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I would like to add to previous review of the AWT chassis, but for my Winchester Model 70 Long Action in 300 Win Mag.
I bought this action initially as a hunting rifle, but decided to "pimp" it and take my try at the illusive 1000+ yard distances.
Shane is a great to work with and was willing to do the custom setup for a Model 70. Not to knock on any brands, but the Model 70 could use some more aftermarket stock support.
It amazes me how far behind ergonomic engineering. Just recently has ergonomic assessments at work been pushed forward. For years we've been stuck a club like piece of wood for a stock, next came the thumbhole stock (Accuracy International, Boyds, etc..). Then came vertical pistol grips, butt hooks, rear pod mounts.
I think once you go chassis, you will never look back. Just my opinion, but "flame suit is on".
The machining is first rate, annodizing flawless. I did have my gunsmith (AR15barrels) relieve the chassis slightly for the bolt stop. It turns out that with the newer Model 70's with the MOA trigger, a slightly different setup is used for the bolt stop. Included were new hex cap action screws (1/4-32 dunno why Winchester stuck with these). Also the newer models have a blind hole for the rear tang, it doesn't go through like Remingtons or the older Model 70s. So I had the rear screw shortened to make the chassis fit. All relatively minor machining work.
The magazine well of the action did have to get relieved about 0.1" (or less). The way FN makes the magazine well, they round the edges so you end up with a big hunk of metal in the well. This could have been done with a file, but I didn't want it to look ugly.
Two thumbs up to Shane Ward at AWT. He's willing to work with you and hopefully this opens up new avenues for guys with Model 70's. Its a great action with a lot of the features you would need to pay to make into a Remington 700 action. The chassis is also one of the lightest ones around (I will review another one in a new post). With that heavy barrel, the lighter chassis helps. My estimate is that the rifle comes in at about 12lbs, no scope yet. I wouldn't hessitate to lug it around on a hunting trip.
I bought this action initially as a hunting rifle, but decided to "pimp" it and take my try at the illusive 1000+ yard distances.
Shane is a great to work with and was willing to do the custom setup for a Model 70. Not to knock on any brands, but the Model 70 could use some more aftermarket stock support.
It amazes me how far behind ergonomic engineering. Just recently has ergonomic assessments at work been pushed forward. For years we've been stuck a club like piece of wood for a stock, next came the thumbhole stock (Accuracy International, Boyds, etc..). Then came vertical pistol grips, butt hooks, rear pod mounts.
I think once you go chassis, you will never look back. Just my opinion, but "flame suit is on".
The machining is first rate, annodizing flawless. I did have my gunsmith (AR15barrels) relieve the chassis slightly for the bolt stop. It turns out that with the newer Model 70's with the MOA trigger, a slightly different setup is used for the bolt stop. Included were new hex cap action screws (1/4-32 dunno why Winchester stuck with these). Also the newer models have a blind hole for the rear tang, it doesn't go through like Remingtons or the older Model 70s. So I had the rear screw shortened to make the chassis fit. All relatively minor machining work.
The magazine well of the action did have to get relieved about 0.1" (or less). The way FN makes the magazine well, they round the edges so you end up with a big hunk of metal in the well. This could have been done with a file, but I didn't want it to look ugly.
Two thumbs up to Shane Ward at AWT. He's willing to work with you and hopefully this opens up new avenues for guys with Model 70's. Its a great action with a lot of the features you would need to pay to make into a Remington 700 action. The chassis is also one of the lightest ones around (I will review another one in a new post). With that heavy barrel, the lighter chassis helps. My estimate is that the rifle comes in at about 12lbs, no scope yet. I wouldn't hessitate to lug it around on a hunting trip.
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