It would have been cheaper and I would have been shooting earlier if...

[jaydoc1]

Well a few months ago I got bitten by the precision rifle bug. I researched here. I researched www.snipershide.com. I absorbed everything experienced shooters were telling others in terms of what they should get for a first precision rifle. I've shot long range and hunted for most of my life and felt like I had a very good understanding of what it took to make accurate long range shots although honesty with myself revealed I really haven't shot past 500 yards more than about 5 times in my life.

Reading here and on the Hide opened my eyes to the fact that what I thought I knew was either incorrect or outdated and that there was just an abundance of things that I hadn't even learned yet. There is a big difference between long range shooting and true precision shooting. So I decided I needed a good dedicated precision rifle.

So what to get? I had no illusions that I would ever do more than a course or two and probably never go to a match more than a couple times. The local range has a 425 yard range so that would be the farthest distance I would be shooting to with any regularity.

I really liked USMC03's opinion on the Remington LTR and even though he owns an AIAW he still loves the LTR for its weight and portability. I also, since I've come to love ARs so much over the last several years, was interested in an AR platform .308. I wasn't so sure on the brand but wanted something in a SASS format if I went that route.

Since I really enjoy the AR platform I decided to go the SASS route. For whatever reason I decided that a DPMS would be sufficient for my intended purposes. A G.A.P or other semi-custom SASS would have likely been more accurate, but again figured my most consistent max range would be 425 yards.

Well, DPMS SASSs don't just grow on trees, it appears, but I did happen upon a DPMS AP4. Then I later happened on a DPMS SASS upper. Then I installed a Magpul PRS stock, a JP trigger, yada yada yada and I now have a DPMS SASS which cost probably more than a G.A.P. SASS and I didn't get it together any faster than they probably could have built me one.

For what it's worth, it shoots very well.






3 Shots Federal Gold Medal Match 168gr SMK at 100 yards.

Oh wait. Don't forget the LTR. While I've been waiting and putting together the ridiculously overpriced (but I still love it) SASS, I went ahead and bought an LTR and topped it off with a Nightforce NXS 3.5X15. And man can it shoot. I love it too.



Now here's where I reaaaaaly jump in the deep end of the stupid (expensive) pool. I've been doing the online training at the Hide and the more and more I've been watching those AIs, the more and more I decided I needed one.

So here's what the LTR looks like now.





I don't have any significant range time with the LTR since mounting the AICS but shot about 30 rounds today and I love it. But USMC03 was very right, it turned a lightweight tack driver into a muy heavy tack driver.

So, if I had just skipped the original DPMS and the LTR, I could have easily had a full build Accuracy International for maybe just a little more (not cheaper, I know ) and not had to wait as long as I did to have the completed rifles I do now.

On the other hand, I love both of these rifles so maybe it did end up being money well spent. My wife loves the LTR now that the AICS is on it (felt recoil is significantly less than with the original LTR HS precision stock) so that's a positive for sure!

[Wicked]

Not so much into the SASS guns, but it's a very good looking stick. I love that LTR though. I have two, one is set up suppressed and they're the cherries.

Just got a new SPS for my youngest son. Any chance you want to unload your take-off HS stock?

[MistWolf]

Look at all the knowledge, experience and fun you would have missed out on if you'd simply taken the shortcut to the Accuracy International. Try gathering all the parts to put together a Para Fal sometime. Not as expensive, but it's cost more than if I'd simply bought one. But I have to build at least one for myself

Very nice rifles. I think you've done well

[HEMI_Driver]

I am exactly where you were when you were just getting started. So far I'be only picked up a Henry H001 and a 10/22 both in .22 and both topped with Simmons glass. They're both fun but I want something with a little more authority. I was seriously considering the R700 LRT and the R700 5R. After reading some side by side comparisons I've settled on the 5R. Right now I'm trying to figure what the extra cost of a Leupold or Nightforce scope would buy over something like a Vortex.

I would really like to hear your thoughts on the performance of you bolt gun before and after the AI stock. While the AI does look awesome I'm not sold on the "bang-for-your-buck" aspect.

Could you also share your thoughts on the difference in the semi and the bolt? Thanks in advance and congratulations on your collection thus far.

[jaydoc1]

...Any chance you want to unload your take-off HS stock?

Sorry, it was sold before I ordered the AICS.

I would really like to hear your thoughts on the performance of you bolt gun before and after the AI stock. While the AI does look awesome I'm not sold on the "bang-for-your-buck" aspect.

Hmmm. I feel much more accurate with the AICS. No, seriously, my groups went from about .75 MOA to about .5 MOA if I do my job. Felt recoil is much less than with the original HS Precision stock so my ability to see my hits has improved with the stock so follow up shots are easier. Could be placebo effect with the stock but I do believe it's made a difference. A difference worth what the stock cost? For me, yes. For someone else, maybe not.

Could you also share your thoughts on the difference in the semi and the bolt?

That's just an impossible question for someone else to answer for you. A bolt gun is inherently more forgiving of gaffes. A well-driven gas gun can approximate a bolt gun's accuracy. I cannot drive my SASS to its potential and so am much more accurate with bolt guns. After having done the online training at Sniper's Hide, my results with the SASS have increased tremendously but I can still outshoot it with bolt guns.

That being said, I love the SASS. There's just something about it that is really enjoyable to shoot. If I'm shooting for score (at a local match) I'll be grabbing the LTR, though.

[hozer]

So we are going to see you on the 17th for the Sniper Match?

Cant believe you didnt get the folder...

[HEMI_Driver]

Thanks for your feedback. Eventually I'll experience both as my goal is to build the R700 and then a SASS.

So, what would you do differently if you were to do it over again?

[jaydoc1]

So we are going to see you on the 17th for the Sniper Match?

Cant believe you didnt get the folder...

I know, I know. Next time.

Unfortunately I'm on call this month for the sniper match. I'll be there for the tactical match, though. Next month looks like I'm good to go for the sniper match but not the tactical match. Oh well, I can only take embarrassing myself once a month anyway.

[jaydoc1]

Thanks for your feedback. Eventually I'll experience both as my goal is to build the R700 and then a SASS.

So, what would you do differently if you were to do it over again?

Wait for an LMT .308 MWS!

[brianboru]

I hear what you're saying like I'm thinking it myself...

I'm right on the fence about whether or not I'm going to pull the trigger on the AICS myself. After having feeding issues with my 5R a couple weeks ago during that Magpul class, I think I've crossed the point of no return. But heck, that rifle was already heavy. Oh well, another week, another pile of bucks spent. At least I'm still spending more on ammo than kit.

My next problem though is that I'm sold on getting some steel to bang on so I don't have to keep hiking out to swap paper. I blame hozer for that one, being so willing to share his.