S2H winter class 2026 observations and lessons learned

[Formidilosus]

@Formidilosus have any sig cross rifles come through the class? Curious how they hold up in testing.

Have had two that can recall be used. One was only for a half day, and it seemed to do fine. The other was tried to use for the class and if I recall correctly it was having enough issues by the second day that the student put it away and used another rifle.

 

[Macintosh]

I can see that, probably both though. I have med rings and I think even that little bit of extra height on an already long and heavy scope is contributing to the forward weight.

A tiny amount of weight at the end of a long lever (ie a 24” barrel) makes WAY more of a difference in balance than even a larger weight near the center of mass. Leverage by far trumps absolute weight when it comes to balance in this case. Moving weight 1-3” near the center of mass doesnt have even close to the effect on balance as weight out at the end of the barrel. To put it a different way, it takes a huge increase in weight anywhere near the action, to have as much influence on balance as even a tiny amount of weight near the muzzle.

 

[Walker6]

Form (or other S2HU’ers),

Seen any Kimber MT’s come through? Aside from the asswhoop of loading a thousand rounds in a blind mag, I’ve wondered how they’d do. Like a M70 or like a M700?

How about Barrett FC’s? Like other 700 clones?

How about fluted bolts? Inviting snow/ice into the action per internet legend or no big deal?

Finally, any issues with carbon-wrapped barrels in extreme cold?

 

[Formidilosus]

Form (or other S2HU’ers),

Seen any Kimber MT’s come through? Aside from the asswhoop of loading a thousand rounds in a blind mag, I’ve wondered how they’d do. Like a M70 or like a M700?

More like a M70. They let a lot of debris in the mag and action, but generally work fine.

How about Barrett FC’s? Like other 700 clones?

They are like every other R700 clone, and worse than most with debris. They have a relatively large gap running between the bold body and the receiver that lets dust, sand, snow and ice get it easily.

How about fluted bolts? Inviting snow/ice into the action per internet legend or no big deal?

The way flutes bolts are done, they cause problems.

Finally, any issues with carbon-wrapped barrels in extreme cold?

Not that I’ve seen.