I recently heard a shooter talking about the “balance” of his new carbine. He didn’t like how front heavy it was so he was shopping for heavier stocks to “even it out.” Someone else chimed in and said that he shouldn’t seek too even out the balance since because a front heavy rifle “settles better.”
How much do you pay attention to the balance of a rifle – specifically a self-defense type carbine? If balance concerns you, do you prefer front heavy, rear heavy, or neutral balance? Do you choose components based on how they will impact the balance of your rifle?
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I like a little “front heavy”. As stated for me “it settles better”. This is what works for me, so that is what I go with. It may only be a “mental” thing, but if it works and helps you to stay on target why change it? I have a bushmaster carbon 15 so it’s a bit heavier in the front.
I prefer an overall lightweight carbine that is between neutral and front heavy.
I did choose components to be as lightweight overall, but after experiencing just how front heavy a piston based system was, I tried bringing some of the front heaviness back to neutral.
My take on carbine balance is this. If you have a lot of doo dads on end of your rifle, it just might be a tad front heavy (sarcasm). Adding a heavier stock, IMO, just makes the whole thing heavier. If you can live without the doo dads, maybe adjusting your optic position? (depending on eye relief/)