Decided to go in a new direction with current project- away from range rifles, long range varmint guns etc- a lightweight walking rifle. Something easy to carry, easy to shoot, handy and quick.

I thought long and hard about which chambering to go with, the 7.62x39 was definitely a contender, as were 6x45, 6.5 Grendel, 338 Whisper and a few others. As always it came down to form following function and went with 300BO. Proper bullet selection and super loads should support hunting medium game out to reasonable ranges, dispatching pests close to home and target shooting. I also wanted the ability to run subs accurately and hopefully this barrel allows that.

For optics I went with a Vortex PST 2.5-10 with their EBR-1 mil/mil reticle. 10x will be more than enough for my ranges, I like the graduated reticle for use with different loads and it is illuminated which with the lower powers can be handy for garden/trash raiders.

The stock was a tough choice. I've used Manners, B&C, Stockade and a few others, even went with a chassis system on 308 for a while. The big difference with this rifle is that it is intended to be used 99% offhand or with an improvised rest at best. That being the case the factory stock kind of fits as a light, quick handling option. I'll at least give it a whirl, with some pillar bedding and maybe a little stiffening up we'll see. I also have used Hogue's overmolded with the full al frame and it may be an option- open to suggestions.

At this point have everything but the barrel, which *should* arrive any day.