Hi Everyone,
I have been working on a Hardened Big Red Stock refinishing project and posted all of the details over on the "Stock Forum" if you would like more details on the stock [see link below].
http://m14forum.com/stock/185164-m1army-hardened-big-red-project.html
This post is my first Range Report for the M1Army - Hardened Big Red Stock - and my just finished JRA build that I just completed for this stock. I will list more information on the build below, however the original reason for developing this stock was to use a USGI stock that would be nearly indestructible for Hunting or any other mission you might have that would expose your rifle and stock to tough conditions. I also thought that by using a Big Red that is already stiff, hardening it and having the ability to bed your receiver to this stock if you wanted -> this stock could also be an excellent long range stock?
First - a BIG Thank You - to "Doug Carlton" - AKA Wade for hosting me at the Georgia Gun Club. This range is a must visit for those that live in the greater Atlanta area and I was treated to the 100 yard indoor range for my initial shooting.
The Build - All parts were procured on our own PX for this build - and I will say many at a Bargain. Many thanks to Jeff42899 for many of the key parts and particularly the new production BULA/JRA parts.
Build Details:
* Receiver - JRA Forged
* Barrel - BULA/JRA - 19.25" standard profile chrome lined
* Bolt - BULA/JRA
* Bolt Guts - All BULA/JRA new production parts - worked beautifully
* USGI Gas System - BULA/JRA - Nitrated Gas Piston
* LRB - M14E2 Type Muzzle Break
* Rear Sights - USGI
* Op Rod - USGI Winchester
* Op Rod Spring Guide - Saklak National Match with Tubbs Spring
* Trigger Group - Mixed USGI - Tubbs Hammer Spring
* All other small parts - USGI
* Scope/Glass - Nikon 4x12x40 BDE
* Mount - Basset Low Picatinny
* Scope Rings - Weaver 6 hole tactical rings
* Stock & Handguard - M1Army Hardened Big Red - 3 Color Gap Camo Pattern with Aluma Hyde II Expoxy
* Sling - USGI Cotton
Range & Ammo:
* Georgia Gun Club - 100 yard indoor Range
* Conditions - Amazing - AC, Excellent lighting and fantastic equipment
* Shooting Position - Off the bench using sand bags
* Ammo - American Eagle 7.62 x 51 168 grain OTM [I did not have my reloads done so decided to use this commercial ammo].
Comments:
I had JRA Screw the Barrel to the receiver and headspace the BULA bolt. I assembled the remainder of the build with parts procured from our own PX. Thanks Tony Ben for the great videos again [I always use the videos when I am assembling].
I completed the build and performed all functional checks. I bore sighted the scope in my shop and headed for the range.
Here is a picture of the completed build in the Hardened Big Red Stock. My lighting in my shop where I photograph all my stocks make the stock look a bit shinny in places but THIS IS NOT THE CASE - It has a nice matte finish.
Here is a picture of the 1st and 2nd Hardened Big Reds I have finished:
I got to the range and took a quick couple of shots at 25 yards just to confirm my bore sighting. Next I moved to 50 yards and made a few windage and elevation adjustments to get to ~3/4 low at 50 yards. Next - I moved to 100 yards and did the rest of my adjustments and shooting at 100 Yards.
The rifle shot beautifully, I had NO Failure to Fires! The stock felt great and I quickly was shooting some really nice Groups after getting the scope dialed in and breaking in the barrel a bit. I have to say over the past two years [I have been working on so many stocks and other rifles] my marksmenship skills were rusty. I felt like the rifle was performing perfectly, but I was not making the good shots. After shooting about 30 rounds and working on my shooting skills a bit - I shot some really nice groups.
The best 100 yard group I shot is shown below and measured at 1.073 with the American Eagle Factory Ammo. Below is a pic of the target.
I am very happy with the build and the initial results using the hardened stock. I wish I had more time at the range, but my daughter was getting married in the evening and I had to leave the range after putting about 50 rounds down range. I will post more updates as I move through the 2015/2016 hunting season, but my initial results were excellent. I am considering bedding the receiver to the stock in the near future.
This has been a fun project [both the stock and the parts for the build] and you can put a nice rifle together if you really watch for good buys.
Thanks, M1Army
I have been working on a Hardened Big Red Stock refinishing project and posted all of the details over on the "Stock Forum" if you would like more details on the stock [see link below].
http://m14forum.com/stock/185164-m1army-hardened-big-red-project.html
This post is my first Range Report for the M1Army - Hardened Big Red Stock - and my just finished JRA build that I just completed for this stock. I will list more information on the build below, however the original reason for developing this stock was to use a USGI stock that would be nearly indestructible for Hunting or any other mission you might have that would expose your rifle and stock to tough conditions. I also thought that by using a Big Red that is already stiff, hardening it and having the ability to bed your receiver to this stock if you wanted -> this stock could also be an excellent long range stock?
First - a BIG Thank You - to "Doug Carlton" - AKA Wade for hosting me at the Georgia Gun Club. This range is a must visit for those that live in the greater Atlanta area and I was treated to the 100 yard indoor range for my initial shooting.
The Build - All parts were procured on our own PX for this build - and I will say many at a Bargain. Many thanks to Jeff42899 for many of the key parts and particularly the new production BULA/JRA parts.
Build Details:
* Receiver - JRA Forged
* Barrel - BULA/JRA - 19.25" standard profile chrome lined
* Bolt - BULA/JRA
* Bolt Guts - All BULA/JRA new production parts - worked beautifully
* USGI Gas System - BULA/JRA - Nitrated Gas Piston
* LRB - M14E2 Type Muzzle Break
* Rear Sights - USGI
* Op Rod - USGI Winchester
* Op Rod Spring Guide - Saklak National Match with Tubbs Spring
* Trigger Group - Mixed USGI - Tubbs Hammer Spring
* All other small parts - USGI
* Scope/Glass - Nikon 4x12x40 BDE
* Mount - Basset Low Picatinny
* Scope Rings - Weaver 6 hole tactical rings
* Stock & Handguard - M1Army Hardened Big Red - 3 Color Gap Camo Pattern with Aluma Hyde II Expoxy
* Sling - USGI Cotton
Range & Ammo:
* Georgia Gun Club - 100 yard indoor Range
* Conditions - Amazing - AC, Excellent lighting and fantastic equipment
* Shooting Position - Off the bench using sand bags
* Ammo - American Eagle 7.62 x 51 168 grain OTM [I did not have my reloads done so decided to use this commercial ammo].
Comments:
I had JRA Screw the Barrel to the receiver and headspace the BULA bolt. I assembled the remainder of the build with parts procured from our own PX. Thanks Tony Ben for the great videos again [I always use the videos when I am assembling].
I completed the build and performed all functional checks. I bore sighted the scope in my shop and headed for the range.
Here is a picture of the completed build in the Hardened Big Red Stock. My lighting in my shop where I photograph all my stocks make the stock look a bit shinny in places but THIS IS NOT THE CASE - It has a nice matte finish.
Here is a picture of the 1st and 2nd Hardened Big Reds I have finished:
I got to the range and took a quick couple of shots at 25 yards just to confirm my bore sighting. Next I moved to 50 yards and made a few windage and elevation adjustments to get to ~3/4 low at 50 yards. Next - I moved to 100 yards and did the rest of my adjustments and shooting at 100 Yards.
The rifle shot beautifully, I had NO Failure to Fires! The stock felt great and I quickly was shooting some really nice Groups after getting the scope dialed in and breaking in the barrel a bit. I have to say over the past two years [I have been working on so many stocks and other rifles] my marksmenship skills were rusty. I felt like the rifle was performing perfectly, but I was not making the good shots. After shooting about 30 rounds and working on my shooting skills a bit - I shot some really nice groups.
The best 100 yard group I shot is shown below and measured at 1.073 with the American Eagle Factory Ammo. Below is a pic of the target.
I am very happy with the build and the initial results using the hardened stock. I wish I had more time at the range, but my daughter was getting married in the evening and I had to leave the range after putting about 50 rounds down range. I will post more updates as I move through the 2015/2016 hunting season, but my initial results were excellent. I am considering bedding the receiver to the stock in the near future.
This has been a fun project [both the stock and the parts for the build] and you can put a nice rifle together if you really watch for good buys.
Thanks, M1Army