Official 2012 SH Rifle Order Thread

[Bruiser_Joe]

aluminum barrels, lol oh the mall ninjas crack me up.

marc the guns are looking amazing, and weird a build where people get actual updates and pictures of their guns lol sorry had to make a comparisson to the 09 build i think it was that was like a 3 year process.

 

[Slipshot]

Now that's a nice looking firing line!

 

[blair]

Looking great, Marc !

 

[Scottie]

I had the good fortune of tagging along with a friend this week when he visited Spartan Precision to put down a deposit on a full custom build in 6.5 Cm. short version: I was floored. Rifle porn in person is epic.

Marc is an awesome guy and I was thoroughly impressed with his work and attention to detail. Not to gush/fan-boy too much, but if the long range precision community is composed of guys like him then I see a bright future for the sport. When I can eventually afford it I know exactly where I am going: SPR!

 

[MarcS]

Thanks guys. Popping in for a quick update, which is, nothing much new to report Next critical path item will be test firing days at the range. Most of them are .260's so we'll start with those and that will take several days. As always any of you guys can reach out to me if you have any questions about anything I think you all have my cell number.

Marc

 

[MarcS]

I got out to test some of the rifles last weekend and again today. I tried several of the .260's last weekend with 142 SMK's but they didn't shoot all that well so this time I tried 139 Scenars and the rifles definitely liked those bullets.

These loads are all with 139 Scenars and 4831 SC seated for about .020" jump. They were already broken in (cleaning between shots for the first few or so, then a group, then another cleaning) last week. They seemed to get tighter and tighter with increased powder charges but I think I was also settling in on the bags as well.

This is from #4.




Then I shot mine, #14 which had similar results with the same loads.






Then I shot one of the 6.5 CM which was #3. With this one all I had was factory Hornady ammo with 140 Amax. As usual I bore sighted it as close as possible, shot once, cleaned it, scaled it in the reticle then dialed it and fired shot #2 into the dot, cleaned it, then fired shot #3, then shot a 3 shot group.







They are looking good so far and I think with some further tweaking you guys will get even better results and consistency. There is very little work remaining other than etching the barrels and Cerakote work so it's almost time to start sending me your final payments. I will start shipping the first ones within two or three weeks and then it will be a steady flow out the door until they're all shipped.

Marc

 

[Lowlight]

Guys Marc is getting really close, I spoke to him this morning about the build and they are moving along quite nicely.

So what will happen is, in the next couple of weeks, he will be contacting you as they become ready and will give you details on finalizing the shipment to your FFLs in the order they are complete.

We are heading down the home stretch for those who participated !

 

[blair]

That's awesome! It seems like we just ordered these. After such a seamless process, I'll be sure to be in on the next SH rifle build too. Thanks Marc.......and Frank.

 

[Primitive]

Wow! I can't believe the time is here! I want to thank you Marc for your hard work on these rifles, they look beautiful! I also want to thank Frank for your work in setting this up an working with us! You guys are awesome.

 

[MarcS]

Thanks guys I've enjoyed this project and I'm proud of these rifles. As I remember the final orders came through around the end of Feb or early March so I met my goals on turn around time. I think you'll all be happy with them. They handle and balance really well, look great, bolts run slick as snot, feed and eject like a dream, AND they shoot tiny little groups. Just test fired 5 more today they're all good. The first batch is going into Cerakote Tuesday and there will be two more batches after that. I'm sending out emails to everyone on Monday with details of payments and shipping. I was considering waiting to have them all here at one time for an awesome photo op but that would delay the ones that are coming out now so I'll start shipping them as they're ready.


Marc

 

[MarcS]

Just sent emails out to everybody so please check the accounts you provided.

Marc

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Marc well done on keeping a solid timeline and communication. awesome to see and will only help to ensure your already stellar reputation stays that way.

 

[MarcS]

Thank you Joe!

 

[RodV]

Paid a visit to Marc's new shop this past Tuesday to drop off my final payment. I was able to see some of the completed rifles prior to going to cerakote. These rifles are impressive, Marc has certainly went above and beyond to get these rifles perfect. I'm sure once the rest of you get yours you'll feel the same way. Marc was even nice enough to give a 260 test round so I can get started on my reloads. Top notch service with Spartan Rifles.

Thanks Marc and Frank for doing the SH 2012 group buy.

 

[c1steve]

Marc,

Beautiful looking rifles, as always! I do have one question for you. Did you do much of a ladder test on these? It appears to me that most rifles with a floating bolt head seem somewhat insensitive to moderate changes in powder weights, at least compared to fixed bolt heads. I am wondering if you found that these Bighorn actions showed such attributes.

 

[MarcS]

I actually shot a rifle match yesterday just like the old days We had our bi monthly steel match at the nor Cal club and I took my group build rifle #14 which is a .260. The metal work is raw I will get it Cerakoted after all of the others are done. Saturday I got a quick 100 yard zero, guesstimated the velocity and ran out computer dope to the max distance of 550 yards. Much to my horror the match started with a cold bore shot at 550. Super. I held tight and drilled it so that was a confidence booster. The numbers tracked perfectly all day and the rifle was a pleasure to shoot. It was consistent and accurate all day and the bolt ran slick as snot with no feeding or cycling issues whatsoever. I made a few metal errors such as flicking the safety tab back when I was cycling the bolt then running several live rounds through the gun hoping one of them would pop eventually but managed to clean a few stages and went 3, 3, 3, and 4 on the 5 shot KYL's. With a lot of luck I was able to squeak out a top five finish which surprised me so I was happy.

Steve- I can't really comment on that. All I did was work up to a load that was a few tenths of a grain less than what others I know are using and I only did that for the .260's which were the most popular cartridge choice. Those rifles I tested got progressively tighter with increased powder charges from 45.7 to 46.6. I used that test load of 46.6 grains of H4831 SC in Lapua brass with 139 Scenar and Fed 210M's for testing in the other .260's and they all performed very well. I'm trying to shoot them as little as possible but I want to make sure I see some consistency and accuracy before I ship them.

The first half of the rifles are at the Cerakote shop right now. When he comes by to drop those off I'll give him the other half. The first half will ship out late this week or early next. Local guys are already starting paperwork to get through that California 10 day wait.


Oh yeah almost forgot. The ammo I loaded up for the match got zero brass prep. I literally took them out of the box, seated primers, dumped powder and seated the bullets. The neck tension was around .004".

 

[c1steve]

Marc,

Thanks for the update. Sounds like the rifles will be super accurate. It would be interesting to see if 142 SMKs work with the right powder load.
Glad to see you have a little spare time, now that the long commute is over.

s

 

[FCS]

Marc,

Thanks for the update. Sounds like the rifles will be super accurate. It would be interesting to see if 142 SMKs work with the right powder load.
Glad to see you have a little spare time, now that the long commute is over.

s

142 SMKs will do same, need roughly 0.3gr more powder then the Scenar.

 

[c1steve]

When Marc was first testing the rifle, accuracy with the 142SMK was not what he was hoping for. He then tried 139 Scenars and the accuracy was excellent. I was wondering if more testing of the 142's was done, and if accuracy was good.

s

 

[Pusher591]

Just curious but, why no Amax testing?

 

[MarcS]

Pusher- I have 140 AMAX'S but I stopped shooting once I saw acceptable accuracy. I'm not trying to do load development, just looking to make sure they're accurate before I ship them.

Marc

 

[Pusher591]

Pusher- I have 140 AMAX'S but I stopped shooting once I saw acceptable accuracy. I'm not trying to do load development, just looking to make sure they're accurate before I ship them.

Marc

Cool, I was thinking y'all might be trying to develop something specifically for this rifle. Y'all did really great on this one!

 

[FCS]

When Marc was first testing the rifle, accuracy with the 142SMK was not what he was hoping for. He then tried 139 Scenars and the accuracy was excellent. I was wondering if more testing of the 142's was done, and if accuracy was good.

s

Marc was just too light in powder charge with the 142s when he tested that bullet. He switched over to 139s, upped powder charge and accuracy improved. Do same with 142s and accuracy will be there also.

I've got a Spartan 260 w/Bartlein barrel and it shoots both the 142 SMK and 139 Scenar equally well.

 

[TexasMade]

Is there a yearly snipers hide build? I would like to jump on next years if y'all do it again.

 

[MarcS]

Quick update for you all. My cerakote guy tore/snapped his bicep tendon off of the bone and it coiled up in his shoulder like a mini blind. He had surgery and it's all connected now but he's a little slow. He does have a partner fortunately so the work output has slowed down but not stopped entirely. This caused a delay of a few days so instead of shipping out the first batch today as promised it will be either Friday or Monday.

I know you guys are chomping at the bit and now that we're right on the verge of completion you're all anxious to get your new sticks but please bear with me just a little bit longer.

 

[Elvis]

Looking forward to some pictures of these once they get out in the wild.

 

[MarcS]

Ok guys we're shipping out a batch today.

Numbers 1, 3, 10, 13, 16 and 24 are going out. You will all get emails from Fed Ex with tracking info.

My Cerakote applicator is working on the rest of them right now and I hope to have another batch shipping on Friday.

Marc

 

[Bell8078]

There is about to be 6 very happy hide members!

 

[MarcS]

Numbers 7, 11, 15, 18 and 20 are completed and will ship out tomorrow.

 

[MarcS]

OK we got the last batch in from Cerakote. Now they're all assembled and will ship out tomorrow. You'll all get emails with tracking info by end of day.

Marc

 

[bbcellars]

Congrats Marc!

 

[Frank Green]

Hey Marc! Sounds like you got them all done! I would say even though I didn't get one of the builds that you did a great job and it was nice to see the builder keeping everyone up to date with the progress etc....It takes more to do than most people think!

Congrats!

later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels

 

[Tomekeuro85]

Hey All,

I haven't been on here for quite a long time... I talked to LL and Marc a while back regarding some contributions for my vendor stuff on here. As part of my contribution, I have offered to give a free 50rd loading block to everyone who purchased one of these rifles.


Since I don't have everyone's contact info who bought one of these, I will have Marc, if he is willing, to send them an email with my contact info so they can get a hold of me.


The blocks will be a standard bolt face 50rd block with the Serial number of the rifle on one side and the cal on the other side. If you opt for a different engraving, that's fine as well. In any case I will be available for contact when you guys are ready.


They will look like this:
(Photo Courtesy of SH Member Crossgun)

If you want to contact me directly if you see this post, you can email me at tom.sziler at gmail -dot- com.


Thanks!
Tom

 

[RodV]

Man this 2012 SH build just keeps getting better. E-mail sent, and thanks Tom for your generosity.

 

[Hawk Gunner]

Since the 2012 build is done and went well, when is 2013 build getting kicked off

 

[JeffLebowski]

Congrats to LL and especially Marc! Now....how about some range reports?

 

[bbcellars]

Congrats to LL and especially Marc! Now....how about some range reports?

Just take a target, and punch a hole through the bullseye with a pencil....that's what they're all going to look like

 

[MarcS]

That is nice Tom I'll notify each participant by group email in case they missed this thread.

Insofar as group buys are concerned, I posted up what I think is a good deal on a Rem 700 based gun in the group buy section. Lots of options. There might maybe also be another one in the spring that might have a Defiance Deviant and Bartlein in a KMW Sentinel maybe

 

[bbcellars]

That is nice Tom I'll notify each participant by group email in case they missed this thread.

Insofar as group buys are concerned, I posted up what I think is a good deal on a Rem 700 based gun in the group buy section. Lots of options. There might maybe also be another one in the spring that might have a Defiance Deviant and Bartlein in a KMW Sentinel maybe

KMW? Defiance? Bartlein?

Sign me up Marc!!!!!!!

 

[ranger1183]

Any chance you'd care to share the combination to that safe ...

 

[Slipshot]

Thanks Tom, Email sent

 

[Tomekeuro85]

Hey Guys,

Just letting you know I've been getting all your emails. I have a flood of emails coming in the last few days so I'm doing my best to get them answered as fast as possible. You may not hear back from me for a few days after sending an email but I will reply as soon as I can.

Thanks very much!

 

[blair]

Thank you !

 

[Lowlight]

took my rifle out today, wasn't really gonna shoot it at the time, but decided to throw the NF Beast on it at the end of the day and see it what it would do. I did a return to zero test with it,

Basically I loaded the mag with 5 round of SouthWest 123gr Scenars (6.5CM, actually never shot this stuff before so I had no clue) and fired one round, cranked the turrets from 50+ MOA to 0 back and forth, fired another round, same thing crank the turrets, fired another, cranked the turrets back & forth, until I had a 5 shot group down range. (FYI cameras were rolling both on me and the target)

Here is the result:

100 yards, Nightforce BEAST, first and last group after zeroing The New #3 ...

 

[Pusher591]

Very Nice!!! This build is so nice and I couldn't have topped it with a better optic. You got a great setup!

 

[Pinto]

Scary how consistent Marc built these - they even shoot the same pattern

Here's my first outing ....

 

[MarcS]

I keep tellin' 'em all you gotta do is put a dime over the flier....

 

[drexaic1]

How about this for consistency. I have #9 in 6.5x47 Lapua. 100 yards with factory Lapua 139 grain rounds. Kahles 624i with Seekins rings. This is the first 5 shot group after cleaning between each round for the first 12 rounds. The flyer was the 2nd shot in the group. Marc did spectacular work on these.

 

[Goldbeachman]

2012 SH Rifle Build Number 25 of 25 had its first outing yesterday. I had it done in .243 and went long with the 28 inch Bartlein barrel. The 105 Berger Hybrids over 41.5gr H4350 clocked 3040 fps avg unsuppressed and all would have gone through the same .243 diameter hole if I had the ability to shoot a rifle accurately. Thanks Marc Soule and Spartan Rifles!

 

[Tomekeuro85]

Good Afternoon everyone,

As of today, I have loading block shipping info from the following build numbers:


#4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #14, #20, #21, #22, #24, #25.

By my math, that's only 13 out of 25.


I am under the assumption that not everyone will want a loading block but if you have emailed me and not heard back, OR if your number is not listed here, please send me another email in case I somehow missed it. I had dozens of emails coming in every day for the last couple of weeks so I just want to be 100% sure I didn't miss any.


Thanks again and enjoy your rifles!

Tom