One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

[USACS]

I have been racking my brain for a while trying to come up with a solution to wanting multiple rifles. After selling two rifles, I am sans long-range capability (only got a mess of .223s). My original plan was to get an AI AE MkII .308 and then work from there with other rifles being added. My initial plans to buy the AI this summer went down the drain when I had to make some very expensive unplanned expenditures. I figure that I can save my money for a while and then make a high end purchase then. Size is a consideration, so short design or folding stocks are a huge element. The use is primarily target and training. I would like to get into doing shooting competitions as well. Additionally, this could eventually wind up being a duty sniper rifle down the line. After examining things, I think it makes more sense financially to invest in one modular platform than it does to just multiple rifles.


.308 is a necessity anyways, due to the ease of procuring ammo and it being pretty cost effective for training (especially with training courses).
I also have a lot of .308 ammo sitting around, including a case of unopened FGMM 7.62x51mm 175gr SMK. So that adds an incentive to the decision.
I also want a .338 Lapua for longer shooting in the event that I decide to do that level of training.

I have been looking at the DTA SRS for a while, and am still on the fence about it. I like the style and the design. I have been on M16s, M4s and ARs of all variety for a long time, so the ergos seem compatible with me. I have heard remarks about it being "awkward" and the bolt position being "inefficient". I also do not know the reliability of these rifles.

On the other hand, I really love the styling of the MRAD. It's modular, but it still has a more traditional bolt rifle setup. I would get one, however the cost is greater and it sounds more like it's a .338LM rifle that you can convert to .308. I want to be able to buy the .338 barrel later, and just save money and buy the .308 only for now (or next summer). I don't know what Barrett plans to do. These are too new to get much info on, but I know Barrett has a good reputation.

I was hoping the AI AX would be modular, but it sounds like the only modular ones will be military sales only. Anyone heard different?

I also like the Remington MSR, but after talking to Remington Defense about it, the cost is likely going to be far too high and the wait and procurement process too lengthy and problematic.

So here's the question- is this sound reasoning? Are modular platforms really a good option to go with instead of getting multiple rifles and multiple expensive optics?

 

[s2jesse]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

Im pretty sure the ax is modular as long as you get the long action version. I believe it just takes a couple more tools. Torque wrench actoinntool and a vice? Or is there some special military version? I'm deciding right now between those 3 as well. Leaning towards the ax myself..

 

[Widowmaker0001]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

I think modular rifles are like this saying,"Jack of all trades, master of none." What I mean is that even though you can have an adaptive rifle capable of adjusting to the environment/situation, building one for an exact purpose/environment/mission has its benefits imho. IE, if your shooting F-class you would want a long heavy barrel and low stretched out stock and it would intentionally be heavy, or a hunting rifle that is built with maneuverability in mind, so being light weight and over-all not too long would be the most beneficial. That's why a lot of people would probably side with the fact that it is good to just build a good all-around stick,or one that will suite his/her needs. Though many guns are always great, multiple rifles aren't always needed. Another saying,"Be afraid of the man with only one gun, because most likely he'll know how to use it."Just my .02cents. Goodshootin'

~R

 

[96C]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

I'm with you at the moment, same problem... A terrible problem. Do we consolidate and move to one rifle or have 2, 3 or 4 others with their own scopes, bipods, magazines etc.

So far in my books, MRAD is winning. The sleek styling, folding stock, one magazine type, quick change barrels, comes in a hard case, muzzle brake included etc...
Hopefully, like you said Barrett will offer .300WM or .308WIN kit first up as I'm sure they'd sell a fair few more (I know the civilian market was not the design purpose). Their M98B already has the .338LM covered for the time being.

From the limited exposure to the SRS I've had it's been fairly awkward which is a pity, the palm grip is way too big for my liking, if you could change that out for an AR style grip then it'd be much more usable I think.

Blaser, stupidly expensive. We have guys here in Australia try to sell them for $15-20,000!

Give Barrett a call and talk to their Military division, see if you can get an answer RE calibre options on initial purchase.
I spoke to Barrett not long ago and they said ITAR restricts it's export from the USA, maybe that's just if Barrett exports... Not an export agent with a license??

 

[tip2oo3]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

I personally feel that if you are looking at it as a future duty rifle then it would be a pain to keep re-zeroing after every time you want to switch calibers, altough I do not personally own a "switch-barrel" system. My lizard brain and KISS Mentality means to me when my rifle is set-up, I leave it be. I'm in the same boat when it comes to wanting an AI, I drool quite frequently over them.

 

[Wheres-Waldo]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are modular platforms really a good option to go with instead of getting multiple rifles and multiple expensive optics?</div></div>

It depends on how modular you want to be. If you need the ability to choose from a whole slue of optics, and between 2-3 stocks, and 15 barrels of various lengths, miltiple triggers...it wont be cost effective. YOU will also be learning to shoot your rifle every time you patch it togeather with parts.

You can build a solid performer on any action with a pinned or integral recoil lug, and save yourself quite a bit of coin when shooting multiple calibers with it though...just dont go overboard.

 

[Mr Flannel]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

It all sounds great in theory, but in practice, switch-barrel rigs are a pain in the arse. Better to settle on a good quality rifle in a shootable and (relatively) cheap caliber and lay on..

 

[96C]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

I think you make it sound worse than it probably is. The MRAD for instance, if you had .308WIN for cost effective practice and still a capable round. Then the .338LM barrel / bolt face kit with the same optics then you'd have the same system just different ballistics... If you had them both doped correctly then you'd be ready to go.

They claim the return to zero after a barrel change was <1MOA from memory... Nothing a quick confirmatory re-zero if required wouldn't fix.

Don't get me wrong, I totally understand where you're coming from, it would be a total mess to be building rifles from spare parts every weekend but with the one right and only two known options it should be fine.

 

[battlestick]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 96C</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think you make it sound worse than it probably is. The MRAD for instance, if you had .308WIN for cost effective practice and still a capable round. Then the .338LM barrel / bolt face kit with the same optics then you'd have the same system just different ballistics... If you had them both doped correctly then you'd be ready to go.

They claim the return to zero after a barrel change was <1MOA from memory... Nothing a quick confirmatory re-zero if required wouldn't fix.

Don't get me wrong, I totally understand where you're coming from, it would be a total mess to be building rifles from spare parts every weekend but with the one right and only two known options it should be fine. </div></div>

I agree, but not for a civilian duty gun. The difference being deployed on a mission and knowing ahead of time what your objective(s) are.

Reactive force vs. proactive force. Most likely there will not be time to get a few zero confirmation shots when reacting to a situation.

 

[RegularGuy]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

Rather have a few sticks than one. More pretty stuff to look at

 

[McLarenross]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

I also agree it is better to have multiple purpose built guns. I tried the all in one AR and just ended up with an AR that didnt work well for anything.

 

[Widowmaker0001]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: battlestick</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 96C</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think you make it sound worse than it probably is. The MRAD for instance, if you had .308WIN for cost effective practice and still a capable round. Then the .338LM barrel / bolt face kit with the same optics then you'd have the same system just different ballistics... If you had them both doped correctly then you'd be ready to go.

They claim the return to zero after a barrel change was <1MOA from memory... Nothing a quick confirmatory re-zero if required wouldn't fix.

Don't get me wrong, I totally understand where you're coming from, it would be a total mess to be building rifles from spare parts every weekend but with the one right and only two known options it should be fine. </div></div>

I agree, but not for a civilian duty gun. The difference being deployed on a mission and knowing ahead of time what your objective(s) are.

Reactive force vs. proactive force. Most likely there will not be time to get a few zero confirmation shots when reacting to a situation. </div></div>

Exactly. I'm not trying to re-zero when I'm taking fire...At the one-way range it's a different story....

~R

 

[gstaylorg]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

I have the DTA SRS Covert w both the 16" 8-twist and 22" 11-twist barrels. It takes less than one minute to switch barrels. At the range, I recorded the difference in POI between the two barrels. The amount of time it takes to re-zero following a barrel change is however long it takes to turn the turrets a few clicks and it is dead on using that method. Same holds true for switching between loads.

 

[Mr Flannel]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

I'd rather just pull the right club from the bag and not worrying about whether I need to screw on the driver head or the 3 iron head..

The SRS may be an exception, given ease of transition and not having to f*ck about with barrel vises and action wrenches but it depends on whether you like that system or not.

 

[USACS]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

The big thing is that if it's modular, I want to be able to change it out in the field and not worry about headspacing, vises, excessive amounts of tools, etc. 90% of the use would be .308, but the other 10% would be with the .338. My gun club has up to 1000yds on the KD range, but I have some land within the family that I visit a couple times per year that goes out to 1500yds or so.
The reason why I am considering a modular setup like the DTA SRS and Barrett MRAD is because I will only use the .338LM setup sporadically. Maybe a half dozen to dozen times per year. Thing is, the up-front cost of a modular rifle is pretty well up there, so I'm trying to find out where the modular setups are cost effective and where they are not.

 

[greentimber]

Re: One Modular Rifle vs Multiple Rifles

It takes under three minutes and one L-shaped wrench to change the barrel on the MRAD.

Or... you could buy separate uppers for each caliber and switch everything out in 30 seconds just like on an AR. Depends on your needs and your pocket book, I guess.


Edited to add.....

Just read the August 2011 issue of Shooting Illustrated. Steve Adelman did a write up on the MRAD and found POI shift to be within 0.5 MOA each time.