Estimated studying time: 14 minutes
With rimfire precision matches rising in recognition, I wished a setup that might replicate centerfire PRS-style capturing whereas providing the coaching advantages of rimfire affordability. My aim was to construct the Final .22LR Competitors rifle, and after a few 12 months within the making, I feel I lastly did it! Creating the last word .22LR bolt-action competitors rifle began with quite a lot of analysis and ended up with a no-budget construct. After goal capturing and competing with this rifle at a PRS22-style match, I can confidently say this construct performs as good because it seems. Right here’s a breakdown of every core part and the way it contributed to constructing the last word .22LR competitors platform.
Zermatt RimX Motion
On the coronary heart of this rifle is the Zermatt Arms RimX motion. Not like many rimfire actions attempting to imitate centerfire geometry, the RimX is a true-to-scale Remington 700 footprint designed particularly for competitors and coaching. This implies you need to use it in commonplace R700 inlets and pair it with any appropriate set off or chassis. This was an enormous bonus for modularity and these piecing collectively their final rifle builds.
I opted for the 30 MOA high rail model (0, 20, 30, & 40 obtainable) to achieve extra elevation journey. That is particularly helpful when capturing out to 400+ yards with a 22LR. Zermatt gives six bolt knob choices, however I selected their competitors variant. Whereas it labored unfastened from the manufacturing facility, a contact of blue Loctite will preserve it locked in place. Nice dimension and kind issue, and it ran nicely for me.
The bolt was constantly easy all through my first match, even in windy situations. My solely minor gripe was the 90-degree bolt throw. I’d like to see a 60-degree throw possibility, which might have felt even quicker for speedy follow-up pictures. Nonetheless, the bolt deal with supplied a terrific buy, and I had zero extraction or feeding points all day with good ammo. Being a 22LR, it stunned me how good the motion was. It felt higher than a lot of my centerfire rifles, and with a tuned magazine fed like a dream.
Zermatt RimX Journal
The motion ships with a 10-round aluminum journal, which, whereas expensive at $125 per magazine, is extremely strong and feeds reliably. These might be tuned for the way excessive they sit within the motion. From the manufacturing facility, I needed to alter mine barely to feed constantly. Nevertheless, as soon as set, the RimX journal fed with out a hiccup. Whereas it is extremely nicely made, not having different inexpensive magazines to select from when they’re $125 a pop is about the one draw back I’ve discovered to this construct to this point. However I went into this attempting to construct the last word rifle and spare no expense, and these magazines are top-notch. I’ve by no means dealt with a better-made journal.
Proof Analysis Pre-Match RimX Barrel
Pairing the RimX with a Proof Analysis pre-fit barrel made the setup fairly easy. The 20-inch metal barrel I used got here with a 1/16 twist, 1/2-28 threaded muzzle, and a contest contour that balances weight and stiffness. Proof is understood for its carbon fiber barrels, however their metal variants shoot lights out and have confirmed to be simply as constant. On the vary, this barrel impressed me with how nicely it dealt with a wide range of ammunition. It particularly favored Norma TAC-22 and choose Eley choices, capturing fixed sub-MOA teams.
Even after strings of fireplace, the barrel remained cool to the contact. I ran ten rounds in beneath ten seconds, and it nonetheless wasn’t even heat. Whereas 22LR doesn’t generate quite a lot of warmth, having a barrel that may dissipate it appropriately to get constant shot after shot on track is a giant deal for a contest rifle.
This barrel additionally options 1/2 X 28″ muzzle threads which can work for these attempting to run tuners, brakes, or suppressors. The tip of the barrel is simply over 1″ in diameter, so small 22 cans nearly look flush, which can also be type of neat. The rifle appeared to shoot simply as nicely suppressed as unsuppressed.
TriggerTech Diamond Set off
I’ve used many triggers through the years, and the TriggerTech Diamond stays top-of-the-line. This single-stage set off is totally freed from creep and has a crisp, glass-like break. The Diamond variant is adjustable from 4 to 32 ounces, which suggests you can tune it down for benchrest precision or up barely for positional capturing beneath time stress.
For this construct, I tuned the set off proper round the 10-12 ounce mark. Simply sufficient to present me management beneath NRL-style stress with out being too twitchy. Each time I pulled the set off, I knew precisely when it will break, giving me added confidence on small targets in shifting wind.
MDT ACC Premier Gen2 Chassis
The MDT ACC Premier Gen2 chassis introduced the whole lot collectively. This chassis is already one of the revered choices within the PRS world, and its up to date design borrows a number of enhancements from the higher-end ACC Elite line. I appreciated the taller built-in barricade cease, extra inflexible forend, and a full-length ARCA rail that made adjusting my bipod or tripod place seamless throughout varied props.
One of many greatest highlights was its capacity to completely steadiness the rifle utilizing MDT’s exterior M-LOK forend weights. Tuning the middle of gravity simply ahead of the magwell made pictures off a barricade, tree department, or tire extremely steady. I additionally ran the MDT CKYE-POD Gen2 Double Pull bipod and located it gave me the steadiest positions of any bipod I’ve ever used. Between the chassis adjustability, vertical grip, and cheek riser tuning, I custom-fitted this chassis to my capturing type.
Set up was additionally straightforward. Two screws to torque down, and also you’re off to the vary. This chassis was designed with competitors in thoughts and delivered on each entrance. For these causes and plenty of others, it proved to me why this chassis is a best choice for a lot of within the centerfire and rimfire PRS leagues.
Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56
Whereas some would possibly say a 6-36x scope is overkill for a .22LR, I fully disagree. When partaking ¼-inch targets at 50+ yards or metal at 300+ yards, having that magnification and readability offers an actual edge. The Vortex Razor Gen III 6-36 is without doubt one of the most confirmed optics in long-range competitors. Its glass is extremely crisp, the turrets observe true, and the EBR-7D reticle is ideal for quick holdover changes.
A standout characteristic for me was the micro-adjust zero setting that permits for zeroing between clicks. It is a uncommon characteristic that lets you get completely dialed when zeroing. The scope additionally makes use of the L-Tec+ Zero System, making the turret changes simple and bombproof. All through the match, I used this scope to identify my misses and ship fast follow-ups with correct corrections. It’s not low-cost, but it surely delivers.
I’m additionally a fan of the Vortex EBR-7D reticle. I’ve owned this scope for some time and used it throughout varied rifles in numerous conditions. From centerfire, PRS matches capturing out to 1400 yards, to a PRS22 match capturing from 50-300 yards, holdovers, and wind calls have been fast and intuitive. The .03 MIL middle dot additionally offers a tremendous nice aiming level with out being distracting. This was excellent for my 22-match after I was capturing at targets the identical diameter because the bullet I used to be sending down vary.
Match Efficiency and Actual-World Use
I examined this rifle at a rimfire PRS match the place wind gusts reached as much as 15 mph. The rifle ran flawlessly. I used to be holding 13.5 mils of elevation for some 300-yard pictures, which is equal to a 1350-yard shot with a 6.5 Creedmoor. Because of this I say precision 22 competitions are a improbable solution to observe wind calls and elevation holds affordably.
The motion stayed easy all day, and even throughout 10-round levels, the Proof barrel by no means warmed up. Simply to take a look at it, I ran 50 rounds back-to-back, and the accuracy held sturdy all through. The MDT chassis added glorious stability, and the crisp break of the TriggerTech Diamond gave me confidence in each shot. I engaged the whole lot from tiny ¼-inch plates at 54 yards to gongs simply previous 300 yards and this rifle hit all of them. The total construct weighs about 18.2 kilos, which helps it keep fully flat whereas firing. On calm levels, I may simply watch my bullet hint with out shedding it to recoil.
All through this overview, I was in a position to put lots of of rounds by this RimX rifle construct. Many of the ammunition used was offered by Ammuntiontogo.com. They’re the official ammo sponsor for this rifle overview and provide a wide array of competitively priced ammunition. They’ve fast delivery, an easy-to-use on-line web site, and aggressive costs. Go test them out!
Accuracy Outcomes
Aiming to see how nicely my final 22LR rifle may shoot, I arrange with all kinds of ammo. I then shot 5-round teams from about 50 yards. All bullet pace data was captured by a Garmin Xero C1 Professional chronograph. Norma Tac-22 and Eley Match have been the standouts, however all premium match ammo carried out respectably. Eley Semi-auto benchrest achieved the perfect SD and ES of all of the ammo I attempted, however SK and Lapua additionally carried out very constantly. Proven beneath is a desk and photos of the teams I obtained:
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Remaining Ideas
This construct was designed to push the boundaries of what a .22LR is able to. Particularly in a contest setting, it exceeded nearly each expectation. Whether or not it was the flawless feeding from the RimX motion, the custom-fit really feel of the MDT chassis, or the laser-like readability of the Razor scope, every part served its function exceptionally nicely. These mixed with the TriggerTech Diamond set off and Proof Analysis barrel made for one heck, and dare I say, the last word competitors rifle.
For those who’re severe about rimfire competitors or need a .22LR that mimics your centerfire PRS rifle in each kind and performance, this setup delivers. This rifle is staying in my rotation, and I’m already wanting ahead to extra matches with it quickly.
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Mitchell Graf is a devoted hunter, aggressive shooter, and firearms fanatic. As a former teacher and president of Oklahoma State’s Sensible Taking pictures Group, he has a robust basis in marksmanship and competitors capturing. Lately, he spends as a lot time as attainable chasing pigs and coyotes with night time imaginative and prescient and thermal optics.
When he’s not within the subject or on the vary, Mitchell works as a full-time Mechanical Engineer within the Aerospace and Protection business and manages a part-time farming operation. Whether or not he’s behind a rifle, designing elements, or working the land, his drive for precision and efficiency stays the identical.
Expertise:– Mechanical Engineer – Full-time skilled within the Aerospace/Protection business.– Aggressive Shooter & Teacher – Former President and Teacher of Oklahoma State’s Sensible Taking pictures Group.– Night time Imaginative and prescient & Thermal Hunter – Keen about night time time predator and hog searching.– Half-Time Farmer – Working to offer for my household, and lift meals for this nice nation.
