Detachable magazine project - AICS and .308 Win

[MCMXI]

I'm getting close to being done with a detachable magazine rifle project. The .308 Win rifle with a 22" Proof CF barrel, Open Country stock, a 3-15x Zeiss scope, Talley rings, 10-round AICS mag and SilencerCo Omega 300 suppressor weighs in at 7lb 15oz which is fairly light for what it is. Not even 10 rounds down the Proof barrel and this is how it's shooting Federal Gold Medal Match 168gr. Two shooters, 10 rounds, three groups, and the last group which is a 4-shot group is the smallest ... and I didn't shoot any of the groups.



First 3-shot group after three shots to zero the scope


Second 3-shot group on the right followed by a 4-shot group on the left

 

[horsemen61]

Awesome so do tell why change to the aics mag????

 

[mshootnit]

Supreme rifle, and great shooting!

 

[LoonWulf]

Nice Rig!

 

[MCMXI]

Awesome so do tell why change to the aics mag????

I wanted to put together a lightweight tactical/do-it-all rifle, something that bridges the gap between a lightweight mountain rifle and a heavy tactical rifle. At under 8lb as shown this is a very handy rifle that isn't too heavy for a tough elk/sheep hunt, and with the Proof barrel doesn't act like many light rifles that suffer from heat-related accuracy/precision issues.

The CDI Precision bottom metal is now integral with the stock since I drilled and tapped both the bottom metal and existing pillars to accept 3/8-24 studs. I installed the studs using Devcon plastic steel putty. Once the putty was cured I drilled new holes and counter bored the underside of the new pillars to accept the new action screws. The bottom metal didn't fit the stock that well so I filled (Devcon) and shaped everything so that once it's painted (touch up only) it'll look like an integral mini chassis. The whole thing is very strong, and based on the results of the first outing everything is nice and tight.

I still need to modify the AICS magazines a little since the bottom metal sits about 1/8" too far back. That's how CDI Precision designed it based off the location of the action screw holes. When the magazine is inserted, the rim of the top round can get caught under the receiver. I plan on removing the front spacer/backer plate from inside the magazine tube and moving it to the back of the magazine to keep the rear or the top cartridge in front of the receiver.

If I could only have one rifle, this is the sort of rifle I'd choose.

 

[jmr40]

I could live with that.