The keenly awaited arrival of my new-to-me PGW Coyote has prompted me to write another one of my comparative reviews. I have written two other similar articles on CGN; number one compared three black rifles ( a Swiss Arms Black Special, HK SL8 and a Norc M4 ) and number two compared three M14-type rifles ( a M1A 'Loaded', a Norc/USGI hybrid and a stock Norc ) - interested readers can easily find these earlier reviews in their respective forums. This review compares not three but four bolt action rifles that can be considered to fall under the Precision/Tactical/Sniper category and, in keeping with my theme from other reviews, I compare high end to low end though, in this case, the low end is still fairly up there in terms of cost and quality.
I ought to make it clear that while I have been shooting centre-fire rifles for well over thirty years I am far from an expert and I am not even an "amateur" gunsmith. I am a keen shooter but, again, no expert (as anyone who saw me shoot in the wind on day one of 2010's F-Class 'Frosty Farky' will laugh and confirm!)
Like lots of others, I have observed that gun writers in magazines are beholden to advertisers and on-line reviews are sometimes written by folk who either have a love affair with one brand over another or the writers are people who only own one type and feel compelled to criticize other types. Obviously we all have likes and dislikes, but at least I own all the rifles I comment on and am responsible for all the purchasing decisions - good and bad.
Writing a review in this sub-forum is tough because many readers here are far more knowledgeable than I am, but this review isn't written with you guys in mind - rather, it is written for the guy who is wishing to upgrade from the Savage 10FP or Remington SPS or the guy who has some cash burning a hole in the pocket who wants to jump into a fairly pricey piece of equipment. Though the experts are not the intended audience, I do welcome feedback from guys like Mystic, Obtunded and Cyanide and the other experts as much as I do from those for whom this is written.
In what follows I offer up my comments on the four particular Precision/Tactical/Sniper rifles. I subdivide my observations into:
Price and Standard Equipment;
Stocks, Actions, Triggers and Barrels;
Looks, Fit and Finish;
Handling, Ergonomics and Aftermarket Accessories;
Accuracy and, lastly,
Concluding Remarks.
Naturally all the opinions I express are exactly that - opinions- and therefore 100% subjective. All technical data is sourced from manufacturers websites. I recognise that there are lots of "apples and oranges" here but hopefully it works.
Introducing the Rifles
The four rifles being compared are:
PGW Coyote: This new-to-me rifle was unfired when I received it from a fellow CGN member (Thanks Frank - great dealing with you) and so while, technically, 'second-hand' it was in actuality a new rifle and being a recent acquisition it is the rifle I am least familiar with. Chambered in .308 calibre it is made by PGW Defence Technologies Inc. in Manitoba.
Sako TRG22: This rifle was purchased new from a CGN sponsor, is the rifle I have spent the most time with and it is therefore the most familiar to me. Chambered in .308 and made by Sako in Finland.
Kimber Tactical: Purchased new from a non-CGN sponsor, this rifle sadly became a bit of a 'safe-queen' when the TRG joined the family. Chambered in .308 and made by Kimber in the USA.
Remington 700 XCR Tactical Long Range Rifle: Taken in trade from fellow CGN member (Thanks Brandon ! ) this rifle is something of the 'odd man out' in this line up for a couple of reasons - it is chambered in .300 Win Mag and the rifle under review no longer wears the factory clothes instead it wears an Accuracy International Chassis System (AICS). Rifle made by Remington in the USA and stock by Accuracy International in the UK.
Prices and Standard Equipment - Sit down, take a breath and read on - Prices are not for the faint of heart as none of these are cheap toys.
PGW Coyote: Full retail on this rifle is listed as $5,500 with the PGWDTI website showing a current special price of $4,800. For that you get the rifle (which includes an aluminum 1913 Mil-Spec Picatinny scope rail with 25 deg cant) plus muzzle brake plus one eight-round detachable magazine. Available in tan/desert camo or green/green camo. You can customize your rifle (calibre, colours, options etc) but, one could reasonably assume, the cost will rise. EDIT : $4800 is the standard COYOTE cost and no longer considered a special. The folding chassis stock is available for the same cost and different chamberings cost the same although delivery times tend to go up. 7.62 is generally a stocked item
Sako: Retailing at approx $3,200 (for mine - the Black Stealth version) . The rifle comes with one detachable staggered 2-row ten-round magazine. Threaded for a brake, it doesn't come with one but you do get a thread protector for your money. A pretty comprehensive ( multilingual ) owner manual, bolt tool, various sling attachments and a set of Allen keys rounds out your purchase. Available in green (same price) and black with shiny barrel (bit cheaper).
Kimber Tactical: Not to be confused with the Light Police Tactical (cheaper) nor the Advanced Tactical (more expensive) the Tactical carries a MSRP of US$ 1,937. I can't find a current Canadian price as they seem to no longer be available here. I paid about $2,200 or so for mine. Comes with a 1913 Mil-Spec Picatinny steel scope rail and the usual Kimber 8400 manual you would get with any of Kimber's hunting rifles.
Remington XCR Tactical: Big Green's offering retails for about $1,500 or so making it easily the cheapest rifle under review here. Add the approx $1,000 for the AICS and you sit at about $2,500. No scope rail included. Manual is the standard Remington one.
Stocks, Actions, Triggers and Barrels
PGW Coyote: Stocked in a McMillan A5 with spacers (supplied) for LOP adjustment, an adjustable saddle, one sling swivel and four flush swivel cups plus a space for a monopd. The rifle is bedded using a monoblock and the receiver is proprietary to PGW and is made out of 416 steel. A push feed system with a 90 degree rotation and oversize bolt knob. The safety is of the Winchester Model 70 three-position wing type with middle 'safe' position. The barrel is a free-floating 24" Krieger with a 1:10 twist and has a helical pattern fluting which gives this rifle such a distinctive appearance. The RifleBasix trigger is single-stage and adjustable.
Sako: The stock is an aluminum base to which a polyurethane clamshell forestock is attached. Adjustable for length of pull and with an adjustable cheekpiece (including a cool lateral adjustment). I find it disappointing that some additional spacers (not cheap) are required to take full advantage of all the adjustment capabilities. Designed to use Sako's proprietary bipod, the stock does nevertheless accommodate a Harris or similar. Sling swivels and attachment points allow for you to carry this rifle slung pretty much anyway possible. A push feed system with an oversize bolt knob that is, annoyingly to me, made of some polymer/hard plastic but the 60 degree bolt throw is nice for fast operation and the trigger guard is (like the Coyote ) large enough to allow for gloved operation. The trigger is a military-style two-stage and is easily adjustable without stripping down the rifle. Trigger can be adjusted for pull (as low as 2 lbs), length, vertical and horizontal pitch. The TRG has a 26" barrel which is cold hammer forged and is free floating with a 1:11 rate of twist.
Kimber Tactical: Kimber bills this rifle as " essentially a full custom tactical rifle..." and it does have a lot of nice things included for the price. It is stocked in an marbled green coloured A5 McMillan like the Coyote - but without the adjustable saddle or, more to the point, the McMillan factory-adjustable comb that its big bother the Advanced Tactical wears. Two sling swivels but no other attachment points. Based on a Mauser action this is a controlled round feed system and the Kimber bolt with oversize handle has that massive Mauser like extractor. Safety is the three-position wing type and the barrel is a 24" tube which Kimber describes having a bull profile but which is more of a medium contour really - being slimmer than that of a Remington R5 for example. Rate of twist on this recessed target crowned barrel is a 1:12. Trigger is a single stage and is adjustable.
Remington XCR Tactical: The AICS is what gets this rifle into the game. With plenty of anchor points for slings, adjustable for LOP and cheek weld etc the AICS mechanics are similar to the Sako's - a bedding block with polymer skins or shell. AICS does not make a Remington rifle an Accuracy International rifle but it does, in my view, improve the rifle and certainly makes this un-braked .300 Win Mag far more shoot-able than otherwise would be the case. Model 700 receiver is 416 steel and the operation of the push feed action is via the regular Remington bolt ( no oversize bolt handle - easily remedied but not available from the factory ) which is nice and smooth but no different to any other Remington. Safety is in the usual position. A single stage 40-X externally adjustable trigger is very welcomed. The barrel is 26" long and is "bull-ish" being Remington's Varmint profile, Fluted with a recessed target crown the barrel is, of course, free-floating but is not advertised as being match-grade or anything similar.
Looks, Fit and Finish
Rifles in this price range ought to be pretty much flawless and so I have been picky here - much more so than if I was looking at an SPS or Stevens - but the comments also only reflect my observations about the four individual rifles, and cannot be taken as a reflection of all rifles from the same manufacturers.
PGW Coyote: To use a car analogy this rifle looks like "a Hummer that shoots" and it is the massive and fluted Krieger barrel that drives that analogy. I think the Coyote looks truly awesome and certainly others seem to think so also. Taking this rifle to the range guarantees you will have company as it is so powerful looking that it invites people to come over and admire it. As for fit and finish, the metalwork is indeed perfect and the tan coating looks to have been evenly and professionally applied. The lettering on the left side of the receiver is a little too large for my liking but it certainly isn't gaudy and the Maple Leaf on the right side above the bolt is a nice, and muted, touch. I would have preferred a factory adjustable comb rather than a saddle but the work of installing the saddle has been well done. The paintwork on the stock is acceptable but isn't as nice as when the colour is moulded in and the finish isn't quite as nice as on the same A5 stock that Kimber supplies its rifle in (see below).
Sako: This rifle has a look that people either love or hate - I'm a fan of the look as well as being appreciative of its functionality. More commonplace now than they were a few years ago, these rifles still get some attention at the range. Mine was perfect in every regard when it arrived from CGN sponsor TSE with absolutely nothing that could be nit-picked about it with respect to either the metalwork or the stock finish.
Kimber Tactical: The most traditional looking of the rifles - albeit with a heavier and more tactical stance. If the Coyote is a Hummer this would be a Lexus and Kimber really took their time to create the impression that this is one of their top offerings. Deep matte bluing, perfect finishing and the stock is impregnated with colour - not painted on - nothing suggests anything other than a carefully assembled high-end rifle. However the colour leads me to my only criticism: online pictures taken in studio lighting ( see Kimber's website for example ) show a very appealing colour scheme but the reality is that, to my eyes at least, the colour is a bit jarring. It has grown on me, but I have thought on more than one occasion - "Krylon, I need to buy some Krylon"
Remington XCR Tactical: Coated in Remington's Black TriNyte PVD Coating which is supposed to aid in durability the metalwork was nice but not so nice as either of the Coyote, TRG or Kimber. This rifle is, and looks, like a standard Remington. Stocked in an AICS, the overall impression is one of functionality as the AICS is all about business not refinement. Lots of eye appeal at the range - though one wonders are the looks the admiring glances of the misinformed who think it is an AI - and while workmanlike in appearance there are no faults, misalignments or evidence of shoddy work to be found either in the rifle itself or the AICS.
Handling, Ergonomics and Aftermarket Accessories
PGW Coyote: Listed as weighing 13.5 lbs. The rifle, as tested, with scope, rings, Harris bipod, Blackhawk cheekpiece and (empty) magazine tips my bathroom scales at just over 16 lbs. Now sixteen pounds is no problem at the range but I really wouldn't want to carry this rifle too far. Of course, the weight - plus the very efficient brake -sucks up recoil and makes this rifle an absolute joy to shoot. Truly, even the most recoil-sensitive can shoot this rifle with ease. Bolt operation was smooth from the first shot and the trigger does indeed break like the proverbial glass rod. Feeding from both of my two magazines and via the ejection port was easy and smooth and the ejection was trouble free with spent casings dropping in a neat pile by my right forearm. Magazine insertion was not as smooth as I would like to see and, when seated, there is an annoying magazine wobble and rattle which was unexpected. The magazines are proprietary and spares cost $100. Personally, I would prefer PGW to use AI mags. With an overall length of some 46" this ain't no carbine but it most certainly isn't unwieldy either and the balance point is right under the massive fluting which, for me, is just about perfect.
Sako: Listed as weighing 10.75 lbs the rifle as tested weighed just a hair under 14 lbs because added to the rifle's svelte 10.75 book weight is a Near mount and Near muzzle brake as well as scope, rings, Harris bipod, Blackhawk cheekpiece and empty magazine. Even though it weighs less than the Coyote I am even less-inclined to carry this rifle far - the balance point with that 26" tube and longish brake is really rather far forward and does effect the rifle's manageability. I have shot hundreds of rounds through this rifle both at the range and in competition and I am impressed with its smoothness, love the angle of the pistol grip (more so than the A5's) and the overall 'feel' of the rifle. (BTW, you may ask why, with so many adjustment features on this stock and the A5's do I use Blackhawk cheekpieces - the answer is, in part, because I like familiarity and in part because of comfort. An entirely personal preference.) Sako's trigger is a joy to use - I like military-type triggers - and I have adjusted this one to be a perfect fit for me and it lets off at an even two pounds in a totally consistent, repeatable manner. Sako's bolt is super slick and the 60 degree throw allows for fast rapid-fire drills but the Sako ejectors need watching as anything less than a smart pull back on the bolt will leave a spent casing sitting on top of the magazine follower which requires a quick 'mag release and clear' movement. A simple fix but one I haven't got around to doing. Sako's mag inserts, feeds and releases perfectly - no annoying wobble or rattle from our Finnish friends ! Praise of the mags leads me to my biggest criticism of the TRG - the price of bloody accessories: the proprietary spare mags cost $300+ and the Sako bipod cost nearly $700 ( yes, that's right, seven hundred dollars ). Needless to say, my Sako has only one mag and wears a Harris bipod !
Kimber Tactical: Book weight is a mere 9lbs 4 oz but fully laden with cheekpiece, scope, rings and bipod it registers 13 lbs on my scales so I think book weight is a tad off. Nevertheless, this rifle is the lightweight of the bunch and as much as thirteen pounds would wear on you after a while, this rifle is the most suited for taking on a hunt. Handling like a slimmed down Coyote, the balance point in nicely centered and the 24" tube allows for easy manoeuvrability. Kimber's bolt is very smooth and, without getting into a discussion of controlled vs. push feed, I really like the controlled feed at the range as it allows for finger lifting of the spent cases rather than having to catch them before they hit the dirt or concrete. Kimber's trigger is excellent and feels just like the Coyote's breaking crisply each time with no creep or over-travel. Lacking a brake, the rifle feels different to the braked Coyote and TRG but the weight of the rifle makes the .308 feel like most sporting .243's. Ammunition is fed by an internal magazine with hinged floor plate and the ammunition feeds reliably both from the magazine and from single loading.
Remington XCR Tactical: Outfitted with a 20 MOA base, rings, scope and bipod and with an empty mag inserted this rifle as tested weighs 14 lbs. With an OAL of 46.5" its only an inch or so shorter than the braked TRG but it is considerably more manageable than its length would suggest. AICS somehow allows for easier carriage and the balance point certainly isn't as far forward as the TRG. The Remington bolt is smooth but, particularly on a long actioned rifle like this an oversized bolt handle would be nice. The 40-X trigger is a lot better than the stock Remington or the newer X-Mark Pro and has a crisp break. AICS is what makes this rifle shine though as even un-braked this .300 Win Mag is very well-mannered with recoil being nicely absorbed. Magazine fed or single loaded, ammunition feeds perfectly and the AI magazine (included with AICS with extra mags costing about $100) with easy insertion and removal, snug rattle-free fit and an acceptable replacement cost seems to be the best of the ones tested.
Accuracy: Pretty much most of the people on this sub-forum will appreciate that in order to obtain a viable data-set for accuracy evaluation, thousands of rounds would have to be fired over a period of weeks at varying distances and in various conditions. That, of course, I have not done. What I have done is fired a series of 5 shot groups out of each rifle, off a bench (front rest and rear bag) at a target 100m distant. Most will also appreciate that there are at least four elements to accuracy - rifle, ammunition, glass and shooter. While I have perfected a handload for both the Sako and Kimber I have not yet done so for the Coyote so rather than make it a test of my handloads vs. factory ammo, I used for the .308's Federal Gold Medal Match ammunition which is tipped with the 168g Sierra Match King bullet (SMK). For the .300 Win Mag, I could not find FGMM so I did use a load I have developed that utilises a 190g SMK.
The rifles were glassed as follows:
Coyote: Nightforce NXS 8-32x56 TPS HRT rings
Sako: Elite 6500 Tactical 4.5-30x50 Burris Tactical rings
Kimber Elite 4200 Tactical 6-24x50 TPS HRT rings
Remington Long Range Tactical 6-24x50 Millet Angle Loc Rings
Shooting was done at Gabriola Rod Gun and Conservation Club and at Port Coquitlam and District Hunting and Fishing Club on Jan 8+9 and 15+16 2011
While I read a lot about people shooting quarter-minute with Stevens rifles with Tasco scopes I have not seen that done with such combo's. I consider a benchmark of a superior rifle is its ability to put "Five Inside A Dime" at 100m as, when measured, that will usually yield a group that is nicely under a half-minute. When I can do that, I know that my marksmanship, the ammo and the rifle are working well. The Sako can consistently achieve this and so far, with limited shooting, so can the Coyote and I see no reason why that would change. Both are sub-half-minute of angle rifles. The Kimber has done so (with an all time best of 0.288) but not consistently and usually with a tailored handload. With FGMM the Kimber is a consistent three-quarter minute rifle though it squeezed in a very respectable sub half-minute in this review. The Remington is consistently about a minute of angle rifle though in recent testing it performed better than usual (perhaps it knew it was in competition!). To be fair, in the right hands all can probably shoot better that their current owner can squeeze out of them.
So the best 5 shot groups out of 3 such attempts with each rifle were:
Coyote: 0.138" (no appreciable spread - all groups inside a dime)
Sako: 0.176" (no appreciable spread - all groups inside a dime)
Kimber: 0.401" (largest group 0.72")
Remington: 0.686" (largest group 1.11")
Concluding Remarks:
All are very good rifles as they ought to be for the prices paid. I think there is a sense with bolt rifles that you do get what you pay for though the marginal improvements the more you spend are exactly that - marginal. Is the Coyote worth $2K more than the Sako and is the Sako worth well over 1K more than the Kimber ? Much depends on your income and willingness to spend money on stuff like this - I am happy with my rifles (though I do have the Kimber up for sale on the EE, I won't be disappointed if I have to put it back in the safe as it is a beautiful rifle and now and again I will take her out) and don't consider any of them a waste of my money.
I do believe that it is possible to have a rifle built for you for less money than I have spent on my rifles and many people go that route - I'm sure others here can advise you if that's the way you want to go.
When spending a lot of money, it is comforting to have aftersales service. I can say that even though I did not buy direct from PGW, Ross has been exceptionally accessible and helpful when I have contacted him with questions - to me that is a huge plus for that outfit. Sako is serviced through Stoeger Canada and I did contact them once about my ejector spring - they were OK to deal with and offered to replace the spring if I sent the bolt to them. I contacted Kimber about barrel break in and they were very helpful - apparently they have a customer rep who is tasked to deal with Canadian customers. I have never had an occasion to contact Remington.
With rifles like these a common question might be their suitability for military service ? I'm not qualified to answer that question, but I am qualified to say that all would make the grade for any Law Enforcement duties and would satisfy the most demanding L.E. Marksman's requirements. More to the point, they make really nice range rifles and I enjoy owning them.
Hope you liked the review and found it of some interest.
Cheers,
Bob
I ought to make it clear that while I have been shooting centre-fire rifles for well over thirty years I am far from an expert and I am not even an "amateur" gunsmith. I am a keen shooter but, again, no expert (as anyone who saw me shoot in the wind on day one of 2010's F-Class 'Frosty Farky' will laugh and confirm!)
Like lots of others, I have observed that gun writers in magazines are beholden to advertisers and on-line reviews are sometimes written by folk who either have a love affair with one brand over another or the writers are people who only own one type and feel compelled to criticize other types. Obviously we all have likes and dislikes, but at least I own all the rifles I comment on and am responsible for all the purchasing decisions - good and bad.
Writing a review in this sub-forum is tough because many readers here are far more knowledgeable than I am, but this review isn't written with you guys in mind - rather, it is written for the guy who is wishing to upgrade from the Savage 10FP or Remington SPS or the guy who has some cash burning a hole in the pocket who wants to jump into a fairly pricey piece of equipment. Though the experts are not the intended audience, I do welcome feedback from guys like Mystic, Obtunded and Cyanide and the other experts as much as I do from those for whom this is written.
In what follows I offer up my comments on the four particular Precision/Tactical/Sniper rifles. I subdivide my observations into:
Price and Standard Equipment;
Stocks, Actions, Triggers and Barrels;
Looks, Fit and Finish;
Handling, Ergonomics and Aftermarket Accessories;
Accuracy and, lastly,
Concluding Remarks.
Naturally all the opinions I express are exactly that - opinions- and therefore 100% subjective. All technical data is sourced from manufacturers websites. I recognise that there are lots of "apples and oranges" here but hopefully it works.
Introducing the Rifles
The four rifles being compared are:
PGW Coyote: This new-to-me rifle was unfired when I received it from a fellow CGN member (Thanks Frank - great dealing with you) and so while, technically, 'second-hand' it was in actuality a new rifle and being a recent acquisition it is the rifle I am least familiar with. Chambered in .308 calibre it is made by PGW Defence Technologies Inc. in Manitoba.
Sako TRG22: This rifle was purchased new from a CGN sponsor, is the rifle I have spent the most time with and it is therefore the most familiar to me. Chambered in .308 and made by Sako in Finland.
Kimber Tactical: Purchased new from a non-CGN sponsor, this rifle sadly became a bit of a 'safe-queen' when the TRG joined the family. Chambered in .308 and made by Kimber in the USA.
Remington 700 XCR Tactical Long Range Rifle: Taken in trade from fellow CGN member (Thanks Brandon ! ) this rifle is something of the 'odd man out' in this line up for a couple of reasons - it is chambered in .300 Win Mag and the rifle under review no longer wears the factory clothes instead it wears an Accuracy International Chassis System (AICS). Rifle made by Remington in the USA and stock by Accuracy International in the UK.
Prices and Standard Equipment - Sit down, take a breath and read on - Prices are not for the faint of heart as none of these are cheap toys.
PGW Coyote: Full retail on this rifle is listed as $5,500 with the PGWDTI website showing a current special price of $4,800. For that you get the rifle (which includes an aluminum 1913 Mil-Spec Picatinny scope rail with 25 deg cant) plus muzzle brake plus one eight-round detachable magazine. Available in tan/desert camo or green/green camo. You can customize your rifle (calibre, colours, options etc) but, one could reasonably assume, the cost will rise. EDIT : $4800 is the standard COYOTE cost and no longer considered a special. The folding chassis stock is available for the same cost and different chamberings cost the same although delivery times tend to go up. 7.62 is generally a stocked item
Sako: Retailing at approx $3,200 (for mine - the Black Stealth version) . The rifle comes with one detachable staggered 2-row ten-round magazine. Threaded for a brake, it doesn't come with one but you do get a thread protector for your money. A pretty comprehensive ( multilingual ) owner manual, bolt tool, various sling attachments and a set of Allen keys rounds out your purchase. Available in green (same price) and black with shiny barrel (bit cheaper).
Kimber Tactical: Not to be confused with the Light Police Tactical (cheaper) nor the Advanced Tactical (more expensive) the Tactical carries a MSRP of US$ 1,937. I can't find a current Canadian price as they seem to no longer be available here. I paid about $2,200 or so for mine. Comes with a 1913 Mil-Spec Picatinny steel scope rail and the usual Kimber 8400 manual you would get with any of Kimber's hunting rifles.
Remington XCR Tactical: Big Green's offering retails for about $1,500 or so making it easily the cheapest rifle under review here. Add the approx $1,000 for the AICS and you sit at about $2,500. No scope rail included. Manual is the standard Remington one.
Stocks, Actions, Triggers and Barrels
PGW Coyote: Stocked in a McMillan A5 with spacers (supplied) for LOP adjustment, an adjustable saddle, one sling swivel and four flush swivel cups plus a space for a monopd. The rifle is bedded using a monoblock and the receiver is proprietary to PGW and is made out of 416 steel. A push feed system with a 90 degree rotation and oversize bolt knob. The safety is of the Winchester Model 70 three-position wing type with middle 'safe' position. The barrel is a free-floating 24" Krieger with a 1:10 twist and has a helical pattern fluting which gives this rifle such a distinctive appearance. The RifleBasix trigger is single-stage and adjustable.
Sako: The stock is an aluminum base to which a polyurethane clamshell forestock is attached. Adjustable for length of pull and with an adjustable cheekpiece (including a cool lateral adjustment). I find it disappointing that some additional spacers (not cheap) are required to take full advantage of all the adjustment capabilities. Designed to use Sako's proprietary bipod, the stock does nevertheless accommodate a Harris or similar. Sling swivels and attachment points allow for you to carry this rifle slung pretty much anyway possible. A push feed system with an oversize bolt knob that is, annoyingly to me, made of some polymer/hard plastic but the 60 degree bolt throw is nice for fast operation and the trigger guard is (like the Coyote ) large enough to allow for gloved operation. The trigger is a military-style two-stage and is easily adjustable without stripping down the rifle. Trigger can be adjusted for pull (as low as 2 lbs), length, vertical and horizontal pitch. The TRG has a 26" barrel which is cold hammer forged and is free floating with a 1:11 rate of twist.
Kimber Tactical: Kimber bills this rifle as " essentially a full custom tactical rifle..." and it does have a lot of nice things included for the price. It is stocked in an marbled green coloured A5 McMillan like the Coyote - but without the adjustable saddle or, more to the point, the McMillan factory-adjustable comb that its big bother the Advanced Tactical wears. Two sling swivels but no other attachment points. Based on a Mauser action this is a controlled round feed system and the Kimber bolt with oversize handle has that massive Mauser like extractor. Safety is the three-position wing type and the barrel is a 24" tube which Kimber describes having a bull profile but which is more of a medium contour really - being slimmer than that of a Remington R5 for example. Rate of twist on this recessed target crowned barrel is a 1:12. Trigger is a single stage and is adjustable.
Remington XCR Tactical: The AICS is what gets this rifle into the game. With plenty of anchor points for slings, adjustable for LOP and cheek weld etc the AICS mechanics are similar to the Sako's - a bedding block with polymer skins or shell. AICS does not make a Remington rifle an Accuracy International rifle but it does, in my view, improve the rifle and certainly makes this un-braked .300 Win Mag far more shoot-able than otherwise would be the case. Model 700 receiver is 416 steel and the operation of the push feed action is via the regular Remington bolt ( no oversize bolt handle - easily remedied but not available from the factory ) which is nice and smooth but no different to any other Remington. Safety is in the usual position. A single stage 40-X externally adjustable trigger is very welcomed. The barrel is 26" long and is "bull-ish" being Remington's Varmint profile, Fluted with a recessed target crown the barrel is, of course, free-floating but is not advertised as being match-grade or anything similar.
Looks, Fit and Finish
Rifles in this price range ought to be pretty much flawless and so I have been picky here - much more so than if I was looking at an SPS or Stevens - but the comments also only reflect my observations about the four individual rifles, and cannot be taken as a reflection of all rifles from the same manufacturers.
PGW Coyote: To use a car analogy this rifle looks like "a Hummer that shoots" and it is the massive and fluted Krieger barrel that drives that analogy. I think the Coyote looks truly awesome and certainly others seem to think so also. Taking this rifle to the range guarantees you will have company as it is so powerful looking that it invites people to come over and admire it. As for fit and finish, the metalwork is indeed perfect and the tan coating looks to have been evenly and professionally applied. The lettering on the left side of the receiver is a little too large for my liking but it certainly isn't gaudy and the Maple Leaf on the right side above the bolt is a nice, and muted, touch. I would have preferred a factory adjustable comb rather than a saddle but the work of installing the saddle has been well done. The paintwork on the stock is acceptable but isn't as nice as when the colour is moulded in and the finish isn't quite as nice as on the same A5 stock that Kimber supplies its rifle in (see below).
Sako: This rifle has a look that people either love or hate - I'm a fan of the look as well as being appreciative of its functionality. More commonplace now than they were a few years ago, these rifles still get some attention at the range. Mine was perfect in every regard when it arrived from CGN sponsor TSE with absolutely nothing that could be nit-picked about it with respect to either the metalwork or the stock finish.
Kimber Tactical: The most traditional looking of the rifles - albeit with a heavier and more tactical stance. If the Coyote is a Hummer this would be a Lexus and Kimber really took their time to create the impression that this is one of their top offerings. Deep matte bluing, perfect finishing and the stock is impregnated with colour - not painted on - nothing suggests anything other than a carefully assembled high-end rifle. However the colour leads me to my only criticism: online pictures taken in studio lighting ( see Kimber's website for example ) show a very appealing colour scheme but the reality is that, to my eyes at least, the colour is a bit jarring. It has grown on me, but I have thought on more than one occasion - "Krylon, I need to buy some Krylon"
Remington XCR Tactical: Coated in Remington's Black TriNyte PVD Coating which is supposed to aid in durability the metalwork was nice but not so nice as either of the Coyote, TRG or Kimber. This rifle is, and looks, like a standard Remington. Stocked in an AICS, the overall impression is one of functionality as the AICS is all about business not refinement. Lots of eye appeal at the range - though one wonders are the looks the admiring glances of the misinformed who think it is an AI - and while workmanlike in appearance there are no faults, misalignments or evidence of shoddy work to be found either in the rifle itself or the AICS.
Handling, Ergonomics and Aftermarket Accessories
PGW Coyote: Listed as weighing 13.5 lbs. The rifle, as tested, with scope, rings, Harris bipod, Blackhawk cheekpiece and (empty) magazine tips my bathroom scales at just over 16 lbs. Now sixteen pounds is no problem at the range but I really wouldn't want to carry this rifle too far. Of course, the weight - plus the very efficient brake -sucks up recoil and makes this rifle an absolute joy to shoot. Truly, even the most recoil-sensitive can shoot this rifle with ease. Bolt operation was smooth from the first shot and the trigger does indeed break like the proverbial glass rod. Feeding from both of my two magazines and via the ejection port was easy and smooth and the ejection was trouble free with spent casings dropping in a neat pile by my right forearm. Magazine insertion was not as smooth as I would like to see and, when seated, there is an annoying magazine wobble and rattle which was unexpected. The magazines are proprietary and spares cost $100. Personally, I would prefer PGW to use AI mags. With an overall length of some 46" this ain't no carbine but it most certainly isn't unwieldy either and the balance point is right under the massive fluting which, for me, is just about perfect.
Sako: Listed as weighing 10.75 lbs the rifle as tested weighed just a hair under 14 lbs because added to the rifle's svelte 10.75 book weight is a Near mount and Near muzzle brake as well as scope, rings, Harris bipod, Blackhawk cheekpiece and empty magazine. Even though it weighs less than the Coyote I am even less-inclined to carry this rifle far - the balance point with that 26" tube and longish brake is really rather far forward and does effect the rifle's manageability. I have shot hundreds of rounds through this rifle both at the range and in competition and I am impressed with its smoothness, love the angle of the pistol grip (more so than the A5's) and the overall 'feel' of the rifle. (BTW, you may ask why, with so many adjustment features on this stock and the A5's do I use Blackhawk cheekpieces - the answer is, in part, because I like familiarity and in part because of comfort. An entirely personal preference.) Sako's trigger is a joy to use - I like military-type triggers - and I have adjusted this one to be a perfect fit for me and it lets off at an even two pounds in a totally consistent, repeatable manner. Sako's bolt is super slick and the 60 degree throw allows for fast rapid-fire drills but the Sako ejectors need watching as anything less than a smart pull back on the bolt will leave a spent casing sitting on top of the magazine follower which requires a quick 'mag release and clear' movement. A simple fix but one I haven't got around to doing. Sako's mag inserts, feeds and releases perfectly - no annoying wobble or rattle from our Finnish friends ! Praise of the mags leads me to my biggest criticism of the TRG - the price of bloody accessories: the proprietary spare mags cost $300+ and the Sako bipod cost nearly $700 ( yes, that's right, seven hundred dollars ). Needless to say, my Sako has only one mag and wears a Harris bipod !
Kimber Tactical: Book weight is a mere 9lbs 4 oz but fully laden with cheekpiece, scope, rings and bipod it registers 13 lbs on my scales so I think book weight is a tad off. Nevertheless, this rifle is the lightweight of the bunch and as much as thirteen pounds would wear on you after a while, this rifle is the most suited for taking on a hunt. Handling like a slimmed down Coyote, the balance point in nicely centered and the 24" tube allows for easy manoeuvrability. Kimber's bolt is very smooth and, without getting into a discussion of controlled vs. push feed, I really like the controlled feed at the range as it allows for finger lifting of the spent cases rather than having to catch them before they hit the dirt or concrete. Kimber's trigger is excellent and feels just like the Coyote's breaking crisply each time with no creep or over-travel. Lacking a brake, the rifle feels different to the braked Coyote and TRG but the weight of the rifle makes the .308 feel like most sporting .243's. Ammunition is fed by an internal magazine with hinged floor plate and the ammunition feeds reliably both from the magazine and from single loading.
Remington XCR Tactical: Outfitted with a 20 MOA base, rings, scope and bipod and with an empty mag inserted this rifle as tested weighs 14 lbs. With an OAL of 46.5" its only an inch or so shorter than the braked TRG but it is considerably more manageable than its length would suggest. AICS somehow allows for easier carriage and the balance point certainly isn't as far forward as the TRG. The Remington bolt is smooth but, particularly on a long actioned rifle like this an oversized bolt handle would be nice. The 40-X trigger is a lot better than the stock Remington or the newer X-Mark Pro and has a crisp break. AICS is what makes this rifle shine though as even un-braked this .300 Win Mag is very well-mannered with recoil being nicely absorbed. Magazine fed or single loaded, ammunition feeds perfectly and the AI magazine (included with AICS with extra mags costing about $100) with easy insertion and removal, snug rattle-free fit and an acceptable replacement cost seems to be the best of the ones tested.
Accuracy: Pretty much most of the people on this sub-forum will appreciate that in order to obtain a viable data-set for accuracy evaluation, thousands of rounds would have to be fired over a period of weeks at varying distances and in various conditions. That, of course, I have not done. What I have done is fired a series of 5 shot groups out of each rifle, off a bench (front rest and rear bag) at a target 100m distant. Most will also appreciate that there are at least four elements to accuracy - rifle, ammunition, glass and shooter. While I have perfected a handload for both the Sako and Kimber I have not yet done so for the Coyote so rather than make it a test of my handloads vs. factory ammo, I used for the .308's Federal Gold Medal Match ammunition which is tipped with the 168g Sierra Match King bullet (SMK). For the .300 Win Mag, I could not find FGMM so I did use a load I have developed that utilises a 190g SMK.
The rifles were glassed as follows:
Coyote: Nightforce NXS 8-32x56 TPS HRT rings
Sako: Elite 6500 Tactical 4.5-30x50 Burris Tactical rings
Kimber Elite 4200 Tactical 6-24x50 TPS HRT rings
Remington Long Range Tactical 6-24x50 Millet Angle Loc Rings
Shooting was done at Gabriola Rod Gun and Conservation Club and at Port Coquitlam and District Hunting and Fishing Club on Jan 8+9 and 15+16 2011
While I read a lot about people shooting quarter-minute with Stevens rifles with Tasco scopes I have not seen that done with such combo's. I consider a benchmark of a superior rifle is its ability to put "Five Inside A Dime" at 100m as, when measured, that will usually yield a group that is nicely under a half-minute. When I can do that, I know that my marksmanship, the ammo and the rifle are working well. The Sako can consistently achieve this and so far, with limited shooting, so can the Coyote and I see no reason why that would change. Both are sub-half-minute of angle rifles. The Kimber has done so (with an all time best of 0.288) but not consistently and usually with a tailored handload. With FGMM the Kimber is a consistent three-quarter minute rifle though it squeezed in a very respectable sub half-minute in this review. The Remington is consistently about a minute of angle rifle though in recent testing it performed better than usual (perhaps it knew it was in competition!). To be fair, in the right hands all can probably shoot better that their current owner can squeeze out of them.
So the best 5 shot groups out of 3 such attempts with each rifle were:
Coyote: 0.138" (no appreciable spread - all groups inside a dime)
Sako: 0.176" (no appreciable spread - all groups inside a dime)
Kimber: 0.401" (largest group 0.72")
Remington: 0.686" (largest group 1.11")
Concluding Remarks:
All are very good rifles as they ought to be for the prices paid. I think there is a sense with bolt rifles that you do get what you pay for though the marginal improvements the more you spend are exactly that - marginal. Is the Coyote worth $2K more than the Sako and is the Sako worth well over 1K more than the Kimber ? Much depends on your income and willingness to spend money on stuff like this - I am happy with my rifles (though I do have the Kimber up for sale on the EE, I won't be disappointed if I have to put it back in the safe as it is a beautiful rifle and now and again I will take her out) and don't consider any of them a waste of my money.
I do believe that it is possible to have a rifle built for you for less money than I have spent on my rifles and many people go that route - I'm sure others here can advise you if that's the way you want to go.
When spending a lot of money, it is comforting to have aftersales service. I can say that even though I did not buy direct from PGW, Ross has been exceptionally accessible and helpful when I have contacted him with questions - to me that is a huge plus for that outfit. Sako is serviced through Stoeger Canada and I did contact them once about my ejector spring - they were OK to deal with and offered to replace the spring if I sent the bolt to them. I contacted Kimber about barrel break in and they were very helpful - apparently they have a customer rep who is tasked to deal with Canadian customers. I have never had an occasion to contact Remington.
With rifles like these a common question might be their suitability for military service ? I'm not qualified to answer that question, but I am qualified to say that all would make the grade for any Law Enforcement duties and would satisfy the most demanding L.E. Marksman's requirements. More to the point, they make really nice range rifles and I enjoy owning them.
Hope you liked the review and found it of some interest.
Cheers,
Bob
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