Sheep Rifle Build

[1typical1]

Hello, this is Jeff Haugland from Iowa and my 1st post. Thanks for having me on the forum. I do have some background before my post. At 62 I have hunted for 45+ years, with dozens of hunts across N/A using archery, smokeless muzzleloader, and a few rifle hunts. I do have a 1000 yard range to play on with a few heavy factory guns. I've decided to build a rifle to complete my N/A Super 10. A dall sheep hunt. I'm building a middle of the road rifle In my opinion.
Starting with an AG Composite carbon fiber stock, with a Bighorn TL3 Action, attaching a Proof Research Carbon Fiber 6.5 PRC barrel fitted with a TT Diamond trigger, topped with a Leupold VX6 HD. I am Undecided whether to brake or not. I have looked at the Gen 2 Little Bastard Brake. Everyone has an opinion and I would appreciate your input. This rifle is strictly for hunting the high country. Thank you for reading my post and any input you may have. Regards jeff~

 

[b6graham]

Looks like a good build to me. I'd probably opt for an Ultra5 over a brake but other than that you did your homework

 

[Superjet]

Hello, this is Jeff Haugland from Iowa and my 1st post. Thanks for having me on the forum. I do have some background before my post. At 62 I have hunted for 45+ years, with dozens of hunts across N/A using archery, smokeless muzzleloader, and a few rifle hunts. I do have a 1000 yard range to play on with a few heavy factory guns. I've decided to build a rifle to complete my N/A Super 10. A dall sheep hunt. I'm building a middle of the road rifle In my opinion.
Starting with an AG Composite carbon fiber stock, with a Bighorn TL3 Action, attaching a Proof Research Carbon Fiber 6.5 PRC barrel fitted with a TT Diamond trigger, topped with a Leupold VX6 HD. I am Undecided whether to brake or not. I have looked at the Gen 2 Little Bastard Brake. Everyone has an opinion and I would appreciate your input. This rifle is strictly for hunting the high country. Thank you for reading my post and any input you may have. Regards jeff~

Jeff,

I am admittedly not a fan of brakes and would not use one for hunting. I have had Gen 2 lil b's and did not like the amount of concussion my face took. There are some other makes/models that are advertised to shield the shooter from blast. Patriot valley arms and straight jacket armory come to mind.

 

[SSzelong]

I would have the barrel threaded and if the recoil is more than you prefer then put a self timing brake on it. Plenty of options on the brakes. I would stay away from suppressors on a high country rifle. Set of ear plugs weigh much less than a can.

 

[powdahound76]

I would skip the break. Had one on a hunting rifle once. Sucked. Majorly.

Not familiar with the stock, but the rest is tits, so guessing its decent.....

ETA: looked at stocks. Which model? They seem sweet.

Who is building it?

Where you Dall sheep hunting? My friend Steve got a beauty in the western Brooks range. And still gets all crazy excited when he talks about that hunt.

And where in IA are you? Born and raised in the SW corner. Good place, good people.

 

[physguy88]

Not sure about a Trigger Tech diamond in a hunting rifle. The 4 oz to 2lb pull weight seems light. A TT Special with 1 - 3.5 lb pull might be safer.

For muzzle brakes the Insite Arms Heathen is well liked by many and has comparatively less gas blow back and concussion.

 

[Wysongdog]

I'm remodeling a 257 weatherby for the same purpose. Love your components. I would second a suppressor I run the ultra 7. Guides and everyone around will thank you

 

[b6graham]

I'm remodeling a 257 weatherby for the same purpose. Love your components. I would second a suppressor I run the ultra 7. Guides and everyone around will thank you

Especially if you need to dope check or miss and need a follow up

 

[kthomas]

If you do decide to go with a muzzle brake, I would recommend the aluminium version of the Insite Arms Heathen.

The aluminium version is ultralight and the design of the heathen limits concussion to the shooter while still effectively mitigating recoil.

Though I agree with others, not sure I would brake a hunting rifle. I would suppress one before putting a brake on it.

 

[RTH1800]

Likely not getting a suppressor into or out of Canada if hunts will take you there at some point.
I’m not a fan of breaks.
If you have not gotten action you should consider one of the titanium’s by LPA OR SOME OTHER maker. Saves some weight.

 

[kthomas]

Likely not getting a suppressor into or out of Canada if hunts will take you there at some point.
I’m not a fan of breaks.
If you have not gotten action you should consider one of the titanium’s by LPA OR SOME OTHER maker. Saves some weight.

Yeah suppressors are a big time no-go in Canada.

 

[rulellis]

I built almost an identical rig in 280ai only using an sr3 and tt special and I have the mark 5hd 3-18. I went with a Hawkins Ti brake.

 

[hlee]

For mountain hunts, light is right and lighter is righter. A brake is a "nice-to-have" on a rifle that is shot a lot. For a rifle that is carried a lot and shot a little, I'd skip it. And, that's before considering that you'll certainly damage your hearing by touching off a braked gun without ear pro. And, lots of guides don't want you bringing a braked gun for the sake of their own hearing.

 

[JeffLebowski]

I would have the barrel threaded and if the recoil is more than you prefer then put a self timing brake on it. Plenty of options on the brakes. I would stay away from suppressors on a high country rifle. Set of ear plugs weigh much less than a can.

Ever been on a stalk where you have time to dick around with earplugs?

 

[RyanScott]

Use a TBAC brake and can. Make a cover for the brake so you can turn it off when you don’t need it.

 

[sodakhunter]

Use a TBAC brake and can. Make a cover for the brake so you can turn it off when you don’t need it.

Thats a great idea Who can make these covers for a CB brake. Id like to get one just for the reason stated.

 

[SD Carpenter]

The pva break has suited me well, but good luck to every next to me.

 

[Guns&WhiteWater]

Thats a great idea Who can make these covers for a CB brake. Id like to get one just for the reason stated.

Also interested in this. I run 30CB's for my Ultra 7 on several of my rifles and I would always keep the CB covered if possible when not using the can. Especially on my 16" 308.

 

[1typical1]

I would skip the break. Had one on a hunting rifle once. Sucked. Majorly.

Not familiar with the stock, but the rest is tits, so guessing its decent.....

ETA: looked at stocks. Which model? They seem sweet.

Who is building it?

Where you Dall sheep hunting? My friend Steve got a beauty in the western Brooks range. And still gets all crazy excited when he talks about that hunt.

And where in IA are you? Born and raised in the SW corner. Good place, good people.

Mt Ayr Ia. Is home in SW Iowa, this is my last year waiting on a draw license for sheep, then I will use one of a couple outfitters in BC or NW Territories. I own Jeff Haugland Taxidermy, with a couple Smith's as customers, to build. Thanks jeff~

 

[powdahound76]

Very nice!

I was raised in Page county just a ways west of you. My folks still live there.

Good luck on your hunt/rifle build. It all sounds pretty awesome!

 

[1typical1]

Thank you~

 

[7WSMShooter]

I use a lightweight titanium suppressor for hunting that mounts on a brake. I can also use a blast diverter that only weighs a few ounces that mounts over the brake, still helps with recoil but makes it easier on the ears. Would not hunt with a brake without electronic hearing muffs.

 

[Lawnboi]

Food for thought, Not a sheep hunter but an observation. Looks like the tl3 only comes cut for aics style magazines; personally wouldn’t want a rifle using aics style mags on a high country hunt. Unless there are reliable sources for flush 3 rounders

 

[b6graham]

Thats a great idea Who can make these covers for a CB brake. Id like to get one just for the reason stated.

sounds like a project for area419. similar to their hellfire/sidewinder adapter covers

or just get the hellfire system

 

[Diver160651]

I am sure everyone knows this but just thought I state the obvious.

Taking in everyones recommendations on not to brake/can or to into consideration, one thing we have to add is shoot-ability of a light weight gun. If someone is going to practice a lot with a light rifle to get really rock solid DOPE, especially wind knowledge their most likely want some sort of recoil reduction. It can always be spin it off, re-zero and go on hunt with the same (base) dope...

Just seems to me, almost universally, people who really take the time to do a lot practice in various conditions and ranges on their guns, generally shoot them better further and with more confidence. Guns that are more pleasurable to shoot, usually get shot more.

Just assuming this BC hunt will see some longer range opportunities in possibly tough conditions.. Nice job going for the finish of your 10!

 

[stello1001]

I think your build overall seems to be very well thought out. As far as the brake goes, I also believe you should do without one. However, if you absolutely want to tame down recoil without having a bunch of blast, why not consider porting the barrel with straight out ports? Most brakes have the ports angled back to the shooter and it makes for a not so pleasant experience. Straight out ports might be a good option.

 

[Lawnboi]

Or just get it threaded and have the smith turn a seamless thread protector. Gives you options.

 

[codym]

My hunting rifle is a SR3 in 280 ai with a proof barrel and currently pending a 300 prc barrel. My prefit proof came threaded with a nice thread protector. I shoot mine at the range with a sidewinder break then when I hunt just pull it and use the thread protector, a couple shots to re-zero and one or two shots at distance to verify dope. Not sure why you wouldn’t want the option of a break. Just cuz I like posting pictures of it.

 

[RTH1800]

Anyone who "practices with their magnum hunting rifle much is going to be needing a barrel in about 7-900 shots. I realize that today that is not as much of an issue as in the past. Still, it can come at a very bad time. (Just before a hunt) If you are going to shoot a lot better stock up on fitted barrels.

 

[tlsmith22]

I would personally not use that brake either, its a very loud brake. Sounds like a nice build other than that to me. If you want to shave a few more ounces, you could probably go with the Zeiss V6 scope. It is fantastic glass as well and it comes in a 30X which you could even spot with. Good Luck

 

[1typical1]

(Quote)Food for thought, Not a sheep hunter but an observation. Looks like the tl3 only comes cut for aics style magazines; personally wouldn’t want a rifle using aics style mags on a high country hunt. Unless there are reliable sources for flush 3 rounders(Quote)

I'm told the Origin will use a different recoil lug than the one supplied to attach my carbon fiber proof barrel?? Why??? Where could I retain one if I went that that route?
Thank you ~

 

[1typical1]

Food for thought, Not a sheep hunter but an observation. Looks like the tl3 only comes cut for aics style magazines; personally wouldn’t want a rifle using aics style mags on a high country hunt. Unless there are reliable sources for flush 3 rounders

I'm told the Origin will use a different recoil lug than the one supplied to attach my carbon fiber proof barrel?? Why??? Where could I retain one if I went that that route?
Thank you ~

 

[spife7980]

I'm told the Origin will use a different recoil lug than the one supplied to attach my carbon fiber proof barrel?? Why??? Where could I retain one if I went that that route?
Thank you ~

The origin will only require a thinner hunts long range lug to run a tl3 cut barrel. If you use an origin barrel you would use the normal origin lug.

HLR Origin 0.150 Thick Recoil lug | Hunt's Long Range

Here it is! Do you have a Big Horn TL3 and a Big Horn Origin? Do want to be able to swap the barrels between your actions? HLR has your answer! This precision ground 0.150" thick recoil lug will take the place of the 0.250" thick standard lug that comes with the Big Horn Origin.This

huntslongrange.com

 

[abn31c]

Hmmm, not arguing with anyone but the last things I want on a long high country hunt are a suppressor, muzzle brake or detachable mags. Personally I have carried a 257 weatherby for many years. Best of luck on your hunt.

 

[Don Keddy]

Jeff,

I am admittedly not a fan of brakes and would not use one for hunting. I have had Gen 2 lil b's and did not like the amount of concussion my face took. There are some other makes/models that are advertised to shield the shooter from blast. Patriot valley arms and straight jacket armory come to mind.