New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

[glock24]

Mike Bush @ Underground Skunkworks (UGSW) had my attention when I ran across his SPECTER-BABR package. Unfortunately the price put it out of my reach. I really, really liked the idea of a short, light, precision rifle however. I shoot the shit out of my AR-15 SPR, but I don't shoot it as well as my bolt guns, and I hate chasing my expensive brass all over the deck.

After a discussion with Mike, I decided to send him a Remington 700 action and allow him to work his magic. I just received the agreed upon completed barreled action last week, and finally got it bedded in my stock.

Mike's work is very professional. The meticulous craftsmanship and high finish quality are immediately apparent. I've never had a bolt handle <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">snap</span></span> open and close like this one seems to do. A finely-tuned machine; no doubt a testimony to the tolernacing. I also very much appreciated his organization and communication skills.

More to come after I get out and run a few round-robin tests. I have some 80g SMKs that are gonna love this rifle.

Right now this rig is sporting a 3-12x44mm Bushnell Elite. I'm expecting to upgrade to a 1-something shortly. I going to wait though and see how that new Sightron 1-7x is received later this summer.


<span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">Specs:</span></span>

<span style="font-style: italic">Skunkworked</span> Remington 700 short-action
223 Remington, PT&G reamer throated for 80g VLDs
Bartlein Light Palma barrel, 1 in 7.5" twist x 18" OAL
0.200" UGSW recoil lug
Flattened black Cerakote finish (barreled action and scope mounts)
McMillan A3 Edge (14" LOP, bedded by yours truly)
Seekins AICS bottom metal

<span style="font-style: italic">(9.2 pounds as shown, less bipod)</span>

 

[jrob300]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

Very nice rig. I'm confident you'll love how that shoots.

I have a couple Tikka actions up at Mike's right now. Can't wait. Be thankful that you don't live 15 min. away like I do. I walk into his shop and just drool at the hardware... I'd love to own something built on one of his actions. Meticulous might be an insult for the level of care that Mike put's into his stuff. And a great guy. Always responds to my phone calls and pm's.. always helpful and polite. A great asset to the community to be sure.

John

 

[Silent]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

Im about 1 month in to my waiting on a full custom build from UGSW...... I hate the waiting game.... Mike has been a pleasure to deal with answering my questions usually withing 2-3 hrs or less

 

[buckey]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

Nice rifle!!

Mike is building me a full custom 7MM Mag. He has been very professional & has put up with all the changes I made since my original order - I'd recommend him to anyone in a heartbeat!!

Hopefully my Manners stock comes in shortly & Mike can get my rifle all finsihed up - I'm getting ansy, LOL!!!

 

[mrgreentie]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

Great looking rifle!

 

[cgleave1]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

Sweet rifle!
Looks like it is done right.

 

[Papagallos]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

Cute rifle.

 

[Wheres-Waldo]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

Good lookign rifle....how do you see your bubble level with it infront of the turrets?

 

[glock24]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

Thanks for all the compliments gentlemen, and thanks for indulging me in my glory. Mike helped build me a rifle of which I'm very proud.

I hope to have a range report soon.

 

[glock24]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wheres-Waldo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good lookign rifle....how do you see your bubble level with it infront of the turrets? </div></div>

Sinclair International makes an offset anti-cant device. I can see it with my left eye without adjusting my cheek.

I like the Sinclair model better than the Vortex unit because it doesn't stick out as far, making it less of a snag hazard.

 

[Lowe Left]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

Glock,

I'm interested to know why the palma barrel (30") was chosen for your barrel with such a short finish?

 

[jasonk]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

You should sell me that rifle!

 

[JCH]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You should sell me that rifle!

</div></div>

So that you could sell it in 4 months?

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You should sell me that rifle!

</div></div>







....gun ho

 

[sr15match]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

Very sharp rig boss and Mike is awesome!

I too am playing the waiting game right now for my Infidel, it's driving me bonkers but it'll all be worth it in the end.

Todd

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

can not be a valid picture of a real rifle.......unless there is a pool in the background......it is said and it is written!

 

[glock24]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

LOL! I don't have the pool <span style="font-style: italic">because</span> I have the rifles!

Rosie P. - I don't have a real scientific reason for choosing the light Palma contour. Long story short, I wanted to save weight on the barrel without the added cost of fluting. That said, my starting profile choices were the Remington Varmint (#13), the Bull Sporter (#4), or the light Palma (#10).

What I noticed was that all three were essentially the same weight, but the light Palma had the longest length. Since I knew Bartlein always maintains their stated muzzle diameter dimension no matter the stated barrel length (unless you tell them otherwise) I figured that building an 18" barrel from the light Palma contour would give me a lighter barrel than the other two profiles at the same length.

 

[Lowe Left]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

Interesting and thanks for sharing.

 

[jrob300]

Re: New Build: Delivery from Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: glock24</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I like the Sinclair model better than the Vortex unit because it doesn't stick out as far, making it less of a snag hazard.</div></div>

Not just a snag hazard... I recently humped my rifle with the Vortex Razor and ACD a good distance slung (side mounted flush cups). The next day I woke up and thought a rib had exited under my shoulder. WTH? It took me a while to realize my ACD hit right there when slung. OWWW! I've looked at the Sinclair for this reason. If you say you can see if with the left eye without losing cheekweld, like I could with the Vortex, I'll buy one. That was the one thing I really liked, I didn't have to move my head, just glance with my left eye.

John