Precision Rifle Project

[Gutshot John]

Background:

Some might recall I asked about a bolt rifle a while back https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=26357

After having attended a Long Range International DMR class I've been in the process of building myself a modern bolt gun. It's not really intended to be a super sub-moa gun but rather a relatively-light, handy bolt rifle still capable of making solid hits out to 800-1000 yards.

Through the good offices of "The Dude" I talked to the LRI smith about having it built. After hours of discussion and emails, I gave up on the hi-cap mag idea as being too labor intensive and too iffy a proposition especially on a push-feed rifle. On that recommendaiton I picked up a 700 SPS Tactical to use as a base gun.

Questions:

Optic: I've assumed that I will pay 2-3x for an optic what I did for my rifle. Nightforce has a lot going for it but the high-end of that price range. Another scope I've looked at on the basis of LRI's recommendation is the Pride-Fowler. This scope has a lot going for it, especially it's relatively modest price ($800-900). It has EVERYTHING I want in a scope (side-focus, first-plane, zero-stop, moa reticle with moa adjustment and a rapid ranging reticle). The Pride-Fowler 800 series is available as a fixed 10x42 or variable 3-9x42. I'm willing to compromise on the FFP which brings the Nightforce to within $1000. I'd also probably consider a Trijicon RMR as an offset-mounted RDS. The only thing the Pride-Fowler lacks is illumination, and so I'm wondering how much value to put into that feature. I know it yields huge dividends at night, but for another $1400 in cost for a similar Nightforce how much does illumination come into play?

Stock: As a lefty, I'd really like a pistol grip or thumbhole stock. An AI stock is more than I want to spend and I'd prefer just keep the floorplate with maybe mag extension. An adjustable LOP or folding stock would also be nice, but I'd like to keep it relatively light/handy. Was considering a Knoxx stock but not quite ready to decide yet, but in that price-range are there viable alternatives?

Mount/Rails: I was going with Badger unless someone has a better idea.

Barrel: I'm going to keep the one I have for a while to master the techniques. Was also toying with the idea of fluting and getting it threaded for brake or suppressor. Is this better done on the existing barrel, or getting a new one?

Thanks,
GSJ

[Irish]

Subscribed for interest.

[mattjmcd]

Finally got to lay paws on an SPS. Thinking of going that route, or an LTR, for a base rifle. I am curious as to the input you are going to receive John.

For the peanut gallery- any reason to think that the OEM bbls from these 2 guns (LTR and SPS) will shoot much differently..?

[Littlelebowski]

I'd just shoot the existing barrel out first. Have you found an existing need for the illuminated reticle?

[Gutshot John]

I'd just shoot the existing barrel out first. Have you found an existing need for the illuminated reticle?

Other than night shoots I've done in classes, no. It will get most of its field use as a hunting rifle, so shooting in the dark is mostly out.

When we did the night shoot at LRI, I was using a non-illum scoped AR and had a hard time, the best I could really do was quarter the target when the lights were on and then squeeze the trigger when they went out. For the chem-light shoot, it was pretty impossible to hit without an illuminated reticle, I switched back to the FAL with the ACOG and it performed a lot better than the non-illuminated even with the malfunctions.

I'd be taking this rifle to more classes on the ranch so I'd presume there are more night-shoots in the future. That said, I'm sure a lot of guys shoot at night without the use of illuminated optics.

Would you modify the existing barrel at all? or just shoot it out then get something better? I'm not sure what I can expect in terms of it's life-span, but I'm sure it will be around for a few years.

[Gutshot John]

Oh and non-leather sling suggestions would be nice too.

[Ttwwaack]

If you are looking for a military rifle sling alternative, check out the bio-thane military rifle slings available. I think Sinclair still carries them for highpower shooters. I picked one up for my A2 and it's just like the leather sling but with a rubber/biothane coated fabric matrix material. It gives like leather withou stretching.

[Gutshot John]

I'd be curious if anyone uses the Knoxx stock on a bolt gun.

[TacticalIntervention]

John, I make the slings that are issued on most of the US Military Sniper Rifles.

I would recommend the Quick Cuff sling for any precision work. Simply the fastest sling to get into and out of, US made out of best materials I can find. Lifetime warranty that I have not had any returns for.

[Gutshot John]

John, I make the slings that are issued on most of the US Military Sniper Rifles.

I would recommend the Quick Cuff sling for any precision work. Simply the fastest sling to get into and out of, US made out of best materials I can find. Lifetime warranty that I have not had any returns for.

Yeah actually when I "binged" 'precision rifle sling' a couple of days ago your quick-cuff came up. Do I just order off the website? Is hardware included?