Blackfeather Functional Testing / Initial Range Report *BIG PICS*

geclark

geclark

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Hi All,

Finally got out to the range for some quick testing with the Blackfeather - overall pretty happy!

TL;DR version:
- I am more accurate with Blackfeather than original stock (but still a terrible shot)
- Troy Battlerail works well on Blackfeather
- Thermold magazines (pinned to 5 rounds) suck terribly

First off - the gun:

BF-RANGE-1.JPG


Comprised of:
- Norc Shorty
- Blackfeather stock with underside rail installed and
- Troy M14 Battlerail
- Troy folding battle sights
- SEI Good Iron Navy Brake
- Hogue AR Grip
- Vltor Emod stock / Vltor mil-spec tube
- EOTech 552 on GG&G QD mount w/covers, Vortex VMX-3 in ADM flip to side mount
- AFG2 & knock off Harris bipod

So - this trip to the range was to put 60 rounds through the gun to make sure everything plays nice together, and to get an initial 25 yard zero. I haven't locktite'd anything yet, wanted to get through this process before I do.

I know, I know - 25 yards doesn't really count as a range report. I just wanted to get an initial zero and didn't have any targets. Wound up shooting anything I could stick to the backstop (photos below of 5 rnd group in a coffee stained pastry box).


BF-RANGE-2.JPG


And from the other side-

BF-RANGE-3.JPG


I shot crouched, using the bipod of the lane table.

My observations from the first 60 rounds fired (took 5 rnds to get zeroed, did 25 off the bipod and 30 with the rifle shouldered).

- Rifle is heavy (granted, I have bolted as much crap as I can on to it)
- Perceived recoil when firing from shoulder is really, really, really down from original stock (probably part Blackfeather, part navy brake, part weight?)
- I am more accurate than I was with Norc stock, however so much has changed since the original stock it's hard to compare
- Thermold m14 magazines are a great way to turn your rifle into a single shot rig : (
- I find it a bit tighter to seat magazines in the Blackfeather stock than the original
- This rifle is a treat to shoot!

Below - a 5 shot group (around the Pen'd in circle), crouched at table using the bipod @ 25 yards:

BF-RANGE-4.JPG


The 5 shots around the ink circle are my attempt at a group, this rifle feels more accurate than I am (I don't think I've held a squat that long for quite a while).

All in all - I'm really, really happy with the Blackfeather & Battlerail combo. I'm going to locktite things up and try again from 100, hopefully weather holds up and I can sneak away for a couple hours this weekend. I look forward to seeing the M14.ca top rail, but until then things seem pretty good with the Troy up top!
 
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I recently headed out to the range with my new black feather and I love it. I had mag release problems with my original stock, problem fixed instantly with he new wider mag well. I was getting 2-3 inch moa, now I'm getting <1inch. In my opinion it the best investment for a m305.
 
Really well put together gun, looks right.
Eager to get a few results from 100,200 and greater.
Shame about the thermolds, but lesson learned eh.
Great gun....you have got to be a happy guy ...:)
 
Inspiring execution :cool:

My BF RS should be delivered to my door in a few days.

Would you be more comfortable with a cheek riser on the butt stock?
 
H2O MAN said:
Inspiring execution :cool:

My BF RS should be delivered to my door in a few days.

Would you be more comfortable with a cheek riser on the butt stock?
Click to expand...

Thanks!

Yeah, a cheek riser would be nice. I've got a big melon, but it's still an optimistic 'lower' cheek weld. More realistically it's an 'upper' chin weld. :)

I may switch out the butt stock with something that I can more easily get a riser on.
 
Lost...again said:
Shame about the thermolds, but lesson learned eh.
Great gun....you have got to be a happy guy ...:)
Click to expand...

I am indeed a happy guy, firing this thing puts big grin on my face!

I'm disappointed in the Thermold mags, I had high hopes for them but they really don't work. I'm wondering if it's down to the way they're pinned. The spring is short, and sits on a pin that runs from side to side in the magazine, instead of just having a pin to block the follower and a normal length spring.
 
I think you've mentioned this in the past. How did fitting the troy battlerail to the rifle go? Do I remember you saying you left the stock op rod guide on instead of the blackfeather op rod guide?
 
Your 'Group' at 25yards looks like what I would shoot with a handgun.

There might be something wrong with your rifle? Everything bolted tight?
Did you Zero it properly?
 
Boreas said:
I think you've mentioned this in the past. How did fitting the troy battlerail to the rifle go? Do I remember you saying you left the stock op rod guide on instead of the blackfeather op rod guide?
Click to expand...

The Battlerail really went on without any problems. I went into the install looking for problems and managed to make a few of my own, but ultimately it bolts on without much fuss. In terms of op-rod guides I started life with an NEA in there, and moved to the Blackfeather once it arrived. The Blackfeather guide is very similar in appearance to the NEA, except that it's black.
 
rivetc78 said:
Your 'Group' at 25yards looks like what I would shoot with a handgun.

There might be something wrong with your rifle? Everything bolted tight?
Did you Zero it properly?
Click to expand...

Uhh - you are better at shooting than me. :)

The 5 round 'group' that I'm referring to are the 5 shots clustered around a pen mark that I made once the rifle was zeroed. There are other hits (and holes) on the pastry container / target from the zeroing exercise. FWIW, things aren't bolted down that tight, this was just to make sure it goes bang properly before things get committed to with locktite.

If you knew that and still shoot better than that with a pistol, they you are way way better at shooting than me. :)

Unfortunately it's raining where I am, so not going to get a chance to try it out @100 this weekend / today...
 
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