.204 Ruger Axis Kentucky Critter Getter

[Plunkin]

Sheeze, I got a lot to learn, You really got in there, thanks for the inspiration.

[Rosco]

It was and is a really fun project. Will be posting the muzzle break installation here later tonight and thanks.

[Rosco]

Step 10:Muzzle Break Installation

Ross Schuler Break

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii157/hcoltrain/Mobile%20Uploads/Ruger%20204%20Axis/IMAG0811_1.jpg



Let me start by saying this break is very well designed and machined, plus support was great. Ross was extremely helpful both by email and on the phone and shipping was fast which was nice for a change. So I can't imagine you could do much better for $45.00.

The break installation was a little more challenging than I had hoped , and trying to save a few dollars, I figured I would just do it myself. After speaking to Ross a few times, I knew the likelihood that the break would time at anywhere near 12 o'clock was pretty slim, and first go around it came in at 5 o'clock. He stated that I could use a 150-180 grit sandpaper to take off some of the stainless steel which would allow the break to get in the correct position. Now I don't have a Benchsander which probably would have worked, so I thought with a little elbow grease I could do it by hand. Let's just say that didn't work out so well.

Another solution was needed and decided to try these.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii157/hcoltrain/Mobile%20Uploads/Ruger%20204%20Axis/IMAG0903.jpg



These are stainless steel shims from Gem-Tech and were $14.99 on Amazon. They shipped from Richmond, Va.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii157/hcoltrain/Mobile%20Uploads/Ruger%20204%20Axis/IMAG0899.jpg


It took a little while and some math too, but I ended using a 0.67 shim combination to get the break to 12 o'clock.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii157/hcoltrain/Mobile%20Uploads/Ruger%20204%20Axis/IMAG0902.jpg


These worked well and are great for DIY gun builders like myself that don't have access to a lathe or even decent shop tools. It didn't give that flush/contoured look that I really wanted, but got the job done. Next, put some Blue Loc-tite on the threads and tightened it down to what I felt was about 30 lbs/in.

[Rosco]

Range Report

http://www.savageshooters.com/showthread.php?44230-204-Ruger-Axis-Range-Report&p=319914#post319914

with break installed.

[scooterf79]

Very good and thorough write up, the rifle looks really good! Nice job! I know the recoil isnt much to begin with but could you tell much difference with the break?
Scooter

[Rosco]

I did notice the difference with the break albeit not very much. To me the amount of recoil feels like a little above my Heavy Barrel Savage 17HMR. So basically next to nothing. Also, I expected the break to really let out a boom, but it wasn't that loud which is nice.

[scooterf79]

Oh ok gotcha, I was just curious. Kinda wanting to start messing with some bigger cartridges and am starting to look into brakes some. Thanks for the info!
Scooter

[Rosco]

Not a problem, for big bore stuff I would think a break/can is a must. Heck, wish I had one on my 7mm-08, with the shortened stock it has it blows me off my cheek weld at least %80 of the time. I couldn't imagine getting behind a 7mm Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag without one and trying to shoot any type of groups.

[Rosco]

A few more groups from last weekend at 100yds.

.48 MOA

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii157/hcoltrain/Mobile%20Uploads/Ruger%20204%20Axis/IMAG0931.jpg

.22 MOA

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii157/hcoltrain/Mobile%20Uploads/Ruger%20204%20Axis/IMAG0929.jpg

[Lorenzo]

A few more groups from last weekend at 100yds.

.48 MOA

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii157/hcoltrain/Mobile%20Uploads/Ruger%20204%20Axis/IMAG0931.jpg

.22 MOA

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii157/hcoltrain/Mobile%20Uploads/Ruger%20204%20Axis/IMAG0929.jpg

Sweet groups the .204 is caliber I am very interested in. I am also interested in 7mm08 can you post pics of yours? I dont see many of them and love to see them when I do.

[daddyusmaximus]

I like your car jack rifle rest. Good idea on that.

[Rosco]

It is a Kentucky Front Rest!! Lol

[sixonetonoffun]

Ditto on the rest. Might have to give that a try!

[MRCHIRO]

Hey Harris! Looking good brother! Groups are small and look fantastic - not too shabby on your 200 yard groups as well! Love how the rifle turned out - you did a great job - looks like a keeper! How's the BSA Tactical Mil-Dot Rifle Scope working out for yar? Clarity is good - comparable to the other big names? I'd imagine 204 cal won't really "shake" things in there up too much ;) When do you want me to send my rifle(s) up there :)

[Rosco]

Thanks John I appreciate it!! This rifle was alot of fun to build and I learned quite bit during the process. The BSA Scope is actually much better than I expected, I mean it is a Second Focal Plane $129.00 scope from a bottom tier scope manufacture!! The optical clarity is better than average, clicks aren't to mushy, seems to hold zero without issue, and haven't had any issue with eye relief at higher magnifications. It is pretty good bargain for an entry level optic for varmint hunting.

Don't knock those 20 Cals!! :) They are fun to shoot and some of them like the 20BR can really reach out there.