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Vudoo rifle: which options to choose?

Kevin1

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 26, 2011
529
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Allen, TX, USA
I’m planning to buy a Vudoo rifle in the near future. I’d like to hear some opinions on the options I should choose.

I’m hesitating between the Ridgeback and the Renegade stock, as well as the adjustable model or not.

The barrel length….I was thinking 18”….I’m not planning to suppress it, but I feel that 18” would give the option of putting a suppressor down the road. I need the gun to have maximum accuracy and if I have to go longer or shorter to achieve that, I’m fine….But again, 18” seems like a good compromise.

Trigger….That one is the most important for me. I’d like a crisp and light trigger. I have a double stage trigger set at 3oz/3oz on my Kidd that I really like. On my Anschutz 1710, I have a single stage that pulls at 10oz, but I don’t like the overtravel after the break (some say the overtravel helps accuracy) and feel I’d rather have a lighter pull. What would be the best option? Triggertech Diamond trigger?


Edit: I’m not planning to use this rifle as a trainer and I would mainly shoot it from the bench.
 
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I have my Vudoo set in a Manners PRS 2. It’s a 18” that stays suppressed. I have a 1.5lb Huber trigger in it now but have since swapped to a TT diamond in my match rifle. So I’ll be swapping it out eventually.

I got the Kukri profile and I would recommend that if it’s going to be a trainer or a bench gun.

Mine is actually a little light as it jumps just enough to shoot a little high if I don’t put force in the rifle.
 
I’m planning to buy a Vudoo rifle in the near future. I’d like to hear some opinions on the options I should choose.

I’m hesitating between the Ridgeback and the Renegade stock, as well as the adjustable model or not.

The barrel length….I was thinking 18”….I’m not planning to suppress it, but I feel that 18” would give the option of putting a suppressor down the road. I need the gun to have maximum accuracy and if I have to go longer or shorter to achieve that, I’m fine….But again, 18” seems like a good compromise.

Trigger….That one is the most important for me. I’d like a crisp and light trigger. I have a double stage trigger set at 3oz/3oz on my Kidd that I really like. On my Anschutz 1710, I have a single stage that pulls at 10oz, but I don’t like the overtravel after the break (some say the overtravel helps accuracy) and feel I’d rather have a lighter pull. What would be the best option? Triggertech Diamond trigger?
Check out a Bix n Andy. I have one. It breaks real nice. Also, the side cover comes off for easy cleaning.

Bang
 
I went with the Ridgeback with an Ace 22" barrel and Triggertech Diamond trigger. I chose the Ridgeback over the Renegade because of the wider forend, adjustable length of pull and bottom M loks. I went with the 22" barrel purely for aesthetics, I like the looks of a longer barrel and will never put a can on it. I wanted the lightest weight trigger that they had available so I opted for the Diamond, in which I'm very happy with. The only thing I'd change would be the stock color. I'm happy with the gray with black webbing but, saw the urban camo the other day and really like it. Regardless of which configuration you decide upon I guarantee you won't be disappointed, their rifles are absolutely amazing!
 
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OP would probably find it worthwhile to call Vudoo and discuss wish list versus options. There may be options or factors not readily apparent from info on the web site. I changed my mind about trigger after talking with Jay.

If no one answers, leave message - they will call you back.
 
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I went with the Ridgeback with an Ace 22" barrel and Triggertech Diamond trigger. I chose the Ridgeback over the Renegade because of the wider forend, adjustable length of pull and bottom M loks. I went with the 22" barrel purely for aesthetics, I like the looks of a longer barrel and will never put a can on it. I wanted the lightest weight trigger that they had available so I opted for the Diamond, in which I'm very happy with. The only thing I'd change would be the stock color. I'm happy with the gray with black webbing but, saw the urban camo the other day and really like it. Regardless of which configuration you decide upon I guarantee you won't be disappointed, their rifles are absolutely amazing!

Thanks,
This is the feedback I was looking for. Your Ridgeback has adjustable comb as well? What trigger pull weight are you getting?
I'll look more into the color options as well.
 
Thanks,
This is the feedback I was looking for. Your Ridgeback has adjustable comb as well? What trigger pull weight are you getting?
I'll look more into the color options as well.
Yes on the adjustable comb and as far as trigger weight goes, I haven't gotten around to buying a weight gauge yet. I have it set as low as it'll go and am guessing it's below 4oz.
 
Mine wears a 18" Kukri contour barrel and is in a Manners PRS2 stock. I wouldn't go any longer with the barrel as you don't really gain anything in performance. Same with a heavier contour barrel unless you want it to be super heavy.

I use a Timney Calvin Elite in my rifle. I use it in PRS style matches and never found a need or use for super light triggers in the sport so it's set at about 1.5 pounds. Breaks clean and never held back accuracy.
 
Anything over 16" and you're actually slowing the bullet down.
Plus, you are dwelling in the barrel for a long time, over twice as long as a centerfire. I do like a 20+ inch barrel because with subs it is really quiet, except for indoors. If I had to do over, I'd run a 16 inch, a can and maybe a sleeve to make the OAL match a PRS gun if that is critical to your practicing.
 
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I have an 18" Kukri barrel and a KRG Bravo chassis. I like that the magazine release is outside the trigger guard. It has an adjustable comb and length of pull. I have a Calvin Elite set at 1#. I am very happy with my Vudoo. :)
 

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One important info I need to add here (original post edited). I’m not planning to use this rifle as a trainer and I would mainly shoot it from the bench.

My long-range gun is an AIAT with the factory 2 stage trigger and I really like it. I’m very accurate with the gun (1/3 MOA at 100Y) but I usually don’t shoot more than 100 rounds at each outing. With a 22LR I’ll shoot 500+ rounds in one day and a lighter trigger makes this just more enjoyable.

I only like shooting my centerfire rifles with my own reloads and it’s just a pain. Truth be told, I’m mostly shooting 22LRs these days. This is why I’m not trying to setup this rifle as a trainer, but as a purpose built 22LR repeater.
 
One important info I need to add here (original post edited). I’m not planning to use this rifle as a trainer and I would mainly shoot it from the bench.

My long-range gun is an AIAT with the factory 2 stage trigger and I really like it. I’m very accurate with the gun (1/3 MOA at 100Y) but I usually don’t shoot more than 100 rounds at each outing. With a 22LR I’ll shoot 500+ rounds in one day and a lighter trigger makes this just more enjoyable.

I only like shooting my centerfire rifles with my own reloads and it’s just a pain. Truth be told, I’m mostly shooting 22LRs these days. This is why I’m not trying to setup this rifle as a trainer, but as a purpose built 22LR repeater.

Mine is set up for 100 yard benchrest, it does quite well against the Anschutz and custom built rigs.
 

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The tenon will be almost 2 inches. This will make an 18 inch barrel look like a 16 inch barrel.
If you want the look of a 16 inch barrel get an 18 inch barrel. Or get the 16 inch barrel you want but be warned, it will look like you have a 14 inch barrel.
As to your stock choice..........the ridgeback has a 2.5 inch flat at the fore. It's very very good on bags or a rest.
Pictures of the ridgeback do it no justice. It's very nice. There is also a built in bubble level which I can't do without. Once you use it, there is no going back.
Pair that with an ARC 25 MOA one piece mount and you have two bubble levels looking at you. Use them in conjunction with each other and you will never be canted. Hard to explain. Anyway that mount will set you back about 300 bucks.

The trigger tech diamond will go below 4 ounces. With 0 over travel and whoever told you that over travel helps accuracy is full of shit.
Follow through will be the same or better. I have Jewells and Jards on some of my guns. All good triggers but, I like The trigger Tech better.
If you ever do get a Vudoo gun, you will see what I been raising hell about.
They are amazing, but then so is Cooper. You can do more with a Vudoo. I'm just not gonna drag my Cooper LVT with a highly figured french walnut stock , through the woods. The Vudoo , I will take anywhere, prop it up on the bipod in a mud hole if I have to. Which I have done.

T.S.
 
I'm surprised that Bloop-type tubes aren't more common on these guns to get the right barrel length, but have the aesthetics, balance and handling of a longer barrel. People put comps on that have no noticeable transition from barrel to comp.
 
I have the 18" in Kikri profile. To me it looks right. I bought mine used in a MPA hybrid and am waiting for a JAE to arrive. It has the TT Diamond trigger which is probably the best trigger I've ever owned. I wish I could stuff one in my AI-AE but my OCD will not allow that. I second the idea of talking with VGW on your options. They were very helpful with my questions.
 
I ordered my rifle earlier this week. I previously had fired a Vudoo with the TT diamond trigger and was sold on it. I went with the MPA ba stock just because I never had a chassis stock before. The barrel I chose is the 18” just because there is no velocity or accuracy to be gained by going longer.
 
I'm surprised that Bloop-type tubes aren't more common on these guns to get the right barrel length, but have the aesthetics, balance and handling of a longer barrel. People put comps on that have no noticeable transition from barrel to comp.

I'm working with a local manufacturer on something like this. I want a tube of the equivalent length and weight of the can I run on my centerfire. As soon as we have something to show I'll post pics.
 
I own a 20" Vudoo now. It is bedded into a take-off stock from a Bergara HMR that has been ceracoated with a very nice flat OD. A TT Diamond trigger for a bang switch and glass is a Gen1 Vortex PST. It is so much fun to shoot that I'm getting another. This one will go in a KRG Bravo and likely the same TT Diamond trigger but I was mulling over barrel options. This thread has me convinced to go 18" on this one.
 
On order: Sinister .22, Olive w black web, 20” ACE, Specter contour-threaded, 20 MOA, Graphite black, Medium bolt knob, TT Diamond curved. Vudoo bore guide and 3 pack mag kit.
Why a Sinister? Simple, the info that Vudoo provides on their site re this model, appealed to me. Why a 20"? I wanted to go 22" b/c of how well this length balances for me in a sporter model, but read that 22" is not needed in this caliber, so I went just a bit shorter in hopes of maintaining the balance that I prefer. If, after range and field use, I discover the barrel needs to be longer or even shorter, I'll contact Vudoo to make that happen.
 
I went with a 22" Kukri in an AX AICS chassis. My rifle also wears a Dead Air Mask supressor. I was trying to achieve a similar balance to my match rifle, and it is pretty close. I have a Vortex Razor Gen II on the centerfire and an Athlon Ares BTR on the Vudoo. The lighter scope helps maintain the balance of the rifle. I just use their standard trigger for rifles, which is a Timney single stage. If i was doing a bench gun i would probably want to go lighter and upgrade the trigger.

Much of it, if not most, is just personal preference on how you think a rifle should look. Some guys like shorter barrels, some guys like me like the look of a longer barrel.

I will say this about ordering from VGW. They are super friendly and helpful on the phone, and will take the time to talk you through the different options and the pros and cons of all the choices. They have been, by far, the best purchasing interaction I have ever had. After I bought the first one, i understand why people have several of these rifles. Not only are the rifles gorgeous, and shoot lights out, but the company is fantastic to work with as well.
 
What kind of velocities are you guys getting with 22" barrels? That's a little past the 21" performance limit that Vudoo talks about, and I've been curious what kind of impact that extra inch would have in a practical sense... if any?

I have not put the magnetospeed on my Vudoo yet, as i am still playing around with ammo. I will say that the American Eagle Suppressor subsonics are movie quiet, though! (with a suppressor)
 
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I've got a thing for 22" bbls on all three of my V-22s, as well as a jelrod-converted 40XB. I started with 26" bbls on both my converted 40Xs, but it didn't take long to wish I'd gone shorter. I feel 22" is as short as I need to go, even though I run suppressors most of the time. And w/o a can mounted, a 22" bbl is a lot quieter than a 16". The 22s balance comfortably for me, I like the proportions/appearance, so I'm sticking with that length. In the SK line, I shoot LR Match, Rifle Match, & Std+; Lapua Center-X is what I shoot most often in matches, though I tried some Polar Biathlon. LR Match runs 1100fps, faster than anything else I've used. Std+ & Center-X most often chrono at 1080, and Rifle Match runs 1050fps. Those numbers are based on multiple chrono sessions of the current lots I'm shooting in all four of these 22" bbl'd rifles.

I ordered one V-22 bbl'd action with an ACE 18" Ranch contour bbl, but didn't care for how far to the rear the balance was. The bbl shot great, no problem there. I replaced it with a Krieger #4 sporter contour that I finished at 22", which resulted in a 9.75lb finished rifle when bedded in a Manners EH2 with a Midas TAC 6-24x50 mounted. I never noticed this 18" bbl shooting any faster than the 22" bbls - in fact, it was typically a little slower. I think conventional wisdom stating that .22RF std vel ammo will be slower out of anything longer than a 16" bbl is flawed, and I'm not the only one here who's seen the same thing.
 
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I think conventional wisdom stating that .22RF std vel ammo will be slower out of anything longer than a 16" bbl is flawed, and I'm not the only one here who's seen the same thing.

Actually, there's an interview with Andrew Workman from Vudoo where he mentions that they tested a variety of barrel lengths, and found that velocity dropped off dramatically past 21". I called Vudoo to try to get a little more info - like find out if going to a 22" barrel would somehow be detrimental, and spoke to Greg in the sales department. I ended the call not knowing anything more than I did going in, unfortunately. I dropped a message to RAVAGE88 here on the forum, too, and didn't get an answer, yet, so...

The info you provided above is super helpful. Actually, one of my friends has a 20" Kukri contour barrel, and definitely finds it to be balanced too much to the rear. Sounds like a 22" should be just fine, then, with no appreciable loss vs. a 20" (and possibly a closer match in balance to my centerfire rifle).

Here's the video I mentioned above, BTW...