I look forward to the range results!
Ran a box of factory 143 eldx through it. It was just off the bipod on an uneven gravel road but I am pretty confident that it will shoot that stuff better then me. I got a couple 3 rnd groups you can cover with a dime. Did a couple 6 round groups that each had one flier so I need to figure out what is going on with that, without the fliers those were easily still sub MOA. I am guessing the fliers were caused by me and the bipod footing.
I am thinking the rifle shoots. This is the only factory load tried so far but I am thinking if a real marksman were shooting it off a bench he could have fit that box of ammo into a hole the size of a quarter.
Things I don't like about the rifle:
Trigger sucks. Heavy and sticky. I lightened it up before I took it out but with the way it shoots I need to see about a good aftermarket 2 stage trigger. I really don't care for the blade safety style triggers.
The stock isn't too bad. I should be able to fix it up. I already took a wood dowel and sand paper to open up the barrel channel because the fore end was touching the barrel. But I kind of like the stock. It has a good feel and is relatively rigid. It has aluminum bedding blocks embedded into the plastic but they are painted and not making the most uniformed contact with the action. I didn't take time to strip the paint off and verify what all needs done with that.
Muzzle Brake needs to go. Got pounded by dirt and gravel shooting prone on gravel road and doubt that I will need a brake. May put a Witt Machine Brake on the rifle if recoil is any issue with the Brake off.
Bolt feels like it is dragging across the bolt release when working the action. Not smooth, but functioned and had no issues with feeding or extraction.
Things I like about the rifle:
Bedding system. It uses dual aluminum V blocks across the action screws. Best system ever. Action Screws are socket head and the same size.
Magazine. 3 rnds and extra length ( 3.37" ) for loading rounds out to the lands. Magazine was secure and easy to pop in and out 1 handed (either hand) with ergonomic index finger release in front of magazine while holding on to magazine.
Barrel has a bit of girth but not too much. I put 12 rounds down the tube fairly quick and kept feeling the barrel expecting to need to let it cool but never did. I know my 270 win heated to the point I couldn't keep my hand on barrel for more than a second after shooting just 5 rounds at the same pace.
Threaded barrel..... it is a $500 rifle with a threaded barrel.
Gas port on the bottom of bolt to direct gas down into magazine if firing pin hole is breached.
Paint job looks good. Beats the crap out of a glossy black stock. Cerakote looks good and is suppose to protect the metal.
Good stock. Good texture, grip, and dimensions. The recoil pad is the best I have seen on a factory rifle.
