Well, I guess I’m out of excuses for not getting this .338 Lapua project done.
The 16×56 optic (w. rings) arrived today. While I was tinkering, I swapped out the questionable Ruger factory stock for a Magpul PRS which seems like a good idea.
I picked a heck of a time to start shooting magnum rifle…my plans were never predicated around it, so while I have plenty of large rifle primers, my supply of large rifle magnum primers is only a brick or two. Then again, that would be 2000 rounds of .338 and I’m not sure anyone wants to subject themselves to that much fun.
I was tempted to drop this scope on the Barrett instead, but realistically the Barret is a potentially less accurate platform…long recoil and all. The Barret has a very particular purpose…it’s an anti-materiel gun that can, under certain circumstances, do double duty in another role. But it’s primarily for busting up stuff. The .338 Lapua is a bit easier to feed, slightly more portable, and is probably more accurate at range.
Anyway…that happened.
If you chose the Barret 99 in .50BMG, it would serve as a material buster and extremely accurate long-range tool, eliminating the need for the .338 Lapua. I can load very accurate .50BMG rounds for around $1.00 – $1.25 per round with my surplus component stash of unfired brass and pulled projectiles.
A Barrett 99 is on the list. There’s one up in Kalispell, used, in a gun shop that I bet I couuld get for $3500. But I’ve spent way to much money in the last three months on this stuff, so I need to dial it back a bit. One other problem is that an accurate bolt action .50 BMG would preclude the need of the .338, but the .338 is logistically much easier to keep operational. Large Rifle magnum primers vs BMG primers. Regular reloading press vs BMG press. That sort of thing.
Commander:
There must be some things in the back of your Gun locker that you are bored with and could trade in for the Barrett?
A chance to practice your dickering skills…
Ceejay
Very little that doesnt have sentimental value like my HiPower or my .44 Special. I think I have..hmmm..a couple Beretta Cougars, a Smith 17, a couple Smith Shields, and a few other odds and ends but nothing or tremendous value.
Had a blast Dialing in an m107 for a buddy several years ago .
But with French Milsurp it was only minute of 55 gallon drum accurate at about 1200 yards .
Still, digging slugs out of a quartz backstop makes you realize how destructive they are !!!
And as heavy as they are they are not man portable over any serious distance .
We were using leupold scopes then as we didn’t know about nightforce yet .
Following. It is probably becoming a limited window of opportunity to round out one’s gear preps and getting the various systems up and running, verified and servicable, accessories equipped, and in a rediness stage to be deployed manner. 48 hours into spicy is not the time to be fiddling with those on the workbench, someday get to it projects that are not yet fit for duty or are “awaiting on parts, or funds” status. Expensive hobbies burn money, for sure, but those federal reserve notes won’t help during spicy parked in retirement accounts, banks, or tied up in soon to be useless pleasure toys or endeavors. Tie up those loose prepper and SURVIVALIST details now, while the utility services still work and trucks are rolling. Like a movie quote, have a quip to justify your madlad endeavors, “I’M DOING MY PART! ARE YOU?”
And staying frosty all the while doing so.
Be careful about ejecting shells…as they could be prone to hit that scope adjustment knob.
I ran into that with the optics I placed atop my rem 700 / .270
Trying to move the scope forward or to the rear away from ejecting shells was not an option…so…to avoid problems encountered from ejecting shells, I armored my scope…works great.
BTW – your rig looks great
FYI- Lucky Gunner has 338 Lapua on sale for $65/20 rounds.
https://www.luckygunner.com/338-lapua-magnum-225-grain-sst-ammo-inc-20-rounds
BTW, I got an Armalite single shot 50 bmg and if I need any more than that I’m in big trouble.