Precision Rifle- Production or Custom in left hand action

[Packfan]

New guy that has been lurking for a while, but never posted.

I searched and came up with a number of threads on this topic, but my options are more limited given the left hand requirement. Use will be shooting long range steel from bench and prone. I may also jump into a PRS match to try it out.

I am leaning towards 6.5 Creedmoor as I have another gun in this caliber and still have some ammunition on hand. (Getting thin though!) 6mm CM is a tougher call due to current ammo availability and barrel life.

I have narrowed it down to 3 options:
1. Masterpiece Arms PMR Pro- $2,500.00
2. Bad Rock South Fork- $2,000.00
3. Custom Bighorn Origin build on an MPA chassis- $2,800.00+

I am leaning towards the MPA as I can get one immediately- the are normally 16-18 weeks out. The Bad Rock is a 12 week wait, and no clue on the custom as actions and chassis are also in short supply.

The MPA is probably more gun than I need, but it also looks like a good value for what you get- really nothing else to add but scope and rings. Scope will be an existing Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 5-25-50 FFP MOA.

I am a little concerned about the weight of the MPA given the M24 barrel and comp chassis. The Bad Rock is a tad lighter (although they are now using an M24 profile.) On the custom I would probably spec a varmint/sendero contour.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!

 

[EotS]

Weight difference will be negligible.

Get the MPA. I'd take something that's 99. 7% of what I want today, as opposed to 100% in a year.

 

[J McGriddle]

I personally like the extra weight from the heavier barrel. You get the benefit of a thick barrel without having to purchase a weight kit for balance.

If you have to hike in/out to your shooting spot the lighter contour may make sense.

 

[Packfan]

The fact that the MPA is available now is big as I would be able to enjoy it this season versus waiting until the end of the summer. I have a Bergara B-14 HMR in 6.5 CM now. Even this seems heavy after years of packing around lighter weight hunting rifles. The focus was always less weight not more.

I don't anticipate hiking with it. Will be mainly shooting from prone or whatever PRS requires. I would guess shooting unsupported standing or kneeling/sitting may be more of a challenge though.

 

[BND2763]

For your intended purpose the heavier weight is common.

I’m seeing a lot more 6 CM than 6.5, and cheaper. That may be regional? On a custom action barrel changes are pretty easy.

 

[Packfan]

I think 6 CM is pretty prevalent here too. As well as the other 6mm flavors.

I would try 6mm, but the current ammo and reloading component shortage is a big concern. I have nothing in 6mm and even dies are almost impossible to find. I have 400 rounds of Hornady American Gunner 6.5 Creedmoor 140's and a couple of boxes of Hornady 6.5 CM 140 ELD-M's, so at least I can start shooting. I am out of powder, so reloads will have to wait.

I think I could go to 6mm with the next barrel? I believe the Curtis Axiom in the MPA will take a shouldered pre-fit barrel? Am I correct here? At least MPA has them listed for $565.00 on their site.

 

[spife7980]

Yeah, get the mpa in 6.5 now. You’ll like it and can move to the more high performance 6 after the barrel is shot out.

You’ll need more ammo to shoot a barrel out either way so you might as well go with what’s in stock and get to shooting like you want to.
And even then, 40% of the rifles at a local match are gonna be 6.5 too, it’s not that much of a disadvantage.

 

[BND2763]

I think 6 CM is pretty prevalent here too. As well as the other 6mm flavors.

I would try 6mm, but the current ammo and reloading component shortage is a big concern. I have nothing in 6mm and even dies are almost impossible to find. I have 400 rounds of Hornady American Gunner 6.5 Creedmoor 140's and a couple of boxes of Hornady 6.5 CM 140 ELD-M's, so at least I can start shooting. I am out of powder, so reloads will have to wait.

I think I could go to 6mm with the next barrel? I believe the Curtis Axiom in the MPA will take a shouldered pre-fit barrel? Am I correct here? At least MPA has them listed for $565.00 on their site.

Yes there are pre-fits available for the axiom.

 

[EotS]

Honestly, are there many PR matches lined up?

 

[Packfan]

My order is in for the MPA PMR Pro and it will be here next week!

Next decision is rings that will work with my Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 5-25x50. I have some Seekins 30mm alloy rings that may fly. I will have to measure them as I am unsure of the height. I also have the option of swapping out the rings on my Bergara which are Badger steel 30mm medium height. Any other suggestions? Any idea on what height I may need?

As far as matches, I have nothing on the calendar yet. I would want to shoot the new rifle A BUNCH before even attempting one. The local club is having a long range practice tomorrow that I am going to try to check out. I wont have the new rifle yet, but I hope to learn about the matches there and hopefully meet a few of the people involved.

Regards.