When I decided to challenge myself in LR accuracy shooting. Many nights were spent going over all info available on internet. What I wanted was a battle rifle, legal in any state, with a bench queens precision. Drake Associates offer flexibility, different bolts, barrels, brakes, etc.
Chris Drake is in charge of all builds. He is busy and a stand up guy. We decided to build a 308 in a 26″ Satern barrel, charged by a 4 lug Rangemaster Precision Arms bolt with custom lever. Barrel is a heavy tactical capped with a custom brake. (M24E profile Barrel)
Cadex holds everything together finished in military green Cerakote which covers all manufacturer’s markings. After holding my breath and further review the feds released weapon to me. There was enough time to zero optics. I decided to use Leupold mark 4 ELR TMR with matching spotting scope. After five rounds down range, stock was collapsed, for its first cleaning. Another 20 rounds to end the day .
Second day was when I realized what kind of animal this rig is. First two shots were center circle @ 100 yards moved up .5 mils to 200 yards striking a 4″ AR 500 steal popper (target) . Next, another .8 mils totaling 13 to 317 yards., group was .75″ to 1″ . 393 yards was impressive – sub .5″ ! Finally, 537 yards turned out .75″ to 1″ groups. Weather was 16 deg. F, less than 5 mph wind.
As for overall performance, as a novice shooter I would say Good. Chassis has play in folding hinge and mags need a firm slap into action. Other than that, there were no real issues.
There is a video out, showing mags pop out while firing. This issue is resolved. Take a look at photos, rifle is a work horse, very stable platform. Anyway, thank you Chris for all your hard work and support.
Brett P.
Snipers Blog Ed Note – Brett has only placed a handful of rounds down range with this rifle. As he learns the rifle more, his SUB MOA groups will even get tighter. Great shooting Brett! Hope to have some additional results soon. Brett wanted a system that was heavy duty and robust and exceeded US Military M24E specifications
