BadRock South Fork

They're supplied by [REDACTED]. Just ask [REDACTED].
Hmmm... redacted.
Just got my Badrock (thanks for the PHENOMENAL customer service, Defiance! Definitely the way to keep the customer base happy and loyal!). Waiting for new scope rings and then out to the range for break in/zeroing). I’m a hand reloader so interested in what loads folks are using out there (hearing 140gr best for 6.5CM, powders vary but several locals here use 4350 as the old go to powder... probably because it has been around for several decades and very reliable). After I break in my rifle, will post reload data as I obtain it.

For those folks interested in the Badrock, here is a pic of the rifle as I picked it up from my FFL... CE976A75-A457-41A7-8243-0FA88FFCD1D6.jpeg
 
Hmmm... redacted.
Just got my Badrock (thanks for the PHENOMENAL customer service, Defiance! Definitely the way to keep the customer base happy and loyal!). Waiting for new scope rings and then out to the range for break in/zeroing). I’m a hand reloader so interested in what loads folks are using out there (hearing 140gr best for 6.5CM, powders vary but several locals here use 4350 as the old go to powder... probably because it has been around for several decades and very reliable). After I break in my rifle, will post reload data as I obtain it.

For those folks interested in the Badrock, here is a pic of the rifle as I picked it up from my FFL... View attachment 7127120
Sweet rifle! So that's your huckleberry.
 
Finally able to get out and shoot some rounds through my Bad Rock... sweet shooting rifle. Have the trigger set for 1.5#s, did some initial test rounds in H4350. As you can see from pic, seems around 42.0 grains is what my particular rifle likes, will load some more up in 0.2 grain increments from 41.4 to 42.2 to see the sweet spot is (I might have pulled the one outlier in 41.5 load). Once that done, then will play with bullet seating depth to dial it in further. I check headspace on my rifle, it is +0.005 which is smack dab in center of ANSI standards (1.5410-1.5510) so kudos to Defiance on their production quality! Of note, the reload data is for my BR without a muzzle brake installed, the recoil on the Bad Rock in 6.5 CM is minimal.
C2F3F2DB-E41C-4126-B056-CF97442261BE.jpeg
 
Update - took my Bad Rock out and shot 600 yds... previously just zeroed and did some load work ups at 100 yds. Bottomline, shot great. Adjusted scope initially up 46 clicks (11.5 MOA), shot a bit low and to the right (winds 5-10, gusting) so adjusted up an additional 3 clicks and left 1 click. Shot 3 , bit high and right, dropped 1 click and left 1;shot 3 more and the adjusted one more click left. Then shot 28 rds... 18 “X” and 10 “10” rings... can’t complain especially as I was using an inexpensive Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50 PA scope.... out shot guys on the line shooting much more expensive rifles with Nightforce scopes (and I still haven’t worked up loads with seating depth adjustments). Wind gusts were fun.

Speaking of scopes, as I am interested in competing in PSR production class (and thereby limited to optics with less than $2k MSRP), any recommendations on good optics with this price limitation (NF and Razor HD Gen II ruled out due to limitations)? Seems somewhat limited... Golden Eagle HD (primarily F Class), Viper PST Gen II, others
1670D2D6-C8FA-452D-9638-B3F68D57FC5B.jpeg
 
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Update - took my Bad Rock out and shot 600 yds... previously just zeroed and did some load work ups at 100 yds. Bottomline, shot great. Adjusted scope initially up 46 clicks (11.5 MOA), shot a bit low and to the right (winds 5-10, gusting) so adjusted up an additional 3 clicks and left 1 click. Shot 3 , bit high and right, dropped 1 click and left 1;shot 3 more and the adjusted one more click left. Then shot 28 rds... 18 “X” and 10 “10” rings... can’t complain especially as I was using an inexpensive Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50 PA scope.... out shot guys on the line shooting much more expensive rifles with Nightforce scopes (and I still haven’t worked up loads with seating depth adjustments). Wind gusts were fun.

Speaking of scopes, as I am interested in competing in PSR production class (and thereby limited to optics with less than $2k MSRP), any recommendations on good optics with this price limitation (NF and Razor HD Gen II ruled out due to limitations)? Seems somewhat limited... Golden Eagle HD (primarily F Class), Viper PST Gen II, othersView attachment 7156705
From your handle 7sfga I presume that you were, or are with 7th Group and thus would qualify for military discount as either active duty, or veteran; you might want to visit the Vortex website:


and assess all options.
 
Roger that, Sonic. Also part of ExpertVoice (military/special ops) - which Vortex also participates in with 40% discount off MSRP...

Was seeing if anybody out there participating in the Precision Rifle Series and any insight on good glass for PRS under the Production class limitation of under $2k MSRP.... even though I can get well under MSRP, regulations still require optics to be under the MSRP cap... but Vortex definitely an option, am impressed with the Viper for the price (I think msrp is about $575 but I got it for around $325 a couple of years ago). Thanks!
 
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Speaking of scopes, as I am interested in competing in PSR production class (and thereby limited to optics with less than $2k MSRP), any recommendations on good optics with this price limitation (NF and Razor HD Gen II ruled out due to limitations)? Seems somewhat limited... Golden Eagle HD (primarily F Class), Viper PST Gen II, others

Take a look at Sightron SIII LR Series.
 
Roger that, Sonic. Also part of ExpertVoice (military/special ops) - which Vortex also participates in with 40% discount off MSRP...

Was seeing if anybody out there participating in the Precision Rifle Series and any insight on good glass for PRS under the Production class limitation of under $2k MSRP.... even though I can get well under MSRP, regulations still require optics to be under the MSRP cap... but Vortex definitely an option, am impressed with the Viper for the price (I think msrp is about $575 but I got it for around $325 a couple of years ago). Thanks!
Nice shooting! I am waiting on a rifle but had a chance to shoot the BadRock at the Precision Rifle Expo and was impressed with it. Good talking to the people from the factory on hand as well.

Last year when I ordered my rifle (PVA JH, don't ask), I also ordered a Burris XTR II 5-25. At the time it was $1500 MSRP (I think it's dropped and now that the XTRIII's are coming out, the market seems to be good for good prices) and was one of the better choices for the sub $2k MSRP optics. Vortex was the other choice, seemed to be a toss up as to which folks liked better but I went with the Burris and have not been disappointed with my choice.
 
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Roger that, Sonic. Also part of ExpertVoice (military/special ops) - which Vortex also participates in with 40% discount off MSRP...

Was seeing if anybody out there participating in the Precision Rifle Series and any insight on good glass for PRS under the Production class limitation of under $2k MSRP.... even though I can get well under MSRP, regulations still require optics to be under the MSRP cap... but Vortex definitely an option, am impressed with the Viper for the price (I think msrp is about $575 but I got it for around $325 a couple of years ago). Thanks!
Hooah! You're gtg then brother.
 
Thanks all for the input on optics. I’ll check out the Sightron, and Burris XTR II/iii along with Vortex products. Also will look at the new Cronus BTR (anyone have first hand experience with that?).
 
Thanks all for the input on optics. I’ll check out the Sightron, and Burris XTR II/iii along with Vortex products. Also will look at the new Cronus BTR (anyone have first hand experience with that?).
I traded out my Bushy XRS I for a Cronus BTR and at 1400 yds the XRS showed me a shape for a torso target. The BTR focused in and I can see where paint is missing. Big improvement. Same results at 1700 yds. I like the Cronus.
 
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Saw these at Shot 2019. I was quite impressed. I like the new features on the action they developed for this. The one piece threaded bolt knob is a great way to save money without sacrificing any quality. Actually, it resulted in streamlined machining processes that allowed for an improvement in the tolerances over previous models. The action also has a mechanical ejector which I vastly prefer both for controlling my brass and because I don't really trust the plungers not to get bound with debris and cause a malfunction. The rest of the package is also top notch. The MDT chassis is better than I would expect you could get in a full rifle @$2k and offers a tremendous amount of adjustment. The triggertech primary is a reliable and clean breaking choice though it is heavier than I typically run and after going back and forth with a two stage I am definitely starting to lean that way. Putting a $300+ trigger in a $2k custom level production gun is probably just not going to happen though. Certainly, nobody else has managed to do it. Lastly, I talked to them some about who they were working with to supply the barrels. "Match grade stainless steel" is what they say in the item description. Not so informative. The barrel's are better than you think and certainly better than that vague description;) Really, my only beef on the barrels is that they switched from the varmint contour they originally were going to go with to a heavier contour. While the PRS guys will prefer this, everybody else would have been better off with the original. I think a good solution to this would have been to make the 6CM one in the heavy contour for the hardcore PRS guys who I expect are mostly going to go this caliber anyway and do the 6.5CM, .308, and .223 in the more versatile varmint caliber for folks who might carry the rifle or need to fire it off hand.

Anyhow, the South Fork looked like an excellent value to me. Hopefully the shoot as well as they look.
 
Saw these at Shot 2019. I was quite impressed. I like the new features on the action they developed for this. The one piece threaded bolt knob is a great way to save money without sacrificing any quality. Actually, it resulted in streamlined machining processes that allowed for an improvement in the tolerances over previous models. The action also has a mechanical ejector which I vastly prefer both for controlling my brass and because I don't really trust the plungers not to get bound with debris and cause a malfunction. The rest of the package is also top notch. The MDT chassis is better than I would expect you could get in a full rifle @$2k and offers a tremendous amount of adjustment. The triggertech primary is a reliable and clean breaking choice though it is heavier than I typically run and after going back and forth with a two stage I am definitely starting to lean that way. Putting a $300+ trigger in a $2k custom level production gun is probably just not going to happen though. Certainly, nobody else has managed to do it. Lastly, I talked to them some about who they were working with to supply the barrels. "Match grade stainless steel" is what they say in the item description. Not so informative. The barrel's are better than you think and certainly better than that vague description;) Really, my only beef on the barrels is that they switched from the varmint contour they originally were going to go with to a heavier contour. While the PRS guys will prefer this, everybody else would have been better off with the original. I think a good solution to this would have been to make the 6CM one in the heavy contour for the hardcore PRS guys who I expect are mostly going to go this caliber anyway and do the 6.5CM, .308, and .223 in the more versatile varmint caliber for folks who might carry the rifle or need to fire it off hand.

Anyhow, the South Fork looked like an excellent value to me. Hopefully the shoot as well as they look.
How does yours shoot?
 
I think you will like it when you get it. I have seen one at the range and the guy was happy with it.

It was down to the BadRock and the MPA PMR Pro for me. I was lucky to find a 6.5 CM PMR Pro in stock at a dealer which made the decision easier. At the time, the BadRock was also 12 weeks out.

The PMR Pro was $500.00 more, but it includes the scope base, muzzle brake, 10 round Accurate Mag, and a few other accessories that will need to be added to the BadRock, so the total price will end up being pretty close.

What caliber are you going with? MDT chassis?
 
I was also looking at the MPA PMR, but the lead time is 18-20 weeks. I also cant get anything from a dealer since I am a lefty... I have a APA little bastard break, and AICS mags already so this worked out for me at 2K. I got the MDT chassis in .308. I have 1000+ of 308 already, and I cant get any 6.5CM readily with the current climate. But I am interested in a 6.5CM one day. I am really excited haha, I can't wait.
 
Congrats!

Should be a good shooter, it's amazing what you can get @ this 2k level today.


I was also looking at the MPA PMR, but the lead time is 18-20 weeks. I also cant get anything from a dealer since I am a lefty... I have a APA little bastard break, and AICS mags already so this worked out for me at 2K. I got the MDT chassis in .308. I have 1000+ of 308 already, and I cant get any 6.5CM readily with the current climate. But I am interested in a 6.5CM one day. I am really excited haha, I can't wait.
 
The PMR Pro was $500.00 more, but it includes the scope base, muzzle brake, 10 round Accurate Mag, and a few other accessories that will need to be added to the BadRock, so the total price will end up being pretty close.
Not to hijack the thread, but this made my decision easier. Liked both, would love to see and shoot a Badrock, because I have heard nothing but good about them but

Am very pleased with the MPA Pro.
 
Not to hijack the thread, but this made my decision easier. Liked both, would love to see and shoot a Badrock, because I have heard nothing but good about them but

Am very pleased with the MPA Pro.

While I like MPA, comparing the action between the two, the Defiance action wins for me. Plus, the BadRock has a controlled round feed, and the MPA does not. That's more of a personal preference for a feature though.
 
While I like MPA, comparing the action between the two, the Defiance action wins for me. Plus, the BadRock has a controlled round feed, and the MPA does not. That's more of a personal preference for a feature though.
I am sold on controlled round feed, but my last hunting rifle using CRF was shooting $300 dollar rifle groups from a very (for me) expensive priced rifle with a 4 figured price scope. So, i put the rifle on gunbroker, put the scope on my Weatherby Vanguard (that shoots amazingly tight groups so it wasn’t the scope) and used the the gunbroker money to help pay for the MPA. However, my 35 Whelen with CRF shoots groups that would make a 5 figured price rifle jealous so, it wasn’t the CRF. I am keeping the Whelen, its a real shooter as well as the MPA and our RPR.
 
Controlled round feed is certainly an advantage of the BadRock. If the BadRock action is similar to the Tenacity I have handled, the action may be a tad smoother than the Curtis in the MPA too. (Although I think the Tenacity is also push feed, which may make a difference.)

I do like the MPA BA Comp chassis in the PMR Pro. The RAT system/Arca swiss rail built into the chassis and spigot are pretty cool. So there are definitely pluses and minuses of each.
 
Reviving this old thread. I pulled the trigger on one of these, thanks for the feedback here. Their customer service is great. The current lead time is 12 weeks.
Ha, I did the same thing last week. Agonized between that and dropping a Tikka CTR out of its plastic stock and into a chassis of some flavor. I shoot service rifle, mostly with M1 just to have fun, and this will be my first PRS-style rifle. Wife approves, since 30th anniversary coming up. In fact, BadRock South Fork + Ares ETR is going to be anniversary, birthday, AND Christmas for this year :)
 
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Ha, I did the same thing last week. Agonized between that and dropping a Tikka CTR out of its plastic stock and into a chassis of some flavor. I shoot service rifle, mostly with M1 just to have fun, and this will be my first PRS-style rifle. Wife approves, since 30th anniversary coming up. In fact, BadRock South Fork + Ares ETR is going to be anniversary, birthday, AND Christmas for this year :)
I ordered mine in 6.5 CM back in early March so it should be fairly close to shipping in a few weeks. Got the MDT chassis with a ZCO 5 X 27 scope. Can't wait to start load development!

I ordered 1.1" rings and the scope has a 56mm objective with Tenebraex caps. Also got the 20 MOA rail. Am I going to have a barrel to scope clearance problem?
 
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