cap screw it replaces !
And this is the entire G2 family ( so far )
6.8 SPC 18 1/2" barrel. Leupold VX3i 2.5-8 CDS
375 Winchester 23" contoured barrel. Leupold MK4 1.5-5 SPR
.22LR full length insert barrel. Only fits in the 375 barrel. But is very accurate
223 16" barrel. Leupold VX3 2.5-8 ( mounts burgled for 6.8 but have others to fit )
This is a closer image of the 22LR / 375 insert
Quite a tricky bit of lathe work
There are a few loose ends to tidy up
The 6.8 barrel needs a barrel band
The 6.8 and 223 barrels will be fluted in sections forward and aft of the barrel bands
I think the 6.8 barrel might still loose another 30mm depending on the velocity losses
And I'm still looking for a dedicated .22LR Contender barrel or any other Contender barrel I can stubb and thread a 22 barrel in to
It's not quite under 6 pounds yet which is the objective
Fluting and another tiny chop should bring it in on weigth
And the 6.8 pre cut liked the factory American Gunner ammunition a lot
3/4 moa with the 8x max scope is perfect for my needs
Cheers
Bookmarks