Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

[Lowlight]

My favorite new rifle at SHOT had to be the McMillan CS5

McMillan Website - CS 5

I was really impressed with this rifle, after walking over to Chat with Kelly McMillan, Ryan brought me over to give me the rundown.

Their rifle system, and it truly is a system is impressive. It's not a chassis, there is nothing to drop in, it is actually built off their action.

It's one of the only rifles that looks "tactical" yet focuses on marksmanship. They maintained a lot of the Tubb refinements, like the adjustable stock and 3 position butt, and instead of going to some other trigger, they keep the Anshultz... then to add this package, they created a safety release so the shooter does not have to break contact with the firing hand grip.

It's versatile, they had several models all based off the same system that went from covert, to tactical, to competition, to bench rest... yes they had a benchrest version there, and everything was interchangeable across they system.

After that, I was out at the SPA Night Vision SRX Shoot, (WOW, this NV Unit was insane, more on that later, but I was blown away by it. ) I was lucky here because McMillan was there with a CS 5 and I was able to shoot it. Awesome little gun, I told them to order me one.

I really like the direction they went with this rifle.

 

[blackfoot]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

Any idea on pricing? I can't seem to find it.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

No, I have to spec on out when I get back, but I believe it will run typical with past McMillan Rifles, so I expect $6k -$8k

 

[Nortex]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

Looks very interesting.

 

[snipe10]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

can we order them as well? Thanks for the report,

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

I believe so, it sounded like they are up and running with some already out there.

 

[WinXD]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

Interesting look... pretty cool that it can be broken down into a backpack.

 

[chainring]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

Used to be the T3, didn't it? Wanted one for years.

 

[bward]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

So is the only major difference in this and the Spec Tac Lr the position of the safety? I love my Spec Tac Lr, and this looks almost identical to it.

 

[Adam B]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

I saw this but I thought it was the one that they brought out last year?

 

[bward]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Adam B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I saw this but I thought it was the one that they brought out last year?</div></div>

I don't know if it is the same one or not, but the CS5 has been up on their site for a while. I think I saw it and requested a price in March of last year.

 

[konabully]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

Shooting this rifle with the Barnes 200gr sub-sonic .308 ammo is like shooting a Red Ryder BB-Gun...except you'll poke <span style="font-style: italic">their</span> eye out.

 

[HonkeyMcGee88]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

Correct me if I'm wrong, isn't that bipod backwards?

 

[konabully]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HonkeyMcGee88</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Correct me if I'm wrong, isn't that bipod backwards? </div></div>

It depends on how you want it. Some shooters don't like having two black dots (the bipod feet) facing forward. They put this bipod on "backwards" to make it easy to stow away in a short package. The butt comes off easily and just unscrew the suppressor so it will fit in a small pack, etc. It's discrete and made to shoot hogs, dogs, and feral children.

 

[Starbuck]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

The AIAE Covert was on my short list, until now.

I like the idea of being able to use my AAC SDN-6 instead of the dedicated SAS can on the Covert. And of course the Anny trigger is a pleasant surprise on a tactical rifle....

Thanks LL.

 

[chainring]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

I shot that or something exactly like that last year at the Big Bang AAC shoot before SHOT. It was a pellet gun. TTHpp..tink. Very sweet little rifle. I didn't even ask how much. Did want, though.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

Feral children?

 

[konabully]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Feral children?

</div></div>

Feral Children =

Criminals. Gang bangers, Terrorists, and a general host of dirt bags. People who have not "grown up" to cohabitate with a polite society. Liberals, Marxists, and anarchists can be associated with this description as well.

 

[AMMOWASTER]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

Didnt some of the Tubb guns have problems at one of the big matches? Seem to remember a shooter having a meltdown. Maybe in Colorado?

I thought I had read here the consensus was they were better suited to the highpower range than the field.

 

[Eagle1899]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

What magazine do these use? AR or AI based? or something else?

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AMMOWASTER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Didnt some of the Tubb guns have problems at one of the big matches? Seem to remember a shooter having a meltdown. Maybe in Colorado?

I thought I had read here the consensus was they were better suited to the highpower range than the field.

</div></div>

Anything is possible, sure one had an issue, but if you went to the Leupold Tactical Booth there also one there that was field in Afghanistan ... it swings both ways.

One off doesn't make it the rule ..

SR25

 

[AMMOWASTER]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AMMOWASTER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Didnt some of the Tubb guns have problems at one of the big matches? Seem to remember a shooter having a meltdown. Maybe in Colorado?

I thought I had read here the consensus was they were better suited to the highpower range than the field.

</div></div>

Anything is possible, sure one had an issue, but if you went to the Leupold Tactical Booth there also one there that was field in Afghanistan ... it swings both ways.

One off doesn't make it the rule ..

SR25 </div></div>

I get that. I must just be confusing it with something else. I had thought there were several people here that had issues with them.

I love the concept of the gun and the ability to buy barrels off the shelf and screw them on is nice too.

 

[konabully]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

The current magazines are a modified DPMS .308 magazine. They need to be modified because the round needs to sit high enough for the cone shaped bolt nose to pick it up without overriding the cartridge. McMillan used to use modified Knight's Armament magazines but they are overly expensive as it is and didn't necessarily work any better.

 

[konabully]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

Some people tried using the 6BR cartridge with the Tubb guns but had issues. The 6BR cartridge has a very thin web in the base of the casing and doesn't work very well with cone breached chambers. This caused blow-outs above the rim much like the unsupported .40 cal Glock chamber issue. McMillan will not chamber a barrel in 6BR for this style of rifle.

 

[bward]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: konabully</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some people tried using the 6BR cartridge with the Tubb guns but had issues. The 6BR cartridge has a very thin web in the base of the casing and doesn't work very well with cone breached chambers. This caused blow-outs above the rim much like the unsupported .40 cal Glock chamber issue. McMillan will not chamber a barrel in 6BR for this style of rifle.</div></div>

Since when will they not? I inquired with them about doing a new 6BR barrel for mine about 5 months ago and they were fine with doing it. I ended up having Jon Beanland do it for me. No problems so far. It's insanely accurate and easy to tune.

 

[clmayfield]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

It definitely looks like a suppressed Tubb 2K, but when you compare it to the new AI PSR?, dollar for dollar, it seems like a great value. The AI look sturdier, but part of it is in the name.

It actually seems a lot like a more ergonomic and suppressed Nemesis Vanquish with the added benefit that it hasn't been in a Bourne movie.

 

[konabully]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bward</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: konabully</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Some people tried using the 6BR cartridge with the Tubb guns but had issues. The 6BR cartridge has a very thin web in the base of the casing and doesn't work very well with cone breached chambers. This caused blow-outs above the rim much like the unsupported .40 cal Glock chamber issue. McMillan will not chamber a barrel in 6BR for this style of rifle.</div></div>

Since when will they not? I inquired with them about doing a new 6BR barrel for mine about 5 months ago and they were fine with doing it. I ended up having Jon Beanland do it for me. No problems so far. It's insanely accurate and easy to tune. </div></div>

Hmmm. I agree it's a great round. However, that's what I was told recently from a McMillan gunsmith. Who did you talk to there? Was it a new sales guy or...??

 

[bward]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

Originally Posted By: konabully
Originally Posted By: bward
Originally Posted By: konabully
Some people tried using the 6BR cartridge with the Tubb guns but had issues. The 6BR cartridge has a very thin web in the base of the casing and doesn't work very well with cone breached chambers. This caused blow-outs above the rim much like the unsupported .40 cal Glock chamber issue. McMillan will not chamber a barrel in 6BR for this style of rifle.



Updating my post to agree with Konabully. After 5 firings on my brass I can start to see the very faint beginnings of case head separation. It has to due with how the bolt is designed and how the case is supported. It's still an awesome rifle




Hmmm. I agree it's a great round. However, that's what I was told recently from a McMillan gunsmith. Who did you talk to there? Was it a new sales guy or...??



I don't remember his name, but he was in the gunsmithing department. He seemed to know what was going on. He told me about them quit making the tubb guns and how they developed this one.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carter Mayfield</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It definitely looks like a suppressed Tubb 2K, but when you compare it to the new AI PSR?, dollar for dollar, it seems like a great value. The AI look sturdier, but part of it is in the name.

It actually seems a lot like a more ergonomic and suppressed Nemesis Vanquish with the added benefit that it hasn't been in a Bourne movie.</div></div>

When you see it in person there is a lot more to like about it. After I remembered seeing the press release and I believe they billed as a "covert" which didn't really interest me. (I have an actual AI AW Covert, not the AE with the American Tourister Luggage) Then I stopped by and got the run down on it.

Also what I am not showing is the Quad Rail version. That is the one I am ordering, not so much the round rail one above.

They go from the small, 12.5" to med, to longer, then into competition, and further over to benchrest from the same system.

My picture is terrible, but the red rifle behind is the same rifle.

Because the pictures are pretty bad, you can't see how the action actually moves into the stock, how it guides the bolt throughout the entire point of travel. They do all takedown, which I love to fold my stuff for traveling. It's handy. The features, while many a carry over from the Tubb rifle, are pretty small, but to me, speak to accuracy over looks.

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

I would rock one, i talked with them for a while about it as well. probably one of the only rifles on the market right now that i don't have and am interested in.

 

[Adam B]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AMMOWASTER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Didnt some of the Tubb guns have problems at one of the big matches? Seem to remember a shooter having a meltdown. Maybe in Colorado?

I thought I had read here the consensus was they were better suited to the highpower range than the field.

</div></div>

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[LRCampos]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5



LowLight, is the bolt knob the same as the Tubb rifle, designed to be operated by one thumb, instead of the hand?
When I saw it, I did not liked it..
Is it a good feature on the type of shooting we do (not clean ranges)?

LRCampos.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

It's the same, and I never had an issue with the Tubb bolt... I suppose you can easily change it or ask from something slightly larger. You can flick it with your hand. not just your finger.

I know several guys who shoot the Tubb series at matches and the only thing that ever hangs them up is shooting support side, because of the cheek piece. And if they have their rifles set up for an angle, being at the 5 degree rail position or something. I would like to see the cheek piece fold over to the support side a bit, even just half way.

As far as the video, that was a bit of Zak being a wise ass, triggers can screw up all the time and how the user clears it is what matters. Heck in March at K&M my trigger in my GAP died during the mover stage. Raining, sand, etc... it's not uncommon to see a variety of triggers or rifles screw up at one time or another.

For me it's the accuracy / marksmanship point of things, I am interested in. If you're worried about reliability there are steps that can be taken to ensure it will work, but again, I one fuck up is not a rule. Even AI's will have their quirks for some.

 

[LRCampos]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5



It makes sense. I would love to read your review/impressions when your rifle arrives.
Thanks LL.


LRCampos.

 

[Starbuck]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No, I have to spec on out when I get back, but I believe it will run typical with past McMillan Rifles, so I expect $6k -$8k </div></div>

LL, McMillan yesterday quoted to me $9K for the CS5-Q with the Elite Iron can, $8K without.

 

[steve123]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's the same, and I never had an issue with the Tubb bolt... I suppose you can easily change it or ask from something slightly larger. You can flick it with your hand. not just your finger.

I know several guys who shoot the Tubb series at matches and the only thing that ever hangs them up is shooting support side, because of the cheek piece. And if they have their rifles set up for an angle, being at the 5 degree rail position or something. I would like to see the cheek piece fold over to the support side a bit, even just half way.

As far as the video, that was a bit of Zak being a wise ass, triggers can screw up all the time and how the user clears it is what matters. Heck in March at K&M my trigger in my GAP died during the mover stage. Raining, sand, etc... it's not uncommon to see a variety of triggers or rifles screw up at one time or another.

For me it's the accuracy / marksmanship point of things, I am interested in. If you're worried about reliability there are steps that can be taken to ensure it will work, but again, I one fuck up is not a rule. Even AI's will have their quirks for some. </div></div>

Lowlight is telling it like it is!

I know the guy in the video and that's the only failure he's had with the rifle in 3-4 barrels.

 

[Kilmore]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

Any rifle can go tits up at any time. Count on it, expect it, plan for it. This is a very well designed rifle system.

 

[KYS]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

The stubby version is a SBR?

 

[Triggerf16]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

Forgive me for my ignorance, but what does this rifle bring to the party that a properly equipped Eliseo tube gun does not? With a custom action, a good trigger and barrel, it seems the tube gun is just as good. Take down capability, magazine capability, long or short action capable. Much lower cost than $8k.

 

[Starbuck]

Re: Rifle Gem @ Shot, McMillan CS5

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYS338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The stubby version is a SBR? </div></div>

Yep:

http://www.mcmillanusa.com/mcmillan-rifles-alias-cs5.php