From the time that I first saw one, I've wanted a GAP Crusader, but I've never been able to justify the cost over how much I would shoot it, being as though I've never really done much long range shooting and my access to long ranges was limited. Well, now I live close to a range that has a public 300 yard range as well as 1000 yard range that can be used when shooting with the local club (NorCal Practical Precision Rifle Club). So, with the tax return coinciding time-wise with the NCPPRC putting on their annual Long Range Clinic, I decided it was time to take the plunge and after doing a lot of reading here, I finally put together my first precision rifle.
I decided not to go with a full custom for my first rifle for several reasons. First, I didn't think my skills would justify the cost, second, I had a time table in order to be able to get the rifle and shoot it before the Long Range Clinic (April 12th) and finally, I figured it would be a good learning experience to start with a factory rifle. So, here's what I ended up with:
Remington 700 5R .308 Win. 20" threaded 5/8-25
Manners T2A with mini-chassis and DBM
Nightforce 3.5-15x50 NXS F1 MLR 2.0 Mil/Mil
Seekins Precision 20 MOA 1 piece base
Nightforce Ultralight medium rings
R&D MRAD Brake
Timney 510 trigger
TIS Slip Cuff Sling
BT17 Rail
Harris 6-9 notched swivel bipod w/KMW Pod Loc
Larue LT130 bipod adapter
Triad Large Modular Stock Pack
KRG Bolt Lift
AADMount flip up scope covers
I had originally planned to use the HS Precision stock that came with the 5R, but I didn't like the way the double palm swell fit my hand. So, I picked up the Manners T2A from CS Tactical and couldn't be happier. I had planned on getting a DBM anyway, so this killed two birds with one stone. Now, I know that some will say that a brake is unnecessary on a .308, but why put up with any recoil when you can have none? This thing is a pussy cat with the brake on. Reasons for other choices: I wanted to be able to quickly swap bipods, thus the rail and Larue adapter; I went with the KRG Bolt Lift simply because I didn't have time to send the rifle to have a permanent large bolt handle put on (I will be doing this in the future, though); AADMount scope covers are spendy but worth it, the fact that they open flat alone is worth it to me (the lifetime warranty and toughness are icing on the cake).
So, here's the first range report. First, I should say that I am not a reloader and have no plans at this time to become one. Perhaps in the future, but not right now. On the first trip, I shot two types of ammo: Federal Gold Medal Match 168gr. (couldn't find any 175) and Lake City M118LR and all shooting was done at 100 yards, off the bench with the bipod and rear bag. The rifle really seemed to like the FGMM. All my groups were similar to the one below.
It did not seem to like the M118LR. Don't know why, but I couldn't get it to group. I expected the shift in POI, but every group I shot strung out vertically like the one below.
So far, I like everything about the rifle. It is capable of shooting better than me, so I can grow into it. I took it to an intro precision rifle class last weekend and it performed admirably. I am still learning how to use the rear bag and to build a consistent shooting position. I improved greatly just over the two days of the class. I did have to take the rear cap off my scope because of the way the entire ocular moves when adjusting magnification on the Nightforce. It would end up getting in the way of the bolt at the lowest magnifications. Not really a problem, just kind of annoying and something to deal with with these scopes.
I have since picked up some FGMM 175gr. and plan on seeing how the rifle likes that. I also plan on shooting more of the M118LR at longer ranges to see if it gets any better.
After I take the Long Range Clinic in a couple weeks, I plan to look into sending it off to have a permanent large bolt knob put on and the action and barrel cerakoted.
I decided not to go with a full custom for my first rifle for several reasons. First, I didn't think my skills would justify the cost, second, I had a time table in order to be able to get the rifle and shoot it before the Long Range Clinic (April 12th) and finally, I figured it would be a good learning experience to start with a factory rifle. So, here's what I ended up with:
Remington 700 5R .308 Win. 20" threaded 5/8-25
Manners T2A with mini-chassis and DBM
Nightforce 3.5-15x50 NXS F1 MLR 2.0 Mil/Mil
Seekins Precision 20 MOA 1 piece base
Nightforce Ultralight medium rings
R&D MRAD Brake
Timney 510 trigger
TIS Slip Cuff Sling
BT17 Rail
Harris 6-9 notched swivel bipod w/KMW Pod Loc
Larue LT130 bipod adapter
Triad Large Modular Stock Pack
KRG Bolt Lift
AADMount flip up scope covers
I had originally planned to use the HS Precision stock that came with the 5R, but I didn't like the way the double palm swell fit my hand. So, I picked up the Manners T2A from CS Tactical and couldn't be happier. I had planned on getting a DBM anyway, so this killed two birds with one stone. Now, I know that some will say that a brake is unnecessary on a .308, but why put up with any recoil when you can have none? This thing is a pussy cat with the brake on. Reasons for other choices: I wanted to be able to quickly swap bipods, thus the rail and Larue adapter; I went with the KRG Bolt Lift simply because I didn't have time to send the rifle to have a permanent large bolt handle put on (I will be doing this in the future, though); AADMount scope covers are spendy but worth it, the fact that they open flat alone is worth it to me (the lifetime warranty and toughness are icing on the cake).
So, here's the first range report. First, I should say that I am not a reloader and have no plans at this time to become one. Perhaps in the future, but not right now. On the first trip, I shot two types of ammo: Federal Gold Medal Match 168gr. (couldn't find any 175) and Lake City M118LR and all shooting was done at 100 yards, off the bench with the bipod and rear bag. The rifle really seemed to like the FGMM. All my groups were similar to the one below.
It did not seem to like the M118LR. Don't know why, but I couldn't get it to group. I expected the shift in POI, but every group I shot strung out vertically like the one below.
So far, I like everything about the rifle. It is capable of shooting better than me, so I can grow into it. I took it to an intro precision rifle class last weekend and it performed admirably. I am still learning how to use the rear bag and to build a consistent shooting position. I improved greatly just over the two days of the class. I did have to take the rear cap off my scope because of the way the entire ocular moves when adjusting magnification on the Nightforce. It would end up getting in the way of the bolt at the lowest magnifications. Not really a problem, just kind of annoying and something to deal with with these scopes.
I have since picked up some FGMM 175gr. and plan on seeing how the rifle likes that. I also plan on shooting more of the M118LR at longer ranges to see if it gets any better.
After I take the Long Range Clinic in a couple weeks, I plan to look into sending it off to have a permanent large bolt knob put on and the action and barrel cerakoted.
