new mid-range sniper

[8x57mm]

I just got into F-TR shooting. On a budget, I got a Savage 12FV in 308, B-Square mount, Warne rings, Bushnell Elite 3200 10X40 Mildot scope, and Harris Bipod. Icamo painted it myself (first go at that sort of thing). All told, about $970. So far so good?

The camo process I used, and my first range report is detailed at:
http://home.comcast.net/~v2creative/camo.html


Damn this thing can shoot!

 

[taliv]

paintjob looks great! i like it.

not sure about the scope cover though

42g R15 is a great recizzicipe

 

[rangerruck]

if that is your first cammo job, I'd say you have a new career.

 

[rangerruck]

I'm actually surprised that the 12fv is heavy enough. Very nicely done though.

 

[jackdanson]

Sweet, I think I am going to copy your rig when I get the cash, don't have the guts to paint it myself though. Nice rifle for under 1k

 

[8x57mm]

I looked into it, and the only difference in this barrel and the Savage "Extra-Heavy" barrels is the taper. The 12FV starts at just over 1" and tapers down to 7/8". The others stay just over an inch all the way. In any case, this hit enough one hole shots at 100 yards that I am not even sure how much an aftermarket stock will help (other than ergonomics). Can't wait to get this on the long range!

I like the way the camo "hood" worked on the scope. It did two things. It kept me from having to paint the scope, and it covers the other things I did not like the idea of painting, the action/receiver and highly polished bolt (which was like a mirror that could be seen in the sun for a mile)


And I am starting to LOVE the AccuTrigger too!

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Great job!

That is a super job whether it was your first or fiftieth. It gets a BIG thumbs up!

 

[browningguy]

That's an excellent rig, the only change I would make for 1000 yard shooting is a higher power scope, just because my eyes are so bad.

 

[wcwhitey]

Better remember where you put it when you have to visit a tree! Seriously very nice job! I like the scope cover as well. Bill

 

[Jim Watson]

A neat job of its kind, but doesn't that hankie get in the way when you are actually shooting? I just don't feel a need to paint my F-T/R. Hardly visible at 1000 yards, either.

 

[jad0110]

if that is your first cammo job, I'd say you have a new career.

I gotta second that. It does look fantastic. Different than all the other cammo jobs out there. I guess the question is how long did it take you vs how much you could charge, to arrive at an hourly rate. If the hourly rate looks like it'd be worth your time, you might just have a new gun fund!

 

[8x57mm]

First... the "hankie" does not get in the way... surprisingly enough. The Windage turret keeps it out enough that it's easy to reach under to push in another round (or adjust the knob). In fact. it lets me just eject the cases, which hit it and drop no more than a short reach from the rifle. An unexpected benefit. By the way... no comments on the camo Taliban turban covering the elevation knob? LOL

Second... I live in New ENgland, so 1000 yd ranges do not exist. 600 is the best we can do here, so the 10X40 Bushy (which like the Savage, is a super bargain by the way) works fine.

Third... yeah, if it ever dropped off the back of the 4-wheeler in the woods, I would be walking back to find it. Sure as hell I would run over it before I saw it otherwise.

Lastly... thanks for the comments on the camo job. I took my time between stages, and I was meticulous about the masking. It was my first new gun in a sad while after all, I really didn't want to screw it up.

I am trying to guess-timate how many hours I actually hands-on worked on it. And yeah, lots of folks here that have seen the rifle close up and personal are trying to warm me up to the idea of doing theirs. I am giving it some serious thought. It might be a way to shorten the time between gun purchases. (But then... any time between purchases is too long, isn't it?)

One thing though, it isn't finished. It needs a clear matte epoxy coat, but I am having trouble finding any. Everyone has enamel, and laquer... but no epoxy (that isn't high gloss). Any suggestions here would be appreciated.

https://home.comcast.net/~v2creative/camo.html

 

[taliv]

maybe clear duracoat over the top?

 

[8x57mm]

I was hoping to find a spray version. I thought Dupli-Color made one, but all the auto parts stores have just the high gloss clear. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[Neckshot5seven]

duracoat has some good stuff. Harbor Freight has spray guns for cheap!!!! buy some duracoat stuff and you could sell these jobs to help u pay for your newfound hobby.