The flutes start 1.8" from the muzzle on the .30-06 super light I just measured. The muzzle diameter was .634" which was the same as the standard T3 light.
Finally got all the parts in and got it all put together.
I painted the stock ultra-flat OD green (the clear coat gave it a little sheen, but not glossy...) I also went with the Mtn Tactical kit for this one: recoil lug, recoil pad, bolt shroud, and 20 MOA rail. The scope is the Vortex Viper PST 4-16 x 50mm with the EBR1 MOA reticle FFP. Rings are Vortex Precision Matched and I also mounted a Vortex bubble level. It finished up at 8lbs 4oz, which isn't as light as I was hoping for but I also don't want to put a brake on it so a little extra weight should soak up a bit of kick, I guess. It is a touch over 3/4 of a pound lighter than the rifle I have been carrying and should be much more capable for mid-long range shooting, so I am pretty happy with how it turned out.
Hopefully I will get a break from plowing snow and get out to shoot it soon. I am excited to see how it does.
Big thanks to you guys that have contributed to this thread and offered ideas and experience. I learned a lot in putting this together and look forward to stretching my range a little. I have been "all archery" for awhile now and I am starting to think my wife's concerns that this may be a "gateway gun" are legitimate
I have hundreds of yards of property out my back door but the "neighbors" would probably get a bit nervous. The bow doesnt seem to spook them though.
After breaking in the barrel and getting the gun closer to zero I had the best group of the 20 rounds I shot. I am shooting factory ammo for now. HSM 168 Berger HPBT. I think that this ammo will do just fine for what this gun is intended for but if down the road I want to reload, Justin said he has some loads that would work good. The best 3 group picture below was shot 18, 19 & 20 with velocities of 2836, 2777, 2812
Keep in mind that I only have 20 rounds through this set up as of now. The FFP is a little tough to get used to. I found the reticles are huge at 16x magnification. I will give it some time to see if I get used to them. If not I will probably get the same scope but in a SFP. The stock feels a little cheesy still but I know its playing a huge factor in keeping the weight down and it doesn't seem to affect the accuracy.
I plan to keep this thread updated the more shoot and the farther out I get. This gun is going to be primarily for bears with a deer hunt or 2 each year. In fact its first hunt is already booked for the first weekend of August here in the WA high country. Anyway, hope this helps out with anyone looking for a new rifle.
Brett Evans with Northwest Armswerkes
