I am thinking about buying an H-S Precision take-down rifle. I am not sure if I should get the full size sniper or the small varmint. I am leaning toward the smaller varmint version. Either way, I am interested in .308. Does anyone have any input on these rifles? I have been told they are the best out there. They guarantee .5 moa on all calibers up to .30 caliber. Does anyone know where the best deals are on these? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
H-S Precision Rifles
- Thread starter Adam
- Start date
I would reconsider the take-down model
H-S builds excellent rifles and you will not go wrong with them. However, their take-down series break the barrel from the receiver. It uses a interrupted thread mechanism that look like a screw to secure the two. The zero will need to "settle" after you re-install the rifle back togather, and that usually won't hold that 1/2 moa (it will after the foulers). This usually takes about one or two rounds. This is not a big deal for hunting purpose as long as you put some "fouling" shots beforehand. You can shoot and learn the pattern so you can approximate the POI of those foulers. You also have to compensate the wear if you re-assemble it frequently. Other than that, it's a well built rifle that is also very uniqe.
I passed a offer about 2 years ago. It was a complete system in two calibers. Custom case, scope, everything for a cool $5000 - a bit too rich for my taste.
H-S builds excellent rifles and you will not go wrong with them. However, their take-down series break the barrel from the receiver. It uses a interrupted thread mechanism that look like a screw to secure the two. The zero will need to "settle" after you re-install the rifle back togather, and that usually won't hold that 1/2 moa (it will after the foulers). This usually takes about one or two rounds. This is not a big deal for hunting purpose as long as you put some "fouling" shots beforehand. You can shoot and learn the pattern so you can approximate the POI of those foulers. You also have to compensate the wear if you re-assemble it frequently. Other than that, it's a well built rifle that is also very uniqe.
I passed a offer about 2 years ago. It was a complete system in two calibers. Custom case, scope, everything for a cool $5000 - a bit too rich for my taste.
Harley Nolden
Staff In Memoriam
Spatula:
I had HS Precision come to a Federal Law Enforcement Training center to provide demonstrations and have Instuctors test fire their products. Of a particular interest was the take down model with several barrel configurations and calibers.
This rifle was the most tested and the most liked. It can be purchased in a sort of kit form, different barrals and callibers. I was most impressed as were the Federal Agency Reps.
HJN
I had HS Precision come to a Federal Law Enforcement Training center to provide demonstrations and have Instuctors test fire their products. Of a particular interest was the take down model with several barrel configurations and calibers.
This rifle was the most tested and the most liked. It can be purchased in a sort of kit form, different barrals and callibers. I was most impressed as were the Federal Agency Reps.
HJN
Thanks for the information. I was extremely imoressed by the rifle I held, to say the least. It was a varmint take-down in .308. Maybe the best balanced rifle I have ever held. I would really like to get one and put a U.S. Optics scope on it. But this is really starting to get pricey. The rifle was about $2,000; after scope, mount, rings, bipod, etc I would probably be looking at a $5,000 system. I guess I can dream for a few years until my pocket book can afford it. I like the take down model a lot. But you say it will take a few shots to settle back into the point of aim after reassembly? If I break it down on a regular basis, for travel and what not, will this effect accuracy in the long run? Or is it just that the rifle must take a few shots to settle back in after every time I reassemble it? Again, thanks for the input.
Here are some "published data" from Guns Magzine Oct. '96 (I know, magazines are really biased, but just bear with me on this one. This is the only reference I can find at the moment ): H-S Tactical take-down mode in 308 Win. 5 shot group with Fed GM (they didn't even match the ammo with the rifle. They simply shot it! This group was shot after several groups without cleaning) was 0.442" @ 100 yd. That's indeed very impressive all things considered. They also noticed that the very first round shot high left, and it seemed to be a pattern for this particular test gun whenever they reassembled the barrel to the action. Remenber that every single rifle will behave differently, so this is by no means a pattern for other guns.
The next group they shot was shoot-reassemble-shoot, and I assume the same shooter shot this. The result was 1.37"(not bad, consider many "fixed barrel" rifles out there won't even shoot a group like this), and the shots hovered around its initial zero (that's really good. This prove the precision H-S has on this mechanism). However, all mechanical devices would eventually wear lose when used repeatly (i.e. the interrupted thread).
Overall, the take-down model is properly the "smallest" full-size rifle you can find (a complete case measured 23"x17"x9", and it's ready for action in minutes), plus the good reputation H-S has gotten over the years. The only drawback would be the cost (the quote for that test rifle was $2920 in '96). If you can find one for $2000 and you really want one, go for it.
The choice is yours
): H-S Tactical take-down mode in 308 Win. 5 shot group with Fed GM (they didn't even match the ammo with the rifle. They simply shot it! This group was shot after several groups without cleaning) was 0.442" @ 100 yd. That's indeed very impressive all things considered. They also noticed that the very first round shot high left, and it seemed to be a pattern for this particular test gun whenever they reassembled the barrel to the action. Remenber that every single rifle will behave differently, so this is by no means a pattern for other guns.The next group they shot was shoot-reassemble-shoot, and I assume the same shooter shot this. The result was 1.37"(not bad, consider many "fixed barrel" rifles out there won't even shoot a group like this), and the shots hovered around its initial zero (that's really good. This prove the precision H-S has on this mechanism). However, all mechanical devices would eventually wear lose when used repeatly (i.e. the interrupted thread).
Overall, the take-down model is properly the "smallest" full-size rifle you can find (a complete case measured 23"x17"x9", and it's ready for action in minutes), plus the good reputation H-S has gotten over the years. The only drawback would be the cost (the quote for that test rifle was $2920 in '96). If you can find one for $2000 and you really want one, go for it.
The choice is yours
Any particular reason for US Optics?
Yes, they are currently doing the upgrades on the USMC scopes, but there are better scopes out there for half the price.
First, decide whether you want a Fixed power or Variable. Then I'll point you first to Schmidt and Bender. These have the brightest optics out there and they can take the abuse. They have 34mm tubes and have a lot of adjustment capability. Nightforce NXS comes a close second. These have the illuminated reticle and are built really tough. US Optics comes in third on my list for optical quality. I own one of each and I love the clarity and brightness of the Schmidt Bender.
But if you must get the US Optics, Get the SN3 w/ the doubler or the SN6 in 10x.
If you can spend some trigger time behind some of these scopes before buying them, I think you can save yourself the trouble buying and then trading up later.
Yes, they are currently doing the upgrades on the USMC scopes, but there are better scopes out there for half the price.
First, decide whether you want a Fixed power or Variable. Then I'll point you first to Schmidt and Bender. These have the brightest optics out there and they can take the abuse. They have 34mm tubes and have a lot of adjustment capability. Nightforce NXS comes a close second. These have the illuminated reticle and are built really tough. US Optics comes in third on my list for optical quality. I own one of each and I love the clarity and brightness of the Schmidt Bender.
But if you must get the US Optics, Get the SN3 w/ the doubler or the SN6 in 10x.
If you can spend some trigger time behind some of these scopes before buying them, I think you can save yourself the trouble buying and then trading up later.
Get one!!!!
Adam
I have an H-S in 25-06 Ackley. It is a take-down model. It shoots .25 MOA ALL DAY LONG!!!! Now, as to the change of POI after dis/re-assembly, I don't take it apart. I just have that as an option. What is said above, I have also heard. After re-assembly, you need to shoot it to "seat" things together again. I have heard that this is consistant enough to be "shootable". Oh, mine is the varmint model. 23.5" barrel. One great thing about the take-down, you can get another barrel assembly for it and have a "second gun" in one package. For the money, there is no better value out there. I will have another.
Adam
I have an H-S in 25-06 Ackley. It is a take-down model. It shoots .25 MOA ALL DAY LONG!!!! Now, as to the change of POI after dis/re-assembly, I don't take it apart. I just have that as an option. What is said above, I have also heard. After re-assembly, you need to shoot it to "seat" things together again. I have heard that this is consistant enough to be "shootable". Oh, mine is the varmint model. 23.5" barrel. One great thing about the take-down, you can get another barrel assembly for it and have a "second gun" in one package. For the money, there is no better value out there. I will have another.
Again, thank you for the replies. I may very well get the rifle in 7mm Rem. mag. when the time comes. As for the choice of optics, I was told at one time that U.S. Optics was the best. But I have not been able to try out the optics of any of the brands we are talking about. Does anyone have any input on which otics system is the most durable (shockproof, water proof, etc.)? I am thinking about putting a fixed 4x on the rifle, but maybe a variable would be better. I am really only interested in shooting targets out to about 500 yards or so. I live in southern california and U.S. Optics is practically in my back yard. Is there any downside to U.S. Optics? I also like the Schmidt&Bender scopes, but think I read at one time that even they are not waterproof or 100% fog resistant. Again, thank you.
Adam -
I don't think that you can go wrong if you stick with the quality manufacturers. The Leupolds, Schmidt Bender, Nightforce, and USOptics are all field proven. They also come with excellent factory warranties. It all comes down to how much you are willing to spend.
If you do go for US Optics, I highly recommend getting the SN-3 (1x - 4x) and their doubler. Without the doubler, it's a good short-range scope at 1x-4x power. With the doubler it becomes an excellent medium range scope at 2x - 8x power.
Good luck and good shooting.
I don't think that you can go wrong if you stick with the quality manufacturers. The Leupolds, Schmidt Bender, Nightforce, and USOptics are all field proven. They also come with excellent factory warranties. It all comes down to how much you are willing to spend.
If you do go for US Optics, I highly recommend getting the SN-3 (1x - 4x) and their doubler. Without the doubler, it's a good short-range scope at 1x-4x power. With the doubler it becomes an excellent medium range scope at 2x - 8x power.
Good luck and good shooting.
Adam
As far as optics, I have a Nightforce on my HS. The only thing about them is they are HUGE and HEAVY. Beautiful clearity and outstanding brightness, and I'm a big fan of illuminated reticles. It doesn't matter much on my rifle as it's got a heavy barrel and weighs 10 pounds without the scope. On a lighter gun, the big scope would be out of place.
Hopefully, in the not to distant future, I plan on having a 375H&H built on a pre-64 M70 action I have. I intend to put a Swarovski on it. Fine optics. Of course, I have a lot of Leupolds too.
As far as optics, I have a Nightforce on my HS. The only thing about them is they are HUGE and HEAVY. Beautiful clearity and outstanding brightness, and I'm a big fan of illuminated reticles. It doesn't matter much on my rifle as it's got a heavy barrel and weighs 10 pounds without the scope. On a lighter gun, the big scope would be out of place.
Hopefully, in the not to distant future, I plan on having a 375H&H built on a pre-64 M70 action I have. I intend to put a Swarovski on it. Fine optics. Of course, I have a lot of Leupolds too.