Quick Detach Torture Test: AI AX rifle and ERA-TAC Adjustable mount

[jb1000br]

AI AX Barrel and scope QD test - LINK TO FULL STORY

Check out the results when we decided to shoot groups with my AX while removing the barrel between every shot...then the scope...then both - the last group while taking both barrel and scope off the rifle was pretty incredible I think...

AI AX Barrel and scope QD test - LINK TO FULL STORY

Sub 1/2" group while removing the BARREL and the SCOPE between each shot was much better than I expected!

Planning a follow-up at some point with a 10-shot group as well, will update when that happens

 

[Steelhead]

Wow!!

Thanks for doing that and sharing!

 

[W54/XM-388]

Did you use a torque wrench to set the barrel screw to an exact setting each time?
Also on the scope mount, did you clamp back in the same order each time?

 

[MACHTECH]

Great test! Thanks for taking the time to post this!

 

[Potss]

Jason, I'll say the same thing I have elsewhere: thank you for doing some testing of which there is far too little available to the public. However, only shooting three round groups, and only shooting one per swap means that the entire test is statistically irrelevant. I'm very glad you intended to re-test with 10 round groups, and I'm very much looking forward to the results of that test! Since you are looking for POI shifts you may want to consider 2x 5 round groups and/or a dot torture test instead though.

 

[Sniperwannabee]

i love the era tac mounts! I got 2 of the the regular ones and there just as good as the spuhr

 

[jbell]

I have performed the same basic test with my AT & ATACR in APA rings. However I started with a solid zero and removed both the scope and barrel between each round for 10 consecutive rounds. I have done it a few times shooting prone off and Atlas & TAB rear bag at 100 yards. If I remember correctly the overall 10 round string was definitely sub 3/4 MOA, I think in the 0.600”-0.650” range with no POI shift. This is about my personal limit with that much movement between each round fired. I screw the barrel hand tight and use a torque wrench on the lock bolt & rings.

Great stuff!

 

[TorF]

Jb1000br: Do you dare to do that as a AI/ERA vs Blaser R8 test?

 

[W54/XM-388]

I'd love to see the Blaser R8 test part as well.
I'm giving some serious thought to picking one of those up from EuroOptic to go with an AXMC as the hunting / backpacking friendly version of the same idea.

 

[jb1000br]

Torf - have to stick with an AI for now as I do not personally own a blaser yet...but will see what I can do

As for the "3 shots aren't enough" guys, I get it. Though each target really needs to be considered a separate test, and within that test the group is basically an extreme spread of POI variation (or maybe an SD lol). Also, this was more of a general test obviously but still proves a point and would show a weak spot. Between each target significant time passed and light/mirage/wind (not to mention body position conditions likely changed. "Statistically significant" is difficult in the real world with real atmospheric challenges...I mean, technically the rifles throat dimension changes every shot, so nothing is truly repeatable....

The bottom line is that the third target proves that if you remove both the barrel and the mount that you can reasonably expect the next shot to be within +-1/4" of your last one

That said, I do intend to attempt the harshest scenario again (removal of mount and scope after each shot) over a 10-shot string once I have a chance and can coordinate with Goldilocks weather conditions (overcast and calm)....and yes, it will be 10 different aimpoints, not a "group" so as to see any progression.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[W54/XM-388]

Torf - have to stick with an AI for now as I do not personally own a blaser yet...but will see what I can do

Do you guys have the Blasers in stock, or do you have to order them?
I've been thinking about getting one (Professional model, don't have the budget for the hugely expensive ones).
Possibly I could order one & you could do a 10 pack or so of test shots for your project with it before sending it to me if needed.

 

[jb1000br]

W54 - hundreds of the Blaser rifles in stock, call me when you want to chat.

As for the blaser QD test as above, it is on! Spoke with Blaser already today and will have a demo rifle inbound shortly to do a similar test Most likely a GRS stocked 308.

 

[TorF]

In Europe the R8 is "killing" the other hunting rifles in a similar fashion to what a Tesla mod S is doing to petrol supercars in real world red light grand prix dragraces. Even the most die hard gunnut, who "hates" the R8 with its "Gardena action", has to admit that it now is one of the absoloutly best hunting tools out there. I'm one of them.

I've seen a lot of Blasers in action and I would buy a base Professional. Overall length on a R8, compared to a regular long action bolt rifle, is about 4" shorter so there is no need for a short barrel, even with a can. I've never seen a barrel with poor accuracy. Most shoot like lasers, .4moa being the norm after all the parts have been put together in less than 10 minutes by people with no experience other than from IKEA furniture.

Blaser qd mounts are excellent. The regular base for rings is 0 moa. However, TierOne makes 30mm, 34mm and 36mm rings that tilt 20moa in the original flat qd base. There are also a lot of picrails out there. Blaser and Contessa for fixed mounting works great.

Given the cost of the barrels I would choose a caliber with long barrel life. 30-06 is never a mistake for hunting

I'm going to be the laughing stock on the local range this summer. After bashing Blasers for years I'm going to get one in 30-06/308 and 223..

Blaser configurator: https://www.blaser.de/en/products/configurator/
Picture from configurator. 24" fluted matchbarrel. I'll configure it something like this with a S&B 4-16x50 PM2 on top for total weight less than 10ibs. I might go for a std weight hunting barrel to shave off 1ibs.

 

[SLG]

I have an R8 Professional S, that I bought from Jason. He was great to deal with, highly recommended.

My 308 barrel, shooting almost every kind of match ammo available, was just mediocre at best. Sub moa, but that's about it. I sent it back to Blaser, as it appeared the forend was impinging on the barrel, plus I needed the LOP cut down. I also asked them to test the gun and see if anything was amiss, though strictly speaking, it met their precision requirement.

Unfortunately, they didn't test the gun before working on it, and they did find some misalignment within the barrel block, which they fixed in addition to the other work. After the work was done, they shot a 3 shot group, with ammo I didn't have. It shot well, but we all know how 3 shot groups go, so i wasn't thrilled, but it is what it is.

At home, the gun shot quite a bit better, so while not a .25 moa setup, it was sub .75 moa, closer to 5/8's some of the time.

When I tested my 6.5 Creedmoor barrel, I was very happy. 5/8's groups right off the bat with the Federal 130 berger load. Haven't tested anything else yet, but I will try some others soonish.

The R8 is not as light as my Fix, and not as accurate as my AI/GAP/APA, but it is a unique rifle that offers a lot of features that I like, as well as being a high quality gun. I was trying to save weight, and went with the Pro S. I wish I went with the standard Pro, so that I could use the adjustable cheekpiece version. Mine has a pad on it now, and it is not ideal.


eta: as soon as I hit send, I realized I was polluting Jason's thread on a totally different topic. Sorry about that!

 

[W54/XM-388]

It will be really interesting to see the next set of testing with the R8 and a bit more details on the AX.
I'm thinking my ideal setup if everything looks good would be an AXMC for range work or where needed for long range shooting and then an R8 Professional (Not the S model) for hunting / hiking.

 

[AIAW]

Little bit of a thread ressurection. Thanks Jason. Look forward to trying this mount out this weekend!