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February 16, 2016
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I believe the M14 platform is the best, all around rifle you can own. In North America the .308 Winchester / 7.62x51 round can do just about any task, from self defense to long range precision work, to big game hunting.
I've always wanted to get into long-range precision rifle shooting and now that I've got more time, I'm trying to wrap up a build that I've been working on for a couple of years.
Since I plan on mounting a scope and keeping it there, I started with an LRB M25 receiver, with the mount essentially integral to the receiver .. it's the pinnacle of the M14 world - spendy, but worth it.
SPECIFICATIONS:
LRB National Match M25 Receiver w/ proprietary M1913 Scope Rail
LRB Bolt complete, hand lapped & fitted to receiver
Unitized National Match Gas Cylinder Assy (front band welded to gas cylinder)
Black Nitride Gas Piston
USGI Op Rod (TRW), re-parkerized
LRB National Match Op Rod Spring Guide
National Match Front Sight
National Match Rear Sight
National Match Modified Flash Suppressor
Sadlak Tactical Magazine Latch w/ enlarged & serrated thumb pad
I had them complete my barrelled action by installing a Criterion 22" parkerized medium weight chrome-moly barrel, which has a DMR contour, is chrome lined, with a 1:11 twist rate.
February 16, 2016
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Next was the Trigger Group, so I went with the best ... a Smith Enterprises Inc. "Max Pak" that is the standard trigger package on all US Government M14SE “Crazy Horse” Sniper / Designated Marksman weapons.
All parts are deburred and smoothed as needed, then put through their M80HT process; a salt-bath nitride, heat treat finish that is impervious to corrosion, salt fog and has a HRC of 60 on the Rockwell scale. This finish appears as a jet-black color on the part.
SEI replaces the trigger and hammer axis pins with their own slightly oversized, heat treated S-7 tool steel units. Over time the older USGI commercial pins, which carry a Rockwell hardness rating in the low 40s HRC, will wear oblong – causing inconsistent take up and let off, along with hammer wobble. SEI S-7 pins, with a 52-55 HRC, will guarantee not only a lifetime of use, but constant, predictable trigger function.
Also included is their newly designed “Crazy Horse CH” hammer spring, made from chrome silicon, which provides a more consistent trigger pull and actually speeds up lock time. Inherent in the design is the spring being actually lighter in compression than the USGI unit, while providing a significantly stronger and faster rebound. The trigger assembly is then tuned to provide an utterly reliable and predictable 4.5 lb pull.
February 16, 2016
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Now things start to get a little tricky ... optics. After lots of deliberation, I ordered a Întreprinderea Optică Română scope from Valdada; their Spartan 2-12x36 35mm SFP Tactical .308 BDC w/MP-8 Dot illuminated reticle & HD Medium steel rings.
Surprisingly, it came with some unexpected but very desirable upgrades; namely the windage knob in .1 mil (rather than the listed 1/4MOA) and the BDC knob now goes to 1,000 meters (instead of 800 yards).
February 16, 2016
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The final part of the equation was selecting a stock, among many great choices; Troy, Sage, McMillan and a few others. I chose J. Allen Enterprises model JAE-100 G3, which has a proprietary lug slide system that locks in the action and eliminates the need for bedding.
JAE rifle stocks have a full length aluminum chassis with hand painted skins that are permanently bonded to the sides of the chassis. There are several machined and molded components that they manufacture and assemble, with over 24 hours of machine time and 15 hours of hand labor in each chassis system.
This stock / chassis also has an adjustable barrel tensioner that connects to the barrel band and allows you to fine tune the harmonics of the barrel. The Quick Detach Thumbwheel Cheek Rest allows you to adjust to your proper eye relief and remove the cheek rest for iron sites, without using tools. Great for accuracy and their fine tuning ... maybe a tad pricey and a little on the heavy side, however they are a rock solid stock.
I picked Coyote Brown chassis with Dark Earth accessories and it ships in two weeks. Then I start assembly.
February 20, 2008
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If you're going to drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
February 16, 2016
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Midway just shipped my GG&G XDS-2C tactical bipod today, so the pieces are coming together.
February 16, 2016
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The buttstock rail will get an Accu-Shot precision rail monopod, adjustable from 3.75" to 4.65".
February 20, 2008
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How far are you from me? I'll buy lunch…
If you're going to drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
February 16, 2016
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photohause said
How far are you from me? I'll buy lunch…
Only 1-1/2 hours ... my local club has 50 & 100 yard standard ranges, and then 300, 500, 800 & 1,200 yard long distance ranges.
February 16, 2016
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Well, my JAE stock finally came in and I've been busy with assembly. Here's where I'm at right now.
February 16, 2016
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Moderators
January 24, 2009
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Dang, that's looking pretty sweet!
February 20, 2008
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What kinda samitches do you like?
If you're going to drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
February 16, 2016
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Ha, ha .. all kinds. Interestingly, our little slice of heaven is an Internationally renown skydiving destination and there is this perfect spot at the airport that has the best sandwich selection ever!
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Since you mention lunch, can I come.
February 16, 2016
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But of course Ron ... I'll see if Tim wants to come up too and we can have a Florida Boys "Meet 'n Shoot" event.
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