Rifle Shooter: New Year Weight Loss

Some rifles perform better at the range and off a shooting bench than in the field. Take, for example, Robert Hardy’s Bergara B-14 Wilderness HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor. With a 20 MOA rail, precision rifle scope, suppressor (or moderator in British terms), Harris bipod, and sling, the rifle weighs 13 lbs 8 oz. For a field rifle—one that can be carried around and shot from field positions—that is not ideal. So, for 2026, Robert is setting out on the latest FAB diet to see if he can shed pounds from his favorite rifle.

THE MISSION

In New Year weight Loss, Robert Hardy embarks on a personal mission that many rifle shooters will understand: how to shed pounds from a beloved but undeniably heavy hunting rifle without sacrificing the stability and accuracy that make it truly effective in the field. The Bergara B14 Wilderness HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor served him well for both target shooting and practical, long-range management work, but was less than ideal for long stalks through tough terrain. Hardy’s main challenge was finding a way to maintain performance while making the rifle more comfortable to carry on a long stalk.

THE CHASSIS

The tip came after discussing the situations with fellow Rifle Shooter contributor and MDT International Account Manager, Ryan Chartlon, who recommended checking out the MDT CRBN chassis. This foam-filled carbon fiber stock features an internal magnesium micro-chassis and precision V-block bedding, combining the best qualities of a lightweight stock and a rigid, accuracy-focused chassis. Weighing only 27 oz without bottom metal, the CRBN significantly reduces weight, and its thoughtful ergonomic design—including an adjustable cheekpiece, length-of-pull spacers, a 20° grip with an integrated thumb rest, and an ARCA rail with molded-in M-LOK slots—offers both comfort and versatility. Simply replacing the heavy stock with the CRBN transforms the rifle, shedding about 2 lbs. 8 oz. while maintaining zero and performance.

WHATS NEXT

Hardy’s story doesn’t end with the CRBN; it’s part of a wider gear-lightening journey that includes minimalist bipods and lighter sling hardware. Still, the CRBN remains the core of that transformation, showing that smart design allows you to carry less without sacrificing what’s most important: a rifle that feels stable, shoots accurately, and shoulders comfortably even in tough terrain.

ZOOMING OUT

To borrow Robert’s words, “…rifle weight is deeply personal. Balance, in the long run, matters far more.” How someone chooses to configure a rifle for a specific task is personal. Every component selected should be a thoughtful decision based on the purpose. For Robert, that was shedding weight in the stock by switching to the CRBN. Of course, more drastic measures could be taken, like shortening the barrel or swapping it for a carbon fiber one, but those changes could also compromise the rifle’s balance and feel. Some sacrifices simply aren’t worth it. For more articles by Robert and others like it, visit rifle-shooter.com.