Well it has been over a year sense last I updated.
I LOVE THIS RIFLE.
I actually have sold most my other bolt guns to try and fund a Blaser R8, but can't bring myself to let this one go. It regularly takes me anywhere up to and including 1500m, as long as I do my part.
It has come a long way sense last posted though. I couldn't leave it well enough alone.
It now rides in a McMillan A5 with ACIS mag, has a Timney 510 and has a Nightforce 3.5x15 56mm. Other then that its still the same. Ya, ya thats a big difference and well you would think it would have blown the budget out of the water. You are right, the Nightforce did do that.
As for the other add ons... it didn't.
For the mag system, I found someone selling an HS Precision stock off a Rem MLR 338LM with bottem metal and mag for $300 shipped to my door. Kept the mag system, sold the stock for $300. SO.... basically that was free. The 338LM mag feeds 300winmag without issue, and a bonus, it holds 6rnds
Timney 510 was $140 shipped NIB hadn't even been opened yet
So that would bring my to $1220
As for that A5, I kept it in there after I picked up the mag system. Sold the old HS stock for well $300 (trend happening on those stocks it seems) and my original price for the A5 was $500, so call it $200
That makes it $1420 with the SWFA.
So as it sat, that took me to what I needed in all its glory and well under the $1500 max out for budget.
But I ran into a snag, someone made an offer I couldn't refuse on the SWFA. So I broke down and sold it. I won't say how much I sold it for, because I felt dirty taking that money, but lets just say I put it towards the NXS and well its extra out of pocket cost my $700. So to play it safe I will add that to the total.
Brings me to $2120!
As for bi-pod I switched to a Parker- Hale I had. I drilled a hole into the end of the A5 stock and bedded to in there. This keeps it very low and allows excellent movement. Also is great for loading it up. I always had a thing for the Parker Hale bipods so I felt great being able to add it to this stock.
Of course this is useless without pics;
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Now I know I might get some flames for painting that wicked color scheme I had going with the winter cam, stainless barrel and black action. I have an addiction to krylon though... its very hard for me to leave something not looking cam'd up.
Its heavy now, with current setup it weights in a 16.3lbs loaded. It feels balanced though. I wouldn't have to much of an issue hunting with it, as the quick detach of the Parker Hale bipod would allow me to shed pounds in a hurry. I keep the bipod in my side pouch of my bag and in a pinch its back in the game. As for carry, well its still lighter then some things a lug around all day, so it isn't an issue for me. Also still on the look out for a Blaser R8 and that will fill that role for sure. Then maybe I'll let this one go too....
I will make sure to bring my camera next time I go long as to submit proof of its capabilities.
Last time it was out, had gusting full value winds in the 12-26km range, took 7 shots to hit an 8inch steel at 900m. My spotter had no experience, was just a buddy out blasting away with me. Basically had him watch the tree bending behind that target and telling me when it stopped moving,
"mmmmm nnnnnnnoooow, no wait, mmmm now shoot now" haha. It worked though and once I found the wind, shots were easy.
For loads I go between the 220smk, and the 210LRAB. I still save 200AB for hunting season though.
356Rnds down range sense I started this. I know should be more, but I do have to work and she only comes out to play on the field days.
So in the end, even though I am sitting here with a well blown budget I still think of this as a success. Look at the timeline of this rifle, its what I feel every new long range shooter should do. Start small and work your way up. Sure you can buy once cry once but what do you learn out of that? Nothing more then that you can read reviews and have a big credit card. Working your way up like this lets you pick and choose what works for you and your rifle and brings up your skill levels along with your rifle level. Also allows you to work within your budgets, and spend more on ammo and learning the fundamentals rather then not being able to purchase the ammo you need to learn. This is my personal opinion though.
As for that, she has been good to me, I'll try and get out soon enough for more field pics!
