First off, let me just state that I am by no means at bench shooter or a tack driver type of guy. Up until now my standard of accuracy was a milk jug at 100m (I wish that was a joke). This is the first rifle I have purchased that is capable of sub moa so most of this is mew too me so this is a review geared towards a first time buyer or someone on the fence about this rifle
The scope is a cabelas pine ridge 17. 6-18x40 and some cheapo rings (under 35$) as you can see I'm a cost effective guy, not cheap
Ok, so the quality of the rifle: awesome! Mine was the display model so I looked extra hard for fit and finish and all is good, barrel is free floated properly everything is snug and pretty, quiet beautiful actually! Now I'm not an expirenced trigger guy but if there's a better trigger then the accu trigger sign me up, I have zero complaints.
So now the fun at the range (my farm actually) now again let me reiterate that I am not a bench shooter, nor do I want to be one. My intention was to shoot this rifle in a realistic way that might be employed in the feild. I did exactly that, as you see in the above picture I was prone with a bi-pod and ontop of a backpack. Not even close to ideal but hey that's me.
Range was 100m Strong wind from directly left, not sure of the strength but it was enough to push me around while aiming. After sighting in I managed to squeeze out some .75 inch groups with an average of 1 inch groups. I was beyond happy with these results. My groups slowly opened up too about 2 inches due to wind, fatigue and a pounding headache plus I had sighted in 2 other rifles prior to this so a long day. I aplogize for not taking pictures of the target as I kept shooting at the same one to save the walk down range, you will just have to take my word that I am extremely satisfied.
I tried 6 different ammo types with only two being of any worth. The hornady V-max 17 gr and the federal 17gr. My rifle absolutely hated the 20gr stuff and the other 17gr I had wasn't too bad (good for plinking)
So all in all I couldnt be happier and I can't wait to try it on some gophers. So if your on the fence like I was for so long, don't wait! I read all the bad reviews and I can't help but think most are user error. If it can make a guy like me hit under an inch I'm pretty sure anyone can with this rifle!
