My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

Aries64

Old Hide Guy
Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 12, 2007
2,628
361
Elkmont, Alabama
Fellow Hiders'

The wait is over - my X-Ray 51 is finally here!!! My dream of owning an example of the finest customized Remington 700 rifle built by a true Master has been realized. The <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Tac Ops X-Ray 51</span></span> is built by Mike Rescigno of <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Tactical Operations</span></span> (aka Tac Ops), and is the result of Mike Rescigno's fanatical approach to precision. Tac Ops weapons are true works of art. The extreme precision and attention to detail is immediately evident in the hand-engraved lettering on the action, but at the same time most people don’t notice subtle touches such as the perfectly-timed screws, softened edges, and precise fit throughout the rifle such as with the Anschutz Rail and Class III threading on the thread protector. No teflon tape here! That same precision is inherent in every aspect of a Tac Ops gun. Why? <span style="font-style: italic">Because errors are cumulative</span> - read small details matter.

And until you chamber a cartridge you won’t feel the slight “crush” of the case head as the lugs fully engage. Last Thursday night I had to sleep on the sofa in the living room so I could fondle my X-Ray without making my wife jealous! I've handled a good many rifles in my more than 35 years of shooting, including tactical rifles built by riflesmiths popular on SC and SH and others. While all have been accurate and well-built none of them come close to the craftsmanship, precision, and level-of-detail of a gun built by Tac Ops. Absolutely none.

When Mike Miller from <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Tactical Intervention Systems</span></span> (aka "TIS"), received his Tac Ops "Tac 51" he was in awe of it. Indeed, on another forum he stated that it is <span style="font-style: italic">"the Holland and Holland of Sniper Rifles"</span>. I would have to agree. <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">”The .25 MOA rifle”</span></span> is an interesting thread.

Here are some photos - it was 100 degrees outside and some are a little washed-out but I'll post some targets later. Enjoy!

X-Ray51CBwODRingsRS45Angle8x6.jpg

X-Ray51CBwODRingsRSProfileFF8x6.jpg

X-Ray51CBwODRingsLSProfileFF8x6.jpg

TacOpsX-Ray51Logos8x6.jpg

TOEngravedLogo18x6.jpg

X-Ray51Logo8x6.jpg

CaliberEngraving8x6.jpg

X-Ray51CrownMuzzle28x6.jpg

ClassIIIThreads8x6.jpg

TOThreadProtector8x6.jpg


Keith
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

I hate you.
mad.gif


Just kidding. Tac Ops' reputation is untouchable and I have wanted one ever since I heard of them. You spent money VERY wisely. That is one gorgeous bullet pusher.
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Onemoretime</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So, is it a 1/4 moa rifle.... are you a 1/4 moa shooter?

J/k... very nice rifle... let us know how she shoots. </div></div>
Although I can, have, and do shoot .25 MOA and less <span style="font-style: italic">at times</span> I cannot do it on a consistent basis. So "NO", I am not a .25 MOA shooter. I'd have to shoot a hell of a lot more than I do to make that claim.

Due to running out of my usual BH 175s' last year and subsequently selling my FN A3 G it was actually the first time I've shot anything other than a .22 since about December. I broke down and got some FGMM 168s' (the specified ammo for TO .308s') and went to the range on Sunday to shoot my X-Ray. I can positively say that the gun is a laser - you point it, and if you follow-through it will hit precisely where you were aiming at the time of trigger let-off.

I actually went to a local range known as ASR (Angeles Shooting Ranges) with Mike Rescigno last Thursday to watch him "certify" my X-Ray and a couple of Tangos at 100 yards. Mike usually certifys his guns at 110 yards at the L.A.S.D. S.E.B. range, but since I had asked Mike if I could come along we went to ASR (the Sheriffs don't really like civilians on the S.E.B. range).

Anyway, Mike shot the Tangos first, followed by my X-Ray. He shot a .100", a .071" (which is my test target), and something else I can't remember, but the .071 was the best of three groups Mike shot.

The suppressed Clandestine 12 with 3rd Gen Titanium suppressor was the star at the range that day though. Even the L.A.P.D. D-Platoon was buzzing about it, but thats' a story for another day. I'll try to get A/V next time.

<span style="font-weight: bold">X-Ray 51 Certification Target shot by Mike Rescigno - 9/10/09', ASR:</span>
X-Ray51Certification28x6.jpg


Keith
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aries64</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Onemoretime</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So, is it a 1/4 moa rifle.... are you a 1/4 moa shooter?

J/k... very nice rifle... let us know how she shoots. </div></div>
Although I can, have, and do shoot .25 MOA and less <span style="font-style: italic">at times</span> I cannot do it on a consistent basis. So "NO", I am not a .25 MOA shooter. I'd have to shoot a hell of a lot more than I do to make that claim.

Due to running out of my usual BH 175s' last year and subsequently selling my FN A3 G it was actually the first time I've shot anything other than a .22 since about December. I broke down and got some FGGM 168s' (the specified ammo for TO .308s') and went to the range on Sunday to shoot my X-Ray. I can positively say that the gun is a laser - you point it, and if you follow-through it will hit precisely where you were aiming at the time of trigger let-off.

I actually went to a local range known as ASR (Angeles Shooting Ranges) with Mike Rescigno last Thursday to watch him "certify" my X-Ray and a couple of Tangos at 100 yards. Mike usually certifys his guns at 110 yards at the L.A.S.D. S.E.B. range, but since I had asked Mike if I could come along we went to ASR (the Sheriffs don't really like civilians on the S.E.B. range).

Anyway, Mike shot the Tangos first, followed by my X-Ray. He shot a .100", a .071" (which is my test target), and something else I can't remember, but the .071 was the best of three groups Mike shot.

The suppressed Clandestine 12 with 3rd Gen Titanium suppressor was the star at the range that day though. Even the L.A.P.D. D-Platoon was buzzing about it, but thats' a story for another day. I'll try to get A/V next time.

<span style="font-weight: bold">X-Ray 51 Certification Target shot by Mike Rescigno - 9/10/09', ASR:</span>
X-Ray51Certification28x6.jpg


Keith</div></div>

Wow, that is impressive. Since you were there please tell me how Mike shoots the gun. Does he use just bipod or off a bag or how? Just curious and have always wondered that.
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

Nice rifle! For educational purposes; what exactly are "timed screws" and where is that appearant on this rifle? Or does that apply to other builds? I imagine it would be difficult to "time" action screws?
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6mmFan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">VERY nice looking and shooting rifle.

Do any of you guys know how to achieve the gripping area texture that is shown on this rifle? Is that epoxy?

Thanks,

Dirk

http://www.stickerballistics.com/ </div></div>
Quickie Version:
You can do it with marine tex, add black to color it. Tape off the area with painters tape carefully, cut to shape with exacto blade/knife. When the marine tex starts to setup a little bit, with gloved hands - take a plastic sandwich bag (ziploc) or cheaper and lightly dab the surface. It will create sharp "spikes". Don't worry about that its the gapped texture you're going for. Once dried you knock the sharp edges off with sandpaper.
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

Very nice.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6mmFan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do any of you guys know how to achieve the gripping area texture that is shown on this rifle? Is that epoxy?
</div></div>
Here's Hateca's writeup from his website on stock texturing-
http://www.rdprecision.net/diy.html
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what exactly are "timed screws" and where is that appearant on this rifle?</div></div>

Look at the rail on the bottom of the stock. Notice how the slot of the flat head screw is not askew, and look at the allen screws. There is a manufacturer stamp on it, with the name, notice how they all have the same orientation?

You often hear about grip screws, on a 1911, being timed. Folks like the slots to line up.
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aries64</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">And more photos:</span></span>
X-Ray51TriggerBoltHandle8x6.jpg

BlackGreen-TTriggerCloseup18x6.jpg

Keith </div></div>

Did TacOps grind-flat the trigger grooves at your request or is that their standard?
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

Thanks for the info Maverick and Biker.

From the group- looks like he already shot the stink off!

Dirk

http://www.stickerballistics.com/

‘‘We, the People are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts — not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow men who pervert the Constitution.’’
— Abraham Lincoln
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mavrick10_2000</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6mmFan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">VERY nice looking and shooting rifle.

Do any of you guys know how to achieve the gripping area texture that is shown on this rifle? Is that epoxy?

Thanks,

Dirk

http://www.stickerballistics.com/ </div></div>
Quickie Version:
You can do it with marine tex, add black to color it. Tape off the area with painters tape carefully, cut to shape with exacto blade/knife. When the marine tex starts to setup a little bit, with gloved hands - take a plastic sandwich bag (ziploc) or cheaper and lightly dab the surface. It will create sharp "spikes". Don't worry about that its the gapped texture you're going for. Once dried you knock the sharp edges off with sandpaper. </div></div>
Mike uses a different "tool" to work the epoxy, but <span style="font-weight: bold">mavrick10_2000</span> pretty much has the basic technique for application accurate. The heavy texturing on Tac Ops rifles is done in multiple applications, so between applications, curing time, and sandings it takes a while. Coloration of the epoxy is by painting and is an entirely different process.

Keith
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rijndael</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what exactly are "timed screws" and where is that appearant on this rifle?</div></div>

Look at the rail on the bottom of the stock. Notice how the slot of the flat head screw is not askew, and look at the allen screws. There is a manufacturer stamp on it, with the name, notice how they all have the same orientation?

You often hear about grip screws, on a 1911, being timed. Folks like the slots to line up. </div></div>
Thanks for the assist, <span style="font-weight: bold">Rijndael</span>. The timed screws are a subtle hint of the extra care and precision that goes into every Tac Ops rifle.

Short true story: A high-ranking official from an alphabet government agency who moved from Virginia to Los Angeles and is a Branch Chief met Mike Rescigno at TREXPO circa 1996-97. While admiring the action and fit of the Tac Ops rifle in his hands the official noticed the timed screws and softened edges and commented to Rescigno: <span style="font-style: italic">"If you watch that, you watch everything"</span>. Rescigno replied: <span style="font-style: italic">"You're damn right I do".</span> Tac Ops has a contract with this agency and has supplied 14 rifles to this official's teams in Los Angeles.

Keith
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NukeMMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aries64</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">And more photos:</span></span>
X-Ray51TriggerBoltHandle8x6.jpg

BlackGreen-TTriggerCloseup18x6.jpg

Keith </div></div>

Did TacOps grind-flat the trigger grooves at your request or is that their standard? </div></div>
No, the grooves have not been ground down - thats an "old style" M700 trigger. Hide members' sometimes sell their old style triggers, so if you check the <span style="font-style: italic">"For Sale"</span> section on a regular basis you might score one. Pardon the dust, but below is a photo of an old style trigger I bought off a Hide' member:

OldStyleM700Trigger8x6.jpg


Keith
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: k9222</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aries64</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Onemoretime</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So, is it a 1/4 moa rifle.... are you a 1/4 moa shooter?

J/k... very nice rifle... let us know how she shoots. </div></div>
Although I can, have, and do shoot .25 MOA and less <span style="font-style: italic">at times</span> I cannot do it on a consistent basis. So "NO", I am not a .25 MOA shooter. I'd have to shoot a hell of a lot more than I do to make that claim.

Due to running out of my usual BH 175s' last year and subsequently selling my FN A3 G it was actually the first time I've shot anything other than a .22 since about December. I broke down and got some FGMM 168s' (the specified ammo for TO .308s') and went to the range on Sunday to shoot my X-Ray. I can positively say that the gun is a laser - you point it, and if you follow-through it will hit precisely where you were aiming at the time of trigger let-off.

I actually went to a local range known as ASR (Angeles Shooting Ranges) with Mike Rescigno last Thursday to watch him "certify" my X-Ray and a couple of Tangos at 100 yards. Mike usually certifys his guns at 110 yards at the L.A.S.D. S.E.B. range, but since I had asked Mike if I could come along we went to ASR (the Sheriffs don't really like civilians on the S.E.B. range).

Anyway, Mike shot the Tangos first, followed by my X-Ray. He shot a .100", a .071" (which is my test target), and something else I can't remember, but the .071 was the best of three groups Mike shot.

The suppressed Clandestine 12 with 3rd Gen Titanium suppressor was the star at the range that day though. Even the L.A.P.D. D-Platoon was buzzing about it, but thats' a story for another day. I'll try to get A/V next time.

<span style="font-weight: bold">X-Ray 51 Certification Target shot by Mike Rescigno - 9/10/09', ASR:</span>
X-Ray51Certification28x6.jpg


Keith</div></div>

Wow, that is impressive. Since you were there please tell me how Mike shoots the gun. Does he use just bipod or off a bag or how? Just curious and have always wondered that.
</div></div>
He used a front rest and rear bag. The rest had a modified bag - sort of a "square", and the rear bag was a "rabbit ear" type. Some might call that cheating, but it sure does work.

All Tac Ops rifles are guaranteed to shoot .25 MOA or better using 168 gr. Federal Gold Medal Match ammo. If a Tac Ops rifle doesn't meet or exceed Tac Ops .25 MOA guarantee it doesn't leave Mike's shop, period.

Mike uses the set-up above for testing every one of his rifles before sending the action to Birdsong - if a rifle doesn't meet or exceed Tac Ops .25 MOA baseline he tears the gun apart, figures-out what the problem is, then reassembles and re-tests the rifle. He does this until the rifle meets or exceeds his .25 MOA guarantee. Once it does the action is sent to Birdsong for coating.

When an action comes back from Birdsong it is mated to it's stock and bedded. Then the rifle is taken to the range again and re-tested to be sure that it still meets the .25 MOA accuracy guarantee. If it does, Mike shoots a "certification" target. The certification target is serial numbered and dated, and shows the distance at which it was shot along with the 3-shot group size. The certification target is shipped with the rifle. If a rifle doesn't meet or exceed the .25 MOA guarantee Mike tears the rifle down again and starts over again.

Keith
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aries64</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

No, the grooves have not been ground down - thats an "old style" M700 trigger. Hide members' sometimes sell their old style triggers, so if you check the <span style="font-style: italic">"For Sale"</span> section on a regular basis you might score one. Pardon the dust, but below is a photo of an old style trigger I bought off a Hide' member:

OldStyleM700Trigger8x6.jpg


Keith </div></div>

I knew it looked like an old-style trigger (the only ones TacOps works IIRC) but I guess the pic angle makes it look like the shoe had been ground so the face was smooth and there were groove remnants at the top. Optical illusion, I guess.

I have an older 700 trigger I am working (sstoning and new sear spring) for install in my SPS-V. Getting rid of the X-Junk.
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NukeMMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aries64</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

No, the grooves have not been ground down - thats an "old style" M700 trigger. Hide members' sometimes sell their old style triggers, so if you check the <span style="font-style: italic">"For Sale"</span> section on a regular basis you might score one. Pardon the dust, but below is a photo of an old style trigger I bought off a Hide' member:

OldStyleM700Trigger8x6.jpg


Keith </div></div>

I knew it looked like an old-style trigger (the only ones TacOps works IIRC) but I guess the pic angle makes it look like the shoe had been ground so the face was smooth and there were groove remnants at the top. Optical illusion, I guess.

I have an older 700 trigger I am working (sstoning and new sear spring) for install in my SPS-V. Getting rid of the X-Junk. </div></div>
Roger that. I think the angle of the photo caused the light to catch the grooves and emphasize them towards the top of the trigger while making the finger contact section of the blade appear more "flat".

Keith
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

Great looking rifle. I had a X-51 and changed the stock to the A1-3. About 5 of us here at work have these and are very happy. I know you will be too.

Now, tell me about this clandestine shotgun? D-Platoon got some time with one? Did you hear any feedback?
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: George Mac</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Great looking rifle. I had a X-51 and changed the stock to the A1-3. About 5 of us here at work have these and are very happy. I know you will be too.</div></div>
I'm extremely pleased with my X-Ray - I can't help grinning when I hold it. And since you own and shoot a Tac Ops you know how incredible Rescigno's crafsmanship is and how insanely accurate and consistent his guns shoot with factory Federal Match ammo. This gun is the shit.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: George Mac</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Now, tell me about this clandestine shotgun? D-Platoon got some time with one? Did you hear any feedback? </div></div>
To go off-topic for a minute - yeah, some of the D-Platoon guys (not all) were there. Mike had brought along a 3rd Gen Clandestine 12 with Titanium suppressor. I had seen one before at Mike's office but I still can't believe how light the Ti suppressor is! The original <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Clandestine 12</span></span> was heavy and unwieldy, and while the 2nd Gen Clandestine 12 was lighter both are anvils compared to their titanium suppressor-equipped sibling.

Since most here probably don't know what the LAPD D-Platoon is, "D" Platoon is an elite unit comprised of the LAPD's finest Special Weapons officers, and specializes in emergencies that involve barricaded suspects and hostage scenarios.

Anyway, Mike laid out some slugs, buckshot, and breaching rounds on the table and let the D-Platoon guys play with the C12. They were really impressed with all of the Tac Ops guns, but they really jacked on the C12. One of them said <span style="font-style: italic">"Man - that thing sounds like a potato gun!"</span>

Its sort of freaky how quiet the C12 is - it sounds like a really quiet air rifle. Manually cycling the bolt is louder than the discharge of the C12. If you've seen <span style="font-style: italic">"No Country for Old Men"</span>, the suppressed shotgun used by the killer (played by Javier Bardem), has nothing on the 3G C12.

If you're interested, give Mike a call - I'm sure that he and some of his guys would come out and demo whatever you want. But back to topic...

Keith
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Grand</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bring that stick up the road to B-field and we'll see how she does at 1000. </div></div>
B-Range? Where is that? Desert Marksman? Never been there but I'd like to check it out. Do you have some FGMM or BH 175s' for me?

Keith
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aries64</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Grand</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bring that stick up the road to B-field and we'll see how she does at 1000. </div></div>
B-Range? Where is that? Desert Marksman? Never been there but I'd like to check it out. Do you have some FGGM or BH 175s' for me?

Keith </div></div>


Bakersfield, just up and over the hill. I've got some land and access to a little more, plus a case of FGGM 168, and JROSE's magical GAP .243.
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

I keep coming back to this thread and looking at this rifle. Something about it, killer looking rifle. I've gotta say, if I wasn’t building rifles, I'd have Mike R. at Tac Ops build me one right now. His attention to detail is through the roof.
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wnroscoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I keep coming back to this thread and looking at this rifle. Something about it, killer looking rifle. I've gotta say, if I wasn’t building rifles, I'd have Mike R. at Tac Ops build me one right now. His attention to detail is through the roof. </div></div>

Who says you can't? Talk about a compliment, one really good gunsmith(wnroscoe) thinking highly enough of another smith to buy one of his rifles. I'd be quite flattered if a very well respected gunsmith wanted to buy one of my rifles(iffn i was a gunsmith, lol)
grin.gif
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hunter223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Who says you can't? </div></div>

I hear ya. I'd just build it myself though.

Still a killer looking rifle, the OP should be very happy with it.
 
Re: My Tac Ops X-Ray 51 is here!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wnroscoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hunter223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Who says you can't? </div></div>

I hear ya. I'd just build it myself though.

Still a killer looking rifle, the OP should be very happy with it. </div></div>


What kills me (its a good thing) is there are alot of gunsmiths I would absolutely love to have do my next build, I just wish I had the cash to spread the love to all the great smiths I've dealt with. I'd really like to have a TacOps Rifle but, alas I want a .338 Lapua or .338 Norma on a Badger M2008 for the next one. Maybe within the next 10yrs or so I'll get an X-Ray in .300WM, though I doubt I'll have a NEED for one but I've wanted one for years.
cool.gif


HP