This rifle seems a bit cliche with the Tikkas becoming seemingly more popular, XLR stocks becoming popular, and Vortex scopes gaining a good reputation lately. I put it all together last week, and took it to the range with a box of Hornady 140 A-max's to get a baseline. The first 5 shot group was right at 0.5", the next one was right at an inch. I still need to take the time to get the rifle set up correctly with the stock and scope position. Velocity was 2730 fps out of the 21" Bartlein barrel. I plan on putting a mine red-dot on the forward 45 degree rail and sight it in at either 25 or 50 yards. The rifle weighs 13.5 lbs, but I may use it for some limited hunting if I am not walking too far.
The barreled action, bolt, etc. are in the mail on their way to H&M Metal processing to be nitrided. I basically want one rifle that has all the features I want so I can become proficient with it over the next few years. I can't wait to get it back from nitriding and start working up some handloads!
-Dan
