New here. New build.

[303Native]

Hello all,

I’m new to both hunting and the precision world but i have been shooting for most of my adult life. I discovered this forum while exploring my first bolt rifle build for hunting, and since then, I’ve decided to finally dive into precision shooting. That being said, I’m hoping to find that magical middle ground where a rifle suits both the competition and hunting worlds.

My goals right now are a lighter-weight but tough rifle that can withstand slips and falls in steep, muddy, and rocky terrain. It should have enough energy for mid-to-long-range large game (elk, deer, bear, antelope, sheep)

After reading several interesting threads on running multiple calibers with just a bolt and barrel change using specialty mags or spacers, I think this is an option I’d like to keep open. There are several calibers I’m interested in—mainly .308 Win, 7 PRC, 300 PRC, and .338 Lapua—and having the ability to add them later by simply swapping a barrel, bolt, and spacer (or custom mag) would be ideal.

Initially, I think this will be my 7 PRC build:

Foundation Revelation or Foundation Hunt

LPA Fuzion LA

Hawkins M5 detachable BM

Proof 22" carbon prefit

TriggerTech 2-stage

TBA Magnus-K-RR

ZCO or Razor HD Gen III


I haven’t bought anything yet, as I’m currently selling a couple of other guns to fund this build. I’m also still working through compatibility checks, hoping that most of these parts play nicely together. Comments or suggestions are appreciated!

Right now, I’m trying to confirm whether the Hawkins M5 Detachable works with the LPA Fuzion LA. Most sources suggest they’re compatible, but on LPA’s site, they mention that the Fuzion only comes cut for the Hawkins BDL or Hunter. My knowledge here is lacking, so any insight would be helpful.

I’d love to hear from anyone with side-by-side experience running heavier calibers in these two stocks (Foundation Revelation vs. Foundation Hunt).

I’m not aiming for an "ultra-light" build—I want to be able to run 7 PRC comfortably all day at a match while still being able to hunt and carry it around the mountains without needing a wagon. I’m assuming the final weight will land somewhere in the 12–14 lb range.

I’ll keep this updated as I go!

 

[303Native]

Does anyone have any info on lone peak la actions + Hawkins m5 detachable?

 

[EastCOYotes]

I would give Lone Peak or Hawkins a call and hear it from them.

That will be a wicked build though if it all works out!

If interested in easy multiple caliber/barrel changes the Terminus Zeus is an action to consider too (swap barrels quick without a vice).

I’m building a mid weight shorty coyote rifle on a Zeus but might get a different barrel or two down the road if I want to shoot steel with the action without burning out my coyote barrel.

 

[303Native]

I would give Lone Peak or Hawkins a call and hear it from them.

That will be a wicked build though if it all works out!

If interested in easy multiple caliber/barrel changes the Terminus Zeus is an action to consider too (swap barrels quick without a vice).

I’m building a mid weight shorty coyote rifle on a Zeus but might get a different barrel or two down the road if I want to shoot steel with the action without burning out my coyote barrel.

Fingers crossed . I'm going to contact both this weekend/ next week and hopefully finalize my options.

That would be a fun build! I haven't been out shooting yotes in a looooong time. My AR would be wicked for that.

 

[K80/6.5]

My Revelation feels great as long you know they’re heavy for a hunting stock the one thing that’s bothers me is there is no qd stud for a sling or obi mount on the fore end . Other than that I love my Revelation. Not sure I would go with it for an ultra light build. Foundation just announced a lightweight adjustable comb for their hybrid stock.

 

[kthomas]

Those scopes are also pretty heavy for a sheep gun build.

You're off to a good start, but I think you may want to rethink a few items and refine this build a bit more.

 

[303Native]

My Revelation feels great as long you know they’re heavy for a hunting stock the one thing that’s bothers me is there is no qd stud for a sling or obi mount on the fore end . Other than that I love my Revelation. Not sure I would go with it for an ultra light build. Foundation just announced a lightweight adjustable comb for their hybrid stock.

Yeah I think I have moved my idea to their new design. The Ezekiel looks amazing it will definitely help with the weight aspect. It seems to fix all the issue people have with the Gideon.

 

[303Native]

My Revelation feels great as long you know they’re heavy for a hunting stock the one thing that’s bothers me is there is no qd stud for a sling or obi mount on the fore end . Other than that I love my Revelation. Not sure I would go with it for an ultra light build. Foundation just announced a lightweight adjustable comb for their hybrid stock.

Yeah I think I have moved my idea to their new design. The Ezekiel looks amazing it will definitely help with the weight aspect. It seems to fix all the issue people have with the Gideon.

Those scopes are also pretty heavy for a sheep gun build.

You're off to a good start, but I think you may want to rethink a few items and refine this build a bit more.

Thank you. Yeah it will be years before I get a sheep tag. I'll probably throw a smaller caliber and something like a 2-10 on it if I went sheep hunting.

 

[CStroud]

Does anyone have any info on lone peak la actions + Hawkins m5 detachable?

I've used lone peaks with Hawkins hunter mags and not had any issues.

 

[SEPAboltrifle]

Check out American Precision Arms CIP RTG bottom metal. Low profile well suited for hunting carry.

 

[303Native]

Check out American Precision Arms CIP RTG bottom metal. Low profile well suited for hunting carry.

I will have to do some more research into them. What is so special about the trigger guard? It looks as if they have cut and hinged it for a mag release maybe?

 

[SEPAboltrifle]

CIP (3.850") for magnum cartridges. Mag release is flush inlet into the trigger guard reduces risk of accidentally dropping mag.
Low profile to reduce risk of snagging.

 

[303Native]

CIP (3.850") for magnum cartridges. Mag release is flush inlet into the trigger guard reduces risk of accidentally dropping mag.
Low profile to reduce risk of snagging.

I'm really liking what I see. I'll have to keep this in mind. Thank you.

 

[303Native]

7 PRC build V1:

Foundation Ezekiel ( ordered ): ️

LPA Fuzion alpine cut ( ordered ): ️

Hawkins M5 hunter DBM....... maybe:
* I was foolishly hoping to find a AW double stack double feed style mag for a long action, learned that wasn't really a thing. But AICS it is and I'm seeing some double stack single feed options.

Carbon6 pre-fit:
*Im seeing some more customizable options, better availability and better. price. for similar quality over the proof pre-fit I had originally picked*

TriggerTech 2-stage:

TBA Magnus-K-RR:

ZCO or Razor HD Gen III:

Dropping a couple things off to hopefully sell on consignment to fund my optic and barrel and then I will be getting into the fun stuff...... trying to figure out load development for the first time .

 

[EastCOYotes]

I’ve got a carbon6 barrel on a 243AI that I put together five or so years ago. It’s been great.

 

[303Native]

Good to hear. I've seen some good reviews here and other forums so I figured it wouldn't hurt to try, especially at that price point.

 

[TheNarrator]

Solid setup.

 

[kravi]

You might want to look at the Vortex Razor LHT 4.5 - 22 - it is lightweight, great glass, and FFP (unlike the other LHT scope(s0). It is MOA, though - so less ideal if you also want to do some precision rifle stuff with it (beyond hunting). Also the Leupold Mk 4 HD could be a great option for you too - solid glass and lightweight.

 

[Caba]

You might want to look at the Vortex Razor LHT 4.5 - 22 - it is lightweight, great glass, and FFP (unlike the other LHT scope(s0). It is MOA, though - so less ideal if you also want to do some precision rifle stuff with it (beyond hunting). Also the Leupold Mk 4 HD could be a great option for you too - solid glass and lightweight.

Vortex makes a mil version as well.

 

[kravi]

Vortex makes a mil version as well.

I had thought so too, but I went to their website and they only had an MOA version listed in the 4.5 -22 (which is their FFP offering). They have listed a mil version of their 3 - 18 LHT. Maybe I'm wrong?

 

[Caba]

It should be there, I owned one.

I had thought so too, but I went to their website and they only had an MOA version listed in the 4.5 -22 (which is their FFP offering). They have listed a mil version of their 3 - 18 LHT. Maybe I'm wrong?

Edit: it's there you, have to select it under the reticle option. Default is MOA

 

[303Native]

It should be there, I owned one.


Edit: it's there you, have to select it under the reticle option. Default is MOA

I'll have to look into these. Somehow I missed it in the lineup . I currently have a vortex razor hd 2x10 that I love. I just need to move into an x20 something. I don't anticipate needing to see anything past 1000/1200. That being said I would like that capability with 70/80% available magnification so I don't end up with problems at max power and still have a usable x8/x10 for closer range hunting shots. So I will definitely add this to my to check list.

 

[2Twenty3]

Going with a lighter-weight stock and action is great, but it will just be made obsolete if you throw a 40+ oz optic on top.. Vortex Razor G3's are the shit, but weigh so much more than they should.. and a ZCO is basically the same story, but just more $$$. These optics are fantastic choices for PRS style rifles, but are going to hold you back a little on a hunting gun. I would seriously take a hard look at something like the NightForce NX8 4-32x50 or a Leupold MK5 5-25x56. I believe that type of optic is exactly what you're looking for, and will not hold you back whatsoever.. all while being substantially less $$$ than either aforementioned option. Just know that many men here have tried to build a rifle that can be proficient in both hunting and PRS equally, and it is very hard to pull off without it lacking in one form or another. It's a give and take at the end of the day, and you get to decide what parts take precedence.

As for the Razor LHT 4.5-22x50, I had one on my setup and while it was good.. it let me down when I needed it most unfortunately. Vortex really dropped the ball in what in my opinion would've been a grand slam of an optic. If only they would have finished it in that same shadow bronze color like the other Razors instead of that gaudy looking bedliner black they went with.. and the illumination is so miserably done and failed to work so many times that I sold it and replaced it with an old ATACR 4-16x50. If they come out with a new version that addresses those gripes, I will be first in line to snag one.

I will also mention that the Hawkins bottom metal options are great and won't let you down.. but the new MDT bottom metal is unbelievable, and I really feel like it's the new standard as far as DBM's go. I have the hunter series on my current build and it has really impressed me. You can adjust the mag latch to run any mag without issue (like a chassis) and even lock out the release entirely so that there is ZERO chance of dropping your mag while out on a hunt. I ordered mine from EuroOptic for about $260.

 

[303Native]

Going with a lighter-weight stock and action is great, but it will just be made obsolete if you throw a 40+ oz optic on top.. Vortex Razor G3's are the shit, but weigh so much more than they should.. and a ZCO is basically the same story, but just more $$$. These optics are fantastic choices for PRS style rifles, but are going to hold you back a little on a hunting gun. I would seriously take a hard look at something like the NightForce NX8 4-32x50 or a Leupold MK5 5-25x56. I believe that type of optic is exactly what you're looking for, and will not hold you back whatsoever.. all while being substantially less $$$ than either aforementioned option. Just know that many men here have tried to build a rifle that can be proficient in both hunting and PRS equally, and it is very hard to pull off without it lacking in one form or another. It's a give and take at the end of the day, and you get to decide what parts take precedence.

As for the Razor LHT 4.5-22x50, I had one on my setup and while it was good.. it let me down when I needed it most unfortunately. Vortex really dropped the ball in what in my opinion would've been a grand slam of an optic. If only they would have finished it in that same shadow bronze color like the other Razors instead of that gaudy looking bedliner black they went with.. and the illumination is so miserably done and failed to work so many times that I sold it and replaced it with an old ATACR 4-16x50. If they come out with a new version that addresses those gripes, I will be first in line to snag one.

I will also mention that the Hawkins bottom metal options are great and won't let you down.. but the new MDT bottom metal is unbelievable, and I really feel like it's the new standard as far as DBM's go. I have the hunter series on my current build and it has really impressed me. You can adjust the mag latch to run any mag without issue (like a chassis) and even lock out the release entirely so that there is ZERO chance of dropping your mag while out on a hunt. I ordered mine from EuroOptic for about $260.

Love the info thank you.
I have been struggling where I want to land on weight this whole build. After looking at it from all angles I decided it wasn't a big enough deal for me to worry about +/- 10/15 oz especially because I do plan on doing a good amount of hunting but realistically this is going to be limited too 3 maybe 4 day or 1 night hunts all year. And this rifle will probably see more time at the range and nrl hunter type matches then it will hiking in the mountains for most of the year. Also with running the magnum cartridge and having a 300prc option later down the road I'm wary of dropping too much weight and winding up with a rifle that is painful and grueling to shoot in an all day/ multi day match type setting so I just used the nrl light class weight limit as my goal and I figure i will make adjustments as I get used to the rifle.

 

[tekmann2377]

Your goals and the multiple calibers you would like to use with a single build are really going to hamper you in refining the rifle for a specific task. It will end up being a jack of all trades and master of none. I especially say this since you mentioned a 338 Lapua barrel for it. Shooting a lightweight 338 is no fun, and they are actually rather difficult to shoot consistently, particularly from field positions. I would consider limiting your caliber choices to 308 Win and one of the other magnum cartridges. At this point you will end up with a heavy hunting rifle/light comp rifle. Just don't get sucked into trying to make it do everything.

You have a great parts list and otherwise it should shoot great.

I have the Hawkins M5 Hunter DBM and it is awesome. Locks up very tight, fits quite flush, and the mag latch is very secure and practically impossible to release accidentally.

 

[303Native]

Your goals and the multiple calibers you would like to use with a single build are really going to hamper you in refining the rifle for a specific task. It will end up being a jack of all trades and master of none. I especially say this since you mentioned a 338 Lapua barrel for it. Shooting a lightweight 338 is no fun, and they are actually rather difficult to shoot consistently, particularly from field positions. I would consider limiting your caliber choices to 308 Win and one of the other magnum cartridges. At this point you will end up with a heavy hunting rifle/light comp rifle. Just don't get sucked into trying to make it do everything.

You have a great parts list and otherwise it should shoot great.

I have the Hawkins M5 Hunter DBM and it is awesome. Locks up very tight, fits quite flush, and the mag latch is very secure and practically impossible to release accidentally.

Yeah, I'm not going to open it up to a ton of calibers i dont think. After looking at them all I think I'm just going to stick with the prc family. 6.5,7,300 if I can justify a use case in the future. I'll have plenty to learn just getting one caliber to preform well.

 

[303Native]

Going with a lighter-weight stock and action is great, but it will just be made obsolete if you throw a 40+ oz optic on top.. Vortex Razor G3's are the shit, but weigh so much more than they should.. and a ZCO is basically the same story, but just more $$$. These optics are fantastic choices for PRS style rifles, but are going to hold you back a little on a hunting gun. I would seriously take a hard look at something like the NightForce NX8 4-32x50 or a Leupold MK5 5-25x56. I believe that type of optic is exactly what you're looking for, and will not hold you back whatsoever.. all while being substantially less $$$ than either aforementioned option. Just know that many men here have tried to build a rifle that can be proficient in both hunting and PRS equally, and it is very hard to pull off without it lacking in one form or another. It's a give and take at the end of the day, and you get to decide what parts take precedence.

As for the Razor LHT 4.5-22x50, I had one on my setup and while it was good.. it let me down when I needed it most unfortunately. Vortex really dropped the ball in what in my opinion would've been a grand slam of an optic. If only they would have finished it in that same shadow bronze color like the other Razors instead of that gaudy looking bedliner black they went with.. and the illumination is so miserably done and failed to work so many times that I sold it and replaced it with an old ATACR 4-16x50. If they come out with a new version that addresses those gripes, I will be first in line to snag one.

I will also mention that the Hawkins bottom metal options are great and won't let you down.. but the new MDT bottom metal is unbelievable, and I really feel like it's the new standard as far as DBM's go. I have the hunter series on my current build and it has really impressed me. You can adjust the mag latch to run any mag without issue (like a chassis) and even lock out the release entirely so that there is ZERO chance of dropping your mag while out on a hunt. I ordered mine from EuroOptic for about $260.

I have to admit the more I look the more that nx8 is appealing especially for the first few years until I have a use case for something bigger.

 

[2Twenty3]

I have to admit the more I look the more that nx8 is appealing especially for the first few years until I have a use case for something bigger.

Personally, I don't know of any situations other than extreme long range (1500+ yards) where you would really need a mag higher than 32x. If your main use purpose will be hunting, you will almost always stay in the middle mag range of that optic, for optimal clarity and minimum light distortion in lower-light situations. While it's not the best optic money can buy, it absolutely is a real contender for a top pick if all things are considered.. great build quality, good glass, good illumination, and a company that will take care of you if something were to go wrong with it. There is a decently sized crowd around here that live to complain about the NX8's. They all say the eye box is horrible, but I genuinely don't understand what they are talking about. I have owned 3 NX8 4-32's and they have all been super easy to set up and get behind. If you set up your optic at the right height and the eye relief is where it should be, you should not have any problems. I seriously recommend you look here on the PX and try to grab a used 4-32x50. They are posted often and can be had for around $1,500-$1,800.

 

[303Native]

Personally, I don't know of any situations other than extreme long range (1500+ yards) where you would really need a mag higher than 32x. If your main use purpose will be hunting, you will almost always stay in the middle mag range of that optic, for optimal clarity and minimum light distortion in lower-light situations. While it's not the best optic money can buy, it absolutely is a real contender for a top pick if all things are considered.. great build quality, good glass, good illumination, and a company that will take care of you if something were to go wrong with it. There is a decently sized crowd around here that live to complain about the NX8's. They all say the eye box is horrible, but I genuinely don't understand what they are talking about. I have owned 3 NX8 4-32's and they have all been super easy to set up and get behind. If you set up your optic at the right height and the eye relief is where it should be, you should not have any problems. I seriously recommend you look here on the PX and try to grab a used 4-32x50. They are posted often and can be had for around $1,500-$1,800.

Obviously I'm no expert. But eyebox has always been a run&gun guy worry. If you're in the military, or 3 gun or something like that where you have to be able to draw, aquire and start sending rounds while your on foot and moving it can for sure be a huge deal. But if we are talking about a precision rife shot of a solid base with no pressure or speed moving required, Where honestly your rifle should probably be built / sized to you from the start It doesn't seem like it should be so critical. But what do I know.

I don't think I will have much use case past 11/1200. Unless I put a 300prc barrel on it and go do some mile "fun shoot" or just so I can join the club but I don't plan on competing at those ranges.

 

[303Native]

@Zak Smith can we chat about suppressors for this build.

 

[Chickentoast]

My hunting build has a C6 barrel and LHT 4.5-22. Can vouch for both. The concern with the LHT is durability, but I tend to baby my stuff, so I've never had an issue. C6 barrel I just shot last weekend to confirm zero - only 3 shots @ 100, but it was under 1/4" in a 6.5 Sherman max.