Who has built a "do it all" rifle?

Notdylan

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Minuteman
Jun 14, 2017
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Beechgrove, Tennessee
What did you build and has it met your expectations? I'd like something accurate to 1200 yards that I could shoot in local prs type matches but ideally be around 10-11 pounds fully equipped for hunting. I know a lot of people have attempted to do it but I often read that you end up with a rifle that isn't very good at either.

I recently saw this video where the guys at GAP had a rifle specced out for this very purpose, check it out: https://youtu.be/A9QuN0sgPwA?t=28m33s

Looks pretty slick to me! I'd like to build something comparable. Perhaps a 6.5cm, 24" sendero contour, and manners eh1? What would you build? Thanks!
 
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Do it all Rifle??

OK. Here's some spec's of my ideal Do-it-All rifle:

Stainless Barrel and Action
Threaded 5/8'sx24 so you can add an APA Gen II Lil Bastard or Area 419 Hellfire Brake..
20" barrel
10 Round Detactable Magazine
Synthetic Stock
Crisp Factory Trigger
No more than 8 lbs. unloaded without scope, mounts, bipod et al.
Chambered in 260 Rem or 6.5 Creedmoor

If you put those spec's into a computer, this is what it spits out: A Tikka T3X CTR Stainless. Hard to do much better unless you order a custom Rock or Gladius from GAP.

Tikka CTR T3X Stainless.jpg


 
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Lots of options for most of your criteria, the real question is how far are you shooting at game and the size of said game. Lots of PRS rifles and calibers will put a mark on steel with great repeatability. Hunting is a whole different story.
 
This is what my do it all rifle was on paper....

M40/A1/A3/A5ish Rifle Build

1. McMillan HTG stock. Pillars to be installed by builder. Action to be bedded using USMC PWS spec bedding compound to M40A1 spec build.

2. Bottom metal is DD Ross A3 guard/floorplate. McMillan has cut stock to accept this metal.

3. Magazine box welded to receiver per A1 spec. **** if you think this is a liability toward accuracy I agree to modify this requirement. Remington mag box, spring and milled follower supplied by me.

4. Barrel Kreiger 5R stainless. I want gun to be 4 inches shorter than A1 spec. I think 20 inch from lug or plus/minus 21 inch from bolt face is a good compromise on overall rifle length and still not cutting into velocity. Aesthetically the rifle will look balanced rather than barrel short. I went with an 11.25 twist and will likely shoot more 168s out of it than any other bullet. Willing to discuss if you see problems with my barrel choice or length. I defer to your builders knowledge. Chamber for FedGMM 168s or USMC M118LR spec. I would take suggestion on best chamber to go with. If I have enough barrel left over after cut and you can make a chamber gauge that would be neat. I want to be able to fire a 175 on occasion and have it chamber without issues.

5. Barrel crown. Im liking the early Atkinson barrel crown (picture included). Ive asked Mescabug for dimensions If he doesn’t reply with any Im pretty sure you can wing it and make me happy.

6. Reciever cuts. Lug slot per A3 spec for a DD Ross scope rail. Rail provided is a TwoManAttack sourced part.

For rail cuts I want the right side to be pretty much spec A3 spec at the ejection port/thumb cut. I really like A3 cuts that smoothly transition the radius of the port opening into the radius of the receiver rail. It’s a critical look to me.

On the left side rail Id like to harken back to the original M40 cut by bringing the left side receiver rail cut back to where it would meet and transition into the radius of the DD Ross scope rail. Its fantasy and I think it will be a pleasing look, almost making the scope rail look like a monolithic part of the receiver.

7. Scope rail as mentioned is a TwoManAttack copy of the DD Ross item. Open up the factory mount holes to the larger USMC spec 8/40 mount screws.

8. Receiver, true up and blue print the receiver /bolt please. Check lugs for maximum contact.

9. Finish will be a delicious black oxide USMC spec job.

10. Last four of Serial Number stamped on appropriate places as per A3 build i.e. barrel, bolt , bottom metal, scope rail, Badger lug, anyplace Ive missed.

11. I don’t need fantasy PWS stamps on the gun. It doesn’t meet any spec but mine. I think you deserve recognition as builder. Please tell me what your builder mark is before applying. Tastefull not billboard I assume. I like your Raven logo. My son is named Odin. Is your Raven Huginn or Muginn, Thought or Memory?

12. I wanted an M24 trigger but never came across one. The 1968 trigger will give a tribute to the M40 with its date of manufacture and tombstone safety. This trigger supplied is light in my opinion. I don’t have a problem with light because I don’t hunt and primarily just shoot paper. Still a 3-4 pound trigger is more what I am used to. Go with the provided trigger and adjust/job as you think best. Maybe in the future Ill get an M24.

This is what it turned out to be....

P9107545.JPG
 

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Do it all Rifle??

OK. Here's some spec's of my ideal Do-it-All rifle:

Stainless Barrel and Action
Threaded 5/8'sx24 so you can add an APA Gen II Lil Bastard or Area 419 Hellfire Brake..
20" barrel
10 Round Detactable Magazine
Synthetic Stock
Crisp Factory Trigger
No more than 8 lbs. unloaded without scope, mounts, bipod et al.
Chambered in 260 Rem or 6.5 Creedmoor

If you put those spec's into a computer, this is what it spits out: A Tikka T3X CTR Stainless. Hard to do much better unless you order a custom Rock or Gladius from GAP.


This , you might also consider the SEEKINS HAVAK in whatever cartridge you prefer . If I were to build a custom I'd most likely go with a switch barrel Mausingfield or Bighorn TL3 mated to the lightest adjustable stock with their inlets . A Proof carbon barrel would be nice for hunting and a Bartlein , Kreiger or Broughton 5R medium Palma contour for PRS .
It all comes down to this " What's in your wallet " !
 
Another one might be the Bergara HMR or LRP in 6.5. Tikka Tac A-1 in 260 rem. I already own a Tikka CTR T3x in 6.5 SS 24" and it has surprised me how accurate it is with 140 berger hybrids.

The new Seekins Havoc in 6.5 PRC is looking promising!
 
Interested in this, I’m really shooting to start this thpe of build next year.

Mausingfield SA, DLC’d, 20 MOA rail
18” Light Palma, stainless steel, 1-10”, .308
MCS T6 Platinum
Badger/Surgeon/KMW bottom metal
Sub 30 oz. optic, mil/mil, ffp
- Bushnell 3-12x44 LHRS/LRTSi
- SWFA 10x42 HD
- USO 1.8-10x37 MR-10
- Steiner T5i 3-15x50
ARC M10 Rings
Harris Bipod
Sling such as the VTAC padded, or the Rifles Only PRS

Hope to get Josh at PVA to build it for me.

Should come in right at 11 - 12.5 pounds with a full 10 round mag.

Hope to use it for steel to 1k, and hunting from 0-350 (Alabama woods are not long range). Really trying to be able to balance accuracy of longer strings of fire with maneuverability at close quarter brush distances.

Definitely update us on the build.

As said above, excellent factory options are the T3x CTR, Seekins Havok, Bergara’s, the new Christensen rifle, and the Q’s new Fix.
 
I really like my xlr element on my match rifle so i am thinking about an xlr carbon chassis with a 20in light palma contour.
I would think that would be in the 10 to 12 pound range with a modest scope. I am really thinking 708 as well. Not the best for prs but a great medium range hunting round

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 
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I tried to build one on a budget but with a little more of a hunting a hunting focus so I went with 300 win mag. To really drop weight, I would highly recommend a proof research carbon barrel. I have one on a 6.5 creed more build I did and it’s very accurate. Here’s the specs on this one...

Remington 700 5R 300 Win Mag
McMillan A3-5 Stock Bedded
Barrel & Bolt Fluted
OD Green Cerakote
Leupold Mark 4 Scope
Badger Aluminum Rings & Bases
Timney Trigger
Holland Muzzle Brake & Level
11.4lbs without Atlas Bipod

 

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Another vote for the CTR. My 20" 6.5 has been printing a lot of .5MOA groups recently from 100-300yds. It's also under 10lbs scoped and loaded with 5rds for hunting.
I have always wanted to build a custom 308 but recently I've been leaning towards grabbing another CTR in 308 when that time comes.
 
I'm currently trying to do the same thing. Maybe not 1200 yds but 1000 if I needed to.

6.5 Creedmoor
Surgeon 591
Manners T5A Elite (Carbon to keep weight down)
Hardy 24" Carbon Barrel (Again to cut weight down)
Surgeon DBM for AICS mags

I'll put my Vortex Razor AMG on it and it should weigh around that 10 pounds with a bipod and loaded.

I plan on using this gun for my primary coyote rig, whitetail, antelope gun, as well as enter a couple local PRS shoots. My current coyote rig is 14 pounds which is a little too much for lots of walking.
 
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M5 Mausingfield Short action
Proof Research 28" 6.5 SAUM CF wrapped barrel
PTG DBM
Manners EH1
March 3-24x52mm

Comes in around 13lb with a can and bipod, 10-11 without those things. Have shot it with reasonable results out to 1600-1700yd. It's a little on the heavy side for a pure hunting rifle, but it works, and with the right sling or pack it's not bad to hike around antelope/deer hunting. It's just heavy enough, and the can reduces recoil enough that it's still a viable PRS style rifle. I've shot it in a couple local matches and done well with it. A 6mm would be better suited to that game. Overall it's capable, and I don't feel like I give up too much in any direction other than length.
 

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tried several times over the years, they never work out. always too much of a compromise in one direction.

the only way you can attempt to get away with it is to sacrifice a little on stock/chassis weight (adjustments) and to make it a switch barrel.
even if you get a regular rem700 or clone get the recoil lug pinned or a barrel nut and have the smith make 2 barrels.

even if you use the same caliber/round you need a pencil for hunting and broomstick for distance.

for the extra $400 you will be a lot happier.
 
Desert Tech built the SRS a long time ago. I can use it in any caliber from 223 up to 338LM and any cartridge similar to them. Im also able to get whatever barrel/contour/twist I want from very reputable outfits. Whether its a 6.5 in competion, a 300NM for ELR, or 300wm for elk hunting, I can have whatever I want in less than a minute. With the same trigger, same feel, same scope. Which I only have to buy one of since its a do all platform, so I can afford to spend more on it.
I have used the gun to shoot PRS matches, hauled it all over the mountains chasing deer and elk, and all over the country stashed in a lunchbox type case that looks too small or short to be a riflecase. The 300BLK barrel makes it nice if you are trying to off something without drawing attention, and my 7SAUM barrel is like a poor man’s 338Lm, or a LR hunting barrel fit for a king.
All of this with guaranteed 1/2 MOA accuracy, and usually better. And NOT having to compromise on any of the options. And the smaller size of the rifle when compared to anything else makes it easier to store, transport, and maneuver. With 16” barrels installed it feels like a big pistol, or an SBR.
There are lots of nice rifles out there, and Id like to have them all, but the SRS will probably be the last rifle I’ll ever need.

2hx3eig.jpg
 
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I only have 1 rifle and use it for everything. It is def setup more towards comps. Defiance action, HH marksman contour cut at 23” with brake. Chambered In 6.5x47 and it sits in a Manners elite mini chassis. I take the bipod off and switch to a 5rd mag for hunting. Scope is Vortex Razor HD2 3-18x50.
Barrel length is short for comps and weight sometimes a lot for hunting but works for me.
 
I only have 1 rifle and use it for everything. It is def setup more towards comps. Defiance action, HH marksman contour cut at 23” with brake. Chambered In 6.5x47 and it sits in a Manners elite mini chassis. I take the bipod off and switch to a 5rd mag for hunting. Scope is Vortex Razor HD2 3-18x50.
Barrel length is short for comps and weight sometimes a lot for hunting but works for me.

Which model stock? That's what I'm having trouble deciding on most. Thinking about either the EH1A, MCS-TA, or T6A. Along with a 22"-24" sendero contour.
 
I am thinking along the same line as "coldboremiracleI". I have turned to the one rifle concept, I have determined that I really don't need 17 rifles with their own optics. I have now narrowed things down to what rifle I will keep, I am stuck on either my DTA or AT. The two of them offer the flexibility that I looking for, the AT looses out on the lack of magnum and 223 capability, the DTA can take me from the 223 to the 338. The thing with the DTA is adjusting to the ergos of the platform, it may not be for everyone.
 
I just went this route and give another vote for the CTR. Just finished mine and really happy with how it turned out.

- .308 with a 20” barrel
- Manners EH1A
- Vortex AMG

It prints .5 moa, rings steel at 1K and comes in right at 11lbs so it’s not too bad hiking around for deer. What more do you need?
 
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Which model stock? That's what I'm having trouble deciding on most. Thinking about either the EH1A, MCS-TA, or T6A. Along with a 22"-24" sendero contour.

T4-A but if I had to do it again I would go with a plain T4. I have my scope pretty low and a cheek pad would give me enough height without the weight of the adjustable hardware. I like the width and flat bottom of the forearm of the T4 though for shooting off of support.
I’ll be going a little smaller on the barrel contour next time too, likely sendero or medium Palma
 
This is my do it all rifle:
6.5 GAP 4S
Rem 700 Ti Action
Proof 24" Sendero Lite
Manners EH-1 Stock
Snowy Mountain Muzzle Break
EGW-HD Rail
Khales K624i LSW

It is equipped with a WTO switchlug and have a 26" Bartlein Sendero Barrel Chambered in 28 Nosler but I don't use that one very often.
 

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I'm getting older, and walking in the mountains isn't getting any easier. I broke down and bought a tikka superlite in 6.5 creedmoor with a 24 inch fluted barrel for 750$. The rifle weighs 6 pounds. I also picked up 5 round magazines from beretta for 31$. It is my go to rifle for hiking. Closer to the truck I use my jplrp07.
 
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I guess this is becoming redundant advice. Tikka T3x CTR .260 Remington, Area 419 Hellfire Brake, McMillan Game Scout, Bushnell LRHS. As close to a do it all rifle as I have found.
 
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This was my attempt. Krieger rem varmint in 6.5 Creedmoor, manners EH1 with mini chassis, surgeon action. If I eventually change scope to Vortex AMG it'll help weight but right now it's about 14lb as you see it with loaded 10 Rd mag. I'm very happy with it, but it's not something I'd take into the mountains if if I could avoid it.
 

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6.5x47, Surgeon, 23.5' Shilen = 13lb less the bipod

<a href="https://imgur.com/tfTauTy"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/tfTauTy.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

 
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Depends, Do you reload? Cause I reload and my "do it all" rifle is turning into a 6.5 4S. Good MV wit awesome bullets and the barrel life of 6.5 Creed if loaded right.

Scott
 
my 6.5x47 is my do it all rifle. I regularly shoot it out to 1000-1200yds...and also hunt with it. Groundhogs, coyote, white tail deer. Weighs about 10lbs.

BAT VR Repeater action
Krieger light palma barrel 25in
Jewell trigger
Manners T3 stock
Badger rings
Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14x50 TMR

Minimal recoil. Slays white tail. Not bad to carry. Laser beam accurate.

JZ9bFoS.jpg
 
This is what my do it all rifle was on paper....

M40/A1/A3/A5ish Rifle Build

1. McMillan HTG stock. Pillars to be installed by builder. Action to be bedded using USMC PWS spec bedding compound to M40A1 spec build.

2. Bottom metal is DD Ross A3 guard/floorplate. McMillan has cut stock to accept this metal.

3. Magazine box welded to receiver per A1 spec. **** if you think this is a liability toward accuracy I agree to modify this requirement. Remington mag box, spring and milled follower supplied by me.

4. Barrel Kreiger 5R stainless. I want gun to be 4 inches shorter than A1 spec. I think 20 inch from lug or plus/minus 21 inch from bolt face is a good compromise on overall rifle length and still not cutting into velocity. Aesthetically the rifle will look balanced rather than barrel short. I went with an 11.25 twist and will likely shoot more 168s out of it than any other bullet. Willing to discuss if you see problems with my barrel choice or length. I defer to your builders knowledge. Chamber for FedGMM 168s or USMC M118LR spec. I would take suggestion on best chamber to go with. If I have enough barrel left over after cut and you can make a chamber gauge that would be neat. I want to be able to fire a 175 on occasion and have it chamber without issues.

5. Barrel crown. Im liking the early Atkinson barrel crown (picture included). Ive asked Mescabug for dimensions If he doesn’t reply with any Im pretty sure you can wing it and make me happy.

6. Reciever cuts. Lug slot per A3 spec for a DD Ross scope rail. Rail provided is a TwoManAttack sourced part.

For rail cuts I want the right side to be pretty much spec A3 spec at the ejection port/thumb cut. I really like A3 cuts that smoothly transition the radius of the port opening into the radius of the receiver rail. It’s a critical look to me.

On the left side rail Id like to harken back to the original M40 cut by bringing the left side receiver rail cut back to where it would meet and transition into the radius of the DD Ross scope rail. Its fantasy and I think it will be a pleasing look, almost making the scope rail look like a monolithic part of the receiver.

7. Scope rail as mentioned is a TwoManAttack copy of the DD Ross item. Open up the factory mount holes to the larger USMC spec 8/40 mount screws.

8. Receiver, true up and blue print the receiver /bolt please. Check lugs for maximum contact.

9. Finish will be a delicious black oxide USMC spec job.

10. Last four of Serial Number stamped on appropriate places as per A3 build i.e. barrel, bolt , bottom metal, scope rail, Badger lug, anyplace Ive missed.

11. I don’t need fantasy PWS stamps on the gun. It doesn’t meet any spec but mine. I think you deserve recognition as builder. Please tell me what your builder mark is before applying. Tastefull not billboard I assume. I like your Raven logo. My son is named Odin. Is your Raven Huginn or Muginn, Thought or Memory?

12. I wanted an M24 trigger but never came across one. The 1968 trigger will give a tribute to the M40 with its date of manufacture and tombstone safety. This trigger supplied is light in my opinion. I don’t have a problem with light because I don’t hunt and primarily just shoot paper. Still a 3-4 pound trigger is more what I am used to. Go with the provided trigger and adjust/job as you think best. Maybe in the future Ill get an M24.

This is what it turned out to be....






Video here......

https://youtu.be/5U2Hm4tA6n0


Results 15 for 16



Not high tech, not the latest caliber but its my perfect rifle.




What brand target is that in the last picture?

thx,
Baron

 
see if this works, right click and select "save image as..." and save it to your computer and see if it will print correctly. if it doesn't work, then PM your email, or anyone else for that matter that wants it.


[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/FDm1j4l.png"}[/IMG2]
 
Closest thing i have built to a do it all rifle is a 6 creedmoor with following componants

Manners EH1 folding carbon stock
BAT short action
Proof carbon wrap barrel
Jewel trigger
Hawkins trigger guard/bottom metal
Currently NF ATACR 5-25x56 but this will to change to ATACR 4-16x42 or NXS 5.5-22-50
TBAC 6.5 Ultra 7 A Ultra 5 will replace the 7

I built the rifle with couse deer hunting in mind

Except for the BAT action, I have the exact same build in a 6.5x284 for longer range deer and elk.
 
Shields and stwcattle, how do you like your eh1? Do you feel like you're giving anything up compared to a T2 T4 T6, ECT?

I really like my EH1's. They arent heavy but give me the confidence at long shots as if it were a heavier T2 or similar stock. I think I would get along with the T6 as well. I like the width of the forend of the EH1 and T6 over the T2 and T4
I also like the feel of the vertical grip which all 4 stocks have.
 
i'm going to be taking my 20" 5R, KRG whiskey3, tbac U9 hunting this year. that all weighs about 10.5. the kicker is the scope. right now i only have a razor gen 2. i over nighted payment yesterday to a fellow hider for a vortex HD LH hoping i can get the scope in time. i need it by saturday at the latest, opening day is monday. i used a similar setup last year (T4, 5R, tbac 30p-1, razor gen 2) and it sucked. but ive been hitting the gym the last few months so hopefully that helps. i also have proper slings. the rifles only and the tab gear. i'm not sure which one i like the best, so i figure i'll take both with me and switch them out. i can't sit for more than an hour or so because of a back injury, so we'll see how this goes.
 
i'm going to be taking my 20" 5R, KRG whiskey3, tbac U9 hunting this year. that all weighs about 10.5. the kicker is the scope. right now i only have a razor gen 2. i over nighted payment yesterday to a fellow hider for a vortex HD LH hoping i can get the scope in time. i need it by saturday at the latest, opening day is monday. i used a similar setup last year (T4, 5R, tbac 30p-1, razor gen 2) and it sucked. but ive been hitting the gym the last few months so hopefully that helps. i also have proper slings. the rifles only and the tab gear. i'm not sure which one i like the best, so i figure i'll take both with me and switch them out. i can't sit for more than an hour or so because of a back injury, so we'll see how this goes.

I run Rifles Only sling and it works very well with the EH1
 
I really like my EH1's. They arent heavy but give me the confidence at long shots as if it were a heavier T2 or similar stock. I think I would get along with the T6 as well. I like the width of the forend of the EH1 and T6 over the T2 and T4
I also like the feel of the vertical grip which all 4 stocks have.

Pretty much what he said! I do find myself using the butt hook on my T4 way more than I thought I would. I do like the EH1 a lot as well though.
 
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/dsqD1kq.jpg">

20" 700SA 6 Dasher, 12lb 9oz plus the weight of the can now with a LRTSi 4.5-18x instead of the pictured 4-16x PST

Going with a Rem Varmint contour vs. HH Marksman would have saved me a little weight; I also could save some weight going to a non-adjustable cheek stock.

For comparison's sake, a Bergara HMR 6.5 Creedmoor with the same scope/rings/base is 12oz lighter.