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So, oomanses, ejikate us.

Black rifles: if we were to add one to our collection, what should it be and why ?

We have some questions.

1. As the bolt is locked at the moment of firing, presumably they are just as accurate as traditional bolt action rifles?
2. Can calibres be changed by swapping the upper and barrel ?
3. Are AR styles the best, or ought we look at others too ? If so, which ? And why ?
4. .458 SOCOM appeals to us. Tell us what you know about them...

1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. AR is best unless you have Blaser money.
4. Not heard of a .458 in the UK yet. LMR sell .50 Beowolf...

meles meles wrote: 4. .458 SOCOM appeals to us. Tell us what you know about them...

I thought about building a 458 SOCOM bolt action but it never the planning stage due to the cost of components for the 458 SOCOM...

1. Bradley Arms AR smoothest action with extended side charging handle
2. VZ58 not as smooth as original handle used to pull on and extraction needs a bit of technique but nice to shoot
3. Arsenal Bulgarian AK as the VZ58 but much improved by a proprietary handle extension and good extraction
4. LuxDefTec M14 SOCOM solid action but again original charging handle used good extraction and accurate

Secret is not to ride the charging handle on the return and always wear a glove.

Even though the Bradley Arms is the best functioning the VZ and AK have more charm. Out of the latter l enjoy the VZ the best as it is a little bit different but wish l had got the 7.62 x 39 instead of the .223.

The M14 is more of a beast as it is in .308 but is easy to shoot and is accurate with GGG ball ammo.

I would suggest none are designed to be accurate beyond 400/500yds except perhaps the M14.

Almost forgot the Dragunov, which will probably do out to 800/900yds and solid action with excellent extraction.

All of the above come in to their own at F Range Sennybridge knocking down the Fig. 11's

1/ No. There is no difference in the way a straight-pulls bolt locks than the semi/full auto versions. The bolt doesn't lock down in the same manner as a bolt action gun, its cam-locked under spring tension (AR's anyway)
2/ Yes, but depending on calibre you may only have to change the barrel (one less slot you'll need on your ticket as you'll need both the upper and barrel listed if you do it the other way), however some calibres might also require a new bolt too.
3/ For black rifle straight-pulls, yes.
4/ Its an extremely expensive round to reload.

Great guns, very modular, Bradley or Lantac best builds in the UK, you're welcome to come lay paws on ours, we have Lantac 223 and CMMG .22 in the set.

The Lantac put ten in .75" with handloads in Mike's tunnel (Mike will verify this, he fired them!)

If you want monolithic upper - you have the LMT.

In .308 and .223

Heavier but great quality.

2. So long as the case-head is the same dimension then yes, you won't even have to change the BCG.
4. Have you considered the .300 AAC Blackout, Mr Badger? Although it's not nearly as powerful as the .458 SOCOM, I thought it might be of interest to you (sub-sonic thumps, what's not to like?). The parent case is actually 5.56mm NATO, so you can form .300 blk brass by trimming and necking up 5.56mm NATO to accept a .30 calibre bullet, so you shouldn't have any problem in finding those pawloading components!

breacher wrote:If you want monolithic upper - you have the LMT.

In .308 and .223

Heavier but great quality.

Monolithic upper? We're not entirely sure we understand that. Could you elucidate?

WelshShooter wrote: 4. Have you considered the .300 AAC Blackout, Mr Badger? Although it's not nearly as powerful as the .458 SOCOM, I thought it might be of interest to you (sub-sonic thumps, what's not to like?). The parent case is actually 5.56mm NATO, so you can form .300 blk brass by trimming and necking up 5.56mm NATO to accept a .30 calibre bullet, so you shouldn't have any problem in finding those pawloading components!

Yes, .300 Blackout is on the potential shopping list. However, if we are going sub-sonic, which is desirable, then the .458 SOCOM will deliver a heftier whack !