Got my PVA Solus out to the range today for its first test. Picked up one of their $1,100 barreled action deals with a 24” M24 contour in 6.5C.
Build list:
Manners LRH
Sawtooth ARCA rail
MDT Precision Bottom Metal
AW mags
TT Special
Vortex LHT 4-22
1.26” PMR rings
MDT double pull LW Ckye pod
Nomad Ti w/E-Brake
Intent is to be a <16 lb NRLH build. I undershot and it’s sitting at 14.75 lb. I’ll probably add some weight to the inside of the rail &/or forend.
All factory ammo. Started at 100 yards with some 147 ELDM across the top, then tried some 140 ELDM across the bottom, and finished with Sig 140 in the middle. All 5-shot groups except that little one in the upper right (3 shots, 1st two were to get on paper).
Then 200 yards with the Sig 140:
And finally 400 yards with Sig 140:
I had to rush the 200 & 400 yard groups due to dwindling daylight, breaking shots when the mirage let me see clearly rather than watching my heart and breathing.
Barrel:
The barrel finish is excellent inside and out. Rifling lands (5) are narrower than I’ve seen before, with tapered sides (5R?). ~40 fps faster than the same ammo through the factory 22” barrel on my other Solus, shooting both brands of 140’s ~2660 fps. Chamber is like a mirror. Muzzle threads, shoulder and crown all look great. If there was any initial speed increase, it happened quick, maybe in the first 10-20 rounds.
Action:
Functioned flawlessly. The action feels even better than my first Solus which took a few hundred cycles to smooth out. I think the lube they ship with is super sticky - step one once you get it should be a good cleaning and re-lube with some quality dry lube on the bolt and grease on the cocking ramp and back of the lugs.
All said, I’m pleased. Great option for custom barrel profiles.
Build list:
Manners LRH
Sawtooth ARCA rail
MDT Precision Bottom Metal
AW mags
TT Special
Vortex LHT 4-22
1.26” PMR rings
MDT double pull LW Ckye pod
Nomad Ti w/E-Brake
Intent is to be a <16 lb NRLH build. I undershot and it’s sitting at 14.75 lb. I’ll probably add some weight to the inside of the rail &/or forend.
All factory ammo. Started at 100 yards with some 147 ELDM across the top, then tried some 140 ELDM across the bottom, and finished with Sig 140 in the middle. All 5-shot groups except that little one in the upper right (3 shots, 1st two were to get on paper).
Then 200 yards with the Sig 140:
And finally 400 yards with Sig 140:
I had to rush the 200 & 400 yard groups due to dwindling daylight, breaking shots when the mirage let me see clearly rather than watching my heart and breathing.
Barrel:
The barrel finish is excellent inside and out. Rifling lands (5) are narrower than I’ve seen before, with tapered sides (5R?). ~40 fps faster than the same ammo through the factory 22” barrel on my other Solus, shooting both brands of 140’s ~2660 fps. Chamber is like a mirror. Muzzle threads, shoulder and crown all look great. If there was any initial speed increase, it happened quick, maybe in the first 10-20 rounds.
Action:
Functioned flawlessly. The action feels even better than my first Solus which took a few hundred cycles to smooth out. I think the lube they ship with is super sticky - step one once you get it should be a good cleaning and re-lube with some quality dry lube on the bolt and grease on the cocking ramp and back of the lugs.
All said, I’m pleased. Great option for custom barrel profiles.
