Is tactical really not practical?

[PRCLITE]

I am one of those guys that doesn't have one rifle for each type of animal/hunt...

I built my midrange all around rifle last year. It is a tack driving .270 sub MOA out to 650 yards for ground hogs, fox, coyote, bobcat, whitetail, black bear, muleys, elk, pronghorn etc.... I'm not saying I will take a shot at an elk that far unless i am in ideal conditions but for the most part I can hunt with just about anything with it.

This year I am building my long range rifle. I plan on hunting 650-1000 yards for the same animals where possible. I bought the Remington 700 Sendero SF II as my base chambered in 300 WIN. I always wanted to build a "tactical" long range rifle but it seems that isn't very popular in the long range hunting world. I am not a fan of the HS-precision stock that comes on the sendero. It is a very well built stock but just does not fit me right at all. I am looking to replace the stock with a B&C Medalist A5 fully adjustable. Being a former Marine, I am and always will believe in and enjoy the tactical realm. A tactical build vs traditional long range build is pretty much what I'm trying to weigh out.

Anyone have any ideas/experience either way? Any info is much appreciated.

 

[7magcreedmoor]

The more traditional looking stock (Boyd's JRS) was used for a custom build two years ago. The Boyds Tacticool is on the rifle I built last year. I find the fit so much better with the newer setup that I will be re-stocking the other as my next project.

 

[MMERSS]

You will find just as many McMillan or Manners tactical stocks on long range hunting rifles as with the others. Tactical stocks are very popular with long range rigs.

 

[PRCLITE]

You will find just as many McMillan or Manners tactical stocks on long range hunting rifles as with the others. Tactical stocks are very popular with long range rigs.

Good to hear I'm not the only one.. Not that I would follow suit if I was on my own, just wanted to get some validation. Much appreciated. Hopefully more input will follow from both sides of the coin.

 

[Greyfox]

There is a fine line, and in many cases, no line between a hunting rig and one that is considered a tactical one. My 700 Remington Milspec, 300wm has an A3 McMillan, pic rail mount, and Nightforce NXS 5.5x22 Scope. I surely consider it a LR hunting rifle, and it sure looks like a tactical one. IMO.

 

[PRCLITE]

I agree there is a fine line. Some of my long range buddy's were trying to talk me out of the tactical route and tried to explain that a tactical rifle is too heavy, picatinny rail for scope mounts aren't as strong as one piece base/rings etc... I was obviously strongly opposed to their opinions and plan to build on that plan.

 

[just browsing]

It's your gun, do what you want with it. Plenty of tactical stocks that will perform just the same as a traditional stock. You have a great action to build off of, if you build the rifle how you want it, you'll be much happier in the long run.

 

[KYpatriot]

If it aint practical, it aint tactical. Build the rifle to the spec you need and let performance not looks drive the design. If you arent humping this thing up mountains then heavier and stiffer is the way to go, but if it must be light then it will look more like a traditional hunting rifle. Different horses for different courses, and as usual a jack of all trades is a master of none. Thats it, im out of cliches.

 

[sp6x6]

My rifles have pic rails and stocks vary from thumbhole,slim sporter to tact. type.With ever increasing scope selection and ill. the rail really gives more or a better mounting option and options for ACI or level also.Plus I like the idea real easy to just swap scope while leaving it in rings.Many custom actions have the rail built in as in the Deviant.The builds can get heavier but there are fiberglass stock options also.

 

[ATH]

Tactical rifles tend to be optimized for prone shooting. The longer the intended range of a hunting rifle, the more it is likely to be optimized for prone shooting. Therefore, the line becomes burry indeed.

The main difference I see is the consideration of weight. I am amazed at how heavy some people build their tactical/F-class rifles. Far too heavy than is needed to temper the recoil of the moderate cartridges they are shooting. The way I hunt, I don't want my rifle any heavier than it has to be. Most people's tactical rifles are heavier than I would care to hunt with. The longest hunting shot I ever made took 3 hours and several thousand feet climb to get to the spot.

 

[PRCLITE]

It's your gun, do what you want with it. Plenty of tactical stocks that will perform just the same as a traditional stock. You have a great action to build off of, if you build the rifle how you want it, you'll be much happier in the long run.

Very simply put amid you 100% accurate

 

[WildRose]

I am one of those guys that doesn't have one rifle for each type of animal/hunt...

I built my midrange all around rifle last year. It is a tack driving .270 sub MOA out to 650 yards for ground hogs, fox, coyote, bobcat, whitetail, black bear, muleys, elk, pronghorn etc.... I'm not saying I will take a shot at an elk that far unless i am in ideal conditions but for the most part I can hunt with just about anything with it.

This year I am building my long range rifle. I plan on hunting 650-1000 yards for the same animals where possible. I bought the Remington 700 Sendero SF II as my base chambered in 300 WIN. I always wanted to build a "tactical" long range rifle but it seems that isn't very popular in the long range hunting world. I am not a fan of the HS-precision stock that comes on the sendero. It is a very well built stock but just does not fit me right at all. I am looking to replace the stock with a B&C Medalist A5 fully adjustable. Being a former Marine, I am and always will believe in and enjoy the tactical realm. A tactical build vs traditional long range build is pretty much what I'm trying to weigh out.

Anyone have any ideas/experience either way? Any info is much appreciated.

Other than the M24 and M40 stocks I don't find the tactical stocks very practical for field use. They aren't built to carry and they aren't built for shooting from anything other than the prone or resting on a platform.

I shared your idea for years but the more I packed a rifle around the more I came over to the practical side of thinking.

 

[RMulhern]

Go here:

RicksTacRifle by Sharps45 2 7/8, on Flickr


McMillan A5 stock

 

[clemens]

The McMillan HTC I believe it is a sporter design with adjustable cheek piece. On the spendy side but possible option.