Model 70 7mm mag- too heavy and long. rework or sell

[Losthwy]

I have a model 70 7mm mag SS that has a boss.  The rifle is heavy and muzzle heavy as well. Planning on installing a Branser stock that will make the rifle even more muzzle heavy. This is a "mountain" elk rifle. Should I sell it or rework it?

[stv]

I have a Browning with a BOSS.  One of the exeriments I tried and you might also, is to remove the BOSS and shoot it.   It will remove forward weight and if it is accurate some of your problem is solved.   The rifle I had shot well with out the BOSS but yours might require some load experimenting.  One isse about changing the stock on your rifle will be the change in bedding and changing the performance and settings of the Boss.  My Browning has a hard rubber block at the recoil mortice and is part of the design around using the BOSS.  You can be sure that your rifle will shoot differently with a new stock and you might have to remove the BOSS.

[Losthwy]

From what most folks I've talked to have said, has me leaning to selling it. And getting a Model 70 or Rem 700 in a stainless .30-06. If I get a rem that will require repalcing the safety for me and maybe the trigger.

[gunnut69]

I understand your problem..  but the long barrel and weight are part of the cost of any magnum rifle.  A friend bought a Winchester M70 Featherweight in 300 WinMag...  He thought he save a little weight but the barrel on the Featherweight is the same as on a M70 sporter!!  His rifle actually weighs a bit more than my M70 Clasic sporter in 338 WinMag!!  If I were so lucky as to be contemplating an elk hunt I would keep the 7Mag..  Remove the brake and if you want a bit of lightness, a synthetic stock or a lightened wood stock will help...  The 7Mag has about the same recoil as a 30-06 but retains that energy better over distance.  Combine that with a heavy for caliber bullet(preferably a Partition) and practice a bunch..  The best way to save weight is by better choices in accessories.  Install a good 6x or campact 3x9(or 2x7) variable scope.  You really don't need that 4.5x14 by 56 monster..  and dump the carved leather torpedo sling...  Install a light weight synthetic model with a rubber gripping pad for the shoulder.  You can loose close to a pound easily, just by choosing accessories wisely. I routinely use long barreled rifles for whitetail hunting.  They are really not the best choice for shooting a moving target in the brush but most shots are taken at stationary or feeding animals and the bit of extra weight out front helps steady the weapon for the deliberate shot, but of course ignore all of this if what you really want is just an excuse for a new rifle!!  If thats the case I agree,  it's badly needed in deed!!