Got my RUM back from Dan Cowen

[MDGrand]

Its finally done!...

Well, almost, depending on if I put a duracoat on it or not. Kind of like the stainless. What do you guys think?

Anyway,

Got the stock XCRII barrel removed.. it was ok, had a lot of barrel wip for how thin it was. Replaced it with a Heart 5A 26" 1-10 twist topped off with a target crown and tuned up by Dan Cowen. The whole thing is topped off with a Nikon Monarch X 2.5-10x44. Can't wait until the fall!

Anyway.. the whole thing started off with a stock Rem 700 XCRII. Here is some before and after pics.

[kbrowne14]

Damnit, now I need to clean myself up.

Nice gun.

[h2ofowlr]

Nice upgrade.  How's it kick?

[MDGrand]

Just got it today and the junior team was practicing at the range so did not get a chance to test but kick should be slightly less due to a bit more weight in the barrel.

[carpsniperg2]

Should be nice! Now it's time for another project!

[MDGrand]

I already got one.. I will show pics of that one later..

Marlin 1895G

[MtnMuley]

What stock?  Nice looking set-up, but I'm not sure about the size of the scope for a RUM.  What distances are you planning on shooting out to?

[MDGrand]

Hey MtnMuley...

The stock is an HS Precision. I was originally going to go with a Bell and Carlson, however the fitting for a long action thumb hole design requires some bedding, whereas the HS Precision was a drop in snug fit. Only draw back is I had to add a pachmyer as the recoil pad that came with it was rock hard. Its a super nice feel now.

As far as the scope.. I love it! Curious as to why you think the size is off. I debated going over 10x, but I also have the mil dot reticle. The combo of having a mil dot and 10x works better with field calculations when judging distance. If you know the equation you can easily count the mills, factor in the size of the animal from brisket to shoulder and get within a few yards of distance. Plus, while this rifle will undoubtedly reach really far, I wont shoot beyond 600. the 44 objective and 30mm tube along with the glass etched reticle makes this my best scope

[MtnMuley]

I thought that was an H-S stock.  I don't see many thumbhole models from them, but really like the looks of that one.  Definately add the pad as you did.  As far as the scope, it should work great for shooting out to 600.  I know with my 1000 yd guns, having a scope with up to 20 power is sure nice, but out to 600, your 10 power should be fine. I've always been a 4.5-14 guy.

[fremont]

Nice.  Did you glassbed it?

[MDGrand]

No need too. HS precision stocks are just drop in with aluminum blocks. Very snug fit and once you crank the skrews down and due to the makeup of materials in the stock it is impervious to weather. Had to dremmel out some of the barrel channel though to make room for the bigger barrel.

[jjhunter]

I leave my varmint rifles with polished stainless.   My hunting rifles get bead blasted.  I always use Hart barrels and HS stocks - always worked out very well for me.  Good choice.

For the HS stocks, you actually do need to skim bed the action bed and the recoil lug. 

[MDGrand]

Well I tested it out yesterday with factory Barnes ammunition. First time I had actually used Barnes' own ammunition, either made my own or bought the Federal brand.. wanted to see what these would do.

5 shots came out to an 1.25. Not bad for factory.

FYI.. for anyone intersted in the factory Barnes Vortex ammunition.. My impression is that it might be better to go with the Federal Brand. The brass does not seem as good and the shoulder for the 300 Ultra mag was rounded in places and did not seem properly sized.

jjhunter.. yeah, I asked my riflesmith if he thought it needed bedding and he did not think so, he only saw one place on the floor of the stock near the magazine that he thought looked like it could work loose if the skrews are not torqued down, but I always check my skrews so I should have nothing to worry about. Once I get my handloads through this sucker I can know for sure, but with the factory ammo I got just from warming it up, I am anticipating some great groups.

[turnloose]

What did that run you, you can pm me. I've want to build a 7mm mag. Just curios.