Len's New APS, 6.5WSM XP-100

[Len Backus]

Here are the specs:

• Smithed by Kirby Allen
• XP-100 action
• McMillan center grip stock reinforced by Kirby
• Lilja 1-9, 18" stainless barrel, straight cylinder (1.25 inch)
• APS custom brake to fit fat barrel
• Matte finish barrel, brake
• Trigger tuned to 1# pull
• Near rail base, 5 hole converted to 8-40 screws
• Nightforce NXS 3.5 to 15 rifle scope, NF rings
• Weight with scope but w/o bipod is 11#

This is my first handgun. I haven't shot it a lot so far and have only worked with one load of H-1000 and the Cauterucio 141 grain bullet. Yesterday in verifying ballistic drops, at 600 yds I had 4 shots into 3" vertical, at 500 I had 4 shots into 3" vertical, at 400 there were 3 shots into 1" vertical, at 300 there were 2 shots into 1/2" vertical.

Next year I am going to get with Ernie, Steve, Mike and Dan and have them show me how to shoot it.

[gamedog]

Very nice Len. Looks like you'll be shooting more than just photo's with that

[Ernie]

Beautiful Rig Len!
Can you spot your own shots?

[NYLES]

LUCKY DOG!

3" at 600? WOW!!

[Len Backus]

Thanks, guys.

Ernie, I haven't tried to spot my own hits much so far. I tried just enough to know it will take some practice. And I have so much to learn about just shooting a hand gun that I didn't want to use my short time available for that. I leave this Thursday for Montana.

The recoil is to the rear and to the left side. It's the sideways movement that will be the challenge in spotting hits.

I will say, though, that I am quickly getting comfortable with the gun. I like it a lot! I am now officially a Specialty Handgun nut.

[TCKev]

Kirby did a nice job. Maybe down the road I can do a small bore XP. Is that Farrel rings on your scope?

[winmagman]

Len,

That's one fine looking rig, definately a stout barrel on that thing.

Have you by any chance run any rounds over a chrony yet? Kinda curious how much more oompf you get out of the 6.5 wsm versus the 6.5 wssm I'm shooting.

Chris