Anyone have any experience or first hand info on their rifles? Came across them and cant really find anything on them at all. There is some older threads that led to no where when I searched other than seeing that MSTN uses some V seven parts in builds.
- Thread starter j-moose32
- Start date
I have no experience with their full rifles but I personally own a V7 barrel on my 16" recce build. Its half MOA and lightweight for the accuracy. A shop I am affiliated with has done a number of builds with 12.5 V7 barrels, again they are lasers, even with non match ammo.
I have heard some complaints that they are overgased but I have not seen that personally or with any builds we have done. Most of his barrels come with gasblocks that are pre drilled to be pinned. I run a can 50/50 on my recce and both high pressure (AAC) and low (SIG) I have not seen a noticeable amount of gas.
I have heard some complaints that they are overgased but I have not seen that personally or with any builds we have done. Most of his barrels come with gasblocks that are pre drilled to be pinned. I run a can 50/50 on my recce and both high pressure (AAC) and low (SIG) I have not seen a noticeable amount of gas.
Pretty sure the owner used to work for John Noveske. If I’m not mistaken they use 3 groove PacNor barrels with basically the same chamber as the noveske ss barrels. Everything thing I’ve heard about them has been positive.
I have used their lightweight, fancy alloy upper receiver, and hand guard in a few builds. As noted, tight fit. light. the hand guard is a pretty small diameter--take that as needed.
I build a 6.5CM around one of their 22" barrels, and had a very difficult time getting the set up to cycle properly. My guess was related to gas port size (I tried multiple variations of gas blocks, buffer setups and bolt carriers). But CS was good and I spoke with one the engineers (owners?) and his last ditch idea seems to work.
I digress slightly... I haven't shot it a lot, but it appears to have excellent potential. Also, pricey.
I build a 6.5CM around one of their 22" barrels, and had a very difficult time getting the set up to cycle properly. My guess was related to gas port size (I tried multiple variations of gas blocks, buffer setups and bolt carriers). But CS was good and I spoke with one the engineers (owners?) and his last ditch idea seems to work.
I digress slightly... I haven't shot it a lot, but it appears to have excellent potential. Also, pricey.
The head guys at V Seven are I think unsung heroes of the early success of Noveske Rifleworks.
Today, every single product on the V Seven website is truly top shelf. They truly do everything well, from small parts to complete firearms.
Their SS barrels are immaculate - and real performers. Only Proof Research and Craddock are up there at this level, IMO. I consider them a real value for the $$$.
V Seven and DHD (subsidiary of V7) make up 90% of the small parts I like to use. Their receivers and rails need to be viewed side by side with regular AR' stuff to be really appreciated. They're flat out art forms.
It's been pointed out that V Seven is pricey. True, perhaps, but you get a real return on that extra $$$ spent.
Today, every single product on the V Seven website is truly top shelf. They truly do everything well, from small parts to complete firearms.
Their SS barrels are immaculate - and real performers. Only Proof Research and Craddock are up there at this level, IMO. I consider them a real value for the $$$.
V Seven and DHD (subsidiary of V7) make up 90% of the small parts I like to use. Their receivers and rails need to be viewed side by side with regular AR' stuff to be really appreciated. They're flat out art forms.
It's been pointed out that V Seven is pricey. True, perhaps, but you get a real return on that extra $$$ spent.
Thanks, I'm considering their receiver set and rails for my 6MM arc build. My Craddock barrel is about six months out. Just have to save a little longer!
I pointed out the price point for their complete rifles, because they are considerably more expensive then say a JP or KAC complete rifle, which seem to be unanimously regarded as the top tier. Is the price because of the ultralight-weight?
KAC and JP rifles ARE among top tier rifles, no doubt about it.
Questions: Why are V Seven complete rifles expensive? Why are their parts expensive?
The light weight is one important reason. Going lightweight and retaining necessary strength, precision, and durability requires diligent engineering, pricey machining, more expensive materials, and costly finishing.
[RANT ON] Personally, I think light weight is typically and has always been seriously under-valued in weaponry. Why should a rifle you're going to potentially have to hump 99% of the time more than you actually shoot it be heavier than it really needs to be? There may not be an apparent return on investment getting a rifle weight down X-ounces if it costs Y-dollars more, but what about the return on investment to the overall mission success? [/RANT OFF]
There's more to V Seven rifles and rifle components than just light weight: There's the fact that almost every single component in the weapon, from the push pins to the muzzle device, is re-engineered and crafted by V Seven in house to the highest industry standards, with a keen eye toward minimizing weight wherever possible.
They've gone and re-engineered and then custom built nearly every part of the rifle. Would it not have been more "cost-efficient" to buy, like most big outfits do, every non-branded component from "ACME AR-15 Parts", with only upper, lower, receiver, and barrel really made in house?
Quite clearly, V Seven chose to go another way.
Example: On a (your favorite brand here) high quality rifle, the receiver push pins appear to be generic parts like you might find in any random parts kit. That's never the case with V Seven components. Are these push pins sufficient? Sure. Can anyone scientifically prove that a V Seven push pin made of stainless steel (DHD), aluminum (V7 - 64% lighter than mil-spec), or titanium (V7 - 45% lighter than mil-spec), and then Ionbond DLC coated is measurable better than a mass produced generic yet top quality high carbon steel push pin in an era of CNC machines that can hold ridiculously small tolerances? My guess is no. Does the V7 push pin look WAY better? Oh, hell yeah.
Now, add up all the parts in an AR' and apply this same philosophy to each. You get a light and efficient rifle that just happens to be drop-dead gorgeous. And, in the process, pricey. You get to decide if the return on investment is there for you.
My strong intuition is that a small but efficient and highly experienced outfit that engineers and then builds almost every component of a rifle is going to apply all of their available resources to do their dead level best to build every component part of the rifle to the highest possible standards. That's V Seven's way of doing business. Start saving.
As a long time custom AR' builder, I truly enjoy doing what I do. Using top shelf parts like V Seven's is a real pleasure. I don't have to "make" things work. They just do.
Questions: Why are V Seven complete rifles expensive? Why are their parts expensive?
The light weight is one important reason. Going lightweight and retaining necessary strength, precision, and durability requires diligent engineering, pricey machining, more expensive materials, and costly finishing.
[RANT ON] Personally, I think light weight is typically and has always been seriously under-valued in weaponry. Why should a rifle you're going to potentially have to hump 99% of the time more than you actually shoot it be heavier than it really needs to be? There may not be an apparent return on investment getting a rifle weight down X-ounces if it costs Y-dollars more, but what about the return on investment to the overall mission success? [/RANT OFF]
There's more to V Seven rifles and rifle components than just light weight: There's the fact that almost every single component in the weapon, from the push pins to the muzzle device, is re-engineered and crafted by V Seven in house to the highest industry standards, with a keen eye toward minimizing weight wherever possible.
They've gone and re-engineered and then custom built nearly every part of the rifle. Would it not have been more "cost-efficient" to buy, like most big outfits do, every non-branded component from "ACME AR-15 Parts", with only upper, lower, receiver, and barrel really made in house?
Quite clearly, V Seven chose to go another way.
Example: On a (your favorite brand here) high quality rifle, the receiver push pins appear to be generic parts like you might find in any random parts kit. That's never the case with V Seven components. Are these push pins sufficient? Sure. Can anyone scientifically prove that a V Seven push pin made of stainless steel (DHD), aluminum (V7 - 64% lighter than mil-spec), or titanium (V7 - 45% lighter than mil-spec), and then Ionbond DLC coated is measurable better than a mass produced generic yet top quality high carbon steel push pin in an era of CNC machines that can hold ridiculously small tolerances? My guess is no. Does the V7 push pin look WAY better? Oh, hell yeah.
Now, add up all the parts in an AR' and apply this same philosophy to each. You get a light and efficient rifle that just happens to be drop-dead gorgeous. And, in the process, pricey. You get to decide if the return on investment is there for you.
My strong intuition is that a small but efficient and highly experienced outfit that engineers and then builds almost every component of a rifle is going to apply all of their available resources to do their dead level best to build every component part of the rifle to the highest possible standards. That's V Seven's way of doing business. Start saving.
As a long time custom AR' builder, I truly enjoy doing what I do. Using top shelf parts like V Seven's is a real pleasure. I don't have to "make" things work. They just do.
Just picked up my AR 15 receiver set from my FFL this morning. Love the fit and finish!
I stock many V7 parts in my shop, they are precise and top shelf. Besides being lightweight the fit and finish is good as it gets!
Given a choice, I'd build everything with V7 matched sets, handguards, and extension.... trigger, barrel and reciprocating systems are preference / purpose driven.
My personal 6.5C and 223 are both full V7 bodies. I haven't seen all the sets in the world, but I've never one nicer then a matched V7 set
My personal 6.5C and 223 are both full V7 bodies. I haven't seen all the sets in the world, but I've never one nicer then a matched V7 set
I'm building a 6MM ARC. I have a V7 receiver set, upper and lower parts and buffer tube and corresponding parts. When my checking account recovers, I will be purchasing a V7 16.5" handguard. I have a Craddock Bartlein 18" barrel on order. Should be a great looking and great shooting rifle. At 72, this will be my last AR (probably).
Nice Collection!
Do you have any experience with their Harbinger?
Just wanted to add a couple data points to the conversation. I've used most of V seven's small parts, some on several builds. They're absolutely top shelf. I love the takedown pins and safety's especially. Never been unhappy with anything. I've used one of their 2099 handguards and love it.
A year ago I was taking a class and one of the guys there was shooting their complete 6.5 Creedmoor rifles and it was an absolute tack driver. He had a few occurrences of pierced primers the first day of the class so he called them that afternoon to see if they could help him diagnose what was going on. They overnighted him an entire new BCG which fixed the issue. I can't imagine there being any better customer service than that! If you're interested, I think you'd be very satisfied with their products. They're not cheap but then again, this is top grade stuff made out of Ti and exotic alloys so of course it's going to be expensive. I honestly think that due to them being kind of a niche product and not super widely known. If they became more popular they could easily sell their stuff for a lot more. I think it's actually a pretty good value.
A year ago I was taking a class and one of the guys there was shooting their complete 6.5 Creedmoor rifles and it was an absolute tack driver. He had a few occurrences of pierced primers the first day of the class so he called them that afternoon to see if they could help him diagnose what was going on. They overnighted him an entire new BCG which fixed the issue. I can't imagine there being any better customer service than that! If you're interested, I think you'd be very satisfied with their products. They're not cheap but then again, this is top grade stuff made out of Ti and exotic alloys so of course it's going to be expensive. I honestly think that due to them being kind of a niche product and not super widely known. If they became more popular they could easily sell their stuff for a lot more. I think it's actually a pretty good value.
Hard to beat the recommendation of MSTN but I’ll throw in my two cents. I’ve used their 10.5” barrel and 2099 rail on a work gun and currently use their receivers, barrel, rail, and small parts on a 14.5” build set up for Tactical Games and Sniper Adventure Challenge. If you want top quality and light weight V Seven is your brand.
I've built several big block guns based on the V7 Harbinger in both .308 and 6.5 CM. They always seem to work out quite well. I'm guilty of not taking photos of all of them, but here are a few
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I've been using v7 small parts on builds recently and no question, top shelf and seem to be superior to some of the favorites echoed on this board. Not cheap most should know, although I know some still don't get it, that expensive doesn't mean good and cheap doesn't mean bad but here, it's expensive and good, like really good.
Looks like you like nice scopes as well!
Please excuse me for getting off topic. With your experience with high end scopes, do you have any thoughts on Steiner T and M models? Thanks
I built a LR-308 and have V-seven BCG, bolt and barrel. BCG and bolt are fine but barrel sucks. 2+ MOA at 100 yards. Looking for a better barrel now. That level of accuracy is unacceptable and you can't hit anything at range with it. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Who makes the best (most precise) barrels for LR-308? I'm shopping. Price is no matter. Must shoot good.
what v7 say?
I haven't contacted them about it. In all fairness I probably should. I had and issue with the bolt I got from them and their customer service was great. I have had this barrel for some time now and it has never grouped good regardless of projectile, powder, load, ect. I think maybe I'm just scared because it's been so long and I had an issue before, even though they resolved it.
I would call them and talk to them. I'm sure they would rather have a good barrel out there vs one. You never know
thanks for all the replies, V7 stuff seems to be pretty well vetted and now will be an option for me - in the future. My searches here and other places led to to @MSTN which I had heard good things about in the past - just waiting on the muzzle break and I'll have an mstn rifle in hand shortly
Standard statement: There's a lot going on with shooting large frames accurately... techniques from precision bolt do not always translate in to (lighter) gassers.
I cannot speak to your particular barrel, but some of my most accurate builds have been based on the same blanks. But every barrel and chamber is unique, and things make it past QC sometimes...
When an AR barrel is suspect, I tend to go through the process of accurizing the upper and checking the barrel. Test the barrel true on v blocks and dial indicators, check the cartridge chamber and finish ream it if required, check the star chamber alignment even a 1/2 degree is too much, compound/lap upper to barrel joint, bond them and properly torque. Lap the upper bolt carrier section. If everything checks and assembly is correct. Of course check the bolt & carrier as well it is an AR after all.
Then test from a sled using known top quality ammo. I'd use precision reloads -likely 168 gr Hornady ELD Match with H335 powder or Varget. If it the barrel is accurate it will show the proof of that easy enough.
In my line of work I've seen many bad barrels that weren't and far more less than optimal assembly jobs. That said I just had a bad 300 BLK barrel right out of the box. It happens. It is precision machine work and anyone can receive that one that made it past QA and finish measurement! Cheers
Then test from a sled using known top quality ammo. I'd use precision reloads -likely 168 gr Hornady ELD Match with H335 powder or Varget. If it the barrel is accurate it will show the proof of that easy enough.
In my line of work I've seen many bad barrels that weren't and far more less than optimal assembly jobs. That said I just had a bad 300 BLK barrel right out of the box. It happens. It is precision machine work and anyone can receive that one that made it past QA and finish measurement! Cheers
It was pointed out that VSeven owns DHD (Dark Hour Defense) and their parts are just as good a VSeven but at a slightly lower price point. The materials are slightly different but the quality is just as good. I have used DHD parts on a "budget" build and they were excellent.
My position is that receiver fitment is a critical component of AR platform accuracy potential (consistency).
I've never bought a DHD set, but it looks like they'll ship a matched set if you an upper and lower simultaneously.
If V7 QC applies to DHD (every V7 set I've handled has been immaculate) you're in good shape!
Do you have a standard for how far out of concentricity you'll allow for a chamber relative to bore, before you call it 'bad'?
If you have an expectation of concentricity... 95% of production AR barrels could be defined as 'bad'. (In my mind, I don't consider WOA - CLE - legit small shop guys - as 'production'.)
Great question! Yes I do. You are correct that some AR barrels concentricity is basically crap as new. The main chamber is good from .004 to .008" and okay up to .012" After that it gets messy. Also throat and neck have specific diameter and depth measurements. Most AR's have an 11 degree muzzle crown, then that can create a gap when a muzzle device is added. Muzzle devices without a crown to allow clean gas/bullet separation at the bullet emergence point, there is science and engineering behind this.
I have a Hornady Concentricity device and have turned down several chamber sizing guides that can be used with the barrel in v-blocks. I also have a Mitchell Instruments laser measuring tool for very close tolerance and difficult to measure situations like erosion.
Like I previously posted, the barrels are generally okay (not good or great) and in some cases a good finish reaming brings things into a better state. Most often ammo tends to be out of spec and vary greatly. This could be a whole complex thread by itself. How far out ammo is from spec. Set back, bullet tilt, poor concentricity, bullet balance, crimp, throat projection, etc etc.
McGowan makes my custom barrels, they have always been exactly as specified.
I have a Hornady Concentricity device and have turned down several chamber sizing guides that can be used with the barrel in v-blocks. I also have a Mitchell Instruments laser measuring tool for very close tolerance and difficult to measure situations like erosion.
Like I previously posted, the barrels are generally okay (not good or great) and in some cases a good finish reaming brings things into a better state. Most often ammo tends to be out of spec and vary greatly. This could be a whole complex thread by itself. How far out ammo is from spec. Set back, bullet tilt, poor concentricity, bullet balance, crimp, throat projection, etc etc.
McGowan makes my custom barrels, they have always been exactly as specified.
Big block gun parts aren't at all as "standardized" as small block AR's. I am doubtful it would be a good fit.
Even small block billet uppers and lower refuse to play well with other than corresponding components by the same manufacturer.
Even small block billet uppers and lower refuse to play well with other than corresponding components by the same manufacturer.
What barrels do you typically use? How much does that gun weigh, do you have any idea?
This is a Proof Research carbon fiber wrapped barrel in the .308. The rifle weighs just under seven pounds.
In addition to Proof, I use barrels by Craddock Precision, Noveske, Criterion, as well as V Seven.
In addition to Proof, I use barrels by Craddock Precision, Noveske, Criterion, as well as V Seven.
Nice rifle, what scope mount is that? Thanks
Kahles K18i
Thanks, I asked about the mount!
Sorry!!!
Spuhr SP-4026, with an optic axis height of 1.26" above the receiver rail. This height is ideal for the big block gas guns, which have more drop to the comb than AR's. On an AR', the design axis of the iron sights above the receiver rail is 1.41", making optic mounts with an axis in the 1.5" range ideal.
Spuhr SP-4026, with an optic axis height of 1.26" above the receiver rail. This height is ideal for the big block gas guns, which have more drop to the comb than AR's. On an AR', the design axis of the iron sights above the receiver rail is 1.41", making optic mounts with an axis in the 1.5" range ideal.
I’ve used some of their parts before, seems nice.
That said for the price point of their whole rifles, I’d much rather get a JP
That said for the price point of their whole rifles, I’d much rather get a JP
How much do they actually produce in house? I've watched various parts with their logo being produced on machines outside of Oregon.
