Which extension tube? weight and easiness to install/remove

nester · Post by **nester** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 12:28 pm

Looking for the moderately lightweight 10" extension tube for my new to come 1913 rifle.

Can anyone comment on weight of MEC Strike tube, also on Champion's Choice tube, etc?

Also, how easy is it to install and then remove the tube? I assume it has to be removed when rifle is put into the case - so how much hassle it adds to screw the tube back (with the torque wrench, correct?), make sure it is level, than will I have to sight-in again, etc?
Ideally I'd like this to be as easy as possible - less setup time and less variables added.

justadude · Post by **justadude** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 12:54 pm

I can't comment on the MEC vs Champions Choice offering.

I use a Uptatuner by Eric Uptagrafft

http://shop.uptagrafftllc.com/Tuner-Tub ... roductId=7

And have been very pleased.

Basic first time installation takes about 15 minutes. After that it slips on and off in a minute or so.

Getting the tuner tuned will take a while and depends on your technique and thoroughness in testing.

Good Luck,
'Dude

nester · Post by **nester** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:14 pm

Thank you for the info!
So for further removal/installation it will install exactly as it was - you do not have to re-sight, correct?
Currently my concern is about weight (10" tuner 13.5 oz (380 grams)), and also so far I am looking for the sight extension only to help with the eye fatigue.
Tuner adds much more variables to the equation..

KennyB · Post by **KennyB** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:22 pm

If you want lightweight, then a carbon fiber tube like the BeeSting (without the tuner) might be what you're after.
I have a 10" carbon tube (not a BeeSting) and it's certainly light...

K.

Tim S · Post by **Tim S** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:26 pm

nester wrote:Thank you for the info!
So for further removal/installation it will install exactly as it was - you do not have to re-sight, correct?
.

It should do. Eric U's tube (and other similar designs) has a collar that clamps onto the barrel. The tube can be unclamped, removed, and then refitted with no loss of zero.

With some tubes, removing and then reinstalling the collar may cause a slight change in zero.

justadude · Post by **justadude** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:26 pm

There is a collar with a guide pin that is installed permanently to the barrel. When you slide the main tuner on the pin lines it up, torque down the clamping screws and you are good to go.

Zero is usually spot on from one trip to the next an never moves more than a click or two. I get more variation in the wind from day to day.

I have not compared the weight of the Uptatuner to other offerings. I assume they are all similar. Eric does sell just a plain old extension tube as well.

'Dude

bluetentacle · Post by **bluetentacle** » Thu Apr 19, 2012 3:27 pm

I think a tuner tube is well worth the investment.