Did this thing ever become a reality or did it fall on its face like the rest of the Forbes incarnations?

I would call them and ask. I would also ask if it is a Forbes based action. It looked like a shaved down 700 to me,which might be OK but it certainly didn't look like the Forbes.

I didn't think the Barrett rifle was a ULA/Forbes but more of its own entity. All I've seen of it was the video clip from I believe the SHOT Show, but from that clip I remember seeing some differences.

It was reported that they bought the rights to the Forbes rifle and would be producing their version.

It was very close to the Forbes when I saw it at the NRA and the stock was almost, if not, identical.

Can it be, is it true?

Scope out the twist rates!!!

$1800 list.


https://barrett.net/firearms/fieldcraft/

https://barrett.net/2017%20Fieldcraft%20Retail.pdf

Are these shipping yet?

SS, lighter than Kimbers. Legit. Didn't get an elk w beta I had. It were mighty handy, however.

That 22-250 in a 1:7 twist might be something to check out!

I was talking to Melvin last week, he has nothing to do with the Fieldcraft rifles. They might look like a Forbes creation but they are in fact a separate entity.

When do they hit the shelves?

Wonder what the barrel contour is?

What about them looks like a Forbes? The action has milled out flats on each side. Is it a Forbes size action or is it a 700 size action that has been lightened?

I'm not sure about the Fieldcraft rifles, I've never seen one in real life, all I've seen is what's on the internet. I was just talking to Melvin the other day though and I specifically asked him if he had a deal going with Barrett on the Fieldcraft rifle and his response was "I have absolutely nothing to do with that".

I was hoping to have a Barrett Fieldcraft in my hands by now, with the SHOT Show happening this week I'm sure we'll have some new news early next week.

The stocks look to be very close. Pics stolen from net.

Barrett:



Forbes:

I'm interested and not knocking it at all. I'm just saying that the original buzz about this rifle was that Barrett was taking over production of the Forbes rifles. You are saying Melvin doesn't have anything to do with it so that would indicate that it's not a stock built by Melvin and the action doesn't look like a Forbes. Whatever the action is, it is milled out on the sides to reduce weight.

None of that is necessarily a bad thing but it would be nice if more information was coming from Barrett about exactly what they are selling. it seems to me that the customers interested would be a lot more detail minded than the average Joe who only checks the price stickers at the local gun shop.

i cant imagine you could take the nula size actions and mill the sides of them down...but i am only guessing at this

also the forbes stock and construction are a large part of the reason i would want a forbes rifle ...not so sure about the barret stock

There was a few articles last year about Barrett buying Forbes and starting production on them with better twists...but now it's not a Forbes and Melvin has nothing to do with it?

Something fishy going on over at Barrett...????

I don't think Barrett is putting a lot of water on the flames about these rifles having anything to do with Melvin because it's not going to hurt their sales if people think it's a Melvin Forbes creation.

Looking at the stock, it sure looks a lot like the one on the Stocky's Stocks website - the AG Composites stock??

Link:

https://www.stockysstocks.com/stock...-carbon-fiber-classic-sporter-stock.html

According to AG composites site they are making the stock that Barrett will use.

http://agcomposites.com/faq-2/

"What kind of rifle stocks does AG Composites manufacture?

We manufacture stocks for the Remington 700, the M1A / M14 and OEM stocks for Barrett Firearms and Bergara Rifles."

If they are using the Carbon All Terrain they list 25-27 ounces. I've heard Melvin say his stocks are 17 ounces finished. Not sure if that is short or long action. I would assume he was stating the weight of lightest one.

The Barrett stock looks a little thicker in the wrist just from the picture but it's hard to tell much from just a photo.

Regardless,the Barrett may be a great rifle,and it looks like they got the twists right. It would be great to have full disclosure as to what action and barrels,trigger, they are using.I hope they do very well with them ,but I would like to know a lot more before plunking down the cash.

Ha!

Good one man.

Will they work for long range though?

No way....

Long range rifles start at 10 pounds or so...

3" mag box on the short action and correct twist rates!! I wonder what street price will be.

And they show a LH 6.5 CM wow !!!

Bought my LH Forbes 7 08 from Barrett

https://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/ba...ion-new-fieldcraft-rifle-shot-show-2017/

Could be a real winner.

As for the stock, I've had my hands on the Bergara Premier Stalker, which as mentioned, uses the AG Composites stock. The Bergara rep wouldn't let on to who was making the stocks, but if I'd had to guess, I would have Hi-Tech Specialties. That said, the AG Composite felt very much like the Hi-Tech in my hands.

I would like to know their plans for caliber offerings and the barrel maker.

Is there an aftermarket 3" box for the Kimber short action?

Anyone seen or heard a street price yet?

Wow.

https://barrett.net/2017%20Fieldcraft%20Retail.pdf

Cheaper than I was expecting from Barrett.

I recently fired a Fieldcraft in 6.5 Cm with four of the cheaper factory loads and they all shot to the same poa/poi except one load. 3 shot groups ranged from .80"-.42" at 100 meters. The optic was a Leupold 2.5x8 vxi.
It balanced well and bolt manipulation/feeding was very smooth.

Anybody here the comment on the video about plans for a 5.56 and a rimfire? That's pretty neat. He mentioned a trimmed down action, and I couldn't quite tell if he was saying the 5.56 would have a trimmed down action or if he was talking about the rimfire. If they take that light rifle and offer a mini version in 5.56 -- boy howdy!

I'm going to call Barrett about the end of next week and see if I can find out any details about the Fieldcraft, they are gone to Shot right now. I'll let ya'll know what I find out.

I can answer some of these questions with certainty.

Yes the project is definitely a GO. The first rifles are shipping within a few weeks (sorry to be vague on the time). The first rifles are shipping to the distributor Bill Hicks so dealers should look there to get them first.

The stock is the exact form of the Forbes rifle and the barreled action is the same exact footprint. That is about the end of the of the similarities. The action has several differences as it went through an almost blank-slate engineering exercise.

Feeding has been perfected. The action has seen several enhancements to assure reliable and smooth function in adverse conditions.

The bolt handle is attached by a very novel method that does not use weld or solder so there is no chance of it coming off or affecting the heat treat of the bolt body by application of heat. The bolt handle has also been extended very slightly for better hand clearance from the scope ocular.

The safety lever has been trimmed in height to tuck in close the the stock and rear tang of the recover. Less chance of inadvertent movement of the safety and bloody thumb from recoil. The safety is a simple and reliable two-position.

The scope mount interface has changed by the eleimination of the lower rear bridge height. The rear ring mounting surface is now co-radial to the front ring mounting surface. Much higher likelihood of perfect ring alignment. Mount screw holes are larger 8-40 size to combat issues with a light rifle and possible heavy recoil. Talley makes all the sizes of one piece mounts for Fieldcraft.

The 308 win weighs five pounds flat. Most importantly it SHOOTS.... I have shot it to 500 yards and it is easily sub-MOA for three shot strings. The Creedmoor is amazing with any ammo you blindly grab off the shelf.

Thanks Tennessee you answered all my questions have money in hand want a LH 6.5 Creedmoor bad!! Please update us on when you think it will be available.

Thank you for the info. Can you answer a couple more questions please?

You say the stock is the same footprint. One desirable feature of a Forbes is that Melvin's stock was so light that they could use larger barrel profiles than the Kimber Montana.
Can you give the give the muzzle dia of the 7-08-308,or tell me if it is any larger than a 7-08-308 Kimber Montana?

Just looking at the action it looks to have milled flats,similar to what someone would do to lighten a 700 action. You say the Fieldcraft has the same footprint. Is it actually lighter than a Forbes -NULA via the milled flats or is that more cosmetic in nature to distinguish it from a Forbes?

Does the safety lock the bolt?

Is the action individually pillar bedded, or bedded to a slave action like a Kimber?

Is there any accuracy guarantee? I do have very good confidence in Barrett regardless.

What is the mag box size for long and short actions?

LMAO....

#OUTDOORLIFE!

I handled the Barrett at the SHOT Show. Nice rifle but definitely not a NULA "clone" and apparently never intended to be. Barrett offers a selection of standard calibers with specific barrel lengths, whereas you can have virtually anything from NULA, albeit at a higher price reflective of its fully custom-built status.

According to the Barrett price sheet:
.243, .22-250, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08, .308 in RH and LH, 21" barrel, $1799.
.25-06, .270, .30-06, 6.5x55 Swede, 24" RH and LH, $1799.

Very interested.

Sure sounded like a 223 sized action and a 22lr are in the works. Fingers crossed!

I just spoke with Barrett and these rifles will be shipping "April or May".

Diameter at the muzzle is .55"

The action weight is very close. The flats do remove some weight but the rear bridge is thicker so it is kind of an offset.

The safety does not lock the bolt. It is a two position safety. The goal was simplicity and reliability.

Each barreled action is individually bedded to its respective stock. The last three digits of the serial number are engraved into the bottom of the receiver just behind the recoil lug and the imprint is visible in each bedded stock so there is no mix-up.

No stated accuracy guarantee at this point though I expect there will be because these guarantees have become a marketing necessity. I don't put much value on these guarantees personally. I see a lot of people with 4 MOA habits shooting 1 MOA rifles. I do know the acceptance standard at the factory is 3 shots 1MOA max at 100 meters. Non-compliant rifles do not ship.

Short action mag internal length = 3.02"
Long action mag internal length = 3.39"

These look excellent. Magbox OAL and twists done right, in stainless with a decent stock, and light!

Exactly what they said last year.

They look like a nice rifle, I'm not crazy about fluted bolts or shinny stainless parts on my hunting rifles though.

The stocks are similar, but not an exact replica of a Nula. It's obviously too early for anyone to comment on their accuracy or field performance, but I have no doubt either will be an issue under the Barrett name. It may be a rifle I consider in the future, but for now, while Melvin is still building rifles, I'll spend my money on a Nula.

Does anyone know what colors will be available or what kind of lop is going to be on the Fieldcraft?

These appear to be uber.

I'd love one in 22-250.

21" bbl.?

Sounds ideal to me.

A handloader making full use of magazine capacity (assuming rifle is throated to match) might be able to push 162 ELDx's and 175ELDx's to 2700fps and 2600fps respectively with a 7mm-08 and a 21" barrel.

Interesting.

David

Well the LH models are no longer listed on there web site? Any one know whats going on sent e mails to Barrett.

I have my doubts about when/if this rifle will be released. The same lady at Barrett who told me "April or May" earlier today had told me "late January or early February" about two months ago. I'd buy one right now today if they were available. But being introduced to the public back in (what?) May of 2016 and still not ready makes a fellow wonder. I'll believe the project will actually happen when I see them out there. In the meantime I have a NULA on order with Melvin.

I was told these were shipping to RSR in mid Feb when I talked with them at the shot show. They were very specific, although could still have been blowing smoke.

I believe the rifles are real and will be shipped this spring. It's the LH model references that have been removed from Barrett's website.

Like vabowhntr, I spoke with the folks at Barrett during SHOT last week and they confirmed the rifles were filling the pipeline now and should be available soon.

RSR has them listed on their website as "coming soon"

I wonder what happened with the Forbes buyout/partnership???

Barrett bought all the assets of the failed Forbes company. That is all there was to that.

They screwed over lefties by dropping all models and mention of LH guns on their site. Any company that plays those games shows lacking in customer service to say the least. They just got stuck in the ignore file along with Kimber.

Why?

Did they lighten up the left over Forbes actions for their rifle? Stocks?

I'm just curious what has happened to all the Forbes stuff since Barrett was selling them at one point. Sold everything off then designed their own rifle?

The LH rifles are going into production. They are just not the first few SKUs to ship so they are not listed to avoid any customer confusion.

Doing some reverse engineering and tweaked enough not to get sued?

Bolt release looks the same on the Forbes and Barrett.

I don't know a thing about it but I figure Melvin had contract with Forbes that didn't carry over to Barrett.

I hope they turn out a good product.

That may very well be true, but it has turned off MANY LH shooters. Several people have received various answers from the same customer service person, from "I don't know", to "they should be out late in the year, but there is no timeframe".

If it was to avoid any customer confusion, it did just the opposite. This was one of the few LH announcements around SHOT show time, and it turned into a disappointment, when the models were removed from the site with no explanation.

Maybe its just the angle of the camera but the bolt handle on that rifle looks much different than the productions ones I've recently seen posted. The newer ones look like they have a shorter bolt handle??

Was that a prototype rifle maybe or pre-production?? Regardless looks like a nice rifle overall.

You sound like a 5 yo girl that didn't get her way.

Seriously.

Very interested in this rifle, and plan on buying the first one I can put my hands on.

Everyone is going to get there way. The LH rifles are rolling into production ASAP. There are about eight part numbers rolling out first to fill open orders. Two reciever sizes, eight unique barrels.

These components are made on machines at Barrett. It just takes a minute to get that much new product into a production schedule that already includes all the existing rifles.

Stickers are still being removed from brand new machines to get all this stuff in.

More important to be accurate than fast.

That is a great explanation. That is all it would have taken as a note on the site to avoid people thinking they were dropped all together

Seriously? That should be the question to ask a company why they would announce something, then just as quickly pull any reference to it, with no other word. Anyone would think the plans for that were totally dropped. Just put a "coming late 2017" next to the SKU. Not rocket science.

And, it doesn't really bother me when or if they do come out. Not looking to buy an unproven rifle at that price point at this time anyhow. I could buy 3 Tikkas for the about the same price, and be confident of what they are capable of.

Jeesh, really! Methinks thou dost protest too much.

But you're not gonna buy one anyway.

The firearms industry never fails to disappoint. They announced this rifle in early 2016. Now at shot 2017. And now a lefty when? Wow. I had money ready to go. Maybe I'll go back to looking elsewhere.

You girls are laying down more guilt than a Pastor on Easter Sunday!

Is it a lefty thing?

+1000
They said they would make some lefty guns. Isn't it reasonable for them to try to recoup a little money from the investment first by building the model that 90% of buyers will be interested in,rather than appeasing the 10% or less? You should be happy that they are promising to produce a left hand version instead of just being ignored.

Well I guess if we "should be happy..." then I can say a company should have better than half-baked product introduction combined with lousy customer service when asked simple questions. God only knows what would happen if a customer service issue on a gun needed attention.

lol..... You're not doing much to help the left handed folks. All the crying then stating that you're not going to buy one anyhow. Too funny.

You don't know a thing in the world about Barrett customer service. You aren't doing anything except acting like a child having a temper tantrum.

You are basically throwing a fit about something,and then when you are told that you can have it,you turn it your nose and say you didn't want it anyway.

We have a good informative thread going about this new rifle and you just want to turn it south.You really should drop the subject now.

I'm sure they will make good on their commitment. I know I'm excited about it as a lefty and will likely replace most of my rifles with theirs.

I'm not a lefty,but I am certainly willing to give Barrett the benefit of the doubt and support them as much as possible until they prove they don't deserve it.

I would like to have another choice in a light weight hunting rifle, and I won't bad mouth Barrett before they even get a chance to get their feet into the market. I think one huge mistake the Forbes company made was underestimating how much bad press would effect their business. The world of information we live in today isn't the world we lived in 20 years ago. A company today that makes a few bad choices in customer service to a few individuals might as well have done it to thousands, because thousands will hear about each instance. I think that gives the consumer more responsibility that any criticism is honestly deserved.

Fair enough, but I cannot tell you how many times lefty announcements and catalog items have never come to fruition.

Does the stock have a cheekpiece?

I am a leftie and am patiently waiting for a Barrett Fieldcraft LH LW 6.5 Creedmoor.

Bought one of the LH 7-08 Forbes that Barrett had when they bought the remaining Forbes rifles. Quite happy with it.

In dealing with Barrett they kept there word and Im a happy customer. Took several phone calls but it worked out well.

I can understand Barrett not wanting LH customers waiting for a product with a deposit, on uncertain delivery date.

I handled this rifle in 6.5 Creedmore at the SCI show this week. I was very impressed with the machining, fit, and finish. It is light, and the action reminds me of a very svelt Templar. Sako extractor, exceptional trigger. The thing smacks of quality. They were taking orders at the show and, according to the rep, they had just started manufacturing the first run. MSRP is $1,799 in all calibers.

I have the caliber list; I'll post that later. As I recall, 8-10 calibers consisting of the usual suspects.

Yes the stock has a cheekpiece

I agree, fit and finish is greatly improved over the Forbes Rifle, not even a comparison. I have had two NULAs and currently own a Forbes, the stock feels the same but that is about it. I really liked the rifle and placed an order for a lefty once they start producing (a couple of months). The rifle handles very nice and can't wait to shoot one.

Tag

Is the action diameter of the Fieldcraft the same as the Forbes/NULA or is it 700 Rem diameter?

I also hope they expand their caliber selection after they get rolling.

Any RH Fieldcraft in peoples hands yet?

The first Fieldcrafts shipped yesterday to Bill Hicks (distributer)

308s and 6.5 Creedmoors

Hopefully they start becoming available regularily. Ill buy one in 270.

Wonder how long it will take for the few to get their hands on a Creedmoor...safe digging now to free up funding

Will the Barrett come with a mounting system, or will it use the same platform as a remington 700 short action or similar?

Wishing to mount a 30mm SWFA scope, any suggestions?

Thanks all

Looks like a nice rifle.
In for a review when they land.

Not sure if they come with them. Options:

https://store.barrett.net/c-485-rifle-accessories.aspx?section=-61-

Tennessee,
Any idea when 7-08's may be shipping ?

How about 250-3000,257 Rob,358 Win

I'd build if I wanted one of those. I wouldn't expect them to ever chamber for any of the 3.

Same here.

Thanks JCM

So what is the deal? Did you just get it? Where did you get it? How much did you pay? Thoughts?

308s showing up on GB now; $1600 ish

Nice

I'll let the hype and the prices settle down a bit and wait until they are available in 270.

Fwiw, I see a few of the new kimber subalpines on gunbroker too.

BARRETT FIELDCRAFT LIGHTWEIGHT, got them here in Australia, nice caliber options...

We could not find a hunting rifle that was perfect, so we built one. This rifle is designed to be carried further on long days in the field and perform like a Barrett at that critical moment. The stock is crafted from carbon fiber to provide an ultralight yet stiff platform for shooting from field positions. The actions are scaled for their specific caliber and precision barrels contoured for their application. There is nothing one-size-fits-all about this rifle.

AVAILABLE IN
.243 Winchester 21” BARREL
.22-250 Remington 21” BARREL
6.5 Creedmoor 21” BARREL
7mm-08 Remington 21” BARREL
.308 Winchester 21” BARREL
.25-06 Remington 24” BARREL
.270 Winchester 24” BARREL
.30-06 Springfield 24” BARREL
6.5x55 Swede 24” BARREL
SPECIAL NEW $3145

[url] link [\url] http://www.gunbroker.com/item/635800705

Here is a link.

Kinda surprised that there are no writer/dealer reviews of these yet. I don't pay attention to many rifle's release/production/etc...but I'll see write ups of a review where the company sent this rifle to someone and they sing it's praises before production rifles hit the market. ...this time I am looking forward to the rifle being put on the market.

There are a bunch of 308's on Gunbroker. If there was a 6.5 I would be very tempted.

Is the bolt handle as long as they appear in the photos?

http://www.billhicksco.com/storefro...ord=Barett+Fieldcraft&emailAddress=#

Somebody needs to be specific about weight. The listed 5-6 lbs is not what someone spending 2K on an ultra lightweight wants to hear. The list the same for short and long actions as well.

The lack of general information and non specific weights is a bit disappointing. I still don't know what kind of action this rifle uses. Is it based on a Forbes,or a model 700,or proprietary,or what?

Pretty much my exact feeling

If someone procures a Fieldcraft and also has a Kimber Montana, would love to see a side-by-side photo.
I'm particularly interested in the forearm length of the Fieldcraft - hopefully it's 1.5-2" longer than the Montana.

I'll do it for you Tuesday. We have a 308 on the shelf.

Thanks Darrik!

Thank you so much. When you post that info can you post a few more details please? Some of these questions you may not be able to fully answer but I would greatly appreciate any insight.

1.Can you tell if this is a 700 action that has had metal removed to lighten it,or is it something entirely different? How does the action and bolt diameter compare to a model 700, Forbes action,or Kimber Action?

2.Is there any information about the barrel manufacturer? Is it a recessed target crown or what?

3. I would love a picture of the bolt face to see the position of the extractor. I am interested to know if this one will have a high ejection like a Forbes or more of a 90 degree ejection.

4. Can you get us an actual weight?


I would also love to hear your impression of handling and how it compares to the Forbes and Kimber. It looks like the stock is more reminiscent of the Forbes. When this rifle was first announced,the impression I got was that Barrett was taking over the production of the Forbes rifle. Now it isn't clear what,if any, similarities the Barrett has with the Forbes.

I can answer these.

1. It is not a 700 action. The diameter and footprint is the same as a Forbes.

2. The barrels are all profiled, chambered, threaded and crowned in-house by Barrett. The actual straight-cylinder blank supplier may vary by caliber based on performance or capabilities of different suppliers. They are all precision honed and button-rifled to date. The crown is a typical radius faced, 45 degree edge break as seen on most hunting rifles. Every one I have shot performs beyond my expectations.

3. The extractor location is the same as Forbes. It works.

4. The 308 weighs five pounds flat with the 21" non-threaded barrel. As you know the weight will vary slightly by caliber and barrel length.

The stock is EXACTLY the same stock design that was on the Forbes. The action footprint is the same. That is about the end of the similarities. Re-designed from the inside out.

Thank you very much. I will be buying one in 6.5 Creedmoor.

a couple other question please.Did you have any issues with ejected cases hitting the windage knob on that Nightforce? I had some issues with this on my Forbes but I haven't determined yet if mine is an extractor position issue or spring tension issue,or something else.

I have picatinny rails for my Forbes. Does the Barrett use the same hole spacing so mine would fit,or if not is there any plan to offer a picatinny rail? The only reason I would want a rail is more versatility in ER on some scopes.

I have used the NXS 2.5-10x24 mounted in 30mm LOW mounts on both 308 and 6.5 Creedmoor and I cannot remember one failure to eject.

The 308 I fired extensively from a bench and in some hot-and-heavy South Texas hunting.

The Creed was all on a flat range from the bench and various unsupported positions.

Runs like a top.

The Fieldcraft does NOT use the same mounting holes. All the screws are the larger/stronger 8-40 size.

The front receiver ring has three mounting holes giving adding flexibility of front mount placement to be ideal with different dimension scopes.

The rear receiver bridge is also corradial with the front meaning the top mounting surface is like one uninterrupted surface. The mounts are Fieldcraft specific.

Picatinny rails are available.

Sounds good!

I would like to see these chambered in 284 Win.

Have they figured out how to produce a lefty yet?

Don't hold your breath on that one.

I have to disagree with the stock being the exact as the forbes...I could be wrong but respectfully disagree with that statement....if you look at the early forbes rifles they have Melvins stock on them as time went by and Melvin parted ways with forbes you will notice the cheekpiece and bottom of the grip changed from the earlier ones....yes the later stock style does match the current stock on the barrett rifle but not the earlier forbes rifles

It seems we agree. They are indeed the exact stock that was on later Forbes rifles.

The one you may have seen that looks different merely has sharper edges around the base of the grip and the edge of the cheek piece. I prefer the more radiused edge as it tends to get damaged less.

what I was trying to get across is it appears that not all forbes rifles had Melvin Forbes stocks on them as advertised...nor does the barrett rifle

they seem to shoot well though

Can Someone post a pic of one of these Forbes rifles that has the same stock as the Barrett? The Forbes stock I have is different than the Barrett.

If i were in the market for a blind magazine rifle I would try one of these in .300 Win. (When they build them) ....I bet these rifles are damn good shooters.......Hb

Do these non-checkered stocks have some kind of rough textured finish or are they slick as a moles azz?....I dont think Im a fan of this slick looking stock....Hb

Haven't held the Barrett, but if they mimic the Forbes they will be very textured.

Very good, I hate a slick rifle stock...I had a Remington 700 Custom KS Mountain Rifle that had an extremely slick stock, the colder the weather the slicker it got....Ha!..........Hb

From the looks of them, they don't appear overly textured. Here is the website of the company that makes them

http://agcomposites.com/

A friend of mine just picked up a Bergara HMR which apparently has an AG stock. I was expecting tupperware but was impressed at how ridgid the stock was. The paint was speckled like a McM but with a much glossier/smoother finish.

...again, I ain't had my mitts on one from a Barrett...yet...

Stocky Stocks sells these stocks as well. They list the LOP as 13.875" and overall length as 30.75". They don't show any options on LOP??

Be nice if Barrett offered some of the other colors!

Stockys stock may be the same as the one on the Barrett but it ain't the same stock on a Forbes/Nula. I have one of each and they are a little different.The one from Stockys is for a Rem. long action sporter contour and it weighs 25 oz. Wrist feels slightly different than Forbes/Nula and forearm is kinda squared off looking on the end. Buttstock is about same dimensions.

Montucky Fieldcraft side by side?

Here are some pics. Grabbed a couple off the shelf.

Montana on top. Note the closed grip on the Barrett.



Montana on top again. The Barrett forearm is longer.

I've taken a couple of out the stock to examine bedding. Both bedding jobs were excellent.

I'm impressed with the rifles. Honestly, Barrett did it right. Weight, stock, bedding, 3" mag box, all stainless, Timney trigger, balance....

Darrik,

Thanks for doing that!
The Fieldcraft looks to be about 1-ish" longer on the forearm.

Anything else? *grins*


Couple of folks that'll do whatever you like:

http://beanlandrifles.com/
http://newultralightarms.com/
http://www.mcwhorterrifles.com/
http://hbrifles.com/

I looked and handled one today too. Wow! It is the only rifle in the shop that I would consider trading my 7mm-08 Montana for. If the Barrett was a 7mm-08, I think I'd be all over it.

What's the barrel contour like compared to the Montana? Is it any heavier at all?

Doug, what caliber? Must be good to make you think of trading the Montana...

Does anyone know what the length of pull is on the Fieldcraft? I don't see any mention of it in the specs on their site.

He handled a 308. You'll be wanting one😀

I read it somewhere? Maybe in this thread or the manual?

It's slightly longer than 13 1/2". I can't remember the exact number, so I won't give bad info as the gospel.

My creedmoor has just under 14" LOP. Between 13 3/4-14".

How long for the 6.5 Swede's to show?

Have only seen 308's and a few creedmoor's so far

Really like the looks of that, thanks for posting the pictures. Hope you can ship to Canada one day

Same here! Or I sense another group import thru PRF if that LH Fieldcraft ever materializes...

I'll be ready for a LH rifle when they are made. Or more...

Yep, just like those 375's a few years back As it stands now a LH 30-06 would be mighty appealing to me and useful...........

Wolverine Supplies will/are bringing them in. $2435

I wonder if they'll ever offer them in a wood stock?

Hi Marty,
The one I played with is a .308. Nice, light, solid rifle. I won't really trade, but I do like that Barrett. If I didn't already own the Montana...........

I'm sure you can stop wondering about that one. I sure doubt it just like I doubt they start chambering things like 6remington 257 Roberts 7x57 220 swift 284 cases and 250AI.

Actually there are plans to offer a wood stocked model.

I would like to see them offer it in .300 Win....I would be sorely tempted.....Hb

buds had em when i checked last night

bout $1,600 when all is said and done

Well, tomorrow is open... grin

I'm betting we'll have one less Fieldcraft after your visit!

I handled this rifle at length at the NRA show and spent a good bit of time talking to Chris about its features.

This rifle is very well thought-out and executed in every respect. It is precisely fitted where it needs to be and leaves room for debris in some very creative ways. I have one on the way for testing and can't wait to shoot it.

Please keep us posted.

Where in Alabama are you? Send a PM if you prefer.

My 7-08 Montana is going on the classifieds as soon as I can get my hands on a Barrett so chambered.
It's about time somebody gets something so easy, right. Couldn't be by better people either.
I hope it's as big a success as it deserves to be and they sell a million of them. People need to get back to buying quality guns built to hand down through generations instead of this disposable price point garbage that's flooding the market.

Preach it. Could not agree more.

The Fieldcraft will cause lots of rifles to hit the classifieds this year. It's a superb package.

Yeah that looks to be the best mouse trap going.

It's a damn nice rifle!

They are flowing...

I want one in 22-250.

They are in process. Hold on! 18" threaded and 21" non-threaded. 1:7

Uber...

Wish the LOP wasn't 14" is the only thing I see being to turn me off from them. I like a short LOP personally.

Bandsaws work really well. Being 6'3" tall with 37" sleeves the 14" LOP seems short to me. It's relatively easy to shorten a stock but much harder to lengthen one.

HAHA....good point but I am a millennial so I only think about myself right?

Those have picatinny bases on em. Whats with that?

Only bummer about these is my Forbes are probably loosing value:(

Every rifle is test fired from a bench by a person. The Pic bases are on the rifles so one scope can quickly be moved from rifle to rifle for 100 meter test fire. The bases are removed and reinstalled on the next batch of rifles.

Sounds cumbersome but it is way faster than leveling a scope in Talley mounts thousands of times.

Are those threaded barrels? If so what's the thread specs?

Yes they are. 5/8-24 on all calibers. For now only "short action" calibers are available with 18" threaded barrels.

How many rounds per gun do they fire? I assume they are proving 1MOA or less accuracy?

Awesome! I want a job shooting them. I have a feeling you guys are going to be producing a bunch of these.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/642322041

30-06 just hit Gunbroker.

....at full msrp.....pass.

....at full msrp.....pass.

Looking forward to some more full fledged handling and accuracy reports.......

I'll try to get a report in the next couple of weeks. Waiting on brass right now...and it's crunch time at work so it may be a while. I'll at least try to get some pics and details (weights, side by side, etc) in comparison to a Montana up this weekend.

I'll really be looking forward to the full review. What's the barrel contour compared to a Montana?

You've forfeited your privilege to ask questions after a couple of invites to shoot specific rifles that you've not accepted... Nah, invite's still open and I'll try to compare the contours, hopefully this weekend.




I threw the 21" 6.5 on a postal scale before I put it in the safe. It was a fraction of an ounce over 5lbs....so yeah, it varied a little less than slightly.

That is great! It looks like the 308s are a bit under 5 lbs.

You had me scared there for a second. I will have to get over for a day soon. I'll buy some steaks if you can provide the fire. Maybe I'll have my Forbes scoped by then.

"Wish the LOP wasn't 14" is the only thing I see being to turn me off from them. I like a short LOP personally"

Yes, that is waayyy to long. I like a shorter LOP as well.

I'm just the opposite. I'm thinking finally they are making a stock to actually fit a grown man!

Most people will crawl a rifle stock and shoot it like they are shooting a shotgun. Wrong.

The LOP feels perfect to me. Don't get hung up on a number. The grip and comb are part of the equation. I really like the feel of the stock, especially when shouldered.

I appreciate the hands-on report there. I was pretty excited about the 14" LOP since I am 6'6" and prefer as long an LOP as they will make. May still have to add a spacer, but it sounds like it is a good start. I also like the verticality of the grip. Overall, I feel that this is probably going to be the go-to mountain rifle over a Montana/Adirondack for the sub-$2000 crowd.

Perfect bedding. You can see the three digit serial number imprint from the bottom of the receiver just forward of the front action bolt hole. Each barreled action is individually hand bedded to its stock.

Yes, 1 MOA 3-shot groups fired at 100 meters are the acceptance standard. They all pass or they don't ship. I have seen several sub 1/2 MOA groups.

May not be a question you can answer in an open forum and I only ask out of curiosity...

Is there enough data from the test firings to conclude that a certain cartridge is more accurate in the short action 18 and 21 variation and the long action? I remember reading an article in the past where the Remington Custom Shop was able to make some general conclusions regarding cartridge's in one the their rifle models. This was several years back, I believe, when Remington was Remington.

I would love to handle one...any ideas who has them in stock in central Indiana?

The 243 and 7mm-08 definitely have my attention.

Scott

Looks like the bedding on my 3 NULA rifles except Melvin doesn't use a pillar on the rear tang!

Is the Fieldcraft full length bedded? It looks to be. Either way a much better job of bedding than any production rifle I've ever seen. They are looking more promising all the time.

Yes, it is full length bedded

When are the lefties coming out?

Wow awesome! When will we see 22-250 and 6.5x55 for sale?

this is what forbes rifles would/should have been if it was properly executed....no suprises that the platform is performing the way they are its been proven for over thirty years in the form of ula/nula rifles

Seriously cool stuff Tennessee. Thanks for posting the pics.

I agree with that notion. I have several rifles at the same length of pull that I'd swear were half an inch apart. Hard to know how it's going to feel until you lay hands on it. Can always drop $75-80 on a thinner pad install if the factory pad turns out too long. I do that all the time.

I really wish these were offered in 260 Rem. I'm tooled up for that as I have a heavy 260 and would like to complement it with a lighter version.

A little compare post here:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...raft-montana-forbes-compare#Post12015431

Best bolt handle attachment in business. No weld, No solder, No break. You can change out the handle if you ever need.



Here you can see the anti-bind track in the receiver and bolt lug. This feature has been around in the Rem 700 and Howa action for a long time. It has a big effect on how smooth the bolt operates.



And finally some groups from today. Keep in mind these are brand new barrels with factory ammo. They have only had one proof round through them before testing. They only get better as they hit that 100-200 round mark.

Just brought my .308 Fieldcraft home from the FFL. Bare rifle weighs exactly 5 pounds and 0.0 ounces on a certified scale. With Talley lightweights and a VX-3 2.5-8 X 32 and light sling it should be just under 6# w/o ammunition. I like what I see in the rifle so far.

Are those different rifles shooting a group each,or groups from the same rifle? If one rifle what caliber? Asked before but are you seeing any better groups from one particular caliber? I remember you saying the 6.5 Creedmoor did really well.Is this perhaps because of good factory ammo?

Those targets are multiple rifles.

For 308- Lapua factory ammo 167 Scenar. Did not search for different loads because that is the standard test ammo for MRAD and 98B rifles and apparently it shoots well for Fieldcraft.

I believe the standard load for 6.5 Creedmoor is the original factory 140 AMAX load, but I have been shooting the Hornady Precision Hunter factory load and it is EXCELLENT as well. Same dope to 500 at least.

Thought somebody might be interested in a short-barreled 6.5CR (not mine).


18" threaded 6.5 Creedmoor

Hmm ... Adirondack or fieldcraft ....

Sorry I missed this specific question.

So far the first calibers in the pipeline are 30-06, 308, 6.5 Creedmoor and 243.

308 and 6.5 Creedmoor are pretty clearly the easiest to shoot tiny groups with. It makes sense, 308 being one of the most "figured out" match cartridges and the Creed being created for that purpose.

I probably shot more than 10 different factory 308 loads in an early 21" Fieldcraft and they all shot well enough, but the two that stood out to me where Hornady Match 168 Amax and Federal Blue Box 150 grain. The cheap blue box never disappoints in about every caliber.


The 18" Creedmoor shot everything I could buy. I bet I could mix 3 rounds with different bullets in the magazine and outshoot most hunting rifles at 100 yards. This cartridge may be the end of my hand loading.

I have been shooting an 18" barreled Barrett 98B for a few years in Creedmoor and I am positive that is enough barrel.

So how does one find a 6.5 Creed?

Any more word on the promised lefty's?

I'd looked the handle over quickly and was wondering about the attachment. Thanks for that.

The bolt is nice and smooth.

Tennessee,
Thanks for taking the time to share your incite and post some great photos. I'd like number "four" from above, please!
😉
Is Barrett supplying test targets with each fieldcraft as cooper does?
One additional question - several (including me) have asked if the safety locks the bolt like the nula. I am aware that it doesn't, but I'm wondering if a smith could retrofit a nula style safety that would?
Appreciate your posts.

Waiting on left handed bolt handles to arrive from casting foundry...

No plans to include test targets. Normally there is no paper target because all the groups are recorded on an electronic target system.

No you could not retrofit the bolt locking safety (easily). There would be some intricate machining required on the receiver and bolt. We found that mechanism to be rather delicate and finicky when dirty. We chose simplicity and reliability and strength over having bolt lock feature.

That is great news!

That might cost me some money, liking what I am seeing a lot with these.

This likely was covered earlier, but what's the mag box length in both short and long actions?

3" on the short action. I can't remember the long action length off the top of my head but it is shorter than a 700.

Keep us updated on the Left Hand progress thanks .

I'm curious if they will be throated in such away to maximize the SA's generous 3" mag well.

Well the 6.5's are showing up on Gunbroker for around $1600. Myself and another member here broke down and bought one each. They are on there way!

Looking forward to hearing some reports and thoughts on these rifles from those taking the plunge.

I would love to see a review complete with all the targets.

Yep, a couple more good reports might push me over the edge. Still not sure which one I'd choose, I might be the odd one here and go .308.

I'm still recovering from foot surgery and am not allowed to walk yet. Otherwise I'd have already shot my .308. And Holston, there are zero flies on a .308. With Talley lightweights and Leupold VX-3i 2.5-8 mounted it weighs 5# and 14.6 ounces. Very well put together.

Join the club...

Mine arrived today in 6.5cm. I like everything about it. It'll be a few weeks before I get it out to the range but if it shoots as good as it looks and feels it is going to be great.

Did anyone receive the voucher for the rings mentioned on the Barrett website? It states first 500 will receive a voucher for the Talley rings.

I didn't see one in mine. Not sure what # it was but the serial # is 2 digits.

I didn't see one in mine. Not sure what # it was but the serial # is 2 digits.
[/quote]

I'll try giving a call tomorrow to inquire, mine is not as low as yours but way under 500.

I have some for you. Send me an email tomorrow and I'll get them on the way. We'll discuss which size/height then...

I didn't receive a voucher either with mine either. Was wondering about that.

Several guns shipped to distributors before the vouchers were placed in the boxes. I don't know all the details, but I know that to be the case. I called Barrett about the rifles I'd bought for the shop and they made it right. If any of you bought one from us (Whittaker Guns), I have Talley's for you!

Are they proprietary bases or will bases form another manufacurer (i.e. model 700 )work?

I'm guessing they are proprietary. I never tried a 700 base, but they have 5 holes for the bases.

They are proprietary. The diameter of the receiver is much smaller than a 700. The screw holes are also the larger/stronger 8-40 size.

The three mounting holes in the front are not all used when mounting the front ring. You only use two. The three holes are there to give you more flexibility to position the front ring in the best spot depending on the length of the scope tube forward of the turrets. You can flip the Talley mount either direction and place forward or aft on the three hole pattern.

Talley Mounts for Fieldcraft


DNZ also makes their Hunt Master mounts for Fieldcraft if you prefer.

Looks like the boys at Barrett have thought this through pretty well. That's a great move, regarding their mounting holes. Well done.

Once the lefties come out, it is going to be hard to say no.

Interesting. I wish I knew about the free rings before I went and ordered rings from Barrett for $49! I'm picking the rifle up tomorrow curious to see if there is a voucher.

If there's not, they were very easy to work with and just asked for a copy of the invoice to be emailed and are sending me rings today.

They also have a rail listed in stock on the online store.

I'm a fan of DNZ. Haven't broken one of them yet.



I mounted one of the 20MOA rails last week. The 5 screw holes is nice with the rail.

Brass came in yesterday. Hoping to put some rounds through it this weekend.

Did an abbreviated shoot yesterday to get it on paper. Only shot one 3-shot group. Was after about 13 shots adjusting, didn't adjust anymore. Scope seemed to hold were it was but adjustments were unreliable and I was pushed for time. Will be swapping scopes before I shoot any more or work up loads.

This was factory Winchester 140 grain ammo. 2 in the same hole and one out which I knew when the trigger broke. Squares are 1". Accuracy seems to be there but I only shot the one group.

Well thats a good start.

If that grid is 1" that group is about .80". That makes me happy.

I would gently clean the bore since it is about at its first 20 rounds.

That rifle is going to shoot.

Tag on the lefty watch.

Jay, what scope were you using?

I put a Bushnell 3200 10x on it that I was going to use for load workups. I've used several of these scopes over the past 8 or so years and they've always been reliable in the adjustments for load workup on a lot of different rifles. I've never used them in the field or at massive changes in dialing, mostly from 100-300 yards. I think I've used about 4 of them. When I loosened the top turret the little rubber ring that sits under it was wadded up and fell out, looked like it was dry rotted.

I've got a 6x42 Leupold and a 1-4 Super Chicken sitting in rings. Not sure which I'll go with.

Those 3200 10x don't like to track if you over torque the ring cap screws. We returned a lot of them when I worked at sportman's warehouse in college.

It may have been over torqued. The little rubber ring fell out so any cushion it may have been providing was gone...and I'm known to tighten things so they don't come loose....

I received my Fieldcraft 6.5 CM about 6 wks ago and like others have reported, I'm very impressed so far. The Timney trigger was well tuned to a crisp ~ 2lbs from the factory. I like the ergos of the stock and it fits me well. Feeding and ejection have been flawless. Rifle weighs 5lb 2oz bare and 6lb 10oz with a SWFA 3-9 Milquad. I've only put about 80 rounds through it. It's shooting the Hornady 143gr ELD-X and 129gr HIL well. Mine did not like the 120gr GMX. Zeroed at 200yds with 143gr ELD-X, it's .5 MILs high at 100yds and -.9 MILs at 300yds. I'll be testing the 143gr ELDX's on some hogs this summer,



Typical 100yd grp with 143gr ELDX. The 129gr Hornady IL's shoot nearly same POI at 100.


SWFA 3-9 on 8 power, 8"x8" plate at 300yds


143gr ELDX at 300 yds

Nice...hard not to like that.

Bump for lefty update. :-)

I put about 12 rounds through mine today. Was hot and windy and I was pressed for time. Got it zeroed in using factory 143 grain ELD-X. Not too shabby. The stock is excellent. Absorbs recoil very well. I'll get back out next week. If factory ammo continues to shoot this well out to around 500- 600 yards I'm done. No reloading, just shooting and hunting.

No Flies on that one!
Looks like I'll be tripping some parts and passing on a build to grab one.

I just got off the phone with Barrett. One question they couldn't answer - what is the drop at the comb and heel of the stock that comes on the Field craft?

Also anyone weigh a LA with mount/rings/scope? They say 6lbs just the bare rifle. Add 11 oz for a Leup and 2.5 for Talley's and it should weigh right close to 7lbs. Or about Nirvana for a 30-06. I'm seriously considering one of these but likely need to trip my other 30-06 to make it happen.

That's a fairly heavy scope relative to the weight of the rifle. How does it feel and balance? How is recoil?

I also called Barrett and the lady that tried to answer My questions was very nice but she knew very little about this rifle. Barrett needs to educate their receptionist's on their products if they expect them to answer technical questions about their rifles........Hb

PB,

It balances well. The weight of this scope did not change the balance point of the rifle without scope, which is right at the front action screw. The stock fits me well and therefore the recoil feels mild. It's a pleasure to shoot.

I keep entertaining the thought of treating myself to a premium rifle. I have had shoulder replacement surgery and don't relish the thought of touching off a high powered round from an ultralight rifle though. With a little extra weight in the scope though, these might hit a sweet spot in a 26-28 caliber offering. But I wouldn't want to kill the balance. What you have told me is encouraging.

I'll second what MCT3 said on the balance. I put a 19 oz scope on one for load development and although it does increase the overall weight, it has little effect on the balance due to the location of the scope.

I've not shot many 6.5's but the recoil was pretty quick...not abusive or harsh and the stock is a good design for handling recoil, but I was expecting less. Maybe because I'd read the reports of mild recoil. I'd been shooting a .243AI of about the same weight (with 105's) and the difference was noticeable. I guess pushing a 140 grain bullet gets it pretty close to .308 recoil levels with a 150 grain bullet. I just didn't think about it before I touched the first one off. Again, not bad, but have it snugged up to you before you squeeze.

I don't know how it works in your company, but in mine, reception transfers calls to people that know things.

I agree....I asked to speak to a tech rep and the receptionist wanted to know what My questions were then she commenced to answer My questions ( well, some of them anyway..ha!) ...Hb

I experienced the exact same thing. I still don't know how much drop the stock has at the comb or been. Or how much their 30-06 weighs despite the fact they have one in stock.

Ha! She couldn't even tell me the LOP on the rifle.....Hb

I apologize if i missed it, but what kind of recoil pad is used on this rifle?

Thanks

Bump for lefty update?

x2

Any plans for a .280AI??

Well got a chance and handle a 6.5 version of these with an 18" barrel. Sweet little rifle. I can see selling a Kimber Montana to fund the purchase of one certainly. We will see how the Kimber shoots first, but it's already on the chopping block before it gets here.

GOT ONE COMING MY WAY

I thought long and hard about trading off my sweet shooting Kimber Montana 7mm-08 for one of these, but I'm staying with the Montana. I already know how it shoots. Having said that, the Barrett is a sweet rifle. If I didn't already have the Montana it would be the one I'd go for.

<<<What are the torque inch lb. requirements for reseating the barrel/action?

Rear action screw (goes through trigger guard) – 36 inch lbs
Front action screw – 80 inch lbs
See page 18 of owners manual.>>>

The above is from the Barrett site FAQ on the Fieldcraft. Does 80 inch lbs on the front action screw sound high to anyone else?

Thanks

Sounds like allot of torque to me, I'm used to 65-68#

do they recommend barrel break in on the bolt gun. They don't on their other rifles. says just not to get their BIG GUNS too hot.

My dealer called and has one in stock, should I buy?????

I think Ruger specs even higher than that.

Yes.

Paul what's the trigger like on this rifle?

If I am not mistaken, it comes with a Timney. Feels great in the store, and is adjustable.

I received a test Fieldcare about a month ago The Timney's was set at the factory to a very crisp 2.5 pounds, and I'd guess the others are set similarly.

Overall I'm pretty impressed with the rifle. There'll be a feature-article review on it in RIFLE in a couple of months.

https://barrett.net/firearms/fieldcraft/

Scroll down to the bottom for the FAQ. Most answers are in there and in the features links.

<<<do they recommend barrel break in on the bolt gun.>>>

Barrett replied to my e-mail:

"Your rifle would have been cleaned after it was tested fired here in our range. Page 6 of your manual help with break in procedures. If you still have questions please feel free to email me back".

I get to handle ours tomorrow, my dad picked it up and its with him now.

Best

Well I got one coming...$1475 shipped to Alaska was just too good of a deal to pass.

If anyone is looking for a brand new never shot Kimber Mountain Ascent in 6.5 creedmoor let me know!

Got one on the way in 6.5 Creedmoor as well. Really hoping they start making these in fast twist 223 with a decent mag box length.

Just got one in in 6.5 Creedmoor and the trigger drops at 2.5# every time I tested it (a bunch). The drop at comb is .425" and the heel is .235" measured from the center of the bore.

Neatest rifle I have seen in a very long time...

Well I am glad you like it. Cause the one I just bought is going to see you before it sees me.

Please give a range report when you get a chance.

I would love to, but it is for another 24hr member (not alaska lanche) and he might be ready to shoot it when the fishing ends...

They are a sweet little rig!

I'd buy one in 250-3000.

I shot my buddy's 6.5 creedmoor out to 560 yards last week. The sale going on at Whittakers was enough for me to take the plunge for one in .308. I hope to have it sighted in within the next 10 days. Already have the scope, and rings, pic rail is on order. Needs to be ready for sure inside 2 weeks as we leave for Kodiak deer hunt come the 31st.

Fieldcraft is a Kimber killer, twice the rifle.

Its putting two of my Kimbers on the chopping block likely.

Thanks for the measurements - I called them and they acted like they never heard of such a thing....................

Happen weigh it?

One thing that held me back was a 2 position safety - that doesn't lock the bolt. I have a rifle like that and the bolt handle gets caught on 'stuff' and will come open. A rather inconvenient feature.

Supposing you have a Kimber Montana that is a sub MOA shooter ,(I do), how is the Fieldcraft twice the rifle? I don't like that the safety doesn't lock the bolt on the Fieldcraft, and I'm a little concerned that it has an even thinner barrel than a Montana. I'll probably buy a Fieldcraft anyway eventually but I really am interested in what specifics that make it twice the rifle the Montana is.

Well in .308 especially my .308 Montanas a 1:12 which limits me to 180s and less if I wanted play with longer skinnier bullets. Couple that with a mag box to actually allow you to run long bullets and actually seat to the lands...it just gives you more options.

Don't get me wrong I like my Kimbers and will def keep atleast 2 of the 4 I have as the fieldcrafts fill the niche they do (358 win and 338-06) but the current 308 win and the incoming 6.5 mountain ascent may be down the road so if anyone is interest.

I agree, a two position safety that doesn't lock the bolt on a hunting rifle (especially one set up to be a lightweight hiking rig) is a bummer. It's an interesting rifle otherwise. I really like how they did the 18"threaded barrels, little weight but with a bell at the end for a proper 5/8x24 thread.

OK,I'll agree that the twist rates and longer mag box are features that may be very attractive in some cases.

Better barrel and better stock on the FC. And subjective to buyer, but I like the Action on the FC better.

Plus Kimbers are known to have spotty craftsmanship.

Did not, but I will here in a few minutes.

Non-locking bolts do not bother me... it has a little resistance when opening or closing but otherwise bolt travel is very slick!

The rifle, bare and empty weighs 5#4 1/4oz... The stock alone weighs 1#12 1/8oz which seems heavy to me... and the metal parts weigh 3#8 1/8oz. The bolt by itself weighs a slick 6 7/8 oz.

The bedding job is full length and perfect. A dial indicator did not wiggle at all during torquing.

The sling studs are not to my liking, I prefer flush mounts... but there is not much to bitch about with the rifle, except...

Looking it over more carefully... the guy that came up with the idea of using three different size screws for the trigger guard and action is an idiot! Problems in the field do not get fixed best by having three different hex bits required. When he dies and goes to Hell (a given!) he will spend eternity trying to fix things just two bits short of what he needs! That would absolutely get changed immediately if I get one.

Just saying it's better doesn't really qualify it as such for me. If you were to say for instance that one stock was made from old Tupperware and the other was a Carbon Kevlar composite, then that would work, but just better won't qualify? How is one barrel better than another if they both shoot 3/4 MOA groups? Can you possibly list how they are checked more precisely for imperfections or something along that line? Looking for specifics please.

The action on the Fieldcraft is simply bad ass.

The barrels are better because they are twisted properly.

The action screw size thing was the only fault I could find on the one I got to check out.

lol.... I remember thinking it was odd as a football bat when I was taking mine apart the first time.

This! That was enough to keep me from wanting one.

Negative drop from comb to heel. Thats interesting.

Does anyone know how these stock dimensions compare with the Kimber Montana stock? I had two Kimbers but haven't seen a Fieldcraft in person yet.

Art - a big thanks for the weights and over view. I find them interesting but for now the non-locking bolt is a deal killer. I have a M98 with a non-locking bolt and have bad it spit shells out of the chamber on more then one occasion. Before anyone comments - I do carry a bot chamber when I'm still hunting. It's pretty hard to chamber a round when a Whitetail is 20 yards away......

Should have searched first….Kimber says the Montana stock drops .43 at comb and .54 at heel. Stilll want to look at FC for real but that helps a bit.

Since it's apparent many prefer to engage in typical Internet speculation, here are a couple more details from my testing of a Fieldcraft .243 over the past month and a half:

1) The "skinny" barrel of the short-action models is stress-relieved twice during manufacture. Contrary to popular opinion, I've found properly stress-relieve barrels to shoot consistently even when hot, no matter the contour. This one did too. During one range session, on a very warm day in late June, I shot two consecutive 4-shot groups with Federal factory ammo, not allowing the barrel to cool between shots or groups. Not only did point of impact remain the same, but both groups measured .7 inch.

2) I also tried nine different handloads, mostly ones that had shot well in other .243's. I did NOT tweak the charge, or bullet seating depth. Instead I just seated bullets a about .02" shy of the lands. Bullets ranged from the 55-grain Cutting Edge Raptor to the 115-grain Berger VLD, and included the 100-grain Nosler Partition. Three-shot groups with EVERY handload went under an inch, with the smallest around half an inch.

3) The stock is made with carbon fibers, and is full-length bedded with pillars.

Some of this could be found out by checking the Barrett website. More details will be included in a RIFLE magazine article that will appear in a couple of months,

Interesting but not uncommon. It keeps your eye right up there. I do have to say the stock is not elegant.

With having extensive experience with Nula's, and a bit with the Fieldcraft, after reading some of your posts on the Fieldcraft, would you say it's a good alternative to spending the extra money on a Nula? Aside from the 2 position safety it sounds like a less expensive Nula. I know right now Melvin is swamped with orders and having a hard time keeping up because of issues with his staff, Forbes Rifles Inc is shut down, it's great timing for Barrett that's for sure.

From what I've read on it, it sounds like the only thing it's lacking (besides the 2 positon safety), is being put together under Melvins supervision. The only other potential difference I can think of, and something I don't think I've read anywhere, is about the recoil. I know that the stock design on the Nula seems to absorb about 30% of the recoil felt with the same cartridge in a different stock. I really would like to get my hands on one to get a first hand feel of it.

Straight recoil with less muzzle rise? It seems that way when shooting.

I'm liking the 21" 6.5 Fieldcraft but haven't gotten to shoot it as much as I'd like yet. Great little package. If I was making one change, it would be that they use the same contour barrel on the short actions that they use on the long actions and cut the short action at 22". It would put a little more weight out front when shooting offhand, from the bench it doesn't make much difference to me. That's a personal preference and some folks might not like the extra oz's. Great package either way.

From their website:

What is the barrel contour on every model and caliber?

Barrel contour is lighter than #0 contour for short action 21” barrels.
Barrel contour is similar to #2 contour for long action 24” barrels.
All short/long action barrel breeches are 1.065.

What is the diameter at the muzzle?

Short action – 21” barrel is .550
Long action – 24” barrel is .615

I hear that. In reality I have had my kimber bolt come open when strapped to my pack cause I don't carry one in the chamber when its strapped to my pack. I guess I could close the bolt on the empty chamber with go to safe but I never really bothered that much.

However when still hunting and I do have one in the chamber the rifle is in my hands, not slung over my shoulder or anything, cause if hunting that requires me to be walking around with one in the chamber for my uses then I am not going to want to have the rifle slung on my shoulder as such the bolt has never come open in my hands, maybe I am lucky. So for me the fact that the bolt doesn't lock closed isn't an issue as I don't even use that feature on my Kimber like some do I guess.

However if you do carry the rifle slung with one in the chamber while going the lots of alders and brush I suppose it could be a drawback and in that case this rifle likely isn't for you. But it don't see that being an issue for me, to each their own.

The non locking bolt is something I can work around. I prefer that it locks so I can have a closed bolt with rounds in the mag slung on my back. If I'm going through thick stuff I don't have to worry about the bolt coming open and sticks or brush getting in my mag or chamber. I'll just have to carry the rifle in hand through any rough stuff.

Had an employee from Barrett visit me today. He brought my rifle. I ordered an 18" 7-08. Mounted a scope, screwed on a suppressor and commenced to shoot. First three shot group was less than an inch. Second three shot group was less than inch. Both were shot with handholds left from other rifles. No doubt its a shooter. I love the little rifle!

Very nice. Please advise when the LH models will be available as I want to put one on order promptly.

Unfortunately, I was told the left hand models are a ways out. Barrett isn't ignoring the left hand crowd. It's just a major undertaking and a major financial commitment. Lots of tooling and expense.

Before I say any of this, please keep in my I have a left handed son -- so I have a personal interest, but...

best estimates suggest left handers are about 8% of the firearms market. Our numbers reflect that and we sell in excess 20,000 long guns a year. I realize those numbers are probably not accurate. Young shooters are given right hand firearms and stay that way for life, few companies offer a complete left hand selection of firearms, left handers can't get exactly what they want so they compromise, etc., etc. Lots of factors negatively impact those numbers.

This may sound selfish, but left hand guys better hope Barrett moves a ton of right hand Fieldcrafts. The rifle needs to be a major success before the capital is generated to produce left hand actions, stocks, etc.

Maybe that's a question that can be answered? How many preorders would it take to get the ball rolling?

Hey SAS, nice shooting, what scope is that?

I am going to mount a 3-9x40 Leupold and need to decide between low and medium. What do ya'll think?

P.S. This rifle sure is sweet. Action cycles super smooth and the bedding job is very clean with a tight precise fit all the way to the forearm.

Thanks!

Mine is a 2.5-8x36. I'd suggest lows.

Thanks for all the info here. Been going back and forth between getting one in 7-08 vs .270 as an all around deer and sometimes elk rifle. Currently have both cals in Montuckys so there will definitely be some duplication and probably the sale of one of them. I'm concerned the barrel is too light in the short action and bulky in the long. The montuckys have similar barrel profiles with different length and shank length between short and long action. The description above says the short action barrel profile is sub #0 and the long is more like a #2. I'm hoping someone has seen or handled the long action and could give me some info on what they thought comparing the short and long actions.

Also wondering if SAS has some input on them and when they are expected to be at the shop.

Thanks,
Craig

SAS, I would buy 1, maybe 2 LH's, depending on caliber offering.

Did I read the website right? 243 1 in 7" twist?

That's sweet!

Yep, and my test rifle shoots 115-grain Berger VLD's very well at close to 2900 fps, using Ramshot Magnum.

A few more comments for people that asked other questions. Apparently many don't really know how and why the Fieldcraft appeared.

Forbes Rifle went under pretty quickly. Melvin Forbes was one of the original partners, helping set up the factory and overseeing the production of the first few dozen rifles, but when the people at the Maine factory started making rifles on their own, the quality went downhill quickly, and Melvin demanded his partnership be bought out, because he didn't want anything to do with the operation. After that the quality went downhill even further, and Forbes soon declared bankruptcy.

Barrett eventually bought out the remaining assets of Forbes, which included some rifles and actions. They took a close look at everything and decided to build a similar but not indentical rifle. Which is why the Fieldcraft resembles the Forbes/NULA, but differs in a number of ways.

I wasn't aware of that - good info to know.

Did they give you a custom serial number too?

Yep!

Damn it man........you Whitakers guys are making it hard on a guy to keep money in the bank account.........that rifle appears to be all the Kimber Montana should be if done right............

How does the stock compare to a NULA as far as dimensions and overall feel? I may have missed it somewhere here in the thread already; I apologize if so.

Must be good to be King!

Billy,

It's VERY similar to the NULA stock in all dimensions, including the comb sloping slightly downward. The grip's slightly slimmer, 5" in circumference vs. 5-1/4" on the NULA's in our safe. LOP is 13-3/4".

It's unfortunate that they mislead the buying public about it.

Thanks, John!

Thinking I need to offload some toys and get a Barrett headed this direction.

I don't think they mislead anyone. It's still happening. It'll just take a bit.

Go eat some pudding.

Given that the wrist is slightly slimmer, I will commit to take one LH as well to get the ball rolling...

Umm. OK.

I have some left handed friends looking at this rifle and hoping too. It just may be however that they need to recoup a portion of their investment before investing again. Just a thought,but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

Anybody seen a .270 or .25-06?

RS

I'd probably plunk down some cash to get on the LH list...for a 30-06.

PM sent.

Lots of .270's and a couple of .25-06's on gunbroker

John, do you know if the firing pin, more specifically, the firing pin hole, will work with the small primers in the Lapua 6.5 Creed brass, or is it oversized which will cause cratering and less consistent ignition?

Picked up my 6.5 creed last night and I'm super impressed. Have a feeling my Montanas will be headed down the road and a few more of these will be on the way. Really would love to see them make them in 6 creed and 223.

Just weighed a 308 version to see what they larger bore diameter does to the total weight...

Again this rifle looks to have exactly the same quality bedding job and workmanship as the previous one above... trigger breaks at the same 2.5#, every time.

They still have not fixed the three different size screw heads!?!?!

The 308 has threads for a brake with a plastic protector where the other did not.

308 model weights:
The bare stock weighs a half-ounce more, at 28 5/8 ounces

The metal parts weigh 3# 5 1/8oz or 3 ounces less.

Total bare weight is 5# 1 7/8oz or 2 3/8oz less.

Thanks for the report!

You'll likely have a 21" .308 on your door step here soon as well as my 6.5 18" in the next day or two as well. For increased sample size.

I'll keep an eye out...

Weights on the 21" model here in a few minutes...

Just to keep all weights together...
21" 308 with VERY low serial number...
Metal 3# 6oz

Stock is much lighter at 25 1/2oz

Total weight 4# 15 1/2oz.

Those of you disposing of your crappy old, not worth a lot anymore Kimber Montanas, please PM me.

We'll give them a home out on the plains of Eastern Washington where they can watch the grapes grow and the Columbia River flow.

Sincerely,

The David Walter Home for Unwanted Rifles, LLC

I played with and shot a Fieldcraft last weekend. I noticed that there were seven Montanas for sale on the first page of the classifieds yesterday. I now know why.

Thanks Art.

Someone needs to order a LA and send it to Art for review 😎

Darrik is helping me repatriate a 6.5 Swede back to Tennessee. I think that if all goes well with shipping, it will only have to spend one night of its life in Kentucky before it gets shipped back to The Volunteer State.

Everyone have a camera in their smart phone? Let's see the actual groups these Barrett's are shooting, maybe compare them to the Kimber's???

I'm about to buy a new LW Rifle,

#1 is Barrett
#2 Kimber
#3 the new Coopers just showing up
#4 Ruger American??

want to build but parts are scarce and VERY expensive. , over $3,500 just in top components, then another $2,000 to have it built.

Because I'm a great guy I'll buy that for you in exchange for you returning the M24 that you've held for me the last couple of years...nice even swap. I just checked Darrik's long action Fieldcraft price a few minutes ago.....

Jay
If I ever sell that NULA, you'll absolutely be the first person I'll call. It's going to be interesting to have the NULA 30/06 and the Barrett Swede together for comparison, I hope to be impressed with the similarities. The only thing I dislike on what I've read so far is the lack of a locking bolt on the Barrett. I figure that the NULA will be here long term, but if you need to see her again, come up in November or December for a hunt and you can use any of your old rifles in my best deer stand. All ya gotta do is leave all the houndstooth and crimson at the state line

David

lol...hopefully I can make it up. I'd like to take a look at the long action Fieldcraft, it should be very close to the 30/06 in relation to barrel contour and length....I wish they'd used the same contour with the short actions. Do keep us updated when it comes in.

What paint scheme are you getting on your ML....NULA stripes in Big Orange/White?

Anyone know if magnum calibers are planned in the future?

Again, to keep numbers together... Weighed a Creed with 18" barrel and thread protector.

Checked the trigger pull and while it is very crisp and clean it breaks at 3.5 to 4 pounds. From the website I see the trigger is a Timney (marked on the trigger body, too) and only fits the Fieldcraft. Not that anyone would need to change these triggers for a hunting rifle.

Total weight is 5# 2 3/4oz.

The stock weighs 28 ounces even.

The bolt is a bit lighter at 6 3/4oz.

Wow ,wonder why the stock has to weigh 28 oz. ?

My thought exactly... if I ever wanted more weight it would be in the barrel...

Maybe the material or process they use?

I have to say they do balance nicely a bit ahead of the front action screw. About the shank for me. Feels guuuud

My guess would be balance. That's one of the best features of a Nula, the fact that the rifle balances so well. If you order a rifle from Melvin with a heavier contour barrel, he adds weight to the stock to balance it out.

Wondering if we will see a .280/.280 ai...

I only have access to one Fieldcraft, a 21" 6.5. The stock weight on it, with the trigger guard included, was 25.2 oz.

Made a dummy round with dad last night for our 6.5 Creed. Used a 147 Hornady ELD M and made a nice square kiss in the lands at 2.910"

The bullet shank / boat tail transition matches up right where the neck meets the shoulder on the brass. 3" box. Perfect.

Anyone else make any dummy rounds or throat locators with the same or different bullets for reference?

Best

Here it is ready to go:



Pretty excited to get this little gem in action on the 1st of August.

Good seeing ya Sitka Deer and thanks again!

I really wish you hadn't posted that.
That's a really nice setup you have there.

It's not that nice....rings are too high but it's all I had on hand right now before we go deer hunting in 5 days so it's gonna have to work for this season. I will get some NF ultralights ordered up after hunting season and bring the scope a bit closer to the bore.

Well, I wasn't gonna be "that guy" to mention it.

Haha I will mention it so others don't have to.....for now the sky high rings live on there. Not a huge deal as it just required a bit more on the cheek rest but other than that no big deal. It will get addressed after hunting season with lower rings.

That looks good. To me, 7 lbs all up is about perfect - light enough to carry, heavy enough to settle down for offhand shooting. Especially after you hustled up a ridge to get ahead of a critter at 10k feet...........

Some have EVERYTHING dialed in just right... even if the rifle has a few extra ounces or worse. Life is about getting the big stuff close enough and the bigger stuff even closer. Always a treat seeing those that get the truly important stuff dialed in perfectly...

AL / SD, what picatinny base fits the Barrett? I highly recommend these rings, which are the lowest of the picatinnys. .750"

https://www.americanprecisionarms.com/products-page/custom-parts/rings/

Wow, long throat, 2.82 is standard, sounds good

ready to go:




any groups with your gun you could share?

Not shooting until this weekend unfortunately. I think the standard freebore with the SAMMI 6.5 Creed reamer is a little long for the best bullets in a 2.82" box. With Barrett's 3" box it all jives well!

As another point of reference....143 eldx meet the lands at a COAL of 2.895" in my rifle.

I am using the rail from talley for it.

http://www.talleymanufacturing.com/Products/Tactical/Picatinny-Rails/Barrett.aspx

Yeah currently using 1" high rings. 1/4" down would help for sure, but a few more pads under the cheek rest cured the cheek weld.

Thus far have only got shot 3 shots down the pipe unsuppressed as I shoot in my yard and in order to keep peace with the neighbors (I live in a neighborhood I try to limit the unsuppressed shooting.

Anyways got it dialed in at 99 yards (as far as I can get in my lot) with the suppressor.

Took off the suppressor and shot 3 times. 1st shot....adjust 3 MOA down and then shoot two more.

Close enough till I get to the beach to deer hunt so my neighbors don't hate me

My 7-08 fieldcraft with a 162 ELDX hits the lands at 2.9379 and with a 120TSX it's 2.8215

Anyone get the free set of rings? How long did they take to get?

I mailed my ring card in on the 14th and they shipped on the 18th. Pretty fast considering I'm in Alaska. Bad news is they shipped FedEx/ USPS so they are most likely going to get returned because I used my Fedex street address where I don't get mail.

I received the coupon for the free set of rings as well and they arrived within a week. I guess serial #'s over 500 are still getting the coupon?

Get rings here if you need more

https://store.barrett.net/c-485-rifle-accessories.aspx?section=-61-

Thanks Alaska lanche

Rings come with them IMLE, if they are going to get them, despite the fact desired ring size and height are not known. I suspect the rifles are not made in order by serial number.

I really do wonder how the serial numbers work on these. I've heard of a couple of different ones in the 800 range already. Is it possible they produced that many rifles to date if the serial numbers are sequential? I'm thinking no, and that the sn are not sequential.

Also, they seem to be coming with vouchers for one set of rings, Talley lightweight style. Talley also has them

My serial number is just under 900 and i did get the card for the free rings

I pick up my 21" 6.5 Creed Thursday. I don't think I'll get free rings. I'll report back with my serial # and pics ASAP

My serial number is 924 and I received a coupon for rings they sent them right out only took a couple days

I just received a phone call from barrett, there is the posibility of a hardness issue with some of the bolts. They want me to ship the rifle to them so they can test it.

Uh oh, please let us know what they say. Also, how did they find your contact info, did you register your rifle with Barrett their warranty card?

I got the same call pretty disappointing I know they are trying to make it right but I have spent a pile on bulletts down range developing loads. geeshh

Rob

OH CHIT I just picked mine up today . I'll check their website. I haven't registered it yet.

glad i waited

They traced the rifle to where i bought it and they gave them my contact info, I have not sent in the warranty card or free rings card yet.

Serial number trace from a dealer gives them that info. They know what they ship us and we know who buys what. No registration, the ATF isn't involved. Just the manufacturer, dealer and customer.

SAS,

Any info on the issue with the bolts? How extensive is it?

Thanks,

Jerry

The issue was with the cocking handle on the bolt and it only applies to a very small serial number range.

I'll say this in defense of Barrett -- they're doing business the way it should be done. You think another certain manufacturer of lightweight rifles would have gone to these measures if they found something out of QC spec? I already know the answer, as do most of you on here. Barrett could have turned a blind eye like many of their competitors have done in the past, but they made a stand up decision.

Barrett holds their product to higher quality standards than most of their competitors as well. This "recall" is a sample of those standards. That alone is what will keep their rifles in hands of customers for years to come.

It's an inconvenience (and I don't like being put out either), but rest assured they'll take care of you.

I agree with SAS, I'm sure Barrett will send a free shipping label, They are a first class bunch. I won't have any problem if My SN is involved. I did send them an email tonight with my SN asking for further advice..

I agree as well SAS, I guess what I wrote above came across wrong. The registration I was talking about was the mail in warranty registration with Barrett that's in the packet from them with the voucher for the rings. Thanks very much SAS for explaining and I do agree that they are handling what appears to be a very isolated issue much much better than some other lightweight rifle mfgs did in the past. I have two Fieldcrafts rifles sitting here now that I got from you guys, for an unbeatable price I have to say, and will stand by to see if either of them are affected. I can say that they seem to be built the right way right out of the box, with no discernible flaws that I can see, and I'm just waiting on rings to go shoot.

Thanks again,
Craig

Yep, stuff happens in production...especially early in production. Immediately owning up to a problem and fixing it is the way it should be done.

Jerry,

The term "recall" I used isn't fair to Barrett. There were 10 serial numbers on the list. They suspect the Rockwell hardness with the cocking handles on the bolt may be slightly below spec. They can't be sure until they get the rifles back.

Very limited issue.

My response last night I am sure was way too quick. I absolutely agree that Barrett is staying ahead of the pack by reacting the way they are. I spoke with them and they are doing everything right to make it right with their customers.

Rob

I spoke with Barretts sales mgr a few minutes ago and I am 100% behind Barrett. They are ahead of this issue and are making it right with customer. It is a very small isolated case along with being minor and most likely a non issue. So Kudos to them for taking the initiative to contact us and stand behind their product. Customer service is a lost entity in todays world so it is refreshing to be dealing with a company that still "gets it"

Rob

Are these 10 all 6.5 swedes?

I received this from Barrett this morning. This is typical of Barrett's professionalism. I got lucky.



Hide original message
On Thursday, August 3, 2017 9:19 AM, Vicki Carrera <[email protected]> wrote:


We had a FEW rifles go out w/cocking handles just below our Rockwell hardness standards.
 
While probably OK, we'd rather replace the handles.  It's a minor issue and less than 30 rifles.  
 
W/that said, we also understand that it's a MAJOR issue for anyone that purchased the rifle and have already shot it in.
 
We personally spoke to all 'end user' consumers today effected by the call back.   
 
We understand the frustration and am trying to do everything possible to make it right w/the consumers...  
 
It a 'anything touched by human hands' scenario, but we certainly understand that those who are personally effected are frustrated.
 
Your serial number is good to go so enjoy shooting your new Fieldcraft...
Mountie Mizer
National Sales Manager
[email protected]
 
Office: 615-896-2938, ext 286
Cell: 615-603-4367
Fax: 615-896-7313
 
Barrett Firearms
PO Box 1077

I've been asked to send in my Swede, I was called yesterday and had a mailing label a few minutes after the conversation. Very nice and professional employees I've spoken with, it will be no cost to me and even sending a hat and t shirt.

I'm impressed with the rifle and the company. As soon as a 223 and/or a 22lr is released, I'll be calling my friend SAS again to place an order

David

Now that is the way to handle things, thank you Barrett and SAS! I'll definitely be buying more Barrett rifles as they roll out more calibers and hopefully some left handed rifles as well in the future. I also can't say enough great things about SAS and the entire crew at Whittaker's, not only did they have the best prices on the rifles, their customer service, communication, and ease of buying is second to none.

Thanks,
Craig

I just took mine apart, cleaned it. I adjusted the trigger to a beautiful 2#'s. The barrel was quite dirty, so I ran a bunch of Patch Out soaked patches down the bore, all good now.

I cant believe how tiny this rifle is. The action reminds me of a Nesika J action I had on a Dakota rifle. So far I have ZERO issues or buyers remorse. Of course this could all change after my range session.

Since I don't have to send mine back to Barrett, I'll scope it tomorrow and measure throat lengths with the Berger 140VLD and Elite Hunters. These are the only 6.5 hunting bullets I have. maybe load some 42.0 - 42.2 H-4350. Hopefully load development will be quick n easy.

http://s122.photobucket.com/user/buzzsawbucket/media/IMG_1804_zpsx0rkx0gb.jpg.html?sort=3&o=9

Months back there was video suggesting Barrett intended to make .223 Rem sized actions for these rifles. Does anyone have more scuttle about when that may be?

Do you think anyone ever believes that guy when he introduces himself as Mountie Mizer?

What a cool ass name.

I been looking for info on a 223 version and still no luck.

I heard they are gonna do the .223's in left handed first.

Asked for a 250-3000,said no can do. Geez they make a 1-9 twist 25-06. Nice for a 115-117gr 250-3000. I'll pay for reamer.

I have a set of 1 inch medium ring mounts that I ended up not needing as I went a different direction scope wise than I originally intended. If anyone is interested, PM me with an offer.

Just a slight clarification. The hardness issue is only with the cocking piece. No safety issue and honestly there is not even a function issue.

A "soft" cocking piece was cycled in a bolt over 1000 cycles with zero issues other than slight wear on the nose of the cam surface that ceased around 200 rounds and appeared to get no worse.

Nonetheless a few parts got out that are not perfectly to the heat treat spec, so they get replaced.

For the Barrett?

See my post above with a quote from Barrett on this issue

Yeah I saw that. Vicki just got the name of the part wrong.

This is part of why the Barrett Fieldcraft will be around for a long time...

Thanks for the clarification, I was not given that detailed info over the phone.

Yes, for the Barrett Fieldcraft

Only complaint so far is this "stainless" rifle is a rust bucket compared to the tikka or kimber. Still weathered in Kodiak and waiting to get home, but out of the field. Exclusively hunted with the Tikka CTR. The Barrett stayed in the vestibule of the tent so had it pretty easy being sheltered the whole trip whereas the Tikka was out in the rain and much getting saltwater paddle drips from every stroke on the packraft. The Tikka only shows a couple small rust spots, the Barrett has more pock marks than a 14 year old boy in puberty which is pretty sad considering it was babied compared to the tikka in just 5 days on Kodiak.

In that regard I am not impressed but we shall see how it handles the salt free but moist air of interior Alaska in the coming weeks.

Will post pics of both later today since not much else to do when weathered in town and commercial flights are all booked.

Finally got my 6.5 to the range this last weekend. In between keeping the mags full on my kiddos guns, I was able to plunk down a couple of groups.
Both factory ammo - the first being 140 ELDs and the second being 147 ELDs. I'm thinking there is some promise laying in there...

Man, those are horrible, surprised if you even wanna keep it after that showing

Pretty good for 1st range trip with a 5lb rifle.Im hearing good things about this rifle.

Looking good Darren - hope all is well out your way & congrats on the new rifle

Was a bit bored stuck in kodiak hotel for day 3....so here ya go.

Kimber Montana rust after the trip:


Tikka CTR rust after trip really only limited to the first couple inches of muzzle:


And the Barrett fieldcraft that never left the dry tent vestibule:


The Tikka did fair the best despite seeing by far the most direct saltwater on the barrel everyday in the packraft.

Hard to tell from the pictures, but does the Barrett have a rougher blasted finish than the Kimber? Is the Tikka perhaps the smoothest finish?

Darren, I got my 6.5 to the range today, same results as yours. To be honest I was surprised at the accuracy. I'm lovin this gun. I need to see how to post pictures now that photobucket has all mine under lock n key.

Alaska, there is this really neat stuff out now...it's called gun oil, really great stuff, you keep your guns clean and boom, they don't rust, whoda thunk it could be true.

You need to DGS that thing.

Yep, DGS is what I'd do. Then you don't have to be oiling it all the time.

Haha easy there tex....I am fully aware of gun oil but thanks for the pro tip. I have zero worries the rust on all 3 rifles won't all clean up just fine. Merely adding to the thread for those interested showing that the fieldcraft is the least stainless of stainless rifles I have used. Yup a little gun oil helps but thought it was interesting the rifle that lived in a dry tent the entire trip rusted up way worse than the rifle that had salt water splashed on it everyday.

A little brush action and they all will be rust free when I get home.

What is this DGS you speak of Jordan to help this lame brain "stainless" rifle out?

Me too what is DGS ??

https://store.dyna-tek.com/Firearm-Products-s/1817.htm

alaska_lanche ,

To heck with the rifle, how was the deer hunt?

Oh, and another vote for Dyna-Tek Gun Shield.

Usually surface rust like that is due to contaminated blasting media. Surface particles of non-stainless metal are blasted into the surface and then rust.

Excellent info Alaska L, I am surprised as many would have you believe that a Tikka rifle will rust if even if a damp cloth gets within 10 feet of it.....lol....Hb

I've always had great luck using Eezox on all my rifles. I've heard CorrosionX works well too.

You can even apply the stuff to Cerakote, and it'll result in a harder and more durable finish.

EZOX works good

What happened to all the Kimber owners saying the reason for all the complaints with Montana inaccuracy... is because "light rifles are hard to shoot".....?

Mine got a lot "easier to shoot" when I properly bedded it.LOL

Yeah I read that a few times on this site and found it ludicrous....It makes you wonder if these guys have any idea about the subject they are commenting on, i guess you can expect such off the wall craziness when so many put in their 2 cents on a particular subject, its also very entertaining to read.....lol.........Hb

While I'm sure Kimber put out some dogs, I don't own one. And my Montana is definitely more difficult to shoot for every person I've put behind it.

Myself excluded.

And no I don't do any "special holds" when I shoot it.

I seriously want a Fieldcraft.




Travis

My 18" threaded 6.5 Creedmoor arrived today. I'll post a range report in a week or so after mounting a leupold VX3i 2.5-8x32. I'll be using factory Precision Hunter 143gr ELD-X.

Playing the NFA wait game on a Thunderbeast Ultra 7..

I get what you're saying..... Of course, heavier are easier to shoot (all other parameters being the same). I do think the grip design of the Fieldcraft/NULA stock allows for a trigger pull that seems to effect the hold less than the more open grip of the Kimber. Also think the butt/cheeckpiece design of the FC allows for more contact and a more natural hold resulting in a steadier hold than the Kimber. But...this is just for me, stock fit and grip are personal. Long way of saying the FC is easier for me to shoot than the Montana...and I'm a fan of the Montana.

I'm looking for an 18" 6.5. Who has the best pricing on these currently?
Thanks

None of that really effects anything off of a bench. The problem isn't "light" rifles, the problem is crappy built guns. The reality is that Kimber has no quality control and assembles junk rifles.... with excellent components. And I like Montanas. I just find it funny that thread after thread is about Kimbers that don't shoot and everyone runs around saying it's because "light rifles are hard to shoot", yet no one has a problem getting the Barret to shoot. Quite the opposite, actually.

Probably close to a year ago in one of the hundreds of threads about Kimber issues, I posted that no one would have problems getting the Barret to shoot because they'll be assembled correctly.

Check with Whittaker guns - great guys to deal with and smoking prices.

... and you were not wrong.

Not yet anyway.



Dave

Give me a little time, I bet I can make one of them shoot poorly.

I'm with you on the assembly and build. Disagree on the statement "None of that really effects anything off a bench". For my built and technique, the FC (and NULA) is easier to hold steady both off hand and from the bench. I can see it dry firing...it's for sure gong to show up when shooting.

I'm looking for a 21" 6.5CM, who has the best prices? Whittaker's are currently out of that configuration BTW.

I feel the same way about the Nula stock. My favorite hunting stock.

Today's range session: https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...ries/12227138/barrett-fieldcraft-8-23-17

Wow. Like a Tikka but 3x more money!

Yep. Just like a Tikka. Just like one.

Just reloaded for a friend's Kimber 8400 in 338WM with excess headspace. Bumped new WW brass to 35 caliber and sized it down to fit the chamber. Left the brass slightly tight just to ensure positive primer strikes.

The properly adjusted cartridges literally measured exactly (sheer fluke) .125" longer than SAAMI specs from shoulder to case head.

Kimber's response? Yawn!

Yea,with no plastic,and a pound lighter,but since that doesn't matter, just like any other rifle that will shoot.

I'm in for a lefty, 2 depending on calibers. It would seem 8% of rifle shooters being southpaws is a little low. Best estimates are 10-12% for the general, but maybe those rifle shooters have adapted to righty guns. I have a couple right handed guns that I'm culling as left handers become more available.

Looking forward to Mule Deer's breakdown of the Fieldcraft in Rifle.

Well The Barrett 7mm-08 is settling in nicely. Now if the old man behind would stay steady. This is a 5 shot group at

Very nice! What load?

Nice shooting!
Tennessee - have you heard if a .280 (or ai) may be in the future?
If not, can you bend someone's ear!! :-)

its a 140 gr ballistic tip 46 gr h4350 not to fast

I'm really liking the look of these rifles. Aesthetically for me I don't like the black bolt shroud and the safety. Can anyone that has handled one of these tell me what is the black stuff? Paint, cerakote? I'd blast the black to stainless if that's what's under there.

I've been looking at these rifles and wanting one since seeing them mentioned on here. I went back and forth between this, the Howa and Montana. The Barret seemed like the best of the class but of course was the most money. One thing I have learned through experience, is it's better to get what you really want instead of settling for less and ending up spending more in the long run.

Anyway, I ordered the Barret and picked it up Friday afternoon. I mounted a Bushnell LRHS yesterday and went to shoot it today. No dies yet, so I got two boxes of Horn eldM 140's. First two shots from a clean barrel went about 1/4". Got it zeroed in two or 3 more, set turrets and cleaned it. Next 3 were at 300 and went in 1 1/2". Next 3 went into 2". Both groups were fired quickly, not letting the barrel cool between shots. Looks like we got a shooter. I ran it all the way out to 1000 yards, and it shot way better than expected. Two shots at 500 were about 3" apart and two at 1000 were about 5" apart. Other than wind getting me sometimes, the vertical in that ammo was well below a minute, closer to 1/2. I would say a deer from 0-600 yards is in trouble. I was getting about 2625 fps according to my dope, which was 10 mils at 1k.

Overall, this rifle is more than I imagined. It is very handy and fits me perfectly. It shoots way better than a 5 lb rifle has a right to and is well worth the money.

280 is not on the list yet but ears will be bent....

The black finish is hard coat anodize. The part is 7075 aluminum alloy. Not advisable to blast it off. The best solution would be to Cerakote over the hardcoat to match the stainless if you really want it to match.

I'm making mine RED

Thanks for that Tennessee much appreciated.