Thread: Advice on a precision F class set up

Barnard S vs P

Traditionally P actions have been used for FTR, but if you go to heavier profile barrel it means you need to do some fancy footwork to make the weight limits - not impossible but more $

At least 2 of the top end FO guys are using S actions now, and hanging truck axle barrels off them. The side benefits are that you have a wider choice of stocks (effectively a Remmy 700 action profile) and some really good trigger options.

Stocks - I use a Boyds Pro Varmnt. That is a very good budget alternative. Personally I would not skimp when it comes to the barrel - to me that is the most important part of the setup. Even old actions like Omarks can be competitive when coupled with a good barrel that has been chambered and fitted by someone who knows what they are doing.

I emailed Mr Barnard today, he had no issues with hanging a 32inch heavy 308w palma from an S action for FTR in fact he seemed to suggest it was a good choice. I was only thinking of a P initially but with the limited and very expensive chassis options and our chat last week incl others the S seemed a perfectly sane alternative. I just need to figure out how the S mounting detail differs to the "real" 700, I never considered it before so have never looked at it. Also need to decide on a nice 2 stage trigger as well, the P comes with one....

Originally Posted by steven

I emailed Mr Barnard today, he had no issues with hanging a 32inch heavy 308w palma from an S action for FTR in fact he seemed to suggest it was a good choice. I was only thinking of a P initially but with the limited and very expensive chassis options and our chat last week incl others the S seemed a perfectly sane alternative. I just need to figure out how the S mounting detail differs to the "real" 700, I never considered it before so have never looked at it. Also need to decide on a nice 2 stage trigger as well, the P comes with one....

@steven
Barnard have sketch drawings of their receivers (with basic dimensions), on their website which might help to clarify this for you.

The action holes are at te same interval as a Remington 700 short action, it is just the front of the action which is extentente further forward due to the longer barrel threading shank.
If you have a sandwiched recoil lug like on a R.E.M. 700 it is easy to inlet a wooden or fibreglass stock for it and do the bedding. If mounted into a chassis, that is a different story as not all the chassis can accept the removal of material further forward the recoil lug pocket due to lack of material or significant weekness .

I put my SM into a boyds light weigh varmint stock. Had to take out 1/8-1/4" at the front as the SM is a little longer. think I also had to take a little out around the trigger as well.
Zane

HI, thanks I noted the difference, Ive asked XRG for advice on whether it will fit. Originally the centre piece is alloy so a gunsmith can mill a slightly bigger slot but now I think its plastic

yeah I know been looking at them carefully. Ive never looked at / been near a 700sa action before so Ive no knowledge on it. The problem that is worrying me is that because the S action is longer the recoil lug will be that distance from the recoil pad surface on the stock. I can however see from videos the recess is quite deep so it will fit I think. So it maybe I have to get a spacer made, or a moded recoil lug, no problem for a gunsmith, or even me if i had access to a milling machine.

Remington lug in a short action stock, no problem just move the hole for the lug forward slightly. Maybe 10mm. Easy as, done.
Well mine is s (single shot) oh might want to take a little off the stock where the ejection port is, just to make it look right. Use 700 bottom metal and trigger.

Originally Posted by bully

Remington lug in a short action stock, no problem just move the hole for the lug forward slightly. Maybe 10mm. Easy as, done.
Well mine is s (single shot) oh might want to take a little off the stock where the ejection port is, just to make it look right. Use 700 bottom metal and trigger.

The XRG has an alloy web / bridge section just where the trigger hanger is on the S action, basically they machined two recesses (one for mag) so it looks like I have to mill a slot through that to make one longer recess no biggee. XRG kindly sent me a picture of what needs to be done.




So I am waiting on NZRAC to see if they still do them and how much.

That is awesome service from KRG!

A Petone Club member has a newish complete with scope FTR rifle for sale in the price range you're looking for.
Message me and I'll reply with his email address.

I suppose they know what there up to. My stock is a Remington one with alloy bedding block, I don't recall doing that. And I'm not familiar with the chassis stocks. But I would imagine it's all do-able. Who ever beds it will sort it out. The main parts all line up. You won't be sorry, I have great accuracy.

Oh i found a picture of my bedding. I originally took this as I thought the two domes in the bedding might of been upsetting my accuracy. They are the holes in the action that you can use to suit there bedding block I think. There gone now, but I thought the picture might be of some interest.

Thanks but I dont need such a service as a ready to go system. Assembly is easy and picking the parts huge fun anyway.

ebf and I are in the same club and he and I are discussing this via email as well. Pretty much convinced me on a liija barrel.