Ok, I know that title will cause some heartburn with some; but let me start by saying I've owned plenty of custom guns. I've owned GAP, Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, Nighhawk and more. Over time however I sold all my high end guns because funds were tight and other projects needed to get funded.
I've been missing shooting long range so I decided it was time to jump back in. I didn't have the funds to go all out and get another GAP, which I still want, but I had enough that I didn't need to go entry level either.
After reading the boards and talking to friends for months I decided to pick up a Rem 700 XCR Tactical Compact and top her with a Trijicon Accupoint 5x20x50. Having a couple ACOGs and owning Nightforce in the past, and knowing that Nightforce makes the glass for Tricons, I decided the cost savings would be fine. The XCR already comes with Remingtons version of Cerekote and it gets great reviews. Plus is has a the 40x trigger, which I can tell is is better than the tuned custom trigger I had on my GAP! I also threw on a Harris bipod. After talking with some pros in the optics field I decided on a two piece base versus the one piece all-the-rage base. Two piece actually still provides a better mounting surface and unless you just care about looks (I like the way the one piece looks) and really are more concerned about performace, which I am, than that's the way to go.
So, now it was time for the range trip and a break-in and zeroing session all in one. I am of the school of two shots and clean for about the first 20 rounds and then 3-5 shots and clean for the next 30 and call it good.
After a quick bore site I was almost dead on so the zero part was nice and easy.
The Accupoint is simply an amazing scope. Crystal clear, reliable controls and no issues of any kind. Clearer than any of my Leupolds and as clear as my previous Nightforces. Each click did what it was suppose to do and 1/4 moa was a 1/4 moa without issue. I have the mil dot with green center dot recticle which shines just right and makes keeping shots on top of each other an breeze. Which brings me to the XCR.
I was shooting 168 Fed SMKBTHP at 100 yards. When I did my part, I was putting holes in holes, literally. 1/2 inch groups were then norm with this stock 1-12 twist Remmy. That's as good as I could ever shoot my GAP for 1/3 the cost! I am stoked! The only thing I plan to change is to add a B/O oversized bolt knob and she will be set.
Do I hate customs? Of course not. But as a few reputable shooters told me; back in the day when companies were putting out junk, you went to a custom guy to get really good stuff. Now, most companies are putting out great products so custom guns only provide certain benefits.
Will I own another GAP? Sure I will, when I can afford one. But if you're on the fence and want to get into the long range game, don't think you can't with a stock gun. Your optic is really what counts as it will bring out the best in your shooting and your ability to use your gun to its full potential. My Trijicon wasn't cheap, but it's half the cost of a Nightforce and its batteries will never run out!
Just food for thought ladies. I will try to get some pics posted soon. Now get out there and shoot!
I've been missing shooting long range so I decided it was time to jump back in. I didn't have the funds to go all out and get another GAP, which I still want, but I had enough that I didn't need to go entry level either.
After reading the boards and talking to friends for months I decided to pick up a Rem 700 XCR Tactical Compact and top her with a Trijicon Accupoint 5x20x50. Having a couple ACOGs and owning Nightforce in the past, and knowing that Nightforce makes the glass for Tricons, I decided the cost savings would be fine. The XCR already comes with Remingtons version of Cerekote and it gets great reviews. Plus is has a the 40x trigger, which I can tell is is better than the tuned custom trigger I had on my GAP! I also threw on a Harris bipod. After talking with some pros in the optics field I decided on a two piece base versus the one piece all-the-rage base. Two piece actually still provides a better mounting surface and unless you just care about looks (I like the way the one piece looks) and really are more concerned about performace, which I am, than that's the way to go.
So, now it was time for the range trip and a break-in and zeroing session all in one. I am of the school of two shots and clean for about the first 20 rounds and then 3-5 shots and clean for the next 30 and call it good.
After a quick bore site I was almost dead on so the zero part was nice and easy.
The Accupoint is simply an amazing scope. Crystal clear, reliable controls and no issues of any kind. Clearer than any of my Leupolds and as clear as my previous Nightforces. Each click did what it was suppose to do and 1/4 moa was a 1/4 moa without issue. I have the mil dot with green center dot recticle which shines just right and makes keeping shots on top of each other an breeze. Which brings me to the XCR.
I was shooting 168 Fed SMKBTHP at 100 yards. When I did my part, I was putting holes in holes, literally. 1/2 inch groups were then norm with this stock 1-12 twist Remmy. That's as good as I could ever shoot my GAP for 1/3 the cost! I am stoked! The only thing I plan to change is to add a B/O oversized bolt knob and she will be set.
Do I hate customs? Of course not. But as a few reputable shooters told me; back in the day when companies were putting out junk, you went to a custom guy to get really good stuff. Now, most companies are putting out great products so custom guns only provide certain benefits.
Will I own another GAP? Sure I will, when I can afford one. But if you're on the fence and want to get into the long range game, don't think you can't with a stock gun. Your optic is really what counts as it will bring out the best in your shooting and your ability to use your gun to its full potential. My Trijicon wasn't cheap, but it's half the cost of a Nightforce and its batteries will never run out!
Just food for thought ladies. I will try to get some pics posted soon. Now get out there and shoot!
