Special build for & with a special young man

[BookHound]

The weekend following Thanksgiving we were honored to have a special visitor at our shop. We sponsor Eyan Bowers, a very talented young shooter and a wonderful gentleman. Eyan needed a new competition rifle built and wanted to participate. So, Eyan and his father, Mike, made the drive down and stayed with us over the weekend.

It was a wonderful experience for all of us. So, thought I'd share a few pictures from the build "party".

This was being built on a Remington 700 action that we trued and inlet for AW magazines. For time we performed these tasks prior to Eyan showing up Friday morning. Then Jason got Eyan to help dial in the barrel on the lathe.

Along the way Jason showed Eyan things we measure and explained every tool we use.

After the barrel chambering was done Eyan bounced over to David to go over the stock and discuss the bedding process. They also picked components and features for the stock, a Manners T2A (great choice, Eyan!!!).

David then showed Eyan how we engrave and let Eyan do all the engraving, including a special engraving of Eyan's nickname.

Yep, this young man for sure got to help. Dave even had him helping with parts blasting.

Then Dave gave Eyan some tips on applying the Cerakote.

Eyan and Dave mixed up a custom blend they named "Spider Monkey Green" to best match the Manners stock. Spider Monkey is Eyan's nickname.

Then, off to the digitally controlled oven!

More to come...


Mods - I wasn't 100% sure where to put this thread. So, if it belongs, mods, you have my apologies and I'd appreciate you moving it where it should go.

 

[BookHound]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

To finish out Friday we wanted to get the top end bedded. Dave gave Eyan an education on bedding then had him help mix up and apply the compound.

Dave checked everything over and did the cleanup work.

Beginning Saturday morning, Dave and Eyan checked everything out on the stock then got ready to start the cured bedding clean up and inletting.

Eyan was shown how we use the mill for this process.

Then checking all our clearances...

And back to the mill for cups and studs...

Before getting the bottom end bedded the guys assembled everything to test fit how things were so far...

And more coming....

 

[slothlacrosse]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Good stuff. What are the specs and will you be offering Spider Monkey Green to customers?

 

[BookHound]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Sunday AM David and Eyan did the final fit and assembly...

And a final review of the build sheet and all QC sign offs...

Jason made Eyan a special challenge coin (of sorts) from the stub of the Brux barrel. We engraved the blank side for Eyan to commemorate the event.

I'll have to get some better pictures up of the finished product, we we wanted to see how well it would do tucked away in some of the natural surroundings...

We certainly enjoyed having "Spider Monkey" hang out with us for this special project. It was a long, long weekend but well worth it and a totally fun experience for us all.

The rifle is a .308 caliber with a Brux #15 Medium Palma barrel, Manners T2A with adjustable LOP, Badger M5 bottom metal, SureFire suppressor, Remington action with Badger Mini-knob, Badger lug, Badger 20-MOA base, Badger rings and a Nightforce NXS scope. All the metal was Cerakoted with a custom blend. I wish we had the time do to this kind of thing more often for more customers because it really was a great experience.

Mark

 

[BookHound]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slothlacrosse</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good stuff. What are the specs and will you be offering Spider Monkey Green to customers? </div></div>

I just added some of the rifle specs and will try to get better "finished product" pics up. Dave DID manage to write the custom blend down so we can replicate it or give out the recipe if anyone is interested. The really blends AWESOME with the green in Manners' Woodland camo pattern.

Mark

 

[Trigger Monkey]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Megaforce!

 

[Pusher591]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

This is too cool! Keep us updated of the break in and how it shoots. Let us know how he does in competitions as well.

That rifle looks beautiful, would love to have that thing now, let alone when I was 12 years old.

 

[chainring]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

That is really cool. Maybe I can do something similar with my boys in another 10 years or so...

 

[mtorment]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Sounds like an awesome rifle...can't wait to see pics.

 

[ORD]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Very nice, Mark (and all the fine folks at AO)!

That's some nice work by all...especially on the sharing of the time/experience with a fine young shooter!

 

[1MoreAR]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

I was there last Friday evening when David and Eyan did the bedding. I saw the finished rifle on Sunday at the range. It looks amazing and very accurate. Eyan sent it out to 720 yards (the longest at Gun Site Hills range). His 5 shot group with factory 175 gr FGMM was clearly removed all the 3" red paint of the target, very talented young man.

 

[hypno02]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

That is amazing, good for you guys. I'm sure all of us here would have loved to experience that at his age!

 

[1eyedjack1]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

David, Jason, and Mark, saw on Facebook the pics of David and Eyan (Spider Monkey) working on his rifle. I look forward to see the him and his rifle at some matches. Glad to see people (AO) taking the time to spend with our future.

 

[buckey]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Great post - thanks for sharing!!

 

[oneshot976]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

What an awesome weekend for a Dad! I want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to Dave, Jason and Mark!! This is an experience that Eyan and I will never forget!! The entire Accurate Ordnance crew really worked hard to make this a great experience for Eyan and to say it was successful would be an understatement. Eyan is a very talented young shooter and he is learning a lot at this stage in his shooting career and as we all know, you never stop learning!

This process was a great opportunity for him to really learn how much work goes into making a truly accurate precision rifle. Dave and Jason really took a lot of time to explain why every step in the process is so important and Eyan soaked it up like a sponge. The smile on his face when the job was complete and he was holding the finished rifle in his hands was awesome!

We did make it out to the range for a little shooting and the rifle is an absolute laser. I didn't do a very good job with the pictures but as 1moreAR (Nuum) pointed out he was really getting it done on the 700+ yard target with his new stick! (By the way, Nuum it was a pleasure shooting with you and I look forward to getting together again!)

We are heading out this afternoon for a couple more days of deer hunting and I am sure he will shoot the AO a little more. I will be sure to take some pictures and share the accuracy results.

Thanks again to Dave, Mark and Jason for making this a great experience!

Have a great weekend,
Mike

 

[KYS]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

How is he running a can under age? Rifle looks nice, I like that Green you all came up with to match the stock.

 

[oneshot976]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYS338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How is he running a can under age? </div></div>

The can is mine and I am with him when he is using it on his rifle.

Mike

 

[KYS]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: oneshot976</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYS338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How is he running a can under age? </div></div>

The can is mine and I am with him when he is using it on his rifle.

Mike </div></div>

You let him paint it?! You are a very generous guy!

 

[gstaylorg]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Very cool story, thanks for posting! That is an absolutely sick looking rifle and I'll bet he had a great time as well as learned a great deal throughout the process. Great job!

 

[STR]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

That is just awesome!! This type thing should happen more often. I hope I'm not too old by the time my two year old can do this with me. The 21 and 22 year old never showed an interest in building, just shooting. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Pusher591]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Ozzie Ill fly down and we can build mine if you supply the parts

One shot, where are you in Mooresville? Im only about 35-45 minutes away from you. Me and Fastex500 shoot out to around 800 a few times a month. If you and your boy would like to come out with us PM me and Ill set it up. Its a private range so its just us , lots of steel to shoot on.

 

[Papagallos]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

I am a HUGE fan of this thread. I'll leave it that.

 

[seif5034]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

That is too cool. I'm sure Eyan will have a greater appreciation of this rifle knowing how much work goes into these amazing rifles. I wish him all the best in his endeavors.

 

[slowyellow]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

What an awesome thing to do for them. And it's awesome to see someone so young that is into shooting as much as he seems to be. Keep up the good work guys!

 

[Jon Lester]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

great job guys! Just the type of professionals you would expect to pull something like this off!. Man how he has grown in a year. Stirs memories. Make all the time you can because they grow up fast Dad.

 

[1MoreAR]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Oneshot, it was a pleasure to meet you and Eyan as well. I was very impressed the way you talked/educated the young man and the way Eyan handle himself, very mature for his age.

 

[300zero]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

That's a great job!! I too hope to do that with both my son and daughter when they get older.

 

[sib1948]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Thanks for this wonderful story. I think you posted it in the perfect spot for all of us to share.

 

[Jon Lester]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Don't be fooled guys, I have shot with this young man more than once. You are patting him on the back now but he is going to make you cry at a match one day. He ran an AI at Mammoth once and just about had to drag that Heavy $#& from stage to stage he was so small. He is getting bigger and better each day!

 

[blade]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Great story..thanks for sharing.

 

[toddconley]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

I am going to get you guys to build my next one. I'm spreading the business around but I havnt forgot about you guys. This kind of stuff is good for your business. Keep it up.
T

 

[oneshot976]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

As promised Eyan and I got in a little bit of shooting yesterday between trips to the treestand. After he got the rifle dialed with the final zero he decided to see if he could shoot a nice group to share with Dave, Jason and Mark.

I think he may have pulled off what he had intended to do.....

Thanks a bunch for all the kind words guys. It is always fun to share these types of stories with fellow shooters.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[oneshot976]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jon Lester</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Don't be fooled guys, I have shot with this young man more than once. You are patting him on the back now but he is going to make you cry at a match one day. He ran an AI at Mammoth once and just about had to drag that Heavy $#& from stage to stage he was so small. He is getting bigger and better each day! </div></div>

Yeah Jon, it was a little heavy for him but he still managed it pretty well. That was a big reason for building him this rifle. Like you said he is growing and getting better every day!

I look forward to shooting with you again soon!

Take care buddy,
Mike

 

[oneshot976]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pusher591</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ozzie Ill fly down and we can build mine if you supply the parts

One shot, where are you in Mooresville? Im only about 35-45 minutes away from you. Me and Fastex500 shoot out to around 800 a few times a month. If you and your boy would like to come out with us PM me and Ill set it up. Its a private range so its just us , lots of steel to shoot on. </div></div>

Pusher,
Thanks for the invite we would definitely like to shoot with you, PM sent!

Mike

 

[AMM0]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

What an incredibly remarkable story (and rifle!)
Thanks much for sharing!!

 

[oneshot976]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Here are a couple more pics that show the rifle a little better. I am proud of Eyan's shooting skills and his dedication to learning everything he can about the sport. I am also very proud to say that he worked his @$$ off all summer and fall and saved every penny he earned to pay for half of his rifle. I am trying to teach him nothing comes free in this world!

Needless to say he has more appreciation for it knowing he worked hard to earn it and that he was a big part of it coming together thanks to the guys at AO!

He is very proud of his rifle!

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Pusher591]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Damn that's HOTT! I'm gonna find out when the next time we can shoot and we will go, I want to shoot that bad boy

I got your PM, I'll holler at you in the next week.

 

[oneshot976]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Sounds good I look forward to hearing from you. Eyan said you are welcome to shoot it!

Mike

 

[VTi]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Great looking rifle y'all built Mike! More importantly, looks like you assembled an awesome memory you and your little man will never forget. Thanks to you and AO for sharing, a great read and very cool pictures!

 

[oneshot976]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Thanks Rob, it was an awesome time that will not be forgotten.

Mike

 

[Minarix]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

good stuff, and sounds like a great dad to do this for him

 

[paulL01]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Wow. Great thread. Great company!!
Was a true pleasure to read. Thank you.

 

[tbone6977]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Nice group Spider Monkey!

 

[shawscar17]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

looks great, and great group! I am jealous I wish I could hang out in a gun shop and built things of beauty like that...

 

[reeljob]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Mike
I dont know how I missed this thread. Your dad had told me over coffee that Eyan had a new stick that shot really well but never mentioned that he even helped build it, Awesome! Send my regards to Eyan and tell him congratulations. Give me a holler maybe we can get together and shoot and discuss a few ideas I have.

Barry

 

[Tyler Kemp]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Awesome story, really glad I took the time to read it. Great work, great shooting, and great looking gun!

 

[oneshot976]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

Thanks Tyler!

Barry,
I will give you a call this weekend. I will pass on your comments to Eyan.

Take care
Mike

 

[Timl]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

That is a great looking rifle. Eyan is a lucky young man to get a setup like that.

 

[JWEvans]

Re: Special build for & with a special young man

That is awesome! From one father to another, great job. That is an experience I want to give my two boys one day. Thank you for sharing this story. That is a very nice looking rifle and he is a talented shooter.