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Handcruser

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Posts posted by Handcruser

  1. Got my SFAR but declined in the optics he had on it. Anyone have recommendations on a good red dot in the $200 price range? I dont need anything too fancy just something that points where i want to hit. I saw a remanufactured Sig Romeo 4 on their website fir $190 but kept looking at others. When I went back it was gone 
    FullSizeR.thumb.jpg.2cc80d8f30edd05a2a4f74a2a610f451.jpg

    Plz get an lpvo. Not a red dot.
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  2. It turns out that I have a glaring deficiency in my armory that needs to be rectified ASAP due to some upcoming globetrotting.
    I need a general purpose, go-to bolt action rifle for taking medium and large game in North America and in South Africa… and probably Argentina.  Target species are everything from whitetail/mullie/springbok to elk/oryx/red stag/nilgai to possibly moose/eland (I recognize that is a tall order for one rifle).  Needs to be light, maneuverable, and good shooting off of sticks.  Threaded for suppressor or brake.
    After spending the last decade largely learning MSRs, I’m not up-to-date on modern bolt action hunting rifles.
    I’m open to make, model, and caliber.  That said, my instinct is to go with a common, non-custom make/model in a caliber readily available both here and abroad (in the future, I plan to acquire a custom/boutique rifle (integrally suppressed?) in a mission-specific caliber like a 7mm PRC).  Budget for this application is $1K-$2500, and the glass will be a Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44 BT Plex.
    I’m leaning towards a synthetic stock for weather and durability.  I’m thinking traditional straight grip for speed, but I am unfamiliar with/using the popular vertical grips that abound these days.  Love Monte Carlo stocks and generally prefer a raised comb.  The carbon fiber stocks I’ve shouldered have been sweet in feel.
    For the barrel, I’m leaning towards coated to handle rough conditions and to aid in concealment (as opposed to stainless).  I know next to nothing about carbon wrapped barrels, but they look cool AF and are light.  Threaded barrel a must for brake or suppressor.    308, 30-06, or 300 Win Mag seem options that can handle the target species and are readily available.  I’m OK sacrificing some velocity for more maneuverable shorter barrels, if available for the caliber.  Sub-MOA guarantee a plus.
    I’ve physically handled the Bergara B14 Carbon Wilderness, Browning X-Bolt, Christensen Mesa/Ridgeline, Fierce Carbon Rogue, Seekins Havak PH2, Tikka T3x, Weatherby Vanguard.  I’ve considered buying a barreled action and having it fitted to an aftermarket stock, but I know absolutely nothing about that process.
    Looking forward to any ideas/input/advice that y’all may have.  Below, I’ll spoiler my thoughts on the rifles I’ve looked at and others that I have not but are on my radar.  TIA.
     
    Spoiler

    My thoughts on the rifles I’ve checked out so far (alpha by manufacturer):
    Bergara: B-14 Ridge Carbon Wilderness.  Smooth action.  Sub-MOA guarantee.  I’ve read that carbon barrels at this price-point can have issues with the wrapping.  Shouldering scoped rifles, it seems that the stock’s angle results in a cheek weld that’s too low for me.  Biggest concern is that I’ve read and heard that Bergara has had real QC and accuracy issues in the last year.
    Browning X-Bolt:  X-Bolt Speed Suppressor ready for shorter barrel option, or the Speed LR with adjustable comb.  Decent action, not as smooth as the Tikka, Bergara, or Fierce.  Stock feels small and maneuverable, but the LR has that long 26” barrel plus break or suppressor.  Love the 60* bolt lift.  Reportedly sub-MOA with quality factory ammo.  Solid reputation, Browning parts and service widely available.
    Christensen Arms – Mesa or Ridgeline.  Handling these rifles, some actions were smooth, others rough, others loosely fit.  Reading online, many others feel the same way – wide variations in quality between rifles.  Stocks felt slick and cheap.  Didn’t see the quality/value at the price-points.  Was quickly turned off.
    Fierce: Carbon Rogue.  Absolutely loved this rifle when I handled one at Cabela’s.  Smooooth action with 70* bolt lift.  Stock was lightweight and had a raised comb, nice palm swell, limbsaver recoil pad… it just felt right.  I also like the pic rail for the bipod, though it might get in the way on sticks.  Barrel looked sharp and has a 0.75 MOA guarantee.  Though concerned with the relatively “boutique” nature of the brand, I’d consider it the best option of the rifles I’ve evaluated and would take a chance, except…. I’ve read online absolute horror stories about getting a rifle that’s a lemon and then having to deal with Fierce (see the threads on the Rokslide forums).  Since I have a thin margin for error given the mission and application, I’m likely to pass.  It’s unfortunate.
    Seekins: Havak PH2.  I know next-to-nothing about Seekins, but the rifle seemed solid with a smooth action, lightweight, decent ergonomics.  Rifle and manufacturer have good reviews online.  I’m still not sure about vertical grips, and the huge palm swell was just too much on first impression.  Though light, the rifle felt bulky relative to, say, the X-Bolt Speed.
    Springfield Model 2020:  Both the Waypoint and Redline seem to be very good rifles, but I’ve never seen either in the wild.  The Redline captures my interest here because of its minimalist nature, weight, and maneuverability.  Not a fan of 90* bolt lifts, but 90* seems common. Both Waypoint and Redline are very limited in chamberings, so these options apply only if I go .308.
    Tikka T3x:  Lite Veil Wideland or Lite Roughtech.  Amazingly smooth action.  I mean, that action!  Reportedly sub-MOA with quality factory ammo.  Stock, grip, magazine feel cheap.  Like the 70* bolt lift.  No previous experience with Tikka, but internet posters and reviewers absolutely rave about them.

    Others on my radar that I’ve more or less discounted: 
    -Beretta BRX1, Benelli BEST Lupo / R1, Franchi Momentum Elite:  I’ve never seen these in the wild and they don’t seem to have a lot of owner/user history to evaluate.
    -Nosler:  Just out of budget range and have no experience with them.
    -Remington:  I’ve read about and seen QC issues for years.  
    -Ruger:  American.  I’ve handled and shot them.  I’m just looking for something nicer, though I’m considering getting a Ranch Rifle Gen II in 6.5 Grendel for my farm thanks to some discussion earlier in the thread.
    -Savage:  Model 110.  I’ve handled a few of these, and they seem fine.  The interwebs tell me I’m looking for a higher quality rifle.
    -Sako:  I read that they are essentially a more expensive Tikka.    
    -Weatherby Mark V:  I have my father’s in 300 Weatherby Mag and I want something different.  
    -Weatherby Vanguard:  Many barrels aren’t threaded, and may not be able to be threaded; also, want something different than a Weatherby
    -Winchester Model 70:  Just haven’t found one to evaluate, not a lot of enthusiasm on the interwebs for it.  

     


    So, there’s a lot going on here.

    First, 308 is not the best cartridge for what you’re looking for. You’re right, it is a tall order for one rifle. I’m going through a little of this right now (not this extreme) and I think I’ve decided on 6.5 PRC. If I had the money, I’d build a 6mm creedmoor and 6.5 PRC.

    Where are you? In Austin?

    I’d really look at building here.
    • Hook 'Em 1
  3. It turns out that I have a glaring deficiency in my armory that needs to be rectified ASAP due to some upcoming globetrotting.
    I need a general purpose, go-to bolt action rifle for taking medium and large game in North America and in South Africa… and probably Argentina.  Target species are everything from whitetail/mullie/springbok to elk/oryx/red stag/nilgai to possibly moose/eland (I recognize that is a tall order for one rifle).  Needs to be light, maneuverable, and good shooting off of sticks.  Threaded for suppressor or brake.
    After spending the last decade largely learning MSRs, I’m not up-to-date on modern bolt action hunting rifles.
    I’m open to make, model, and caliber.  That said, my instinct is to go with a common, non-custom make/model in a caliber readily available both here and abroad (in the future, I plan to acquire a custom/boutique rifle (integrally suppressed?) in a mission-specific caliber like a 7mm PRC).  Budget for this application is $1K-$2500, and the glass will be a Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44 BT Plex.
    I’m leaning towards a synthetic stock for weather and durability.  I’m thinking traditional straight grip for speed, but I am unfamiliar with/using the popular vertical grips that abound these days.  Love Monte Carlo stocks and generally prefer a raised comb.  The carbon fiber stocks I’ve shouldered have been sweet in feel.
    For the barrel, I’m leaning towards coated to handle rough conditions and to aid in concealment (as opposed to stainless).  I know next to nothing about carbon wrapped barrels, but they look cool AF and are light.  Threaded barrel a must for brake or suppressor.    308, 30-06, or 300 Win Mag seem options that can handle the target species and are readily available.  I’m OK sacrificing some velocity for more maneuverable shorter barrels, if available for the caliber.  Sub-MOA guarantee a plus.
    I’ve physically handled the Bergara B14 Carbon Wilderness, Browning X-Bolt, Christensen Mesa/Ridgeline, Fierce Carbon Rogue, Seekins Havak PH2, Tikka T3x, Weatherby Vanguard.  I’ve considered buying a barreled action and having it fitted to an aftermarket stock, but I know absolutely nothing about that process.
    Looking forward to any ideas/input/advice that y’all may have.  Below, I’ll spoiler my thoughts on the rifles I’ve looked at and others that I have not but are on my radar.  TIA.
     
    Spoiler

    My thoughts on the rifles I’ve checked out so far (alpha by manufacturer):
    Bergara: B-14 Ridge Carbon Wilderness.  Smooth action.  Sub-MOA guarantee.  I’ve read that carbon barrels at this price-point can have issues with the wrapping.  Shouldering scoped rifles, it seems that the stock’s angle results in a cheek weld that’s too low for me.  Biggest concern is that I’ve read and heard that Bergara has had real QC and accuracy issues in the last year.
    Browning X-Bolt:  X-Bolt Speed Suppressor ready for shorter barrel option, or the Speed LR with adjustable comb.  Decent action, not as smooth as the Tikka, Bergara, or Fierce.  Stock feels small and maneuverable, but the LR has that long 26” barrel plus break or suppressor.  Love the 60* bolt lift.  Reportedly sub-MOA with quality factory ammo.  Solid reputation, Browning parts and service widely available.
    Christensen Arms – Mesa or Ridgeline.  Handling these rifles, some actions were smooth, others rough, others loosely fit.  Reading online, many others feel the same way – wide variations in quality between rifles.  Stocks felt slick and cheap.  Didn’t see the quality/value at the price-points.  Was quickly turned off.
    Fierce: Carbon Rogue.  Absolutely loved this rifle when I handled one at Cabela’s.  Smooooth action with 70* bolt lift.  Stock was lightweight and had a raised comb, nice palm swell, limbsaver recoil pad… it just felt right.  I also like the pic rail for the bipod, though it might get in the way on sticks.  Barrel looked sharp and has a 0.75 MOA guarantee.  Though concerned with the relatively “boutique” nature of the brand, I’d consider it the best option of the rifles I’ve evaluated and would take a chance, except…. I’ve read online absolute horror stories about getting a rifle that’s a lemon and then having to deal with Fierce (see the threads on the Rokslide forums).  Since I have a thin margin for error given the mission and application, I’m likely to pass.  It’s unfortunate.
    Seekins: Havak PH2.  I know next-to-nothing about Seekins, but the rifle seemed solid with a smooth action, lightweight, decent ergonomics.  Rifle and manufacturer have good reviews online.  I’m still not sure about vertical grips, and the huge palm swell was just too much on first impression.  Though light, the rifle felt bulky relative to, say, the X-Bolt Speed.
    Springfield Model 2020:  Both the Waypoint and Redline seem to be very good rifles, but I’ve never seen either in the wild.  The Redline captures my interest here because of its minimalist nature, weight, and maneuverability.  Not a fan of 90* bolt lifts, but 90* seems common. Both Waypoint and Redline are very limited in chamberings, so these options apply only if I go .308.
    Tikka T3x:  Lite Veil Wideland or Lite Roughtech.  Amazingly smooth action.  I mean, that action!  Reportedly sub-MOA with quality factory ammo.  Stock, grip, magazine feel cheap.  Like the 70* bolt lift.  No previous experience with Tikka, but internet posters and reviewers absolutely rave about them.

    Others on my radar that I’ve more or less discounted: 
    -Beretta BRX1, Benelli BEST Lupo / R1, Franchi Momentum Elite:  I’ve never seen these in the wild and they don’t seem to have a lot of owner/user history to evaluate.
    -Nosler:  Just out of budget range and have no experience with them.
    -Remington:  I’ve read about and seen QC issues for years.  
    -Ruger:  American.  I’ve handled and shot them.  I’m just looking for something nicer, though I’m considering getting a Ranch Rifle Gen II in 6.5 Grendel for my farm thanks to some discussion earlier in the thread.
    -Savage:  Model 110.  I’ve handled a few of these, and they seem fine.  The interwebs tell me I’m looking for a higher quality rifle.
    -Sako:  I read that they are essentially a more expensive Tikka.    
    -Weatherby Mark V:  I have my father’s in 300 Weatherby Mag and I want something different.  
    -Weatherby Vanguard:  Many barrels aren’t threaded, and may not be able to be threaded; also, want something different than a Weatherby
    -Winchester Model 70:  Just haven’t found one to evaluate, not a lot of enthusiasm on the interwebs for it.  

     


    I’ll be back shortly.
  4. Anybody here have opinions about Blackjack gunsmithing or somebody else you like and have had good experience with here in Austin? Somebody gave me a Tec-9 that had been in its case in the back of a closet since 1992 that looks to be in good working order but should disassembled, cleaned, inspected and test fired by someone other than me. 

    Also came with a the optional barrel extender and two Intratec 32 round magazines, one of which was full of 30 year old bullets, and had one in the chamber when it was given to me.
    And that's why we ALWAYS check first, kids. 

    Go ask for AJ. Tell him Jeff from Guns Warehouse sent you.

    Blackjack does great work. If you need help let me know.
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  5. - you’re right about it wandering off, but I don’t feel good about it. Ideally a lung shot kills in minutes, not hours
    5.7 is a great round but I don’t love the firearm with this option. 
    - I thought .17HMR had better terminal performance than .22mag inside 200yds. No?

    22 mag has more energy.
    17 is more accurate out past 100

    If under 100, im taking the energy.

    Either would “work”.
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  6. So there’s a troublesome rogue coyote in my neighborhood and it has killed a lot of cats. 
    Let’s say, purely conjecture, that someone was to set up a one-shot kill from 75 yards on the SOB. What would be the best and most ethical round to attempt such a thing in a dense urban environment? 
    Assume pre-dawn timing. Looking for pros/cons of:
    .22lr suppressed 
    .17HMR suppressed
    5.7X28 carbine surpressed 
    .223 Rem
    imperatives include:
    1) quick, ethical kill
    2) avoiding a disturbance 

    To be clear, this is a purely speculative scenario 

    Not 22
    17 is pushing it
    5.7 ok
    223 no
    22 mag would be my choice here

    I know this sounds shitty but you don’t necessarily want it to die right there. Let it wander off and die unseen.

    All of these suppressed. Obviously.

    *it is illegal to shoot firearms in the city limits.

    Just thought I’d put that out there.
  7. I did say prices are negotiable.
    The retail price for the DD M4A1 is $2240. I can include extra magazines if that makes you happier.
    The Glock 42 includes 250 rounds of self defense ammo. I am willing to deal.

    Are they DD mags?
  8. I had the same question as ChickenNuggets so while you are waiting for his ad I have a couple of guns for sale, laser sights
    and a shitton of ammunition for sale, 9mm, 5.56 and .22 cal. PM for the full list. Let me know if you are interested in any of this. I am located
    in Cedar Park/North Austin area. Prices are negotiable.
     
    Glock 42  380Auto, 3 magazines                            -- $450
     
    DSCN1386.thumb.JPG.66f4589ad81d112346cdcb36b7dac4e7.JPG
    Daniel Defense M4A1 Semi-Auto rifle, 5.56  NIB            -- $2100
    DSCN1387.thumb.JPG.67e65d89b1bc43feb650736ccee5ba58.JPG

    Damn. Those are retail prices lol
  9. Anyone have success using WikiArms to purchase guns? The SA Waypoint I mentioned above is about $2400 at Bass Pro and $2500 at GunsWarehouse. Using WikiArms, found a few places that are selling for about $1800 +/-. Same model

    Gunbroker only.

    Online gun sales outside of a few vendors is risky business man!
  10. My bad.  I thought you were asking budget on pistol.  
    For the AR, up to $2k without optics.  I would prefer to be in $1500 range.
    I held the Ruger SFAR last night.  It was pretty awesome feeling.  I may just go with that.  Thanks so much for all the info.

    If you can handle the extra $ - PWS would be worth every penny. They’re fantastic.

    Ruger should be $1099 or less fyi.
  11. Budget is probably $1k.  Not really worried about that.
    I have a small Ruger pocket pistol that has a 5 round magazine I will carry on occasion. Usually if I am jogging late at night or early in morning.  Or running errands/wearing athletic shorts.  I will continue to use it for that.
    I keep a FN 5.7 in my truck console safe.  But it is too big to EDC.  I have several other pistols, including a Glock 40 cal and a Sig .45 that I absolutely love (but it is way too big to carry comfortably).  I also have several revolvers.  But I never use them and they are too bulky.
    I want something that I will carry on me routinely -- I wear a coat to the office M to F and to church on Sunday -- that is bigger than my little pocket pistol I jog with but smaller than my other pistols.
    I went to Collectors last night.  And the Academy right next to it.  I really liked the Sig P365 XL and the Hellcat.  I am leaning Sig because I love my other Sig.
    I have had a carry permit since I turned 21.  I have never carried much -- other than keeping one in my truck safe.  But I am starting to feel the need to carry more often as I live inside the loop Houston and there has been more riff raff now than I have noticed in my 20 years of living inside the city.  I think I am going to start making it a habit.
     

    Got it.

    For AR Ruger SFAR are nice rigs - the lightest out there. You. A build an aero M5 for ~1200ish which is what I would do at that budget. Primary weapons systems at $1900 would be my option if you can spend a little more.

    I dislike 365’s. They’re great guns and hyper reliable I just don’t like them. I prefer the hellcat in that scenario. Hellcat pro might be an option as it’s the same size as the 365xl

    Masada slim are great - newer gun but very good.
    • Hook 'Em 1
  12. I want an ar in a 308 and 6.5 Creedmoor 
    Carroll’s is great.  It and that place in Eagle Lake are two of my favorite gun stores.  
     
    I also am looking at a new pistol for carrying.  What I have now is either too big or too small.  I want a true small carry 9mm.  Thinking about the Sig P365XL.  

    Budget?

    What do you carry now
    • Hook 'Em 1
  13. I usually buy guns from Carrolls in Wharton. 
    I am looking to buy a couple extra ARs today or tomorrow in calibers I don't have.  Any reccos in Houston?  I don't feel like driving to Wharton today.
    Is Collectors worth a damn?  I bought from them 20 years ago and thought they were assholes.  But that is not uncommon in the gun world.
    Carters usually does not have the best collection, IIRC.

    Buy yet? If not what are you looking for?
    I’ve driven past them a bazillion times and never stopped. Do they have a lot of inventory?

    Cop shop. Decent inventory, but very nice people. I’d buy from them.
    • Hook 'Em 1
  14. Ringo may not be a technical wizard, but he is probably the single most musical drummer in the history of rock.

    Eh, I’d disagree.

    But I am all for his place in the history of music.

    I’d go for Hal Blaine in ringos spot on your list.
    Ringo may not be a technical wizard, but he is probably the single most musical drummer in the history of rock.

    I will also admit that you know more about music than I do.
  15. This!!! Howa Mini-Action or Ruger American in 6.5 Grendel for a lightweight accurate bolt gun…..hell, you could buy one of the above and an AR in same with that budget. 2-fer-1.  Helluva hog / whitetail round and as soft as shooting a .22WM. 
     

    I’ve got that Ruger American in 300BO and it’s a nice little gun.

    6.5G has more energy at 1000 than .308 M80 ball I believe. M80 is underpowered though.

    6.5G needs a 24” barrel to extract the most out of it, but 12”-18” - it’s lethal out to 250ish maybe 300 with 18”. It’s a great fucking round.

    Works great in AR-15 platform too.
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