Hello---I need a light-weight and compact deer rifle. I already own a 527 in .17 Hornet, so I'm familiar with this model. I'd like a Grendel version, but NOT in either a 24 inch American, or 16.5 inch suppressor-ready carbine. If the current walnut carbine was available in 6.5, I might go for it, but who knows when or if that will happen? At 71 years old, I dunno how many years of hunting I have left, so I'm thinking of getting the American 6.5 now and having the barrel shortened to 20 inches. I'm aware of the velocity loss by knocking the length to 20", but feel that it's an acceptable trade-off for better maneuverability and lighter weight in the woods. A very long shot for my hunting environment would be 150 yds.--- 50, or even 35 yds. is typical. But I'm attracted to how the Grendel holds its velocity and energy at surprising ranges, in contrast to the 7.62 X 39.
So, I ask current 18.5" carbine owners this: what is the barrel diameter at the muzzle of your gun? And, are the barrel contours of the American and the Carbine the same, except for length? The diameter of my Hornet barrel at 18.5" is about .62 and at 20" it's .615 or so. (These measurements are really approximate. I'm allowing a bit more than .75 inches between the chamber face and the forward end of the breach opening.) At the muzzle, my barrel measures about .573". It's a 21.875" sporter weight barrel, but a .17 caliber hole through it leaves quite a lot of steel. Despite wanting a lighter rifle, I'm not that fond of real skinny barrels, and would like to know what I'm getting into before I jump.
Another question: CZ has not, far as I know, discussed this issue, but it looks to me as though the most recent American model has a bit less drop at the comb than earlier versions, and the Carbine, where the open sights might allow that greater comb drop. They do not publish this measurement the way some other makers do. Does anyone know if the newest Americans have this reduced drop?
I would have probably have my Grendel drilled and tapped for custom weaver-style bases out on the barrel, to mount a Scout-pattern scope there. I have thirty years experience with Mr. Cooper's system and like it. A conventional scope has to be mounted high enough to clear the opened bolt handle, which is pretty high on these rifles, too high for me to get a decent cheek weld when aiming. My current woods rifle, a Browning 71 in .348, wears a 2.75X Burris Scout on the barrel, and it works well. But at a total of 9+ lbs, with scope and sling but un-loaded, it's getting to be a chore. It's more powerful than needed for white-tail. And carrying that classic lever action with my paw clutching the receiver makes my hand cold at 20 degrees. Make fun of old people all you want. We'll make room for you when you get here, if you're lucky enough to make it.
I look forward to comments!
