Like most competitive shooters, we change up our gear from time to time. In late January 2015 we finally received our new match rifles that we will be running for the 2015 season in our tactical long range precision matches.

First let’s take a look at what we used during the 2014 season:

Ed started out the 2014 season with an Accuracy International Arctic Warfare in .308 with the Nightforce 3.5-15×50 front focal scope in a Spuhr mount. He later purchased an AI barrel in .260 and began to experience problems with primer piercing. At the time AI did not have a solution and Ed had to reduce his load below the starting load in the Hornady manual. He could only drive a 139gr Scenar at around 2,630 fps which was not very competitive. Since then AI has redesigned their bolt with a smaller firing pin aperture to address the primer piercing issues. If you are looking at purchasing an AI rifle you want to make sure it has the redesigned bolt. We recommend you work with Mile High Shooting as we had discussions with them at SHOT show and they understand the issue. Half way through the 2014 season Ed switched to an Rbros rifle built on a Defiance action and chambered in 6.5×47. He mounted the rifle in an AICS chassis which provided a similar ergonomics to the Arctic Warfare rifle.

AI stock sides are easily modified

We’re digressing a bit, but we don’t see many AI rifles at PRS style matches which is a shame as they make excellent work rifles. We’re seeing competitors such as GA Precision offer receivers with a 60 degree bolt lift – a market that AI pretty much owned. Until recently, you couldn’t even buy spare parts such as a trigger or a firing pin – instead AI wanted customers to send in their rifles for service. Tactical shooters need a rifle that they can service in the field and the rumored availability of spare parts (we have yet to confirm with AI) is a move in the right direction. Combined with better parts availability, a redesigned bolt, and the quick change barrel system of the new AT rifle system we may see more of these rifles in PRS style matches.

To end our discussion of AI rifles on a positive note, the design of the stock sides (or skins) is a real plus. They can be easily modified to suit the shooter, and if you mess up you can buy another set. Ed cut the belly of his skins to allow better performance on barricades (he got this idea from another shooter). He also attempted to create a sloped rear end but that didn’t work so well.

Steve started out the 2014 season with an Rbros build in 6.5×47 Lapua based on a Defiance action. Steve went with an AI AX chassis. He topped it with a Schmidt & Bender 5-25×56 PM II with a Spuhr mount. Unlike Ed’s initial selection there were no complications and Steve’s selection inspired Ed to get the same rifle in left hand.

We both used the Thunderbeast 30-P1 suppressor throughout 2014 but decided to go back to using muzzle brakes. Since some of the PRS matches are held in California (California does not allow the civilian use of suppressors), we didn’t want to switch back and forth between suppressors and muzzle brakes. Since we’re not going to use suppressors in matches we opted to move from 24 to 26 inch barrels for the added velocity. Thunderbeast makes a terrific product and we continue to use them on our other rifles.

Our choices for 2015

Our near identical rifles for 2015

For 2015 we converged on the same Rbros rifle chambered in 6.5×47 and bedded in the Manners T2A stock with Terry Cross hardware. The only significant difference is our choice of optics. Steve went with the 5-25×56 NightForce Beast and Ed went with the 4.5-27×56 Vortex Razor HD Gen II. Both scopes are mounted in 1″ Vortex matched rings which are actually made by Seekins. Spuhr also donated one of their mounts which we will use to evaluate other scopes. Steve uses the Accuracy First anti-cant indicator and Ed uses the Vortex anti-cant indicator. So for we are satisfied with our individual choices in optics.

Nylon spacers allow for a repeatable cheek piece height

We each use the Badger Thruster 3 port brake. Steve has moved up to a 26″ barrel and Ed will do the same once his 24″ barrel is due for replacement. Our barrels are the Broughton 7.1 light varmint contour in 1-8 RH twist.

We chose the Manners T2A stock for weight and the traditionally shaped rear end. We expect that the sloped shape of the rear end will give us better elevation control compared to a butt hook. Our actions are bedded in the traditional manner although Manners does produce a chassis sytem. Some shooters will find that they need to raise the cheek piece beyond the adjustment range. This problem can be addressed with the purchase of nylon spacers available at ACE Hardware.

Huber sent us a couple of their two stage triggers for evaluation. We have them set at 1.5 lbs and so far we really like them. They have a nice wide shoe which we prefer to the narrower shoes found on other triggers. As with all gear that we use personally, we expect to purchase the triggers from Huber. When we use a particular piece of gear it’s because we have purchased it and believe in it

Ed continues to run a Harris bipod with KMW Pod-loc hardware. Steve continues to run the Atlas v8.1 bipod. Steve is going to give the Harris another try. Ed is going to experiment with the newer Atlas bipod as they addressed the leg rolling issues. We will report our findings.

Our selection of the Manners T2A stock required that we revisit our choice of rear bags. We will be experimenting with a slightly larger version of the Red Tac bag that Ed sewed up as well as the Run and Gun bag made by Short Action Precision. Steve will continue using his Sage Flats rear bag but will test other designs. We are planning a more detailed video on rear bags in the near future.

Please stay tuned as we share our observations over the 2015 shooting season. As always, we look forward to your feedback.