Thread: 243AI in a Senator

I have always been keen on a 243. A mate has one and it just does the job. I decided I'd also steal his idea!
We had been talking about making a multi purpose rifle and chambering it in 243. The plan was a light enough rifle for bush/everyday hunting as well as a decent scope/stock to stretch the legs. We had become a bit disillusioned by buying bigger magnums and all the hassles associated with them (especially the noise and weight).
I had a 6BR in a varmint type rig I bought on Trade Me for the right price but it was not getting the work as it was both heavy and impractical for general deer hunting and the varminting has gone off the boil for me at the moment. I had also contacted Jason from Senator and a plan was hatched!
The scope was a long winded affair too, but after some consideration I settled on the Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44BT. I am really glad with this choice so far as the glass is great an fit sits well on the rifle. Thanks Sneeze
The bulk of the 6BR parts were flogged off on a few websites and a wish list assembled. Timney trigger from 45South, Stock from Senator, dies from Sinclair & Talley ultralight rings from my local Hammils.
I bought in some CDI bottom metal with AI mag system but it just was no good for the application so I swapped for some HS Precision bottom metal I bought off The Claw ages ago and then flogged off to another mate in Tauranga. A quick email confirmed he still had it and I could grab it back if I wanted.
The barreled action was sent to True Flite and re-cut to 243AI then on to Jason to be bedded to the stock.
Well I got it all back today and quickly putt it all together. Probably going to need to do a bit more finishing but its almost there. I have a can for it but might start off without it as it is already long. Maybe I should have had the barrel turned down a touch. The heavy contour certainly carries a lot more weight than the rest of the rig. It does carry well though and comes up good so I think for now I'll leave it.
The stock weighed in at 630g with a Pachmeyer pad. All up with scope and bottom metal installed 9lb. Bit more than planned but still an easy rifle to carry (around the garage anyway).

The photos are a bit shite (phone) but I hope to get some better ones soon. One thing to note is the textured finish on the stock at the pistol grip and fore end. Jason and I spent a bit of time trying to find a good product to give some grip and look good. The product used has a soft rubbery feel with really good grip. Time will tell how long it last but the beauty is if needs be it can be re applied.