Re: New Badger M2008 Rifle
Yeah I don't want to flame anyone yet but my rifle is going back! WRONG BARREL!
I was all excited about it getting in and went to the range and shot 60 rounds through it. I couldn't really tell how good it could shoot because the LOP was wrong for me and the trigger was slam firing. During the week I machined a new one piece spacer to fix the LOP problem. I was busy all week so the next weekend I sat down to fix the trigger before going back out. After going through the Shilen trigger and getting it adjusted properly. I noticed my muzzle brake sure was a lot larger than the muzzle with a lot of taper to the barrel. I guess with all the excitement and being focused on setup I didn't pay attention to it before. I knew the muzzle brake I had was a .970 OD, and the barrel contour I selected (MTU 24") should fit almost flush with brake. So I thought that contour can't be right. MTU contour should be 1.250" OD at the breech, extend straight for 2.75" and then straight taper to .930" OD @ 26" of length. Which at 24" should put it just a few thousands of an inch under .970. So I got the calipers and it measured 1.200 at the breech, extends for 2.00" and tapers to .910 just before the brake! I thought that isn't what I wanted I wonder if its the right rifling type?
I specified a Bartlien 5R 24" MTU Contour, Fluted, 1-10 twist barrel originally. They said they had a Broughton 5C in stock with that exact contour, fluting, and twist. So instead of waiting we agreed on the Broughton instead. So I check the rifling and what do I find 6 lands and 6 grooves! WTF I was sooo pissed now! I called every number
I had cells of everyone, and finally reached someone at the shop. Come to find out the barrel with my name on it is still sitting in the shop. They told me to get it packed up and Clay would call me on Monday.
So I went shooting to blow of the steam! LOL Guess what? First group I shoot is probably the best 5 round group of my life. With the wrong barrel! I didn't measure it but all the guys around me were like shit thats a good group is that 3? Oh 5 dam! It was one clean hole! Figures doesn't it?
So I talked to Clay the following Tuesday and come to find out the barrel I got was a Lothar Walther he was saving for his rifle that was originally hand selected for some military tests. He seemed to want it back and to fix the mix up. I told him I still wanted what I originally specified and would be sending it back in. He said the wait time would be 4 to 6 weeks! Great! I just hope my barrel shoots as good as this one!
I think Cactus Weapons can build some incredible quality rifles. They just need to get their customer/communication and organization together. I will keep you updated as things go. Please let me know how your build goes as well.
Robert
