Zak Smith

My CTR02 was shipped with the L.M. bolt carrier, but the rifle-length operating spring and buffer. Go figure. As long as I put a couple drops of lube into the holes of the bolt carrier and run it back and force a little bit, it seems to run reliably. -z

Although I have the adjustable gas block on my CTR-02 (with LMOS), I just run it wide open all the time. More gas makes the bolt carrier run faster. -z

Momentum is mass * velocity. Ones goes up, the other down. From zediker.com: The primary benefits he lists are accuracy-oriented, due to increased lock time. As a side-benefit, carrier velocity is slowed and he claims the rifle recoils "softer", whatever that means. Note that just adding a weight to the gun will make it recoil "softer." The J.P. system is designed specifically so you can retain your sight picture while double-tapping targets at 3Gun ranges (0 - 300 yards). The goals of the two systems are different. -z

It turns out I originally misjudged the throat length. Got the Stoney Point gauge and I'm now seating the AMAX's about 0.020 - 0.030" off the lands (OAL about 5.640"). I'm getting pretty consistent 3 shot groups 0.5 - 0.65 MOA, shooting at 200m. The gun can clearly shoot 5 shot groups of a similar size, but I'm finding out that it's hard for me to make the last two shots. The Parker-Hale-style bipod sucks. I'm using a 'ruck as a rest instead. Works much better. -z

What, OAL? I assure you that 6.8SPC has the same OAL as 5.56. That was the whole point, to fit in a M4. 6.8SPC has a MV and BC similar to 75-77gr 5.56. You might also consider the 6.5 Grendel, which has more internal volume (for powder) than 6.8SPC. -z

STI lists a 2001 single-stack grip: http://www.stiguns.com/cgi-bin/miva?Mercha...egory_Code=COMP Is this grip actually narrower than the normal double-stack grip, or it is just spaced inside to accomodate single-stack mags? Does it drop into any SV/STI pistol?

I'm thinking of shooting some of the 50cal matches down in Raton, but don't think I can make the one in July. -z

It's a McMillan action and stock, a "Mike Rock" barrel, built by GA Precision; I bought it "new" from the original owner out East. I am loading 750gr Hornady AMAX bullets in new IMI cases with H50BMG, seated to 5.480". I have to get pretty close to Hodgdon's max load to get acceptible velocity (over 2600fps). The chamber has minimum dimensions and is short-throated. Barrett M33 ball ammo does not come close to chambering in this rifle due to the short throat. I haven't tried any other commercial or surplus ammunition. I haven't been shooting for groups seriously yet - just trying to get in the right powder range. I did get one 0.5" 3-shot group at 200 meters during the work-up. -z

1*- It is less punishing than magnum slugs through my Benelli. Those leave me bruised. On the 50, the brake is effective, the gun weighs around 30lbs, and the recoil pad is over an inch thick. The easiest .50 to shoot in terms of recoil is probably the AR-50, it's huge, 34 lbs + optics, and has the most effective brake. -z

At $3 a pop, it better be! -z

Only problem so far is cheek weld. The bolt comes so far back, you can see the stock is inletted along the top to accomodate the bolt movement, so adding a permanent cheek pad is out. Now I'm using a cloth I set there and remove while operating the bolt to get a decent cheek weld. -z

Just got this one set up, working on load development: [ link to larger image ] [ link to larger image ] more: http://apollo.demigod.org/~zak/DigiCam/GA-MCBROS-50BMG/

Took it out today. My "old" IPSC/3Gun pistol was my single-stack .45 (DW Patriot - a workhorse), and I shoot a BHP a lot too. The SV handles and shoots great - very little recoil compared to my prior experienc e with .40 in a Glock 23 and 27 (now both sold). I was loading a 180gr West Coast with 4.7gr Titegroup at 1.230" and it clocked in just under 900fps. Just need a few more tenths more. The rear Bomar died as the adjustment screw is loose. That will need some attention. -z

Built by SV, and I think JP breathed on it some before they shipped it out. I discovered that I can't quite engage the mag release button without shifting my grip, like I can on my single-stack. We'll see if that's a problem. Yes, it's just the short curved insert.

I am really digging those P7 grips. What is involved in fabbing a set? -z

My new Limited blaster finally arrived, after about 6 months. I've very pleased. [ link to larger image ] [ link to larger image ] [ link to larger image ] [ link to larger image ] [ link to larger image ] [ link to larger image ] [ link to larger image ] [ link to larger image ] [ link to larger image ]

6.8SPC FAQ: http://apollo.demigod.org/~zak/firearms/6.8SPC/faq.php I'm currently using VV-N135, which will not make major with 110's. I need to get my hands on some N530. And try W748. I maxed out AA-2230 at about 2650fps with the 110's. -z

I had the exact opposite results. TG had less flash and the recoil was smoother. 124gr WC RN, 4.2gr TG. 1.130" nominal. Right around 1080fps. -z

6.8SPC FAQ: http://apollo.demigod.org/~zak/firearms/6.8SPC/faq.php The upper runs fine. I've got a set of dies form the Hornady custom shop, and about 400 rounds, so I'm experimenting with load data at this time. The "new" manufacture Remington ammo is supposedly quite accurate - 8" @ 600 yards. I only have some of the old preproduction stuff (not accurate due to powder contamination) and my handloads. N135 is real accurate, but not fast. -z

Some thoughts: LMT MRP, SPR, TA01 vs. TA31 vs. TA11, Magpul M93 stock (the Marines like it!), 75-77gr load comparison ( mk262 mod ??), 6.8SPC, 6.5 Grendel, new magazine comparison (HK SA80 mags, PRI mag bodies), PRI components (float tubes, SPR-style rail, gas buster, Aimpoint mounts), LMT enhanced bolt vs. KAC enhanced bolt, LMT long-dwell bolt carrier, JP lightweight bolt carrier, effects of gas system length (carbine, mid, rifle) on operation, reliability, and recoil impulses, conventional, single-point, and three-point sling and mounting choices, eye relief, AR gas piston conversions: HK M4, Kurts Custom, BUIS comparison (ARMS, Troy, KAC, etc) -z

RS- I was interested in the same thing and did a side-by-side comparision of the OPSINC 4-port brake vs. the JP BC Comp. The review is here: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?...SINC#post878021 Short answer: the JP BC Comp has it all over the OPSINC brake.

The Troy sights are $120m each for front and rear. The rear only has the large aperture. The handguard is the GenIII from PRI, which goes for around $320. The gas block is a stainless low-profile from PRI, about $50. Looks just like this but in ss: The holes are not threaded. They use a "backer" similar to how the JP rails connect to the JP handguard. The ones in front are possible to remove and replace without removing the tube, the rear ones probably not. The barrel nut does not have to be removed to remove the tube - it connects just like an Armalite float tube. -z

EricW, The stock is the Magpul M93A made by Magpul http://www.magpul.com It's a telescoping stock that is rock-solid and has better features than the regular CAR-type telestocks. It can be had special-order in a post-ban compliant version - you pick what length you want it fixed at. Rich, the owner of Magpul, is just down the highway from me. He builds good stuff and is a good guy to do business with. -z

The one I got has more of the "Tactical" features and less of the 3Gun features. A 20" CTR-02 shooting Major 6.8SPC would be awesome. -z

No-go on the Thermolds. I tried Orlites, USGI 30's, and Colt 20's. Cynical grouchiness aside... PRI will be releasing replacement mag bodies for 5.56 that just happen to work very well holding 28 rounds of 6.8. http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&...t=184872&page=1 Just like you buy mag conversion kits from Armalite for your AR10, or replacement mag bodies for your S_I, so will this deal work. Enjoy. -z