I have been convinced by people far more experienced than me that the 7mm WSM give the most bang for your buck in terms of long range ballistics versus recoil and ammunition cost. I already have a good .308 and, while I may rebarrel it to .260 when the time comes, I see no sense in buying another non-magnum precision rifle for the time being.
Since none of the big foreign or domestic makers seem to see the value in the 7WSM as a long-range cartridge, this means I have to go either custom or semi-custom. A lot of the rifles I have seen on this forum and others have given me ideas about what I might like and, after comparing many options form many companies, here is my tentative plan for my first custom precision rifle:
Stock: Manners T5A. I like the versatility of having the stock built to my specs (flush mounts, railed points, LOP and color) and I think the thumbhole will make the rifle easier to manipulate with one hand (not shoot, just hold on to and move with) than a more traditional stock. The Mini Chassis eliminates the need for bedding and, installed when the stock is built, I think will have the performance edge over separate pillars and bottom metal. Weight: 4.5 lbs
Action: Big Horn Arms. I have read nothing but stellar reviews of this action and, as many people have pointed out, the action will likely outlast every other component of the rifle. I like the design and the ability to experiment with different mounts. Still, the Surgeon, Stiller and other actions are attractive. Weight: ~2 lbs.
Barrel: Bartlein has a waiting list, but since I will be deployed when this rifle is pieced together, I can afford to get in line. I am leaning toward their Medium Palma contour with fluting and their gain-twist rifling. They will install it on my action. Does anyone have experience with barrels of this type? I can't imagine the contour degrades accuracy or it wouldn't be in use by some of the best shooters in the world. Do you think the 30" barrel will provide a useful velocity advantage over a 26" heavy? Weight: ~4.75 lbs
Trigger: Timney 510. It seems to be the standard for custom rifles, but I can be convinced to go elsewhere. Weight: negligible.
Base and rings: Badger Ordnance. The exact models, of course, depend on optics. Again, they seem to be the industry leader. Weight: 1 lb.
Bipod: Atlas. At $220, it is more than I would have thought of spending six months ago, but compared to some high-end OEM (Sako!), the price seems reasonable. They seem to be the most sturdily constructed rifle bipods available. Any reason not to? Weight: .75 lb
Sling: Tab Biathlon Sling. This design seems to be well thought out and versatile, with advantages in shooting as well as carrying the rifle compared to a standard 2- or 3-point sling. Weight: ~.75 lb
Optics have yet to be decided, but I think that is a subject that requires some more research as well as testing the limitations of my Leupold Mk 4.
So far, the rifle (as described) would weigh approximately 13.75 lbs. That is not light, but my Steyr .308 weighs 11 lbs and carries just fine. I am a big guy so the long barrel and somewhat heavy weight aren't major deterrents, and I would rather not resort to a muzzle brake just yet (though I can be convinced it is a wise investment).
Running cost estimate: $3400 before scope or magazines. That puts me about $1k under a top-notch GAP rifle and, hopefully, still within the same performance window.
As I said, I would like your input, feedback, criticism, experience, and whatever else you want to throw at me. Any experience with these components or, even better, comparative experience with these components and others in their respective classes, would be greatly appreciated. I promise not to get my feelings hurt.
Since none of the big foreign or domestic makers seem to see the value in the 7WSM as a long-range cartridge, this means I have to go either custom or semi-custom. A lot of the rifles I have seen on this forum and others have given me ideas about what I might like and, after comparing many options form many companies, here is my tentative plan for my first custom precision rifle:
Stock: Manners T5A. I like the versatility of having the stock built to my specs (flush mounts, railed points, LOP and color) and I think the thumbhole will make the rifle easier to manipulate with one hand (not shoot, just hold on to and move with) than a more traditional stock. The Mini Chassis eliminates the need for bedding and, installed when the stock is built, I think will have the performance edge over separate pillars and bottom metal. Weight: 4.5 lbs
Action: Big Horn Arms. I have read nothing but stellar reviews of this action and, as many people have pointed out, the action will likely outlast every other component of the rifle. I like the design and the ability to experiment with different mounts. Still, the Surgeon, Stiller and other actions are attractive. Weight: ~2 lbs.
Barrel: Bartlein has a waiting list, but since I will be deployed when this rifle is pieced together, I can afford to get in line. I am leaning toward their Medium Palma contour with fluting and their gain-twist rifling. They will install it on my action. Does anyone have experience with barrels of this type? I can't imagine the contour degrades accuracy or it wouldn't be in use by some of the best shooters in the world. Do you think the 30" barrel will provide a useful velocity advantage over a 26" heavy? Weight: ~4.75 lbs
Trigger: Timney 510. It seems to be the standard for custom rifles, but I can be convinced to go elsewhere. Weight: negligible.
Base and rings: Badger Ordnance. The exact models, of course, depend on optics. Again, they seem to be the industry leader. Weight: 1 lb.
Bipod: Atlas. At $220, it is more than I would have thought of spending six months ago, but compared to some high-end OEM (Sako!), the price seems reasonable. They seem to be the most sturdily constructed rifle bipods available. Any reason not to? Weight: .75 lb
Sling: Tab Biathlon Sling. This design seems to be well thought out and versatile, with advantages in shooting as well as carrying the rifle compared to a standard 2- or 3-point sling. Weight: ~.75 lb
Optics have yet to be decided, but I think that is a subject that requires some more research as well as testing the limitations of my Leupold Mk 4.
So far, the rifle (as described) would weigh approximately 13.75 lbs. That is not light, but my Steyr .308 weighs 11 lbs and carries just fine. I am a big guy so the long barrel and somewhat heavy weight aren't major deterrents, and I would rather not resort to a muzzle brake just yet (though I can be convinced it is a wise investment).
Running cost estimate: $3400 before scope or magazines. That puts me about $1k under a top-notch GAP rifle and, hopefully, still within the same performance window.
As I said, I would like your input, feedback, criticism, experience, and whatever else you want to throw at me. Any experience with these components or, even better, comparative experience with these components and others in their respective classes, would be greatly appreciated. I promise not to get my feelings hurt.
