Embedded Files
Project Appleseed Rimfire Known Distance
Project Appleseed Rimfire Known Distance
Part 1 Faxon FF-22 Receiver
Part 1 Faxon FF-22 Receiver
In last year’s 10/22 Takedown build, I lamented the lack of extended space available on the Brownell receiver’s integral picatinny rail.
Could not get a 3” eye relief optic far enough forward.
To deal with the limited rail space, I ran a short eye relief prism optic and ultimately went with a customized aperture sight.
Last year we also built the ambidextrous AR15 and were very pleased with the Faxon Gunner barrel chosen for that project.
The longing for a 10/22 capable of getting an optic far enough forward for a good “turkey neck cheek weld” led me to keep lusting for a 10/22 receiver with an extended integral pic rail. The Faxon FF-22 receiver caught my eye…and I swiped right.
I like the rock solid durability of an integral picatinny rail, but I’m looking mostly toward a Project Appleseed Rimfire Known Distance rifle…max 100 yards and hunting snowshoe hares out to 50. For those pursuing NRL 22 or PRS rimfire, you might want to stick with a conventional drill and tapped receiver so you can try rails with different cants or tilts… 10, 20, 30 MOA and more.
The Faxon FF22 receiver features two extra rail slots forward of the receiver. I’d prefer three, but given that my likely choice for stock will feature a near 14” length of pull, I think I’ll have no problem mounting my optic of choice far enough forward for a proper, Project Appleseed “turkey neck, cheek weld”.
The FF22 is a beautiful piece of work. Far more elegant than the stock Ruger receiver and a bit nicer than the Brownell receiver of last year’s takedown project.
I'm overall very impressed, however, I've noticed that the seat for the conical tip of the charging handle guide rod on the FF-22 doesn’t provide as good of an interface as other receivers. The FF22 works fine with my Ruger bolt and charging handle but just lacks a tiny bit in achieving satisfaction for the autist…OCD artist.
Nonetheless, for those who want an integral picatinny rail, I think the Faxon FF22 is the best and most reputable choice. And given our experience with a Faxon AR15 barrel last year, in episode two we return to the Ohio machine shop for some match grade rifling.
Could not get a 3” eye relief optic far enough forward.
To deal with the limited rail space, I ran a short eye relief prism optic and ultimately went with a customized aperture sight.
Last year we also built the ambidextrous AR15 and were very pleased with the Faxon Gunner barrel chosen for that project.
The longing for a 10/22 capable of getting an optic far enough forward for a good “turkey neck cheek weld” led me to keep lusting for a 10/22 receiver with an extended integral pic rail. The Faxon FF-22 receiver caught my eye…and I swiped right.
I like the rock solid durability of an integral picatinny rail, but I’m looking mostly toward a Project Appleseed Rimfire Known Distance rifle…max 100 yards and hunting snowshoe hares out to 50. For those pursuing NRL 22 or PRS rimfire, you might want to stick with a conventional drill and tapped receiver so you can try rails with different cants or tilts… 10, 20, 30 MOA and more.
The Faxon FF22 receiver features two extra rail slots forward of the receiver. I’d prefer three, but given that my likely choice for stock will feature a near 14” length of pull, I think I’ll have no problem mounting my optic of choice far enough forward for a proper, Project Appleseed “turkey neck, cheek weld”.
The FF22 is a beautiful piece of work. Far more elegant than the stock Ruger receiver and a bit nicer than the Brownell receiver of last year’s takedown project.
I'm overall very impressed, however, I've noticed that the seat for the conical tip of the charging handle guide rod on the FF-22 doesn’t provide as good of an interface as other receivers. The FF22 works fine with my Ruger bolt and charging handle but just lacks a tiny bit in achieving satisfaction for the autist…OCD artist.
Nonetheless, for those who want an integral picatinny rail, I think the Faxon FF22 is the best and most reputable choice. And given our experience with a Faxon AR15 barrel last year, in episode two we return to the Ohio machine shop for some match grade rifling.
Part 2 Barrel
Part 2 Barrel
I was planning to run a Faxon Match Series Rimfire 18.5" Flame Fluted Medium Profile Barrel, but they were sold out. The Ohio machine shop was gracious enough to send one of their last Flame Fluted Bull barrels for review…just as they were also selling out.
The .920” nitride coated Bull barrel weighs about twice that of the Medium profile at almost 3 pounds. Otherwise it’s the same 416R stainless steel with a 1 in 16 twist and a 22LR Bentz chamber. Bentz chamber being the “match” side of 10/22 semi-autos. So far only one extraction issue toward the dirty side of 100 rounds.
The barrel was a very tight fit in the Faxon FF22 receiver. Freezing the barrel, baking the receiver, a thin layer of anti-sieze, and the assistance of the v-block screws brought it all together.
i took great care to verify proper alignment so that the extractor would not be hindered from doing its job.
From the cheek weld, the flame fluting creates an illusion of a ventilated barrel guard like a Mac 10. A recessed target crown hides beneath the 1/2x28 threaded muzzle.
While I'm still getting my position and steady hold factors dialed in, it looks like Tikka T1X like accuracy is in reach. Already I see the rifle is improving my offhand as well as squatting accuracy.
While the barrel is a big chunk towards the 8 pounds total weight, it sure looks sweet paired with the Victor Company Titan Precision stock (episode 5 of this series). But next we'll look at the bolt responsible for chambering a cartridge, squaring up with the breech, and extracting cases from the tight Bentz “match” chamber.
The .920” nitride coated Bull barrel weighs about twice that of the Medium profile at almost 3 pounds. Otherwise it’s the same 416R stainless steel with a 1 in 16 twist and a 22LR Bentz chamber. Bentz chamber being the “match” side of 10/22 semi-autos. So far only one extraction issue toward the dirty side of 100 rounds.
The barrel was a very tight fit in the Faxon FF22 receiver. Freezing the barrel, baking the receiver, a thin layer of anti-sieze, and the assistance of the v-block screws brought it all together.
i took great care to verify proper alignment so that the extractor would not be hindered from doing its job.
From the cheek weld, the flame fluting creates an illusion of a ventilated barrel guard like a Mac 10. A recessed target crown hides beneath the 1/2x28 threaded muzzle.
While I'm still getting my position and steady hold factors dialed in, it looks like Tikka T1X like accuracy is in reach. Already I see the rifle is improving my offhand as well as squatting accuracy.
While the barrel is a big chunk towards the 8 pounds total weight, it sure looks sweet paired with the Victor Company Titan Precision stock (episode 5 of this series). But next we'll look at the bolt responsible for chambering a cartridge, squaring up with the breech, and extracting cases from the tight Bentz “match” chamber.
Part 3 Bolt
Part 3 Bolt
The billet stainless steel Faxon 10/22 bolt in a black nitride finish, is kind of a blend between the Volquartsen and KIDD bolt. The finish reminds me of the elegant DLC coated Volquartsen offering. It also features a round firing pin, like the Volquartsen offering. But the Volquartsen interfaces with its recoil spring in a different way than most other 10/22 bolts.
Nitride vs DLC? Nitride actually improves the substrate of the part being treated. But both are durable with high lubricity. (see Shadow Systems “Firearm Finishes and Coating” presentation. Link in the description)
The Faxon bolt, like the KIDD bolt, has chamfered charging handle lugs which eases reassembly link up with the charging handle…some people chamfer their stock bolts. The Faxon and Kidd both use the Ruger style connection with the charging handle. I know many who like to run extended charging handles, I prefer Ruger’s low profile finger hook. Maybe Faxon could make a Nitride coated low profile charging handle.
The Faxon bolt has very satisfying machining and all edges are attenuated just enough to civilize things a bit. Polished smooth surfaces stand in stark contrast to the stock Ruger bolt.
You cannot remove the Faxon bolt without first removing the buffer pin. Just like every other 10/22 bolt and receiver I’ve seen…except for the Bear Creek BC201. Otherwise I would not even mention it.
The Faxon bolt’s round firing pin is not “replaceable” and would require purchasing a new bolt. At least that’s the word from Faxon Customer Service. Volquartsen and KIDD both have firing pin replacement options.
I drove out the retaining roll pin and found the firing pin channel absolutely clear of any kind of debris. Cleaned out the factory preservative and applied Sentry Tuf-Glide.
I recorded some measurements and will post them to the Rimfire Known Distance Project web page.
I searched Brownells and Numrich for firing pin candidates and did not find anything similar.
Given that the firing pin is likely to last for hundreds of thousands of rounds, maybe replacements are not a big deal.
I did not remove the extractor, but it looks like it is standard Ruger dimensions.
After 200 rounds this is what the bolt looks like. Still looking great. The bolt cycles smoothly and reliably inside the Faxon FF22 receiver. It appears to mate up well with the barrel…and it just looks cool doing its job.
You could buy two Faxon bolts for the price of one Volquartsen. Or save about $50 over the KIDD. All terrific bolts, but if Faxon makes spare firing pins available for their offering, I might claim a slight preference for it.
Nitride vs DLC? Nitride actually improves the substrate of the part being treated. But both are durable with high lubricity. (see Shadow Systems “Firearm Finishes and Coating” presentation. Link in the description)
The Faxon bolt, like the KIDD bolt, has chamfered charging handle lugs which eases reassembly link up with the charging handle…some people chamfer their stock bolts. The Faxon and Kidd both use the Ruger style connection with the charging handle. I know many who like to run extended charging handles, I prefer Ruger’s low profile finger hook. Maybe Faxon could make a Nitride coated low profile charging handle.
The Faxon bolt has very satisfying machining and all edges are attenuated just enough to civilize things a bit. Polished smooth surfaces stand in stark contrast to the stock Ruger bolt.
You cannot remove the Faxon bolt without first removing the buffer pin. Just like every other 10/22 bolt and receiver I’ve seen…except for the Bear Creek BC201. Otherwise I would not even mention it.
The Faxon bolt’s round firing pin is not “replaceable” and would require purchasing a new bolt. At least that’s the word from Faxon Customer Service. Volquartsen and KIDD both have firing pin replacement options.
I drove out the retaining roll pin and found the firing pin channel absolutely clear of any kind of debris. Cleaned out the factory preservative and applied Sentry Tuf-Glide.
I recorded some measurements and will post them to the Rimfire Known Distance Project web page.
I searched Brownells and Numrich for firing pin candidates and did not find anything similar.
Given that the firing pin is likely to last for hundreds of thousands of rounds, maybe replacements are not a big deal.
I did not remove the extractor, but it looks like it is standard Ruger dimensions.
After 200 rounds this is what the bolt looks like. Still looking great. The bolt cycles smoothly and reliably inside the Faxon FF22 receiver. It appears to mate up well with the barrel…and it just looks cool doing its job.
You could buy two Faxon bolts for the price of one Volquartsen. Or save about $50 over the KIDD. All terrific bolts, but if Faxon makes spare firing pins available for their offering, I might claim a slight preference for it.
Part 4 Trigger
Part 4 Trigger
I chose the KIDD Trigger Job Kit to upgrade a stock Ruger trigger. I went with KIDD largely because I already have one 10/22 running a Ruger BX trigger and my iron sights 10/22 is outfitted with the Volquartsen HP+ kit. Both are great triggers, but I have to say that the KIDD is just a tiny bit better…the 2.25 pound break is clean and the reset is so short it feels like a FRT.
However, I was struggling at the range locking the bolt back after a string of fire. I just thought it was related to the stock being a bit different. But on comparing my Iron Sights 10/22 Volquartsen auto bolt release with the KIDD auto bolt release, there is a very noticeable difference. The KIDD protrudes 1.25 mm less.
I’m sure I could become accustomed to the shorter auto bolt release if it were my only 10/22. While I won’t trouble myself to change this trigger to a Volquartsen auto bolt release, if I were doing it again I’d just get the KIDD trigger job kit and pair it with Volquartsen’s bolt release.
My suspicion is that if you have large fingers, you’d prefer the Volquartsen auto bolt release even more.
But zooming out further, if I were doing all of my 10/22 triggers again, I’d run the KIDD Trigger Job Kit in all of them.
However, I was struggling at the range locking the bolt back after a string of fire. I just thought it was related to the stock being a bit different. But on comparing my Iron Sights 10/22 Volquartsen auto bolt release with the KIDD auto bolt release, there is a very noticeable difference. The KIDD protrudes 1.25 mm less.
I’m sure I could become accustomed to the shorter auto bolt release if it were my only 10/22. While I won’t trouble myself to change this trigger to a Volquartsen auto bolt release, if I were doing it again I’d just get the KIDD trigger job kit and pair it with Volquartsen’s bolt release.
My suspicion is that if you have large fingers, you’d prefer the Volquartsen auto bolt release even more.
But zooming out further, if I were doing all of my 10/22 triggers again, I’d run the KIDD Trigger Job Kit in all of them.
Part 5 Stock
Part 5 Stock
I was satisfied with the MagPul Backpacker stock in last year’s 10/22 Takedown build so I was ready to go with a MagPul X22 Hunter stock for my Rimfire Known Distance 10/22 project. Except My feelings WERE hurt that MagPul makes QD sockets a $70 option for the Ambidextrous.
Thought about a chassis system, but wanted something that could easily slip in and out of my Eberlestock Gunrunner backpack scabbard.
Spotted a Tapco stock locally that had Ambi QD’s installed. Got it home and noticed it was mfg by Victor Company out of Evanston, WY. It’s basically Victor Company’s Titan 22 LT Hunter Rimfire Stock.
Spoke with Heather at Victor and she offered to send me the Victor Titan 22 PRECISION Rimfire Stock with 6061 aluminum reinforced bedding. The Tapco was stiff. The Victor Titan Precision is RIGID.
Nearly 14” lop, while I prefer 12 - 13”, the extra inch WILL help deliver the eye relief necessary to accommodate my Leupold VX Freedom’s excessive eye relief.
Installed the Victor Grippy cheek riser for proper eye alignment. Chose the optional brass insert kit. Given the dense stock, unless you plan to remove and reinstall the cheek riser daily, screwing directly into the polymer should be perfectly fine. With optic mounted low using .8” height rings, I only required one extra spacer. I mounted my cheek riser a bit further forward than the recommended 1 ¼” to accommodate my aggressive “turkey neck cheek weld”.
The Titan stocks come with full ambi sling QD sockets installed. To replicate that on the MagPul X22 would be an extra $70. QD sockets are not rotation limited…but neither are MagPul’s.
I added the optional Mini Pic Rail which has an integrated, rotation limited, QD socket. Paired with the stocks’ four QD’s and three standard sling studs makes for flexible, Ambi use of a shooters sling. The mini pic rail replaced one of the two front standard sling studs. A third sling stud resides at the bottom of the butt stock. Abundant sling flexibility!
Bipod and Tripod users can add a “Right Size” ARCA rail to the stock. Either a lightweight aluminum or a beastly 27 ounce brass version.
The Titan Precision features a free float channel for barrels up to about 1”. Perfect for the Faxon flame fluted match bull.
Titan Precision stocks and cheek risers are perfectly Ambi Symmetrical, ideal for the Ambidextral Gunfighter…ambidextral Snowshoe hare slayer, ambidextral Rimfire KD shooter.
I definitely prefer the Victor’s Vertical pistol grip over MagPul’s angled grip. The stock has traction dots on the fore-end and the sides of the pistol grip. I’d like to see the dots wrapped around the front of the vertical grip, too…for finger tip exaggerated C-shapped trigger finger. Otherwise no texture where it is not needed…think smooth withdrawal from scabbard.
2 pounds 12 ounces it is 15.6 ounces heavier than my Ruger Modular Stock. Or 20 ounces heavier than the Victor Titan LT Hunter. The extra rigidity of the Titan Precision is probably worth the extra weight, but the Titan LT Hunter is a lightweight candidate worth considering. Or get both stocks and switch between them depending on the mission. Benchrest or rimfire PRS, Titan Precision. Backpack hunting at high elevation, Titan LT Hunter.
Both Victor Titan stocks include a universal rear anchor lock for a second point of contact with the receiver. Optional KIDD or Spike anchor locks are available.
I'm not normally a fan of black stocks since they get so hot in the Wyoming sumner sun. Beneficial in the Winter though…and it looks WICKED cool with the Faxon flame fluted barrel, Leupold optic, and the totally unnecessary JL Billett Titanium brake.
The Victor Titan 22 Precision Rimfire stock conceals chassis rigidity in a streamlined and scabbard friendly fiberglass reinforced polymer stock. AmbGun recommended.
Thought about a chassis system, but wanted something that could easily slip in and out of my Eberlestock Gunrunner backpack scabbard.
Spotted a Tapco stock locally that had Ambi QD’s installed. Got it home and noticed it was mfg by Victor Company out of Evanston, WY. It’s basically Victor Company’s Titan 22 LT Hunter Rimfire Stock.
Spoke with Heather at Victor and she offered to send me the Victor Titan 22 PRECISION Rimfire Stock with 6061 aluminum reinforced bedding. The Tapco was stiff. The Victor Titan Precision is RIGID.
Nearly 14” lop, while I prefer 12 - 13”, the extra inch WILL help deliver the eye relief necessary to accommodate my Leupold VX Freedom’s excessive eye relief.
Installed the Victor Grippy cheek riser for proper eye alignment. Chose the optional brass insert kit. Given the dense stock, unless you plan to remove and reinstall the cheek riser daily, screwing directly into the polymer should be perfectly fine. With optic mounted low using .8” height rings, I only required one extra spacer. I mounted my cheek riser a bit further forward than the recommended 1 ¼” to accommodate my aggressive “turkey neck cheek weld”.
The Titan stocks come with full ambi sling QD sockets installed. To replicate that on the MagPul X22 would be an extra $70. QD sockets are not rotation limited…but neither are MagPul’s.
I added the optional Mini Pic Rail which has an integrated, rotation limited, QD socket. Paired with the stocks’ four QD’s and three standard sling studs makes for flexible, Ambi use of a shooters sling. The mini pic rail replaced one of the two front standard sling studs. A third sling stud resides at the bottom of the butt stock. Abundant sling flexibility!
Bipod and Tripod users can add a “Right Size” ARCA rail to the stock. Either a lightweight aluminum or a beastly 27 ounce brass version.
The Titan Precision features a free float channel for barrels up to about 1”. Perfect for the Faxon flame fluted match bull.
Titan Precision stocks and cheek risers are perfectly Ambi Symmetrical, ideal for the Ambidextral Gunfighter…ambidextral Snowshoe hare slayer, ambidextral Rimfire KD shooter.
I definitely prefer the Victor’s Vertical pistol grip over MagPul’s angled grip. The stock has traction dots on the fore-end and the sides of the pistol grip. I’d like to see the dots wrapped around the front of the vertical grip, too…for finger tip exaggerated C-shapped trigger finger. Otherwise no texture where it is not needed…think smooth withdrawal from scabbard.
2 pounds 12 ounces it is 15.6 ounces heavier than my Ruger Modular Stock. Or 20 ounces heavier than the Victor Titan LT Hunter. The extra rigidity of the Titan Precision is probably worth the extra weight, but the Titan LT Hunter is a lightweight candidate worth considering. Or get both stocks and switch between them depending on the mission. Benchrest or rimfire PRS, Titan Precision. Backpack hunting at high elevation, Titan LT Hunter.
Both Victor Titan stocks include a universal rear anchor lock for a second point of contact with the receiver. Optional KIDD or Spike anchor locks are available.
I'm not normally a fan of black stocks since they get so hot in the Wyoming sumner sun. Beneficial in the Winter though…and it looks WICKED cool with the Faxon flame fluted barrel, Leupold optic, and the totally unnecessary JL Billett Titanium brake.
The Victor Titan 22 Precision Rimfire stock conceals chassis rigidity in a streamlined and scabbard friendly fiberglass reinforced polymer stock. AmbGun recommended.
Part 6 Optic
Part 6 Optic
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20 features excellent glass, is exceptionally light at 9.6 ounces, and is unbelievably affordable for an American made riflescope.
Creating a Project Appleseed Known Distance 10/22 my optic goal is to use Leupold’s Pig Plex reticle to accommodate 25, 50, 75, and 100 yard KD stages.
Mounted low for minimal cheek riser and low sight over bore. Leupold’s 1.56” diameter eyepiece allows me to mount the optic on low, .3” saddle height rings. Just barely clearing the picatinny rail
Pig-Plex has a 9 MOA ring and the two stadia lines beneath the cross hairs are a bit variable, but approximately 4.5 MOA apart.
I wish it started at 1x magnification for both eyes open. When I had it mounted on the Hellion, I desired 1x for room clearing. When hunting, for panning and following game. Starting at 1.5x kind of wrecks using both eyes open. A ‘Pig-Plex”, for feral hog hunting really should start at 1x. But that would likely mean a max magnification of 3x…like on the Weaver V3. I was very close to choosing the V3, but decided that I wanted the added magnification in case I decide to do a 200 Yard KD.
The optics magnification throw lever requires just over 90 degrees to go from min to max. Awesome.
2 o’clock for prone 4x, 12 o'clock for squat 2.5x, and 10 o’clock for 1.5x offhand.
3.7-4.2” eye relief made it a challenge to get it far enough forward. Approaching scout scope eye relief. Even with 14” lop on the stock, I had the scope as far forward as possible, and could have used one more slot on the Faxon receiver pic rail.
1” tube so it's kind of sensitive to eye alignment, but I find that if I close my eyes and shoulder the rifle my eyes are properly aligned. Just requires getting the ring height, butt stock cheek riser position, and eye relief dialed in.
No illumination makes this rifle scope light, but that black reticle might be tough to see in green or dark environments. It works best in desert, red, or bright environments.
Easily slips into the GunRunner scabbard for Snowshoe hare pursuit.
While the elevation and windage dials are easy to manipulate by hand…tool-less and coinless, their “clicks” start off kind of indistinct…a few dull, subdued nubs and then the clicks become more discernible. Almost every time…I’m not sure how that is possible, but it is consistent.
Excellent value for an American made optic by a company with Leupold’s reputation and a lifetime warranty.
Creating a Project Appleseed Known Distance 10/22 my optic goal is to use Leupold’s Pig Plex reticle to accommodate 25, 50, 75, and 100 yard KD stages.
Mounted low for minimal cheek riser and low sight over bore. Leupold’s 1.56” diameter eyepiece allows me to mount the optic on low, .3” saddle height rings. Just barely clearing the picatinny rail
Pig-Plex has a 9 MOA ring and the two stadia lines beneath the cross hairs are a bit variable, but approximately 4.5 MOA apart.
I wish it started at 1x magnification for both eyes open. When I had it mounted on the Hellion, I desired 1x for room clearing. When hunting, for panning and following game. Starting at 1.5x kind of wrecks using both eyes open. A ‘Pig-Plex”, for feral hog hunting really should start at 1x. But that would likely mean a max magnification of 3x…like on the Weaver V3. I was very close to choosing the V3, but decided that I wanted the added magnification in case I decide to do a 200 Yard KD.
The optics magnification throw lever requires just over 90 degrees to go from min to max. Awesome.
2 o’clock for prone 4x, 12 o'clock for squat 2.5x, and 10 o’clock for 1.5x offhand.
3.7-4.2” eye relief made it a challenge to get it far enough forward. Approaching scout scope eye relief. Even with 14” lop on the stock, I had the scope as far forward as possible, and could have used one more slot on the Faxon receiver pic rail.
1” tube so it's kind of sensitive to eye alignment, but I find that if I close my eyes and shoulder the rifle my eyes are properly aligned. Just requires getting the ring height, butt stock cheek riser position, and eye relief dialed in.
No illumination makes this rifle scope light, but that black reticle might be tough to see in green or dark environments. It works best in desert, red, or bright environments.
Easily slips into the GunRunner scabbard for Snowshoe hare pursuit.
While the elevation and windage dials are easy to manipulate by hand…tool-less and coinless, their “clicks” start off kind of indistinct…a few dull, subdued nubs and then the clicks become more discernible. Almost every time…I’m not sure how that is possible, but it is consistent.
Excellent value for an American made optic by a company with Leupold’s reputation and a lifetime warranty.
Leupold VX Freedom 1.5-4x Pig-Plex Reticle Zero
Leupold VX Freedom 1.5-4x Pig-Plex Reticle Zero
100ydRimfireKD.pdf
35 Yard Zero
200ydRimfireKD.pdf
100 Yard Zero
Part 7 Muzzle Device or Suppressor
Part 7 Muzzle Device or Suppressor
Part 8 AQT and Rimfire KD
Part 8 AQT and Rimfire KD
Doing a 100 yard rimfire Known Distance AQT with the Victor/Faxon. On my first attempt, I scored a 229. Starting with Stage 1 Offhand at 25 yards, I scored a 47 out of 50. Stage two sitting at 50 yards, I scored a 44. Stage 4 prone at 100 yards, I shot a 96 out of 100. I did not have a 75 yard range for stage 3 prone, so I extrapolated from stage 4’s score…for a 46.
For 100 yards prone, I used full magnification with the first horizontal stadia on the Leupold VX Freedom Pig Plex Reticle. For 50 yards sitting, I was holding about 2 inches high. And for 25 yards offhand, I just slightly above shot center of mass. All with about a 35 yard zero.
My 25 yard offhand group was 9.508 MOA. 50 yards sitting was 7.039 MOA…eliminate a called flyer and it would have been 4.834 MOA and a 45 or 46 score. And 100 yard prone was 2.324 MOA
All Field positions with the Leupold VX Freedom’s max magnification of 4.5.
A second 100 yard Know Distance try up in the mountains I scored a 232 right handed. Landing a 48 offhand, a 45 sitting, 49 prone 75 yards, and a 91 prone 100 yards. Pretty happy with those results.
The following day, I tried the KD left handed. Rifle uncleaned I shot a 219, based on 43 offhand, 40 sitting, 42 prone at 75 yards, and a 94 prone at 100. I kind of struggled thru the course of fire with zero. Seemed like my zero wasn’t holding and I was also struggling with some malfunctions and with locking the bolt back. It almost felt like the rubbery bolt buffer pin had gotten tweaked out of shape. Returning home, on disassembly I found some lead debris in the JL Billet muzzle brake, no doubt this was impacting my zero. There was also a lot of junk in the receiver causing the gummy feeling with the bolt and responsible for the difficulty locking the bolt back.
Ok so ultimately I wanted to build a 10/22 semi-auto that could shoot as well as my bolt action Tikka T1x. So I took both rifles to the 25 yard range. Instead of shooting an AQT, I shot for groups, left hand and right hand, offhand, sitting, and prone over two days.
Overall average groups favored the Tikka by ½ MOA. The first day was pretty windy and the heavy Victor/Faxon out performed the Tikka Offhand. However, in general the Tikka edged out the Victor/Faxon 10/22.
Lucky for the Tikka, I was shooting for groups because the Weaver Grand Slam optic was shifting the point of impact 15MOA when changing from 5x to 1.5x. Separate background video on that.
Ultimately the Faxon/Victor ended up with a Vortex Viper 4-14x50 HSLR. The Victor, Faxon, Vortex 10/22 blended well. Great groups zeroing. Very first group was ½” but 13 MOA high…26 clicks down on the elevation turret and the next ½’ group was spot on. Proceeded to score a 236 on the 25m AQT.
Back to a the mountains for another 100 yard, Rimfire Known Distance AQT starting offhand, I scored a 48 right hand and a 46 left hand. Squatting I shot identical 46’s left and right. Prone at 75 I shot 46 left hand and a perfect 50 right. And finally for 100 yard prone I shot an identical 92 each hand. Total of 236 right handed and 230 left. I used the Vortex Viper’s BDC reticle shooting dead on at 25 and 50, second stadia at 75 and third stadia dead on at 100. Awesome package….Victor, Faxon, Vortex.
Back to the 25 yard range for a MOA group test to compare with my Tikka groups shot last week, the Victor/Faxon/Vortex edged out the Tikka by .3 moa overall. But that conceals that I shot almost 1 MOA better than the Tikka prone…left and right handed being nearly identical groups 1.262 left and 1.275 right. Maybe unfair making the Tikka compete with magnification ⅓ rd that of the Vortex Viper. But at least the Victor/Faxon/Vortex setup achieved the goal of equaling my Tikka T1x.
It's awfully nice to have a Semi-Auto 10/22 that can run with the T1x. Granted, it's over 2 pounds heavier and about twice the dollars. But it for sure looks as good as it shoots. .
If I can locate a pic rail with four slot extension, I'll see what the T1x can do with the Vortex Viper mounted on top. Until then, the Victor/Faxon/Vortex wears the gold medal.
For 100 yards prone, I used full magnification with the first horizontal stadia on the Leupold VX Freedom Pig Plex Reticle. For 50 yards sitting, I was holding about 2 inches high. And for 25 yards offhand, I just slightly above shot center of mass. All with about a 35 yard zero.
My 25 yard offhand group was 9.508 MOA. 50 yards sitting was 7.039 MOA…eliminate a called flyer and it would have been 4.834 MOA and a 45 or 46 score. And 100 yard prone was 2.324 MOA
All Field positions with the Leupold VX Freedom’s max magnification of 4.5.
A second 100 yard Know Distance try up in the mountains I scored a 232 right handed. Landing a 48 offhand, a 45 sitting, 49 prone 75 yards, and a 91 prone 100 yards. Pretty happy with those results.
The following day, I tried the KD left handed. Rifle uncleaned I shot a 219, based on 43 offhand, 40 sitting, 42 prone at 75 yards, and a 94 prone at 100. I kind of struggled thru the course of fire with zero. Seemed like my zero wasn’t holding and I was also struggling with some malfunctions and with locking the bolt back. It almost felt like the rubbery bolt buffer pin had gotten tweaked out of shape. Returning home, on disassembly I found some lead debris in the JL Billet muzzle brake, no doubt this was impacting my zero. There was also a lot of junk in the receiver causing the gummy feeling with the bolt and responsible for the difficulty locking the bolt back.
Ok so ultimately I wanted to build a 10/22 semi-auto that could shoot as well as my bolt action Tikka T1x. So I took both rifles to the 25 yard range. Instead of shooting an AQT, I shot for groups, left hand and right hand, offhand, sitting, and prone over two days.
Overall average groups favored the Tikka by ½ MOA. The first day was pretty windy and the heavy Victor/Faxon out performed the Tikka Offhand. However, in general the Tikka edged out the Victor/Faxon 10/22.
Lucky for the Tikka, I was shooting for groups because the Weaver Grand Slam optic was shifting the point of impact 15MOA when changing from 5x to 1.5x. Separate background video on that.
Ultimately the Faxon/Victor ended up with a Vortex Viper 4-14x50 HSLR. The Victor, Faxon, Vortex 10/22 blended well. Great groups zeroing. Very first group was ½” but 13 MOA high…26 clicks down on the elevation turret and the next ½’ group was spot on. Proceeded to score a 236 on the 25m AQT.
Back to a the mountains for another 100 yard, Rimfire Known Distance AQT starting offhand, I scored a 48 right hand and a 46 left hand. Squatting I shot identical 46’s left and right. Prone at 75 I shot 46 left hand and a perfect 50 right. And finally for 100 yard prone I shot an identical 92 each hand. Total of 236 right handed and 230 left. I used the Vortex Viper’s BDC reticle shooting dead on at 25 and 50, second stadia at 75 and third stadia dead on at 100. Awesome package….Victor, Faxon, Vortex.
Back to the 25 yard range for a MOA group test to compare with my Tikka groups shot last week, the Victor/Faxon/Vortex edged out the Tikka by .3 moa overall. But that conceals that I shot almost 1 MOA better than the Tikka prone…left and right handed being nearly identical groups 1.262 left and 1.275 right. Maybe unfair making the Tikka compete with magnification ⅓ rd that of the Vortex Viper. But at least the Victor/Faxon/Vortex setup achieved the goal of equaling my Tikka T1x.
It's awfully nice to have a Semi-Auto 10/22 that can run with the T1x. Granted, it's over 2 pounds heavier and about twice the dollars. But it for sure looks as good as it shoots. .
If I can locate a pic rail with four slot extension, I'll see what the T1x can do with the Vortex Viper mounted on top. Until then, the Victor/Faxon/Vortex wears the gold medal.
Attend a Project Appleseed Rifle Marksmanship Clinic.
Operating in almost every state, these affordable marksmanship clinics should be a prerequisite before spending $1,000's attending any of the other training academies.
The volunteer Instructors complete one of the most rigorous training programs to earn their Project Appleseed Red Hat.
Get a head start with the AmbGun Appleseed Prep video series.
Operating in almost every state, these affordable marksmanship clinics should be a prerequisite before spending $1,000's attending any of the other training academies.
The volunteer Instructors complete one of the most rigorous training programs to earn their Project Appleseed Red Hat.
Get a head start with the AmbGun Appleseed Prep video series.
11x17-AQT-Blk.pdf25 Meter AQT
Part 9 Review
Part 9 Review
I’ve relied on Eberlestock backpacks for years. We have a couple of the original X2’s in our household and my favorite daypack/hydration pack is the Eberlestock Mini-Me.
Ambgun has a review of the Mini-Me and featured the Mini-Me in the KelTec SU16c Minuteman Review.
With the Mini-Me discontinued, I went in search of a minimalist rifle backpack/hydration pack. I considered the Eberlestock Gunslinger II and the GunRunner. The Gunslinger weighs 5 ½ pounds with the GunRunner just under 4 pounds. The GunSlinger’s added volume makes its capacity far more efficient at about 31 CI/Oz vs the Gunrunner’s 20 CI/ounce.
I’m looking to transport a relatively large “precision” 10/22 rifle by foot and bike. I’m not doing long distance Continental Divide trail hikes, just carrying my gear a mile or two to a remote shooting spot. I chose the 4 pound Gunrunner. The GunSlinger’s added 825 CI would just mean I’d have to conjure up more stuff I needed to pack.
For bulkier rifles, I’d definitely go with either the GunSlinger II or the Just One pack. However, my iron sights ambi-AR and ACOG BCM slide into the GunRunner’s scabbard just fine (both rifles being fitted with the BCM KD shorty grip probably helps). My RDB with its excessively long grip does not fit the GunRunner scabbard.
For longer rifles like my 40” Victor/Faxon 10/22, untuck the extra length of scabbard. But with the extended scabbard dangling it is more difficult to sit down…or ride a mountain bike or motorcycle. Although the extended scabbard wasn’t really a problem riding my mountain bike to the gun range, just a “trip” hazard when trying to mount and dismount. The extended scabbard clears the mountain bike saddle just fine, but it does get in the way riding a motorcycle. Carrying my 10/22, if I raise my head up to look further down the trail, my helmet comes in gentle contact with the buttstock. Just the nature of backpacking a rifle atop a mountain bike.
Minimalist waist belt is mostly clear of a side arm or multitool… and it works pretty good for mountain biking. But I wish it had the wider 2” webbing of the Gunslinger.
Molle on lid…Gunslinger II has the needed three strips. GunRunner is lacking the middle strip…there’s proper spacing for it, but it's just not there. So I could not securely mount an IFAK there. Should either eliminate the lid’s molle or add the third strip. The bottom flap has three strips of molle so not sure why the top was short changed. I ended up mounting my IFAK on the padded hip belt. And attached a Write in the Rain weatherproof pouch on the other padded hip belt for range finder, pen, and notepad.
I added a 2L bladder to the internal hydration pouch. I carry my video tripod in one of the drink pockets with the single compression strip securing it. I’d prefer two horizontal compression straps like the Gunslinger. I also think the Gunslinger’s two vertical compression straps are better for securing a tent or sleeping bag underneath.
The main compartment is just a deep duffle. Not the easiest to access things in the bottom. I stuff it with an ultralight shooting mat, a Baerskin tactical hoodie, and extra socks and underwear.
I found that taking the time to carefully follow Eberlestock’s video, to fit the pack to my torso greatly improves carry. But I’m thinking that the Gunslinger’s tubular frame system would let me carry more with about the same felt load.
There is a second long open top deep pocket that is perfect for a spotting scope….or a portable target stand.
I find the Gunrunner a terrific pack for carrying my long and overweight Rimfire Known Distance 10/22, but for carrying more backpack friendly rifles like the KelTec SU16c or Keystone Overlander, I prefer my Eberlestock Mini-Me with my DIY shortened scabbard. And overall, I think if you’re considering the Eberlestock GunRunner, you should give serious consideration to the GunSlinger II. It's a perplexing dilemma. The slightly heavier, bulkier GunSlinger for an extra $200 or the simpler, lighter Gunrunner.
It may seem like I’m favoring the GunSlinger and I probably would for longer duration sustainment hikes into the mountains, but for me, and probably most people, the GunRunner makes more sense and does the job just fine.
Gunslinger’s scabbard 34"L x 10"W x 3"D or 600 CI (better for pistol grip and tall optics)Gunrunner’s scabbard 34" L x 7" W x 3" D or 400 CI
AmbGun Eberlestock Affiliate Page
Eberlestock Pack Fitting - How To Properly Fit And Adjust Your Backpack
Eberlestock Mini-Me Backpack for the KelTec SU16c
Modifying Eberlestock Rifle Scabbard for SU16C
KelTec SU16c - Ambgun Backpack Carbine Minuteman Review
Ambgun has a review of the Mini-Me and featured the Mini-Me in the KelTec SU16c Minuteman Review.
With the Mini-Me discontinued, I went in search of a minimalist rifle backpack/hydration pack. I considered the Eberlestock Gunslinger II and the GunRunner. The Gunslinger weighs 5 ½ pounds with the GunRunner just under 4 pounds. The GunSlinger’s added volume makes its capacity far more efficient at about 31 CI/Oz vs the Gunrunner’s 20 CI/ounce.
I’m looking to transport a relatively large “precision” 10/22 rifle by foot and bike. I’m not doing long distance Continental Divide trail hikes, just carrying my gear a mile or two to a remote shooting spot. I chose the 4 pound Gunrunner. The GunSlinger’s added 825 CI would just mean I’d have to conjure up more stuff I needed to pack.
For bulkier rifles, I’d definitely go with either the GunSlinger II or the Just One pack. However, my iron sights ambi-AR and ACOG BCM slide into the GunRunner’s scabbard just fine (both rifles being fitted with the BCM KD shorty grip probably helps). My RDB with its excessively long grip does not fit the GunRunner scabbard.
For longer rifles like my 40” Victor/Faxon 10/22, untuck the extra length of scabbard. But with the extended scabbard dangling it is more difficult to sit down…or ride a mountain bike or motorcycle. Although the extended scabbard wasn’t really a problem riding my mountain bike to the gun range, just a “trip” hazard when trying to mount and dismount. The extended scabbard clears the mountain bike saddle just fine, but it does get in the way riding a motorcycle. Carrying my 10/22, if I raise my head up to look further down the trail, my helmet comes in gentle contact with the buttstock. Just the nature of backpacking a rifle atop a mountain bike.
Minimalist waist belt is mostly clear of a side arm or multitool… and it works pretty good for mountain biking. But I wish it had the wider 2” webbing of the Gunslinger.
Molle on lid…Gunslinger II has the needed three strips. GunRunner is lacking the middle strip…there’s proper spacing for it, but it's just not there. So I could not securely mount an IFAK there. Should either eliminate the lid’s molle or add the third strip. The bottom flap has three strips of molle so not sure why the top was short changed. I ended up mounting my IFAK on the padded hip belt. And attached a Write in the Rain weatherproof pouch on the other padded hip belt for range finder, pen, and notepad.
I added a 2L bladder to the internal hydration pouch. I carry my video tripod in one of the drink pockets with the single compression strip securing it. I’d prefer two horizontal compression straps like the Gunslinger. I also think the Gunslinger’s two vertical compression straps are better for securing a tent or sleeping bag underneath.
The main compartment is just a deep duffle. Not the easiest to access things in the bottom. I stuff it with an ultralight shooting mat, a Baerskin tactical hoodie, and extra socks and underwear.
I found that taking the time to carefully follow Eberlestock’s video, to fit the pack to my torso greatly improves carry. But I’m thinking that the Gunslinger’s tubular frame system would let me carry more with about the same felt load.
There is a second long open top deep pocket that is perfect for a spotting scope….or a portable target stand.
I find the Gunrunner a terrific pack for carrying my long and overweight Rimfire Known Distance 10/22, but for carrying more backpack friendly rifles like the KelTec SU16c or Keystone Overlander, I prefer my Eberlestock Mini-Me with my DIY shortened scabbard. And overall, I think if you’re considering the Eberlestock GunRunner, you should give serious consideration to the GunSlinger II. It's a perplexing dilemma. The slightly heavier, bulkier GunSlinger for an extra $200 or the simpler, lighter Gunrunner.
It may seem like I’m favoring the GunSlinger and I probably would for longer duration sustainment hikes into the mountains, but for me, and probably most people, the GunRunner makes more sense and does the job just fine.
Gunslinger’s scabbard 34"L x 10"W x 3"D or 600 CI (better for pistol grip and tall optics)Gunrunner’s scabbard 34" L x 7" W x 3" D or 400 CI
AmbGun Eberlestock Affiliate Page
Eberlestock Pack Fitting - How To Properly Fit And Adjust Your Backpack
Eberlestock Mini-Me Backpack for the KelTec SU16c
Modifying Eberlestock Rifle Scabbard for SU16C
KelTec SU16c - Ambgun Backpack Carbine Minuteman Review
The Midway USA Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat has been my go to gun range shooting mat. It has padding for elbows and knees. With its eleven inch muzzle blast flap deployed, the Midway mat is eighty five inches long. Grommets are there for securing the mat against Wyoming’s wind. And it is fitted with a ledge to capture bipod legs. This mat sets the standard for high power and the Civilian Marksmanship Program matches.
But the Midway mat weighs over six pounds and is a bulky thirty six by nine inches rolled up. Fine when your vehicle is parked behind the range shooting line or you rolled up in your bike trailer, but a bit excessive for hiking into backcountry shooting or hunting spots. Made in China, but a great mat.
So I gave the Midway Packable Shooting Mat a try. At one point five pounds it is light. It’ll keep the dew off of you, but has no padding. Kind of a glorified, tactical ground tarp. Also made in China.
Enter the Armageddon Gear Ultralight Shooting Mat. Only one point nine pounds and yet features one eight inch closed cell foam padding at the elbows. A bit shorter and narrower than the Midway Packable, but it is far more comfortable for unprotected elbows. A simple, clever adjustable bungee retention makes deployment much quieter than velcro straps. Implications for those wanting a hunting mat. It does use velcro for the storage pocket which is conveniently accessible when it is rolled up. It does not have the bipod ledge like the Midway Pro Series mat, but you really should only be taking out the mechanical slack in the bipod, not “loading” it. The Armageddon Gear Ultralight Shooting Mat is one quarter the weight of the Midway Pro Series, twice the price, and made in the USA.
The Armageddon Gear Ultralight Mat found a permanent home in my Eberlestock Gun Runner backpack.
But the Midway mat weighs over six pounds and is a bulky thirty six by nine inches rolled up. Fine when your vehicle is parked behind the range shooting line or you rolled up in your bike trailer, but a bit excessive for hiking into backcountry shooting or hunting spots. Made in China, but a great mat.
So I gave the Midway Packable Shooting Mat a try. At one point five pounds it is light. It’ll keep the dew off of you, but has no padding. Kind of a glorified, tactical ground tarp. Also made in China.
Enter the Armageddon Gear Ultralight Shooting Mat. Only one point nine pounds and yet features one eight inch closed cell foam padding at the elbows. A bit shorter and narrower than the Midway Packable, but it is far more comfortable for unprotected elbows. A simple, clever adjustable bungee retention makes deployment much quieter than velcro straps. Implications for those wanting a hunting mat. It does use velcro for the storage pocket which is conveniently accessible when it is rolled up. It does not have the bipod ledge like the Midway Pro Series mat, but you really should only be taking out the mechanical slack in the bipod, not “loading” it. The Armageddon Gear Ultralight Shooting Mat is one quarter the weight of the Midway Pro Series, twice the price, and made in the USA.
The Armageddon Gear Ultralight Mat found a permanent home in my Eberlestock Gun Runner backpack.
AmbGun.com is THE ambidextrous gunfighting resource. Why you should become an ambidextrous gunfighter. How you can become an ambidextrous gunfighter. What the ambidextrous gunfighter requires in his equipment.
Ambidextrous "optimal use of cover", optimal use of terrain for steady hold factors.Training the brain so that both the left and right eye can pick up the sighting system. Perfectly mirrored controls for unconscious, bilateral transfer of skill. operation both left and right handed.
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Some of our posts at AmbGun.com contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. Clicking on an affiliate link which earns a commission does not result in additional charges to you or cost you anything extra. Mentions of associated products within the content of AmbGun.com may not be noted as an affiliate in every referrence. Money earned via affiliate links helps keep the AmbGun web site and video production up and running. AmbGun hopes that you'd prefer that our efforts earn a commission rather than bypassing our affiliate links and simply adding to the bottom line of large marketers like Amazon.com
Ambidextrous "optimal use of cover", optimal use of terrain for steady hold factors.Training the brain so that both the left and right eye can pick up the sighting system. Perfectly mirrored controls for unconscious, bilateral transfer of skill. operation both left and right handed.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of our posts at AmbGun.com contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. Clicking on an affiliate link which earns a commission does not result in additional charges to you or cost you anything extra. Mentions of associated products within the content of AmbGun.com may not be noted as an affiliate in every referrence. Money earned via affiliate links helps keep the AmbGun web site and video production up and running. AmbGun hopes that you'd prefer that our efforts earn a commission rather than bypassing our affiliate links and simply adding to the bottom line of large marketers like Amazon.com
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