MtnMike

Wondering what rings came with the rig. Many moons ago I purchased a used "package" and the previous owner had subbed a few "lesser" quality accessories - including rings and a couple of the mags. Not a big deal $$. But still a PITA. In my old age, I use almost exclusively Leupold for optics and mounts. The stuff just always works without any issues. Vortex has great customer service. And, I hear, Leupold does too. I've just never had to actually use it.

Pretty solid drought in South-central VA. That where I have a lake cabin. We were around 12" low on rain for the year before we got a decent rainfall from the remnants of that last hurricane a week or two ago. Lake is 8' below full pond and was that way the whole summer. A lot of docks are on dry land. A lot of folks are also saying that data centers up river of the lakes are using a lot of water, and a lot more than they said they would. I can't really confirm or rebut. The "data" on data centers is pretty sketchy.

My wife had "shoot a deer" on her bucket list. While growing up, her dad would never let her go hunting with her brothers (even though she was a better shot) and she felt left out. So a few years ago, I got her a CVA Cascade XT with a 22" Bergara barrel (.308). That thing is a shooter. It's objectively the most accurate .308 bolt action rifle in the house. Routinely < 0.4" MOA groups. Better than my own Tikka hunting rifle, which is damn accurate. I think you are going to be very pleased with your purchase.

That never would have crossed my mind - but it makes sense. Like I said, I know nothing about distance shooting One of the joys of growing up in the hollars of the Blue Ridge - very rarely shoot over even 100 yards. My tools exceed my horizon - except in bow season!

I'm a CCI user as well. Standard in suppressed and generally the copper plated mini-mag hollow points for varmints. Mini-mags is what my dad and my uncles always used when I was growing up. And, when I've tried other brands the drop-off in quality and the increase in FTFs was noticeable. I know bubkus about shooting longer distances, but I'd think the CCI Stingers might do well. Considerably higher muzzle velocity. 1640 fps advertised-compared to 1070 standard and 1235 mini-mags. But that might not translate into accuracy. I look forward to hearing how this shakes out. Sounds like fun.

I've owned this rifle for awhile now and can't really remember how it shot without the brake. I did find some notes I made at the time, that indicated it made little difference as far as recoil - so I'd have to answer that question - No. That being said, it's a very easy shooter (recoil-wise) with it. I went with a Precision Armament M4-72 at the time because it didn't weigh but an an ounce and a half more than the stock A2 flash suppressor that came with the gun. I'd probably go titanium today if I were going for a light build. I also like hunting with a suppressor. I have a thread-on titanium Resilient Jolene S that only weighs about 6 oz. that I swap between this gun and a favorite bolt action. I love the Leupold Mark AR mounts. Rock solid and light - 6 oz. Two things you'll find on all my ARs: (1) Leupold AR mounts; and (2) LaRue MST-2 stage triggers. Good solid gear for the money IMHO.

BTW - That's 8.6 lbs when the photo is properly flipped over. SMH

I set up a 16" 308 Windham just for that purpose. Kept it relatively light by using a Daniel Defense butt stock, a Leupold 2x12 scope and a light muzzle brake. Works great for whitetails using Federal 150g Power-shok SPs. Hope to some day take it out West for an elk. I'd probably up my bullet weight in that case. Metal hand guard gets cold; wear gloves.

Looks like a high tech potato gun. Haven't played with one of those in decades - but they sure were fun!

Finally got to spend some quality time with the Tikka w/ the Jolene S. Took a bit of trial and effort to find a factory hunting load that performed to my liking. But eventually found that Nosler 165gr BT resulted in < .65" 5-shot groups @ 100 yards. Good enough for whitetails. Afterwards, reviewed the cleaning procedure for the Jolene S (which performed as expected). Basically, you're supposed to weigh the can every few 1000 rounds and if it gains more than 2 oz in weight, you soak it overnight in Breakthrough suppressor cleaner. So, no maintenance after a 100 rounds other than to weigh the can and note it for future reference. Currently 8.6 oz on the digital kitchen scale.

Looks fun and expensive! New competition - quickest to go thru $100 of ammo wins 🤪

I like to take multiple ammos when I do an initial sight-in. I've found some rifles seem to prefer a certain ammo or weight class of bullet. So, I find what groups best and then go from there. Sometimes you get a gun that's a real omnivore that likes to eat a variety of loads. Hoping you've got one of those!

In my area, we have a local gun shop that is in the Silencer Shop network. Hopefully, I can give them some "instant" business in a few weeks. It at least gives me an excuse to make the trip and visit the store.

now THAT was funny

🙃That's how it begins ..