Three new Winchester Match Ammo loads for 2014 offer precision accuracy to shooters of modern sporting rifles.
The new Match loads include a 69-grain .223 Remington, a 77-grain 5.56mm and 140-grain 6.5mm Creedmoor.
For more information, visit winchester.com.
The post Winchester Match Ammo appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
Rifle-shooters who use the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge in their ARs will want to try DoubleTap’s new 130-grain, 6.5 Creedmoor DT LongRange ammunition. It leaves a 20-inch barrel at 2,411 fps, generating 2,344 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. With a ballistic coefficient of just over 0.36, it is still travelling at 1,768 fps and delivers 900 foot-pounds of energy at 500 yards. For more information, doubletapammo.com or call 866-357-1066.
The post DoubleTap 6.5 Creedmoor DT LongRange Ammo appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
In the upcoming May 2014 issue of RIFLE FIREPOWER, author Len Waldron writes, “Precision shooting in the field is about learning, then mastering the basics with modest practice. A once-in-a-lifetime shot should be a glorious moment of fulfillment, not a tragic disappointment. Training is the answer, and Magpul Dynamics has a customized Precision Hunter course designed to help hunters get the most out of their equipment and enhance their skills.”
Waldron attends and brings along a special Proof Research Tactical II rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. He writes, “I decided to put some modern technology to the test along with my shooting skills at the Precision Hunter course. Proof Research is a high-tech rifle manufacturing that’s the product of combining Lone Wolf Rifle Stocks, Jense Precision and a patent for carbon-fiber barrel technology. The company also recently acquired Performance Polymer Solutions, a company that makes components for the F-35 Strike Fighter. The Montana-based rifle company engineers lightweight precision ARs and bolt actions built around its proprietary carbon-fiber-wrapped precision barrels. Proof ’s carbon-fiber wrap is a patented innovation that reduces weight and increases durability and consistency.”
What was the course like? Did the rifle make it through in one piece? To learn more, check out the May 2014 issue of RIFLE FIREPOWER, available on newsstands and digitally February 18, 2014. To subscribe, go to http://www.tactical-life.com/subscribe/rifle-firepower
The post Magpul Precision Hunter Rifle | Gun Preview appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
New for 2014, Ashbury Precision Ordnance (APO) is introducing the 6.5 Creedmoor caliber to its TCR-Tactical Competition Rifle line. If it is not in stock for immediate delivery during competition rifle season, this American-made, precision rifle is available to every level of competitive shooter in as little as eight weeks.
APO’s TCR 6.5 Creedmoor rifle is based on a precision machined Surgeon or SABER SX bolt action receiver. This rifle is available in a standard right-hand configuration. The left-handed SABER SX action model is scheduled to be released in summer 2014. The bolt action receiver features a 20 MOA one-piece Picatinny scope base rail and side bolt release. Reliable and consistent, the TCR 6.5CM also delivers sub 1/2 MOA performance with factory Hornady 140 grain AMAX match ammunition out of the box.
The TCR 6.5CM precision competition rifle has a 24 inch Pinnacle Series fluted barrel in 416R stainless steel with a 1-8.5″ twist. It also has a Huber Concepts Staged-Break tactical two-stage trigger, with a pull of 2.5 pounds. In addition, the TCR 6.5CM has a patented MOD-0 Saber-Forsst MRCS (modular rifle chassis system) which incorporates a fixed non-folding Hand Tool Adjustable (HTA) shoulder stock with ergonomic adjustments for cheek piece height, length of pull, and Limbsaver recoil pad drop. The MRCS platform has a 10-round detachable box magazine, 11 degree grip angle adapter, hand-grip-to-trigger distance adjustment, and a comfortable Ergo Slimline hand grip. All tactical competition rifles from Ashbury have a MOD-0 carbon fiber series forend which reduces barrel mirage and allows for the attachment of shooting accessories with a relocatable 4-inch or 12-inch Picatinny rails on the 12 and 6 o’clock forend positions. There are seven sling swivel attachment points along the entire length of the rifle.
The TCR 6.5CM from Ashbury has an overall weight of 12 pounds and an overall length of 43.75 inches. APO’s custom shop has also manufactured lighter weight competition versions which weigh approximately 10 pounds. These were designed for female shooters who compete in “run and gun” time, obstacle and distance based practical/tactical rifle matches.
The TCR 6.5CM also has a Cerakote finish. The standard barreled action and chassis color is black. Customers can special order other colors to include: OD green, flat dark earth, Nordic and, tungsten gray. TCR-Tactical Competition Rifles are also chambered in alternate calibers .223 Rem, .308Win, .300WM, .338 NM and other custom calibers. Interchangeable TCR accessories include: a folding rear Monopod , Picatinny accessory rails, Anypoint Bipod/Tripod Mount, Long Range Accuracy bipods, Field Firing Solutions ballistic software, Vectronix laser range finders, TACT3 Tactical Tripod Systems and more.
For more information, visit www.ashburyprecisionordnance.com
The post Ashbury TCR-Tactical Competition Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor | New Product appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
Precision shooting in the field is about learning, then mastering the basics with modest practice. A once-in-a-lifetime shot should be a glorious moment of fulfillment, not a tragic disappointment. Training is the answer, and Magpul Dynamics has a customized Precision Hunter course designed to help hunters get the most out of their equipment and enhance their skills.
“The goal of every hunter is to take a successful, responsible and ethical shot when the shot of a lifetime presents itself,” says Mapul Dynamics Director of Precision Rifle Operations Caylen Wojcik. A combat-decorated Marine Scout Sniper, USMC Sniper School instructor and an avid hunter, Wojcik created a two-day curriculum to help hunters reinforce their fundamentals and add to their basic skill set. “The aim of the Precision Hunter course is to show hunters the capabilities and limitations of the equipment they plan to bring to the field, and employ it to its maximum potential.”
The Tactical II’s Kryptek Highlander finish and flat-black, carbon-fiber barrel work well in the field.
Proof’s Carbon Fiber
I decided to put some modern technology to the test along with my shooting skills at the Precision Hunter course. Proof Research is a high-tech rifle manufacturer that’s the product of combining Lone Wolf Rifle Stocks, Jense Precision and a patent for carbon-fiber barrel technology. The company also recently acquired Performance Polymer Solutions, a company that makes components for the F-35 Strike Fighter. The Montana-based rifle company engineers lightweight precision ARs and bolt actions built around its proprietary carbon-fiber-wrapped precision barrels. Proof’s carbon-fiber wrap is a patented innovation that reduces weight and increases durability and consistency.
It looks a bit high-tech for a hunting rifle, but the weight savings from the carbon-fiber barrel balances out additional features that would otherwise be reserved for a benchrest or tactical rifle…”
Carbon fiber is 14 percent stiffer than steel and is seven times stronger per weight. As such, a typical 16-inch AR rifle barrel’s weight is reduced by 27 percent, and a hunting rifle barrel can weigh as much as a 40 percent less. Carbon fiber is not a particularly new material, but it continues to show up, replacing metal and even other synthetic composites where a decrease in weight and an improvement in strength are desirable. However, weight reduction is not the primary reason Proof utilizes carbon fiber; rather, it’s a fortuitous by-product. Carbon fiber is not only stronger, but it also reduces the amplitude of the barrel’s harmonics and improves heat dissipation. The result is a bullet that leaves the barrel with less harmonic interference (pitch and yaw) and stays cooler shot after shot. Where precision shooters have had to make steel barrels thicker to offset these phenomena, the carbon fiber accomplishes the task while reducing the weight.
Proof isn’t the first company to wrap its barrels in carbon fiber, but its reputation for getting it right—creating a rifle that is as strong and light as it is consistent and accurate—precedes it. Proof’s Derek McDonald notes, “It’s not just about the carbon-fiber wrap. Our steel barrel cores are match-grade and precision cut. No technology can make up for a poorly engineered and sloppily cut barrel.” Proof brought a rifle company in-house and considers the barrel manufacturing its core business. “Starting at $900, a shooter can have a Proof barrel custom-built to fit their favorite bolt action.” Designed to be fit by a gunsmith, Proof barrels are shipped threaded and chambered in a wide range of common calibers and standard twists with options for barrel lengths and external contours. So if you have a trigger, stock and action you prefer but want to upgrade or replace your barrel, Proof has an answer.
For the Magpul Dynamics course, I ran a Proof Tactical II rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Proof set the rifle up with a modified tactical stock that features a near-vertical grip and an adjustable cheekpiece. It looks a bit high-tech for a hunting rifle, but the weight savings from the carbon-fiber barrel balances out additional features that would otherwise be reserved for a benchrest or tactical rifle. Jewell made the trigger on this rifle, but Proof also outfits its rifles with Timney triggers. The rifle also has a Kryptek Highlander camouflage finish and came with a Harris bipod, which became a surprisingly versatile and frequently utilized shooting platform in the course. The barrel is 24 inches long with 1-in-8-inch, right-hand twist. The Tactical II also features a detachable five-round box magazine.
For optics, I mounted a Trijicon TARS 3-15×50 scope in a GDI quick-detach mount. The TARS is a rugged beast of a scope made from aircraft-grade aluminum with 0.25-MOA adjustments and magnification in the first focal plane. It also features a battery-powered, 10-setting, 0.33-MOA illuminated reticle. The small illumination at the intersection of the crosshairs is a significant aid in target acquisition and sight picture alignment, particularly when the target and the background are dark colors. All together, with the optic mounted, the rifle weighs just under 12 pounds unloaded.
The final element was the 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition. I chose the 120-grain Hornady A-MAX. With a G1 ballistic coefficient of .485 (a measure of the efficiency of the shape of the bullet as it passes through the air), the 6.5 Creedmoor dramatically reduces the effect of wind on the path of the bullet. Generally speaking, the bullet flies similarly to a .300 Winchester Magnum, but with a fraction of the recoil.
The course stressed the importance of a solid cheekweld, even if it means adding a field-expedient solution.
Reality Check
For the first exercise of the Precision Hunter course, students confirmed the zeroes of their rifle and optics. But this basic task was not as simple an exercise as it sounds. Wojcik views a hunter’s setup holistically, or as an interdependent circle of components. The subparts include the rifle, the ammunition, the optics and the shooter. A simple zeroing exercise will quickly tease out shortcomings in a shooter’s profile. For example, establishing a natural point of aim (a relaxed, muscle-free sight picture) is not something many shooters have thought of, and a significant number do not have a rifle that will accommodate the proper body and head position. But a natural point of aim is a critical component to consistency in shooting and establishing a performance baseline for the rifle, ammo and optics. The Proof Tactical II has an adjustable cheekpiece, so I was only an Allen wrench and a quick adjustment away from a custom fit. However, many students had to build up field-expedient cheekpieces on their rifles. Those with high combs or Monte Carlo stocks typically had less trouble. What seemed superfluous at first quickly translated into a comfortable and consistent position for the shooter’s head behind the rifle. In the words of one student, “I never considered this. What a difference.”
“If Day One was a tune-up, an oil change and a detail of the hunter’s components, Day Two was a road race through an unfamiliar city…”
Wojcik then taught a brief lesson in external ballistics. Magpul Dynamics provided Applied Ballistic Mobile Calculators for the students, but some students had calculators of their own, and used them to develop DOPE (data on previous engagement) sheets for their respective rifles. DOPE gives the shooter a table for where the bullet will strike at specific distances. Shooting across a flat valley at multiple steel targets at known distances of up to 800 yards, students worked in pairs to make scope adjustments and determine holdovers at the various ranges. Through some initial frustrations, confidence grew as the fundamentals became more harmonized and shooters learned they could use their tools in a consistent manner. An afternoon of ringing steel and smiles replaced the furrowed brows of the earlier morning. I was spoiled. The large turret knobs of the Trijicon TARS adjusted the Proof rifle and 6.5 Creedmoor bullets through the course of fire with relative ease. Largely agnostic to the wind, particularly at ranges within 500 yards, the A-MAX rounds and Proof rifle ate the course in methodical bites. However, the rifle was made for this type of shooting, and the following day would provide a whole host of new challenges.
Beyond Convention
If Day One was a tune-up, an oil change and a detail of the hunter’s components, Day Two was a road race through an unfamiliar city. Gone now were the flat, level ground and comfortable shooting pads. This day we stood, kneeled, sat and used bipods, tripods, shooting sticks and existing obstacles to our advantage. We also utilized bipods in ways we couldn’t have imagined. For example, rather than supporting a sliding stock on a limb or fence rail, we deployed just one leg of the bipod, which gave us right-angle support points on both the vertical and horizontal planes. This allowed us to slightly lean into the rifle and “load” weight and stability into the firing position. Though it took some practice getting the feel for a slightly unfamiliar body position behind the rifle, the stability of the crosshairs with the bipod-supported position was quickly obvious. Given its extra weight, many of the students, including myself, originally questioned the value of having a bipod on a hunting rifle. But after utilizing them in more than just belly-down firing positions, the collective consensus was that bipods were definitely valuable additions to modern hunting rifles.
The course of fire continued across various target ranges utilizing fence rails, debris piles and cable spools as simulated natural obstacles. Students found personalized ways to adjust their body positions and bipods to support their rifles and deliver consistent shots downrange.
Magul Dynamics instructor Caylen Wojcik (kneeling) instructs student shooters in the importance of proper rifle positioning for obtaining a consistent firing platform.
Perhaps the most notable portion of the course was instruction in the use of portable support devices, such as shooting sticks, tripods and trekking poles. It’s a common sight on an African safari to see hunters shooting off of thin sticks. So why is it so rare to see North Americans using them? The shots aren’t any more difficult in Africa. Their omission is certainly an oversight of vanity or habit. The addition of even the lightest, crossed shooting sticks will enhance the consistency of a shot in the field. You don’t get extra points for shooting off-hand at distance; in fact, choosing to do so when a supported position is possible should be rightly viewed as unethical. But the deployment and utilization of any shooting aid has to be practiced to be of any value. And with each option there are techniques that work more effectively for people of specific body types and physical abilities.
“After the Precision Hunter course, every student will have a clear understanding of the capabilities and limitations of their chosen rifle setup and skills…”
One simple but ingenious takeaway was the use of an inexpensive pair of trekking poles as shooting sticks. A valuable piece of gear in the backcountry, trekking poles lend stability across rocky terrain and help spread the load off of leg joints while hiking. A simple wrap of the handles through the wrist straps and the trekking poles become a stable bipod for a shooter in a seated or kneeling position. Modern carbon-fiber trekking poles weigh little more than even the cheapest fiberglass shooting sticks, and their versatility makes them a no-brainer addition to any backcountry packing list.
From hours of glassing for game and waiting in a sniper’s hide, Wojcik is an advocate of carrying a tripod to the field. The three legs of the tripod can be independently adjusted to provide a stable platform on flat or uneven terrain to support a spotting scope, binoculars or a rifle. It’s a choice to consider, particularly for backcountry hunters who must carry everything they need for the hunt in a single pack. However, given its multi-use capabilities and the stability it provides a shooter, investing in a lightweight, carbon-fiber tripod is a smart idea. Wojcik adds, “The tripod is a significant aid in reducing fatigue and vibration. When your glassing requirement involves picking apart wide swaths of country, using a tripod with binoculars for hasty searches and switching to a spotting scope for a detailed search will allow the hunter to focus on the what’s in front of him rather than supporting the optic.”
Stretching Your Limits
While no shooting course can turn a hunter into an overnight expert, the Magpul Dynamics Precision Hunter course accomplishes two significant goals. First, it requires the hunter to use and evaluate with a critical eye his or her choices for the field. What works? What doesn’t? What should be changed? Second, it teaches new skills that extend the ethical range of the average hunter in a variety of scenarios. Like most things in life, learned skills are valuable only to the extent that they are practiced and mastered. But after the Precision Hunter course, every student will have a clear understanding of the capabilities and limitations of their chosen rifle setup and skills. Student shooter, Cabela’s ambassador and Team Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation hunter Kristy Titus agrees: “I now have a more comprehensive understanding of my weapon system and all of its components, which has helped me become a more independent shooter and hunter.”
As for the Proof rifle and the Trijicon scope combination, with its 0.38-MOA groups, the rifle performed beyond any reasonable expectations. The only limitations of the rifle were in the hands of this shooter.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Magpul Dynamics
magpuldynamics.com; 877-462-4785
Proof Research
proofresearch.com; 406-756-9290
The post Proving Ground: Shooting Proof Research in Magpul Dynamics Precision Hunter Course | Training Review appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
In the upcoming GUN ANNUAL 2015, author Richard Mann test-fires a custom E.R. Shaw Mark VII VS rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. According to Mann, the rifle features a 26-inch, heavy-contour, button-rifled barrel. It also has attractive spiral fluting on the exterior that cuts weight without sacrificing strength. While it’s chambered in the 6.5 Creedmoor, E.R. Shaw offers dozens of chamberings, from .17 caliber all the way up to .458. For its action, the rifle utilizes a Savage action with the Savage AccuTrigger, which breaks at about 2 pounds with a hint of overtravel.
The bottom of the Mark VII VS rifle’s forend is wide and flat, making it perfect for shooting from a rest or sandbags. The bottom of the forend also features an integrated rail if you’d prefer to attach a bipod. At the rear of the stock, there is an adjustable cheekrest that can be raised or lowered for obtaining the perfect cheekweld. The cheekrest is held in place with strong magnets, meaning you can simply pop it off if you need to remove the bolt for cleaning without shifting the cheekrest’s height position. The buttpad is also adjustable for length of pull so you can establish a natural fit behind the rifle.
For optics, Richard Mann added the new 4-14x56mm SHV riflescope from Nightforce Optics for the ultimate in long-range precision shooting. SHV stands for “Shooter, Hunter, Varminter,” and it’s designed for power and affordability. It features an illuminated MOAR reticle, divided into MOA increments, as well as 0.25-MOA target turret adjustments.
Now, Mann’s goal was to take the rifle out to 200 yards. After finding the right optic, the next step was procuring the best ammo. His result: Hornady’s 120-grain A-MAX ammo. Then, Mann gathered up his gear and took the Mark VII VS to the range for hitting a steel target 200 yards away.
Watch the video to see some of his results and keep your eyes peeled for a full review in the upcoming GUN ANNUAL 2015, available digitally and on shelves August 26, 2014. To subscribe, visit http://www.tactical-life.com/subscribe/gun-annual
The post E.R. Shaw Mark VII VS 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle | Preview | VIDEO appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT) has one of the most trusted reputations among AR-platform rifle manufacturers today. The company’s monolithic designs, which allow operators to quickly change out their rifle’s barrel and caliber, are truly the cream of the crop. The process is simple, and switching out barrels produces virtually no shift in the point of impact—that’s about as good as these systems get. Built to true military specifications, LMT’s products are high quality, rugged, and reliable. I’ve used and fielded several LMT rifles, and you can definitely bet your life on them. So when LMT decided to enter the .30-caliber market with its MWS (Modular Weapon System) series, I jumped at the chance to test a sample.
Built with the same basic design as its proven 5.56mm models, the LM8MWS rifle I tested is just as simple to use. It came with LMT’s “Slick” monolithic upper receiver, which provides for incredible accuracy, consistency and versatility. The upper also featured LMT’s new flip-up sights—some of the best sights I’ve ever used, for the record—a low-profile gas block, and a modular handguard that operators can adapt by adding Picatinny rail sections where desired for mounting accessories. The LM308MWS Defender lower receiver came with a collapsible buttstock and a two-stage trigger that is ready for duty and is usable in just about any condition.
I was able to test the LM8MWS with three different barrels, each chambered in 7.62mm NATO, 6.5 Creedmoor and .260 Remington, to cover every base. The barrels were easy to install, and I noticed no perceptible shifts in the point of impact during testing.
Take a couple minutes and watch my short video highlighting the versatility of this system, and make sure you keep your eyes peeled for a complete test and evaluation in an upcoming issue of SPECIAL WEAPONS FOR MILITARY & POLICE. To subscribe, visit Tactical-Life.com/subscribe.
The post Sneak Peek: Lewis Machine & Tool’s Multi-Caliber LM8MWS appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
For many shooters, the precision rifle world is just too expensive. The same is true of the competition arena. While there are some “starter” rifles available, they are moderately accurate, requiring a significant investment. What today’s operators really need is a solid rifle that does not require a second mortgage to buy. Of course, Ruger has come to the rescue.
I attended a Ruger media event a while back where the company had a prototype of a tactical precision rifle for testing. It was a simple rifle with a laminate stock and a bull barrel, outfitted with a nice scope and a bipod. Shooting from prone at 100 yards, it put five rounds of hunting ammunition into a 0.6-inch group. Expressing my pleasure, I suggested to the Ruger representatives that the rifle needed to be in 6.5 Creedmoor, preferably using a tactical rifle stock. But even as it was built, it was fun to shoot. I asked when it would come out, but the representatives said it may not—it was just an experiment.
A few months later, I received an invitation from Ruger to test the company’s new precision rifle. Of course, I thought it was the same rifle I had tested earlier, and accepted. I flew out to the FTW Ranch in the Hill Country of Texas, where the new Ruger Precision Rifle was unveiled. I have no doubt my jaw dropped when I first saw it. It wasn’t a remake of an old rifle. The Ruger Precision Rifle is built to meet the needs of just about any marksman, and it’s about as far from a “typical” Ruger as you can get. It was as if Ruger’s engineers had built an entry-level rifle exactly the way I wanted.
Gun Details
Ruger’s lead design engineer on the project is an avid shooter, and he put tons of thought into this rifle’s operation. The result is a fantastic rifle designed from the ground up to meet the needs of every precision rifle user. It’s not just a barreled action in a stock—it’s purpose-built with input from today’s shooters. To that end, most everything on this rifle can be taken down with simple tools in the field, including the bolt.
Ruger started with the American rifle’s proven 70-degree, three-lug bolt and built an “upper receiver” around it. With its enlarged bolt knob, the bolt is very smooth and fast to manipulate. The bolt and upper assembly are CNC-machined from pre-hardened 4140 chrome-moly steel. The receiver comes with 20-MOA Picatinny top rail for mounting optics and sights.
The barrel is cold-hammer forged from 4140 chrome-moly steel with a medium taper and 5R rifling. It also features a match-grade chamber with minimum headspacing. I was able to test a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle with a 24-inch barrel, but the rifle is also available in .308 Winchester with a 20-inch, 1-in-10-twist barrel and .243 Winchester with a 26-inch, 1-in-7.7-inch barrel. The 5/8×24-threaded barrels come with thread protectors and can be removed using standard AR tools. Users can also install AR-style handguards. Surrounding the rifle’s barrel is a long Samson Evolution handguard.
The upper is mated to a 7075-T6 aluminum lower that accepts SR-25 and AICS-pattern magazines. Ruger’s patent-pending universal magazine catch and extended paddle ejects both magazine types without requiring any modifications. The front of the mag well features a hook for using the rifle on barricades or around other obstacles.
At the rear of the receiver is a folding mechanism with a standard carbine buffer tube. The Ruger stock, also made in-house, is easy to adjust for both length of pull and cheek height without tools. Users can also install an aftermarket AR stock if so desired. You can also install your favorite AR pistol grip if needed. The extended, 45-degree safety is placed in a position similar to an AR’s, and it can be reversed for left-handed shooters. The Marksman adjustable trigger offers a crisp release and can be adjusted from 2.25 to 5 pounds using a wrench stored in the rifle’s bolt shroud.
A Burris XTR-II 5-25x50mm scope was mounted for testing. Priced at about a grand, this is a mid-range scope with clear optics, a first-focal-plane reticle and easy-to-use adjustment knobs. Atlas’ excellent and proven bipod was provided along with a Tab Gear sling. Each writer at the event was assigned a rifle that they would use throughout FTW’s Sportsman’s All-weather All-terrain Marksmanship (SAAM) class and then take home for further testing.
Range Time
The rolling hills and sharp elevation changes at FTW Ranch allow for shots out to a mile if needed, while its state-of-the-art ranges provide for 100-yard shooting as well as unique moving targets shaped like dangerous game. The SAAM class prepares hunters for upcoming big-game hunts. The staff also host many military units tasked with sniper duties in preparation for deployments. Our lead instructors were both former Navy SEALs who had spent years in combat and training military snipers. Over the course of three days, we expended hundreds of rounds from 100 to 1,500 yards on steel targets of various sizes.
Once zeroed, my first three-shot group at 100 yards measured a mere 0.38 inches. In fact, throughout the entire course, my worst group only measured about 0.5 inches. The rifle was also never cleaned, and it did not exhibit any degradation of accuracy over the entire course. Shooting Hornady’s 140-grain A-MAX ammo, this rifle maintained the kind of accuracy you’d expect from rifles that cost three or four times more.
Moving out to multiple ranges extending to 600 yards, it was almost too easy to make hits. If I did my part and read the wind correctly, almost every shot was a hit. At the long-range deck, I was able to get a first-round hit at 1,000 yards. There was no vertical stringing under rapid fire, and the rifle held its zero throughout the course.
The bolt was smooth and incredibly fast, and it never missed a beat. Ejection was also consistent, creating a little pile of spent cases nearby. The rifle ran flawlessly with both 10-round PMAGs and AICS-style magazines. Both also dropped free easily during reloads. If you already have a supply of expensive metal AICS mags, you’re good to go, but the $15 PMAGs worked just fine, too.
It was easy to adjust the stock to fit me—no tools were needed—and the adjustments stayed put throughout
the course. The stock folds to the left side and optionally locks in place. Once locked open, it’s very solid, with no movement to speak of. Cleaning the rifle is also simple; just fold the stock, remove the bolt and go to work. I moved my rifle’s safety to the right side to facilitate using my strong-hand thumb, and the safety was positive and easy to reach. The trigger, with its built-in safety toggle, takes some getting used to, but it was very crisp and consistent during testing.
After getting back home, I tested the rifle with three different loads. Hornady won the day with a best five-shot group measuring 0.4 inches at 100 yards. The other groups were around 0.5 inches wide. Adding my Delta P Design Brevis II Ultra 6.5mm suppressor, the recoil was practically non-existent. Plenty quiet, this suppressor adds 7.5 ounces to the end of the barrel. It’s also designed specifically for Pro Series competition, and it was perfect for this rifle.
The stock’s straight-line design sends the recoil directly to the rear, making it easy to make fast follow-up shots. The bolt handle’s location and lift are just about perfect for me, so it was easy to stay locked into my shooting position. How it fits, the trigger, the smooth operation—everything about this rifle is conducive to accuracy.
Final Notes
Ruger’s Precision Rifle is just downright impressive. Its accuracy was excellent, its ergonomics were solid, and it was completely reliable. The rifle’s ability to accept SR-25 and AICS magazines interchangeably makes it incredibly versatile. You don’t have to spend $90 on a magazine. And because the rifle accepts other handguards, grips and stocks, you can outfit the rifle exactly to fit your preferences. Getting all of this at an MSRP of $1,399 is a bit mind boggling. The Precision Rifle is a fantastic choice for most shooters.
What’s not to like about the Ruger Precision Rifle? I’m certainly going to keep my test rifle. I might even take it to a match or two, maybe even a PRS match. One thing is certain: The Ruger Precision Rifle is going to open up the precision rifle world to many new shooters, and that is fantastic!
For more information, visit ruger.com.
The post Gun Test: Ruger’s Precision Rifle Is on the Mark appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
My involvement in precision rifle competitions began some 15 years ago, while I was still operating as a police marksman.
I even attended several matches restricted to law enforcement officers, where I was pretty successful. Competition makes you think and gets you out of the “must shoot from prone” sniping mindset. While some of the stages were questionably realistic, they all built skills and pushed each and every shooter, prompting me to run two matches of my own. Open to all, both were well attended. But, sadly, competing just took too much time considering my duties with my police department. Well, the itch to get back into the game never left me, and it looks like I’ll finally get to scratch it this year.
Competitions restricted to LEOs differ significantly from open tournaments. Officers are often limited to issued rifles and ammunition, generally .308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO rounds. Many of these competitions also try to make them relevant to actual engagements. So, returning to this sport required a new mindset. Losing is not in my character, and I wanted to stay focused on practical application. For me, this meant having a reliable semi-automatic rifle.
Sure, bolt actions are great—I still enjoy shooting mine. Whenever a bolt gun is the best choice for a given competition, I use my Desert Tech rifle. But, in my experience, semi-autos are the future, even in the LE world. I test ARs more frequently, and it’s a lot easier to build these types of rifles in-house. Properly tuned, an AR can be astoundingly accurate, reliable and easy to operate. No platform today offers more options.
Top-Grade Parts
As with any rifle, the barrel is the heart of the system. Previous tests using one of Proof Research’s carbon-fiber-wrapped 6.5 Creedmoor barrels on a bolt-action gave excellent results. So, I ordered an AR version along with a JP Enterprises bolt, which I coupled with a Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) bolt carrier. This bolt carrier helps cut weight without losing an ounce of strength. It also is designed to prevent carrier tilt, a real issue on .308/7.62mm-based ARs. For the gas system, I chose an SLR Rifleworks adjustable gas block and rifle-length gas tube.
I added these to a .308 upper and lower receiver set from Seekins Precision. In my opinion, short of a monolithic design, Seekins’ uppers provide the best barrel support I’ve seen to date. The SP3RV3 KeyMod handguard is solidly attached to the billet-machined upper receiver, not the barrel nut. It is flat on the bottom, making it well suited to barricades and obstacles.
The matching lower receiver has completely ambidextrous controls and is lightweight by comparison. I installed a new DMR stock from Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT), which I had tested previously and found perfect for this project. It slides over mil-spec carbine tubes—like that on the Seekins lower—and utilizes thumbwheels for adjusting the length of pull and cheek height. I paired this stock with a hydraulic buffer and top-notch spring from Sprinco. This system, coupled with the adjustable gas block, allowed for some truly precise tuning on the range.
Capping off the barrel is Delta P Design’s Brevis II Ultra 6.5mm rifle suppressor. Made of titanium (w/an inconel blast surface), this suppressor weighs 7 ounces and adds less than 5 inches to your rifle’s overall length. While it may look more like a rimfire suppressor, its sound suppression is impressive. At this point I had Red Creek Tactical finish the entire rifle, including the mag and suppressor, in a custom camo Cerakote.
When it came to a scope, I needed to match the Horus H58 reticle used on my .223 Wylde practice rifle. Extensive training of late has proven the value of Horus reticles, not only for competition but also in practical applications. I contacted U.S. Optics and obtained an ER-25 5-25X scope using a Horus H59 reticle mounted in a 30-MOA UMQDS 34mm mount. Rock solid, this quick-release mount supplies an almost absolute return to zero. The mount was also equipped with a JEC customs TLD mount with a level and rail for mounting my Trijicon RMR.
Out To 800 Yards
I wanted to use factory ammunition for this gun. Handloads are great, but time is a factor here, and factory ammo’s availability may be the strongest selling point of the 6.5 Creedmoor. Several solid factory match loads exist, and I’ve tested many of them with this custom build. The best results came from Hornady’s 140-grain A-MAX load. With other rifles, 1-MOA groups were the norm, and this rifle easily produced half-inch groups with this load. My best group during initial testing only measured 0.35 inches. This is incredible accuracy at 100 yards, and testing over two or three different lots yielded little perceivable difference. It is just flat-out accurate, incredibly consistent, and even with the 20-inch barrel, velocity was right around 2,750 fps. Best of all, this load is widely available most anywhere rifle ammunition can be purchased, even big box stores.
With the SLR Rifleworks gas block installed, it was easy to tune this rifle for proper operation. It is easy to use and provides for a more consistent metering. Once dialed in, the rifle deposited brass in a neat little pile right at 4:30 or so.
Given the Brevis II’s size, its performance is astounding. Installed on this rifle, it was even comfortable to shoot outdoors without hearing protection. It also helped reduce recoil like a suppressor twice its size. With it installed, the rifle’s accuracy was unaffected, and the backpressure was minimal. All together, the rifle balanced well, and the Brevis II was a perfect partner with the lightweight Proof Research barrel.
This custom build’s long-range accuracy has been impressive. During testing at Follow Through Consulting’s range in Teasdale, Utah, shooting the rifle was essentially a point-and-shoot affair out to 500 meters. My targets were generally 10 inches in diameter, with the occasional larger steel plate. Taking the rifle out to 800 meters, it took me three rounds to get on target from a cold bore. Once trued, the rifle was able to hold 1 MOA or less consistently out to 800-plus meters from prone. I even shot it side-by-side with one of my bolt-action rifles, and the semi-auto AR held its own. It’s a pure joy to shoot.
Range testing from barricades, some railroad ties and other conventional positions proved that the gun was accurate, well balanced and easy to shoot. Using my Alamo Four Star cradle and a tripod, it was possible to get consistent hits at 500 meters on a 6-inch steel target. The U.S. Optics scope performed flawlessly, and the H59 reticle is well-suited for tactical missions as well as competitions. The scope’s glass is crystal clear and easy to use, with tons of elevation.
Ready To Win
All that’s left is to get out on the field of competition, but this custom 6.5 Creedmoor is incredibly promising. It’s plenty accurate—it is just time for me to do my part. I’ve wanted to get back on the circuit for a few years, and this rifle looks like it will be well suited to the task. And no matter what, win or lose, shooting this rifle is about as much fun as you can have with a precision rifle.
More Information
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Seekins Precision entered the .308 Winchester/7.62mm AR game by producing one of the most accurate rifles in its class, the SP10. This rifle is lightweight, accurate and brings features normally reserved for custom rifles, including fully ambidextrous controls, a proprietary buffer system and Seekins Precision’s proven SPR3 handguard.
Flat on the bottom, this handguard offers a solid platform on barricades, fences or other obstacles. Shortly after its release, shooters began clamoring for the same rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor, and Seekins Precision has come through.
The Seekins Precision SP10 in 6.5 Creedmoor utilizes the same upper and lower receivers, well-placed controls and KeyMod-compatible SP3R handguard. The stock is a Magpul PRS unit. Other enhancements include Seekins Precision’s adjustable gas block, which is attached to a rifle-length gas system and a 22-inch, stainless steel, match-grade barrel. Fluted from the receiver to the gas block journal, the barrel is lightweight and well balanced. The lower sports a CMC trigger that provides for the best possible accuracy.
Watch the short video to see me put the SP10 in 6.5 Creedmoor through its paces in several configurations using the Steiner M5Xi Military 5-25x56mm scope, and keep your eyes peeled for a full review in an upcoming issue of SPECIAL WEAPONS. To subscribe, visit harristacticalstore.com.
For more information on the Seekins Precision SP10, please visit SeekinsPrecision.com.
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With a lot of hype backing it, Seekins Precision has officially released its SP10 rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor.
Designed for shooters, by shooters, the all new Seekins Precision SP10 offers long range, precision accuracy, full ambidextrous controls and billet aluminum construction.
The upper receiver of the Seekins Precision SP10 features an extended top picatinny rail over an integrated barrel mount to strengthen the receiver and provide ample space for mounting optics.
The SP10 rifle also offers the performance proven Seekins Precision SP3R handguard, a 22-inch black stainless match grade barrel, 3.5 pound CMC drop in trigger, Seekins ATC muzzle brake and Magpul PRS stock.
“The Seekins Precision brand is constantly evolving,” said Kevin Weyrauch, Seekins Precision’s Director of Business Development, in a statement. “The 6.5 is by far one of the most requested items we’ve had for some time. Our team has worked tirelessly for over a year, to offer a rifle that could exceed our performance and accuracy standards.”
For more information on the SP10 rifle and other products from Seekins Precision, please visit SeekinsPrecision.com.
The post New For 2016: The Seekins Precision SP10 6.5 Creedmoor appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
In my opinion, Primary Weapons Systems rifles have always been some of the softest-shooting AR rifles. They run cool with light recoil, work reliably and are very accurate. So, PWS seemed to me a perfect fit to try the now very popular 6.5mm Creedmoor. This chambering is really taking off in both AR-style rifles and bolt guns. It is accurate and flat shooting, and factory match ammunition is readily available.
Primary Weapons Systems has answered this demand with a limited run of 6.5 Creedmoor MK220 rifles.
Starting with the company’s forged receivers and light but strong handguard, the 6.5 Creedmoor MK220 uses a 20-inch, stainless steel barrel.
The PWS long-stroke gas piston system drives an enhanced bolt carrier that has been machined from tool steel and coated in nickel-Teflon. This super-strong bolt has been purpose-designed for use with .30-caliber cartridges. The four-position gas block allows you to tune the rifle for proper operation for specific ammunition, when suppressed or under harsh environmental conditions.
I was able to test the new 6.5 Creedmoor MK220 out to more than 800 yards during a scoped carbine class, and it held sub-MOA accuracy throughout. My groups at 100 yards were tighter than 0.5 inches using factory Hornady’s 140-grain A-MAX match ammunition. Using precision handloads, groups were closer to 0.35 inches.
With an OSS suppressor, the PWS was soft-shooting, quiet and deadly accurate. If you are in the market for a long-range AR, make sure you take a very close look at the PWS MK220 in 6.5 Creedmoor.
For more information on the MK220 and other products from Primary Weapons Systems, call 208-344-5217 or visit primaryweapons.com.
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Savage Arms now offers a stupefying variety of hunting and target rifles based on the venerable Model 10/12 action. The first store-bought factory rifle I ever purchased was an economy-priced Model 10 chambered in .308 Winchester. I bought it in 1960, soon after the short-action version was introduced.
That no-frills rifle accounted for a number of mule deer and pronghorn in the several years I owned it. I developed a fine appreciation of its accuracy and dependability, and have owned and used several variations since.
The latest variation I’ve been testing is the Savage Model 12 LRP (Long Range Precision) rifle chambered for the relatively new 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. As the “LRP” designation implies, this is a specialized rifle intended for extreme-distance marksmanship.
LRP Details
The barrel floats freely within the fiberglass H-S Precision stock.
The Savage Model 12 LRP is a high-precision instrument designed to compete in the rarified world of long-range target competition. It wears a 26-inch, heavy, fluted, carbon-steel barrel measuring a full inch in diameter at the recessed muzzle. The barreled action is mated to a special H-S Precision fiberglass stock with an aluminum bedding block. The barrel floats freely within the stock.
This is a very substantial rifle that tips the scales at an impressive 11 pounds before a scope is mounted. Adding a scope, a bipod and four rounds of ammunition nudges the total heft to a ponderous 14 pounds. The rifle is decidedly muzzle heavy—not something you’d want to tote very far from your truck. However, muzzle heaviness is a distinct advantage when you’re shooting from a stationary bench.
In addition to the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, Savage Arms offers Model 12 LRPs chambered in .260 Remington and .243 Winchester. The action is the same length used for .308 Winchester loads, so it should be able to handle most short-action cartridges by simply changing barrels—something that’s easy to do with this ingenious design.
The bolt face is fully recessed, protecting the shooter from possible case failures or gases leaking from punctured primers. Twin front lugs provide a solid lockup, while a plunger ejector and a spring-loaded extractor make for positive ejection. The oversized bolt handle is easy to grasp. The bolt body is machine-jeweled—an attractive touch.
The Target AccuTrigger is easy to adjust without gunsmithing.
One superlative feature is the patented AccuTrigger that Savage Arms has long been famous for. The red Target AccuTrigger provided on LRP rifles differs from AccuTriggers on other Savage bolt rifles primarily because it permits a much lighter let-off. Savage’s standard AccuTrigger can be safely adjusted from 1.5 to 6 pounds. The Target AccuTrigger can be adjusted as low as a mere 6 ounces. Acknowledging the danger of accidentally jarring a trigger set this light and causing an unwanted discharge, Savage emblazons a stern warning on the left side of the LPS receiver: “Warning: Precision target trigger. Point in a safe direction, then load and close the bolt with extreme care.”
When I checked the trigger on my test rifle, it broke crisply at a bare 1.2 pounds of pressure. That was light enough for me, so I attempted no further adjustments. If I’d been preparing to shoot competitively at 1,000 yards or more, I’d have gone with the lightest setting the trigger allowed. At extreme distances, an ultra-light trigger could make a real difference in the scores you post.
The AccuTrigger features an integral AccuRelease. This “trigger within a trigger” must be depressed with your trigger finger, which unblocks the sear. This drives the firing pin forward, causing the rifle to fire. The lighter the trigger, the better the accuracy. However, extra care must be taken to keep the rifle pointed safely downrange.
Going The Distance
While it might be too heavy for long mountain treks, Tte Model 12 LRP’s 11-pound weight helps it absorb most of the felt recoil generated by the 6.5 Creedmoor.
After mounting a 4-12x40mm Pentax Gamekeeper scope, I placed the rifle, ammo and a portable shooting bench into the trunk of my car and headed to the desert. There’s a formal shooting range located on a mountainside not far from my home, but when I’m wringing out a firearm I’m testing, waiting while other shooters complete their rounds of firing, then retrieve their targets before firing again burns up a lot of time. I’m impatient by nature, so I prefer to drive 40 miles into the empty desert and shoot at my leisure. I consider it my private range. As a bonus, there are usually plenty of jackrabbits in the neighborhood, which is why I always have a good .22 LR rifle along with me.
When I tested the Savage Model 12 LRP, the only load available from my usual supplier was Hornady’s 129-grain SST Superformance ammo. The store had no other 6.5 Creedmoor ammo on hand, so I had to make do with what I could buy there. Thankfully, the cartridge’s popularity has increased significantly, and several companies are now producing 6.5 Creedmoor loads for a variety of tasks, including competition and hunting. In fact, in addition to punching tiny groups in paper, the 6.5 Creedmoor is highly capable for game up to and including elk. This chambering’s delightfully low recoil is an added bonus for shooters.
Before I began shooting the Savage Model 12 LRP at targets, I chronographed the Hornady load. It yielded 2,942 fps and produced no discernable recoil. Some recoil forces are inevitably produced, but the heft of this specialized rifle generates kick I simply couldn’t feel. That’s one big advantage of the 6.5 Creedmoor—it’s a real pussycat to shoot. This should make it extremely popular in the lightweight hunting rifles chambering the load that are now available.
The trigger was a real delight. The 1.2-pound let-off was icicle-breaking crisp with no take-up or overtravel. It was much better than most set triggers I’ve used. I wasn’t tempted to test the trigger at its lowest 6-ounce setting—I was afraid a strong breeze might trip it!
To measure the rifle’s inherent accuracy, the author tested it from a portable bench with a Harris bipod supporting the forend.
I fed the rifle from the removable magazine rather than loading each round into the chamber by hand. The magazine holds four rounds, but the last round is a really tight fit. Rather than struggle to reach maximum capacity, I loaded only three rounds at a time. While the rounds are staggered in the magazine, the magazine lips narrow into a single column, presenting only one cartridge at a time to the bolt face. This provides a great combination of staggered-load capacity with reliable in-line feeding.
To measure the rifle’s inherent accuracy, I attached a Harris bipod to the forend, then positioned the rifle on my portable bench. I fired a couple of rounds from 25 yards to get the bullets printing on paper, then adjusted the scope until the point of impact was just 1 inch above the bullseye. Then I moved the target until it was 100 yards away and fired a three-shot group.
That group made a tight 0.65-inch cluster on the target. I fired three more groups that delivered almost identical accuracy—the tightest measured just 0.6 inches between centers.
This rifle is specifically designed for long-distance shooting, so I moved the target 200 yards away. The contour of the terrain prevented me from moving it much farther. At 200 yards, the rifle produced three-shot groups averaging 1.2 inches, center-to-center. A slight breeze was blowing, and my portable shooting bench and fold-down bipod didn’t provide the rock-solid stability a permanent concrete or wood-beam bench would allow. However, I was perfectly happy with the rifle’s 0.6-MOA performance.
For more information, visit http://www.savagearms.com or call 413-568-7001.
This article was originally published in ‘Gun Annual’ #191. For information on how to subscribe, please email subscriptions@
The post Savage Precision: The Model 12 LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
Ruger has been known for many things, including reliability, ruggedness, simplicity and affordability. The company’s move into the black rifle world with the SR-556 met those requirements, with the AR0556 bringing that reputation to the masses in an affordable package suitable for just about any use. So when I was invited to a media event where the company’s new Precision Rifle would be introduced, I was excited.
While many Ruger rifles are plenty accurate, they have never really embraced the precision market. Any trepidation was immediately dispelled once I handled the new Ruger Precision Rifle. I spent three days shooting it out to 1,200 yards, and I am absolutely impressed.
Ruger started with the Ruger American bolt action and built everything else around it. The Precision Rifle uses the proven SR-25 and AICS magazines. Either will work—same mag well, same magazine release. The rifle is also compatible with AR accessories, like stocks and grips. Ruger supplies a folding stock that is excellent, with no tools required for adjustments.
My test rifle came with a 24-inch, cold-hammer-forged barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor, with other chamberings available. Most AR-style handguards can be easily attached without affecting the barrel. The top rail has a 20-MOA offset for large, long-range scopes. Finally, the trigger is crisp, repeatable and controllable.
Check out the video to see the Precision Rifle in action, and keep your eyes peeled for a full review in an upcoming issue of SPECIAL WEAPONS FOR MILITARY & POLICE. To subscribe, visit Tactical-Life.com/subscribe.
For more information, please visit Ruger.com.
The post Exclusive Video: Ruger’s Brand New Precision Rifle In 6.5 Creedmoor appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
CMMG continues its winning streak of quality rifle offerings with the release of four new models chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Each of these Mk3 rifles is built on the company’s billet 7075-T6 aluminum AR10 receiver set and runs on a rifle-length direct impingement gas operating system.
First up is the Mk3, which features a 20-inch medium taper barrel; A2 compensator; CMMG single stage trigger and A2 furniture. It also uses a CMMG RKM15 KeyMod handguard. Weighing in at nine pounds, the Mk3 has a MSRP of $1,799.95.
Next is the Mk3 P model, which sports a 24-inch heavy taper barrel; CMMG CV brake; CMMG single stage trigger; Magpul MOE pistol grip and stock; and a CMMG RKM15 KeyMod handguard. This rifle weighs 10.4 pounds and has a MSRP of $1,899.95.
The Mk3 DTR rifle features the new CMMG RML15 M-LOK handguard. It uses a 24-inch heavy taper barrel; SV brake and CMMG single stage trigger. It weighs 11.3 pounds and also includes a Magpul MOE pistol grip and PRS fully adjustable stock. The MSRP on this model is $2,099.95.
At the top end of these new Mk3 6.5 Creedmoor offerings is the Mk3 DTR2, which comes with a Giessele SSA two-stage trigger; CMMG RML15 M-Lok handguard; 24-inch heavy taper barrel and a CMMG SV Brake. Rounding out the features on this one is a Magpul MOE pistol grip and PRS fully adjustable stock; and a weight of 11.3 pounds. MSRP on the Mk3 DTR2 is $2,274.95.
“With the new 6.5 Creedmoor models, we set out to deliver our most accurate line of rifles to date. We’re extremely excited about this up-and-coming caliber and are pleased to offer it to our customers in our proven Mk3 line,” CEO Chris Reinkemeyer said in a statement.
See below for detailed specs on these four new Mk3 rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor.
Mk3 6.5 Creedmoor
BARREL: 20″ 1:8 Twist, 6.5 Creedmoor, Medium Taper 416SS Barrel
MUZZLE: A2 Comp, Threaded 5/8 – 24
HAND GUARD: RKM15
FURNITURE: A2 Buttstock, A2 Pistol Grip
RECEIVERS: Billet 7075-T6 AL
TRIGGER: Single Stage Mil-Spec Type
WEIGHT: 9 lbs. (UNLOADED)
LENGTH: 41″
GAS PORT LOCATION: Rifle
MSRP: $1,799.95
Mk3 P 6.5 Creedmoor
BARREL: 24″ 1:8 Twist, 6.5 Creedmoor, Heavy Taper 416SS Barrel
MUZZLE: CMMG SV Brake, Threaded 5/8 – 24
HAND GUARD: RKM15
FURNITURE: Magpul MOE Pistol Grip, Magpul Rifle MOE stock
RECEIVERS: Billet 7075-T6 AL
TRIGGER: Single Stage Mil-Spec Type
WEIGHT: 10.4 lbs (UNLOADED)
LENGTH: 45″
GAS PORT LOCATION: Rifle
MSRP: $1,899.95
Mk3 DTR 6.5 Creedmoor
BARREL: 24″ 1:8 Twist, 6.5 Creedmoor, Heavy Taper 416SS Barrel
MUZZLE: CMMG SV Brake, Threaded 5/8 – 24
HAND GUARD: RML15
FURNITURE: Magpul MOE Pistol Grip, Magpul PRS stock
RECEIVERS: Billet 7075-T6 AL
TRIGGER: Single Stage Mil-Spec Type
WEIGHT: 11.3 lbs (UNLOADED)
LENGTH: 46″
GAS PORT LOCATION: Rifle
MSRP: $2,099.95
Mk3 DTR2 6.5 Creedmoor
BARREL: 24″ 1:8 Twist, 6.5 Creedmoor, Heavy Taper 416SS Barrel
MUZZLE: CMMG SV Brake, Threaded 5/8 – 24
HAND GUARD: RML15
FURNITURE: Magpul MOE Pistol Grip, Magpul PRS stock
RECEIVERS: Billet 7075-T6 AL
TRIGGER: Giessele Automatics SSA
WEIGHT: 11.3 lbs (UNLOADED)
LENGTH: 46″
GAS PORT LOCATION: Rifle
MSRP: $2,274.95
For more information, visit cmmginc.com.
The post CMMG Adds 4 New Mk3 Rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
Mention precision rifles, and most of us will immediately think of a factory-customized AR or bolt-action rifle that weighs 11 to 13 pounds with a scope. These rifles often have excellent accuracy and equally “excellent” prices, starting at about $900 for a basic bolt gun and easily topping $2,500. Add a $2,000 scope and a few accessories, and the cost is higher than many law enforcement agencies will pay.
Long-range hunters also have problems with these big, heavy bolt guns. Whether you sit in a blind overlooking an Eastern beanfield or hunt in the high mountain country of the West, you’ll want a rugged rifle that doesn’t weigh a ton. It didn’t take too many hours for my arms to get weary carrying a full-sized sporter in Arizona or holding one in the ready position while sitting in Virginia deer blinds. I quickly learned to pack a lightweight rifle.
If you’re a SWAT officer or long-range hunter, it would be nice if you could get an accurate bolt-action rifle that weighed 6.6 pounds or less in a flat-shooting caliber, such as the 6.5 Creedmoor, for less than $550. Just another pipe dream? Not really. Sturm, Ruger & Company recently introduced such a gun—the Ruger American Predator.
The rifle’s lightweight synthetic stock comes with a thick rubber buttpad to help absorb felt recoil, and the trigger is adjustable from 3 to 5 pounds.
The Ruger American Predator is an offshoot of the popular Ruger American Rifle, which was introduced a few years ago. This rifle was designed to be accurate, practical and affordable. The American Rifle also produced very good groups and gained a reputation for obtaining 1-MOA accuracy. Not all precision rifles I’ve shot can make that claim. Many do, but why pay more for essentially the same result?
The 6.5 Creedmoor Predator’s ability to shoot small groups comes from its accuracy-enhancing features. The first is a crisp adjustable trigger that breaks cleanly and can be set at 3 to 5 pounds. Its 22-inch barrel is precisely hammer forged, and it has a profile that’s somewhat on the heavy side, measuring 1.15 inches in diameter at the receiver and 0.745 inches just before the threads at the muzzle. This gives it sufficient rigidity to dampen group-enlarging barrel whip and limit shifts in the point of impact because of heating when you quickly fire several shots in succession. The muzzle sports the popular 5/8×24-tpi threading so you can mount a muzzle brake or sound suppressor. And there’s the lightweight polymer stock with Power Bedding, composed of two steel bedding blocks that fix the location of the receiver in the stock. In addition, the barrel floats freely above the forend, which has a molded polymer internal honeycomb reinforcement. Combine all of this with a well-executed overall matte finish and an integral Picatinny scope rail, and the result is a rifle designed for accuracy from the get-go.
It’s good to have desirable features, but a precision rifle must be made well. When field-stripped and examined at the bench, my test Ruger American Predator rifle showed no tool marks, scratches, poorly conformed parts, sharp or crooked edges, or blemishes in the finish. After cleaning, the bore appeared bright and shiny, with no obvious imperfections. The bolt was a bit stiff on cocking but it smoothed out with time and use. A small amount of TW-25b grease on the bolt lugs also helped in this regard. The rifle’s adjustable trigger was easy to set at 3 pounds, after which I remounted the stock and torqued the guard screws to exactly 60 inch-pounds.
A rifle designed for pinpoint precision deserves a target-quality scope. And because the Ruger American Predator is relatively inexpensive, the scope should be, too. Fortunately, Redfield makes a good tactical scope for about $350—the 3-9x40mm Revolution/TAC.
For a relatively inexpensive tactical scope, the Revolution/TAC has several features that make it attractive to people seeking a precise, compact and relatively lightweight scope to pair with the Predator. This nitrogen-filled, water-, shock- and fogproof scope has premium lenses that are fully multicoated using Redfield’s exclusive vapor-deposit technology. Even though it’s slightly longer than a foot and only weighs slightly more than 12 ounces, the scope’s top-end magnification will easily allow hits out to 600 yards by just holding over and sighting with the riflescope’s effective TAC-MOA reticle.
If you need longer shots, you can use the scope’s target-style turrets to increase elevation. The total amount of vertical and horizontal adjustment is 56 MOA, which is enough to make shots possible at 1,000 yards if the visual axis of the scope is properly aligned with the axis of the bore through lapping the scope rings or by using adjustable rings and/or bases. The 6.5 Creedmoor can neutralize a hostile target at longer distances, but law enforcement marksmen rarely shoot beyond 200 yards, and even long-range hunters generally keep their shots within 600 yards. After mounting the scope in Leupold quick-release rings, the entire package weighed a little more than 7.5 pounds with a loaded magazine.
The Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor comes with a black, four-round rotary magazine that fits flush with the bottom of the moss green stock and provides a nice contrast.
The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge was designed by Hornady ballistics engineers in 2007. The concept was to develop a highly efficient 6.5mm cartridge that would rival the .260 Remington in powder capacity but better accommodate long bullets in a short-action rifle. To accomplish that, they based the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge on the .30 Thompson/Center cartridge rather than the .308 Winchester case. Initially, the 6.5 Creedmoor’s ballistics don’t look like those of a long-distance cartridge. For the 140-grain Federal American Eagle Open-Tip Match (OTM) round, the advertised muzzle velocity is 2,700 fps compared to 2,600 fps for a .308 Winchester with a 180-grain bullet.
The key to the 6.5 Creedmoor’s success at long-distance shooting is its high ballistic coefficient (BC), especially when using Hornady’s new 143-grain ELD-X bullet. The ELD-X has an extremely high G1 BC of 0.624. I’ve seen a custom 6.5 Creedmoor rifle with a 12X scope use this ammo to engage targets to 1,200 yards. At that distance, the ELD-X is 488 inches low while the 180-grain .308 Winchester is 639 inches low—a difference of 151 inches in trajectory for bullets that only started with a difference of 100 fps in muzzle velocity.
The 6.5 Creedmoor also beats the .308 Winchester handily at long-range terminal ballistics. At 500 yards, the Creedmoor retains more bullet energy than the .308, even though the .308 delivered almost 300 more foot-pounds of energy (fpe) at the muzzle.
“None of the 100-yard groups were larger than 1.5 inches, and three of the six groups were less than 1 MOA. Clearly, the rifle has some potential.”
I tested the rifle and scope for accuracy and velocity at the Big 3 East Training Center near Daytona Beach, Florida. Thankfully, the weather was clear and cool. The bad news was that later in the morning the wind gusted to about 8 mph, and that was during the long-distance portion of the evaluation. The wind opened the groups a bit, but hunters and marksmen can’t always expect perfect conditions.
Two loads were available for testing: Hornady’s 120-grain A-MAX rounds and Federal’s American Eagle 140-grain OTMs. To measure the rifle’s accuracy, I fired three 3-shot groups at 100 yards and subsequent three-shot groups at 200 and 300 yards. I used Sierra’s Infinity Ballistic program to compute holdover and windage corrections. I fired three-shot groups because hunters and law enforcement marksmen rarely fire more than three rounds consecutively. On the other hand, they might have to fire several rounds in quick succession. Therefore, each three-shot group was fired within a minute instead of letting the rifle cool a minute between shots and five minutes between groups, which is my usual practice when testing a weapon’s accuracy. The Federal load was the most accurate with a best group measuring 0.9 inches. The Hornady load wasn’t far behind with a 0.95-inch best group, establishing the fact that the Predator is a sub-MOA rifle. None of the 100-yard groups were larger than 1.5 inches, and three of the six groups were less than 1 MOA. Clearly, the rifle has some potential.
At 200 yards, the Hornady load shot into 2.75 inches, and the Federal Eagle shot into 3 inches. Both groups showed the effect of the wind blowing at a 90-degree angle to the bullet’s flight. At 300 yards, the Sierra ballistics program indicated the drop would be about 2.2 inches for the 120-grain load and 2.8 inches for the 140-grainers, provided the bullets traveled at the advertised velocity. I used the Hornady load for this test. Because its velocity was more than 100-fps slower than advertised, I aimed two shots 4-MOA high and one shot 5-MOA high above the center of the 10-zone in the middle of the chest. The two-shot string struck the upper chest about 3 inches above the point of aim. The third (5-MOA hold) shot was in the area of the left carotid artery, 7 inches above the point of aim. Unfortunately, my time and ammunition were limited, as I would like to have spent another morning working the trajectory out to 600 yards.
I measured the velocities using a Competition Electronics ProChrono chronograph. The Hornady load averaged 2,780 fps from the rifle’s 22-inch barrel and produced 2,058 fpe at the muzzle. The Federal load averaged 2,627 fps and produced 2,145 fpe at the muzzle. Those muzzle energies might seem a bit low at first, but the BC of the 140-grain bullet retains velocity and energy well, giving the 6.5 Creedmoor the capacity to cleanly down a deer at 500 yards—a distance at which the bullet is still moving at almost 1,900 fps.
Teaming the Ruger American Predator with Redfield’s Revolution/TAC scope clearly demonstrated that long-range hunters and law enforcement agencies don’t have to spend big bucks to get a good precision rifle. Even if they pay full retail price, they can still put the rifle/scope combination tested for this article into the field for less than $1,000. That’s good news for taxpayers and hunters on limited incomes.
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Barrel: 22 inches
OA Length: 42 inches
Weight: 6.6 pounds (empty)
Stock: Synthetic
Sights: None
Action: Bolt
Finish: Matte black, moss green
Capacity: 4+1
MSRP: $529
For more information about the Ruger American Predator, visit ruger.com.
This article was originally published in “Tactical Weapons” May/June 2017. To order a copy, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.
The post Ready to Pounce: The 6.5 Creedmoor Ruger American Predator Rifle appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
Stag Arms’ new Stag 10 6.5 Creedmoor is now shipping, with the Stag 10 left-handed models in 6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Winchester now available for pre-order, the Connecticut-based gun maker has announced.
The rifles sport a 22-inch 416R stainless steel barrel chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 1:8 twist for long-range shooters. This lineup features a Stag slang cut and uniquely designed parts for the lower to ensure an optimal fit between receivers. The rest of the gun uses the DPMS platform for maximum compatibility, the release says.
Touted as being the first gun maker to manufacture AR-15s for left-handed shooters, Stag Arms has brought the southpaw concept to the AR-10 platform. Available in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester, the Stag 10 series offers the end user uncompromised comfort and enhances the natural position of the shooter.
“Ever since we announced the Stag 10 series, we’ve received an overwhelming response as to when these would be available and whether they would be offered in our famous left-hand configurations. We are very excited to release the 6.5 Creedmoor to the market today, while simultaneously launching our Stag 10 .308 left-handed models,” Christopher Berlinski, marketing manager at Stag Arms, said in a statement.
The Stag 10 6.5 Creedmoor models are currently on sale at stagarms.com. The non-sale products are available at 20 percent off as part of the company’s Independence Day sale which runs through July 9.
The post Stag Arms’ Stag 10 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles Are Now Shipping appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of the 6.5 Creedmoor. Over the past few years, I’ve spent some serious quality time behind rifles chambered for this long-range cartridge. There are so many things to like about the 6.5 Creedmoor that it is a wonder it has not caught on even more than it already has. But I’m sure that will likely change with time.
Some of the best 6.5 Creedmoor ammo comes from Hornady, with A-MAX, GMX and newer ELD (Extreme Low Drag) rounds that offer excellent ballistics at distance. The company’s 129-grain InterBond provides a round that offers similar performance to the barrier round most commonly used in law enforcement today. For a police agency or just someone who does not want to reload, this covers the 6.5 Creedmoor spectrum pretty well. And although I haven’t had a chance to try it yet, Federal Premium recently unveiled its new 140-grain Fusion ammo. If your rifle pulls double duty on big game, the Fusion line is definitely worth considering.
I recently wanted a new 6.5 Creedmoor rifle that could work for tactical deployments and also compete in a tournament hosted by Dave Lauck with factory-loaded match-grade ammunition. Dave’s competition requires your partner to use a carbine alongside your bolt action, and he doesn’t limit your caliber. Luckily, my DMR was already chambered for the 6.5 Creedmoor—a round that, introduced in 2007, was designed to work well in both bolt actions and semi-automatics thanks to its shorter overall length. So who would build my 6.5 Creedmoor bolt rifle?
H-S Precision HTR
H-S Precision makes many of its own components, including high-quality barrels. The test rifle came equipped with a non-fluted, 26-inch, cut-rifled barrel chambered for the 6.5 Creedmoor.
When it comes to bolt-action precision rifles, it’s hard to beat H-S Precision. The company’s Pro Series 2000 rifles have been considered some of the best precision rifles on the market for years, and H-S Precision is one of the few rifle manufacturers that builds virtually ever part of its rifles in-house, too, including its own barrels. H-S Precision stocks are used by many larger manufacturers as well as custom builders. As for complete rifles, the company’s builds have proven to be so accurate and reliable that they’re currently in use with the FBI and Israel Defense Forces, or IDF.
I chose the H-S Precision Heavy Tactical Rifle (HTR), one of the company’s most proven tactical designs, for my build. The rifle starts with a Pro Series 2000 action featuring a tactical bolt knob as well as a three-position safety. It’s also a push-feed action, which allows for fast single-feeding if needed. The trigger is a very crisp unit set to 3 pounds at my request. This is about the lightest pull weight I’ll use, and it’s become the standard for all of my precision rifles.
The bolt handle features a large knob so users can operate the push-feed action quickly and smoothly while wearing tactical gloves. Also note the three-position safety at the back of the receiver.
Given the versatile nature of this rifle, I chose a 26-inch, non-fluted, cut-rifled barrel chambered for the 6.5 Creedmoor. While fluting is available, I wasn’t concerned with the rifle’s overall weight, and I was certain I’d end up using an over-the-barrel suppressor in the near future.
The buttstock is adjustable for both length of pull and cheek height using finger-adjustable knobs.
The barreled action was installed in a composite stock with a full-length aluminum bedding block for enhanced repeatability. The stock is adjustable for both length of pull and cheek height, which makes it easy to find the perfect fit behind the rifle in the field. I ordered the stock in OD green with black webbing for a bit of camouflage. The rest of the rifle is matte black to reduce glare.
In order to facilitate mounting scopes as well as night-vision devices, the rifle has a long top rail with a 20-MOA offset for long-distance optics. My SWAT team deploys with night vision, so this is a big bonus for the rifle. Shorter side rails were also included for adding lights, lasers or other accessories that might be required.
The top rail has a 20-MOA offset and is long enough to mount night-vision gear in front of a day scope. The author added a Hensoldt ZF 3-12x56mm scope for the range.
My rifle came with one 5-round magazine as well as two 10-rounders. The magazines came with special rubber coatings on the bottom that protect them from damage and make them easier to grasp in cold, wet or muddy conditions.
I added a Harris bipod as well as a Hensoldt ZF 3-12x56mm scope with an illuminated, first-focal-plane, mil-dot reticle. The elevation and windage turrets are large, easy to read and easy to adjust in 0.10-mil increments. The elevation knob is reversed from those generally seen in the United States. In order to increase elevation, you turn the scope clockwise. Resetting the knobs is easy, and the glass is simply the best that can be had in a riflescope. It is crystal clear and uses Zeiss T-coatings, providing excellent low-light transmission as well as superb image quality. I used a set of Badger Ordnance rings to mount the scope on the rifle’s top rail.
Out To 300 Yards
At the range, the HTR created some extremely tight groups at 100 and 300 yards. With Hornady’s 140-grain A-MAX rounds, the rifle produced a five-shot group measuring just 0.26 inches at 100 yards.
I tested the H-S Precision HTR on the range with two factory Hornady loads as well as two hand-loads. Hornady’s 140-grain A-MAX ammo has proven to be incredibly accurate in my other 6.5 Creedmoor rifles, with most groups right around 0.25 inches. You can’t get much more accurate than that. With the HTR, the best group with the 140-grain Hornady A-MAX ammo was 0.26 inches on a day with weather that wasn’t very conducive to group shooting. This is the third rifle I’ve tested to produce this kind of accuracy with Hornady’s 140-grain A-MAX, so you know this ammunition is truly consistent. Shooting the HTR at 300 yards, the largest group was 1.25 inches, and given better conditions, I believe my groups would have been even tighter.
H-S Precision has done an excellent job with this stock’s ergonomics. You can adjust the length of pull and cheek height without any tools. Once adjusted, the cheekpiece and buttpad stayed in place through the entire evaluation. I used to avoid adjustable stocks because of their loose features, but this rock-solid stock has really changed my opinion.
After breaking the rifle in, the bolt was very smooth and the three-position safety worked without an issue. This rifle makes it easy to see why push-feed actions are so prized by many police agencies—they’re safe and easy to use. The bolt knob was easy to grasp during testing, and the lift pressure was just about correct. The trigger was crisp right from the start and remained that way throughout the entire evaluation.
The included five- and 10-round magazines came with rubber housings to withstand harsh field use.
All of the supplied magazines worked well, and the rubber coating on the bottom was excellent. I made several runs using the rifle with gloved hands, and the magazines did not slip like others.
Each magazine loaded positively and ejected with a press of the magazine release at the front of the triggerguard. Some prefer the release to be outside the triggerguard, but honestly, this is not a speed-loading beast. This setup allows you to easily release the magazine without losing your control-hand grip and operates essentially like an M1A safety.
I tested the HTR with and without a sound suppressor. This caliber is pretty quiet without a silencer, and if you add a suppressor, you’ll have to double-check to make sure the gun actually fired. That’s how quiet it is. I used a Jet suppressor in 6.5mm from Mike’s Gun Sales & Service. This is a simple, lightweight, titanium model that threads on easily without affecting the rifle’s balance. While this made the rifle rather long in off-hand and unsupported positions, the HTR handled well and ran without a hitch.
Real-World Testing
I spent the rest of the gun test using the H-S Precision HTR as I would in actual deployment conditions. This meant using the rifle on, in and around my truck. It carries well in a bag and deployed easily. Although I didn’t have the chance to test the rifle at night, an AN/PVS-24 fit securely on the top rail. I also used some 140-grain SST rounds that showed great promise, performing side-by-side with my department’s AccuBond duty round.
The 6.5 Creedmoor is very effective at truly long distances, reaching out to well beyond 1,000 yards. Yet it’s still capable at closer distances without much overpenetration. Its recoil is almost nonexistent, it uses standard .308 Winchester magazines and it’s amazingly accurate. What more could you want? This H-S Precision HTR is great option for any police or competitive uses, and it turned out to be a perfect partner for this chambering. I for one am a big fan of both H-S Precision and the 6.5 Creedmoor, and that certainly won’t be changing any time soon.
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Barrel: 26 inches
OA Length: 46.5 inches
Weight: 14 pounds (empty)
Stock: HTR
Sights: None
Action: Bolt
Finish: Black, OD green
Capacity: 5+1, 10+1
MSRP: N/A
For more information, visit hsprecision.com or call 605-341-3006.
This article was originally published in “Tactical Weapons” February/March 2017. To order a copy, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.
The post 6.5 Sniper: Shooting the H-S Precision HTR in 6.5 Creedmoor appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
The 6.5 Creedmoor chambering has caused quite a stir among long-range shooters, and for good reason. Its ballistic performance is outstanding, and ammunition in this caliber is now widely available and affordable. Until recently, there was a dearth of tactical-style rifles in this caliber that wouldn’t break the bank. Ruger was the first to step up to the plate with its mass-market Precision rifle. Not far behind is Savage Arms. The company has released the 10 BA Stealth in both in .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor, and we tested the latter to see whether its performance matched its futuristic looks.
The rifle features Savage’s renowned AccuTrigger, a three-position safety, a smooth bolt knob, a paddle-style magazine release and a large triggerguard that provides plenty of room for gloved fingers.
The 10 BA Stealth has a sleek design with everything you need and nothing you don’t. The skeletonized, monolithic aluminum chassis, made by Drake Associates, has a forend with ample room for mounting accessories thanks to its M-LOK slots. The fluted, free-floating barrel sports 5/8×24-tpi threading at the muzzle, and a knurled thread protector is included. The bolt has been blueprinted, and a cocking indicator is located at the rear.
Just behind the bolt is a three-position safety that is easy to reach without shifting your grip. The grip itself is a Hogue unit—a good accessory for handling and carrying this long and heavy rifle. The trigger is Savage’s renowned AccuTrigger, which features a safety block akin to many striker-fired pistols. This safety feature has a polished nickel finish—the only non-matte-black feature on the rifle. The AccuTrigger is a single-stage design, and our test rifle’s trigger had a pull weight of about 3 pounds, though the pull weight is adjustable.
A wide, flat, polygonal triggerguard adds to the gun’s space-age looks. It protects the trigger while being roomy enough for gloved fingers. Just ahead of the triggerguard is a paddle-style magazine release that can be used by either hand. The magazine well is designed to accept AICS magazines, and one 10-round polymer magazine from MDT was included with our rifle.
Atop the receiver is a one-piece EGW scope rail. Like most bolt-action rifles these days, there are no iron sights, and Bushnell loaned me its excellent first-focal-plane Elite Tactical LRS 6-24x50mm riflescope for the test. I used a set of high Weaver Tactical rings to mount the optic on the rifle.
Finally, at the tail end of the 10 BA Stealth is the FAB Defense GLR-Shock buttstock, an M4-style unit that is adjustable to six different length-of-pull positions. It comes with an aggressively textured shoulder pad for traction and a flush-cup sling attachment point. There is also a sling-mounting stud on the forend of the rifle, but we’ll get to that in a minute.
This particular FAB Defense stock also comes with a cheek riser that can be adjusted via sturdy thumbwheels on each side of the stock.
The black-finished bolt on my test rifle, branded with the Savage name, functions well. The bolt handle is on the small side. I would prefer one a bit larger with more texturing than the narrow ring of knurling this one has. However, this is a personal preference that has little to do with the rifle’s functioning.
The magazines functioned really well. Every round fed without issue, across three brands of ammunition. Savage made a good decision in going with this MDT magazine. Though I was concerned at first with the durability of this polymer magazine and its follower, at $39 the magazine is less expensive than Savage Arms’ own steel box magazines. The magazine is also nicely textured to enhance your grip, but not so much as to become dirt collectors.
The trigger is, in my estimation, perfect for a precision rifle. It’s easy to disengage the trigger safety, and 3 pounds of pressure makes for an easy break on the factory setting. For hunting, it might be wise to adjust it to a heavier pull for safety’s sake. Serious match shooters might prefer to lighten it a bit. The nice thing is, the AccuTrigger gives the operator a choice.
The adjustable stock has hiking-boot-like traction. Whether that makes much difference in felt recoil is hard to tell, but it sure does look cool. It’s easy to adjust he length of pull with one hand, similar to the stocks on most ARs. But this stock also comes with a cheek riser that can be adjusted via a dial on each side, and it offers quite a range of heights for use with any optics.
I added a bipod, and as expected, there was some bounce when shooting off of hard surfaces. A quality muzzle brake might be a good add-on for those interested in getting back on target quickly.
At the range, the Savage 10 BA Stealth made it easy to strike targets out to 1,000 yards with a variety of ammo, and it later helped the author’s hunting partner drop a mule deer at 327 yards.
We put the 10 BA Stealth in a bag-supported benchrest position for zeroing at 100 yards. Using 140-grain Federal American Eagle open-tip match (OTM) rounds, it was easy to produce three-shot groups measuring 0.5 inches. Conditions for this first session were close to perfect but not clinical, with temperatures around 65 degrees and a 7-mph quartering wind. Of course, such a breeze shouldn’t affect the flat-shooting 6.5 Creedmoor at 100 yards.
Later, our 100-yard tests included Federal’s new Fusion 140-grain hunting load as well as Hornady’s 140-grain ELD Match ammo. All of the rounds performed well, and the Hornady load produced the tightest group, with four of the five shots creating adjoining holes.
The long-distance portion of my range has diamond-shaped steel targets with 10-inch effective hit areas. Loaded with the American Eagle OTMs, we used the 10 BA Stealth to hit targets at 550 yards. With 3 mils of elevation dialed into the scope, three successive hits signaled our readiness to move onto 750 yards. Again, hits came easily, inspiring confidence to make the leap to the 1,000-yard plate. Here, the limitations of the scope mount came into play. Having dialed the maximum elevation of 6.3 mils, we had to use the reticle’s hash marks to achieve a proper holdover.
But getting hits at distance was an easy affair with this amazing rifle/scope combo. The little steel plate rang out almost too easily, making it a thrill rather than a struggle to hit at such a long distance. Conditions were mild, with clear skies signaling dry air. Temperatures were in the mid-60s, and a quartering breeze of about 8 mph demanded only a slight windage correction.
Feeling rather confident after the first session, we returned to the long-distance range a few weeks later to test the new Fusion ammunition, which conveniently shared the same 100-yard zero as American Eagle OTMs. But things weren’t quite as smooth this time. It took half a box of ammo to dial in at 750 yards, and we only achieved one hit at 800 yards. Our corrections didn’t seem to make a difference in one instance and then be overdone in the next. The Bushnell scope had been too dependable to be the cause. We left the platform more puzzled than confident, especially as the gun was slated for its final test, a mule deer hunt, the following week.
My testing partner called the next day with a revelation. “The sling stud in the forend fell off,” he said, having found it inside the case. Though a minor detail, the little accessory was likely rattling just enough to affect each bullet’s trajectory. Lesson learned: Loctite the sling stud before use!
There was no time to confirm this suspicion before the deer hunt. Trusting the original holdover chart produced via the Shooter ballistic app, my partner stalked and finally attained a bipod-supported line of sight on a buck. A single 327-yard shot—a relatively close one for this rifle—dropped him. The Federal Fusion round, a large-game cartridge, penetrated both scapulae and both lungs for a clean kill.
The sling stud issue is a relatively minor one that can be remedied with Loctite. It was fortunate to have figured that out before the hunt.
The Savage 10 BA Stealth is a standout choice for anyone wanting to expand the depth of their skills and collection for long-range shooting. As with any precision shooter, a dependable, clear optic like the Bushnell Elite Tactical scope used here should be part of the package.
This rifle, especially chambered in the wind-resistant 6.5 Creedmoor, is superb for large game at long distances. The weight and length of the setup make it best suited for pursuits that are mostly stationary—carrying it is a fatigue multiplier.
With real prices coming in at just over $1,000, topped with a dependable optic like the Bushnell Tactical LRS priced around $875, the Savage 10 BA Stealth is priced well below similarly performing custom builds. It’s as rewarding to shoot as it is powerful.
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Barrel: 24 inches
OA Length: 45.25 inches
Weight: 9.2 pounds (empty)
Stock: FAB Defense GLR-Shock
Sights: None
Action: Bolt
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $1,207
For more information, visit savagearms.com.
This article was originally published in “Gun Buyer’s Guide” 2017. To order a copy, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.
The post Gun Test: The Savage 10 BA Stealth in 6.5 Creedmoor appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
Diamondback Firearms has expanded its AR lineup with the new DB1065CB chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor.
In a press release, Diamondback says its new 6.5 Creedmoor AR sports a 20-inch stainless fluted barrel, 15-inch Victor M-LOK rail and Double Side Port Muzzle Break.
In addition, the Florida-based company partnered with The Mako Group to feature the FAB Defense GL-Shock stock and AGR-43 rubber overmolded pistol grip on the DB1065CB. The GL-Shock stock boasts a patented “anti-rattle” mechanism with no protruding parts—so there’s no snagging—and it comes with a built-in silicone chrome alloy. The AGR-43 pistol grip, meanwhile, has multi-textured features that provide a more secure grip, in addition to a better shooting angle, heightened control, less wrist fatigue and a hinged floorplate for storing batteries.
The rifle isn’t listed yet on Diamondback’s website, but according to the listing on Gallery of Guns, the DB1065CB in 6.5 Creedmoor has an overall length of 38.5 to 42 inches, and weighs in at nine pounds. It also ships out with a 5-round and a 20-round magazine.
The DB1065CB is set to be offered in black at a MSRP of $1,229, and flat dark earth for $1,259.
For more on Diamondback Firearms, visit diamondbackfirearms.com.
The post Diamondback Firearms Announces DB1065CB AR in 6.5 Creedmoor appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.
