TargetTalk

This is a question that has vexed me for a very long time both in theory and in actual training ... and im hoping some of the veterans on this site may be able to offer some sound advice.

I used to shoot with a Feinwerkbau P34 earlier and had 60 grams of barrel weights placed at the tip to counter muzzle movement at shot release (at least i told myself that ... i was still a novice back then), however i eventually switched over to a Steyr LP10 and shot through several competitions without any weights added or any modifications made to the factory state the weapon came in ... and didnt feel any major difference without the added weight up front.

My question ... ive experimented both with and without barrel weights and it doesnt seem to affect my scores or groups in any way, which leaves me confused .. there should be be some overall effect (or maybe i am sub consciously compensating)... my scores remain between 570 - 580.

Could some one shed some light on the theoretical usage of barrel weights, the logic behind it and what each position of the weights (toward the muzzle, center of the barrel, towards the trigger area) is meant to accomplish ... thanks ;-)

My understanding is that the barrel weights simply change the center of mass (and hence the balance point) of the gun, be it pistol or rifle. I believe the following to be correct, but YMMV :-)

As you extend the barrel weights towards the muzzle, the gun will be more muzzle heavy and will require more rear rotational effort to keep it steady. This can put a strain on your wrist muscles and lead to fatigue, which would have a negative affect on your scores. (This is one of the main criticisms of the IZH-46M air pistol, that it is too muzzle heavy)

The flip side to muzzle weight is that since there is more weight out by the muzzle, it takes more force to move the muzzle. No one holds a gun 100% still, and these micro-movements can be damped somewhat by having more weight by the muzzle.

I own an Anchutz 2001 air rifle that has sliding barrel weights. I tried moving them back and though I liked the balance of the rifle better, the muzzle was all over the place and I shot much worse. I ended up moving them back.

As for your expectation that your group size should change based upon barrel weight position, I don't think that that would necessarily be the case. It should not affect the barrel harmonics or bedding/stock/barrel interactions, so I don't see why POA or accuracy would be affected. It might possibly affect the recoil of the gun, and, depending on your interaction with the gun, that might affect groups if your recoil is inconsistent. But, with pistol, particularly at the distance typically shot in a match, I don't see it being a major concern. The primary purpose and function of the barrel weights is for tailor the balance of the gun to suit the preferences of the shooter.

Barrel weights are purely there to alter the balance point slightly. I use them on my LP10 but have moved them around with no noticeable difference. I too tried them near the front for reduced muzzle flip but I don't believe that made any difference whatsoever.

All I can suggest is that you try them at the extreme positions to see if the gun feels different. If it does then stick with them where it feels best, but don't expect scores to change because of it.

Rob.

maybe it is too light to have any significant effect.

but on the other hand, adding (at least for me), is to improve the sense of balance of the gun. when the gun is too light, there is a big tendency for the gun to jerk about in a more "uncontrolled" manner. the gun seems to jerk into place then to glide smoothly to the firing area.

just my own 2 ¢ worth about barrel weights.

Thanks everyone for your inputs and for taking the time to help me out ;-)