.30 Condor back on the menu!!

[mackeral5]

70fpe with that big tank must translate into 100+ shots. 

I dont have any airforce experience, but I can share that even with a 17" barrel 75fpe can be a very efficient tune for JSB 44's.  With your 20" barrel it should be really easy to go for a large number of shots above 75fpe.

[YEMX]

70fpe with that big tank must translate into 100+ shots. 

I dont have any airforce experience, but I can share that even with a 17" barrel 75fpe can be a very efficient tune for JSB 44's.  With your 20" barrel it should be really easy to go for a large number of shots above 75fpe.

For sure- the 62 cu in 3k psi tank is definitely worth the extra weight and expense.  I really wish there was a CF version of this tank at 4500 psi available for the Texan build.  But I'll take what I can get.  When doing initial testing, I had already rattled off 60+ shots, and no real noticable drop in velocity readings from the chrony.  The gauge at the time wasn't reliable- as I filled the tank up, the gauge face blew off...  Not sure if that affects gauge operation though.  This replacement gauge is much better.  We'll see how many shots I can get.  I also want to maybe eek out a little more power, I feel like 75-80 fpe would be a better place for this build.  I mean, if 70 fpe is more efficient w/o sacrificing good accuracy, trajectory (I don't want it loopy like a low power .25) and consistency, I'll take the 70 fpe instead.  But again- I'm excited to FINALLY move onto tweaking the set up, and making a DOPE card.   

The scope is painted, and I was wrong about not having any clear coat.  I have 3 cans of matte clear.  They just weren't where I normally keep my rattle cans  I've already laid on 2 or 3 coats of clear on the stock.  I do have to flip the stock over when spraying, so I have to wait about 30 minutes or so between coats to make sure the stock doesn't stick on the work surface.  That's why it's taking so long to finish laying the clear.  I don't have a way to hang this stock up, or I'd do that.  I'm still waiting on that camo wrap stuff from Amazon.  That should be in sometime today, so I'll hold off on pics until I get that wrap on the LDC and get the gun all together. 

[YEMX]

Well, this isn't a "Tom Project" w/o a major screw up at the very end! 

The stock sits too far forward, and the rear stock screw doesn't engage the threads.  This also means that the loading port and the power wheel port is a touch off as well.  Nothing that will hinder the operation.  Since the stock is pushed slightly forward, I can't use a trigger shoe, as now there's not enough room to pull the trigger with it on.  So I'll go without.     But, the safety still works, the trigger pulls, and there's 2 screws securing the stock on, so I'm not that worried about it.  I may (VERY CAREFULLY) open up that back hole so that I can engage those rear mounting screws.  The gauge is still okay, and the fill nipple opening is still good to go.  All I need now is to get that over-bore bipod from UTG, and I'll be set.  This camo wrap stuff is pretty nice!  I kinda like it!











I'll correct my mistakes when the clear coat is FULLY dry, and I've calmed down.  I'm pretty upset with myself right now.  Anyhoo- I'm glad this project is MOSTLY done for now.  I'll update down the road when I get the bipod in and the weather gets a bit better.  Thanks all for your kind words!

[YEMX]

UTG over-bore bipod should be here today,  I also ordered some dovetail to pic rail adapters, I hope they'll work.  Otherwise, I'll have to buy a conversion rail.  I also hope that the bipod will clear the LDC... 

[YEMX]

Okay, so the bipod came in- Holy frak this thing is substantial!!  Seems like a VERY solid bipod!!!  Note- it will NOT clear a Clague LDC.  You will need to get a riser that is a dovetail to pic rail adapter.  If you're not running a larger LDC, or running the LDC threaded onto the muzzle end of the barrel, you'll be fine.  I've just ordered a riser/dovetail to pic adapter.  It'll be in tomorrow. 

[YEMX]

Here's the bipod:







The legs do extend and fold of course, and it has 22* pan and 44* of tilt.  As you can see in the pic, your adapter will have to have at least 3 slots to clear the mount.  Also, the bipod can be disconnected from the mount, and it's easily removed, but is a tight fit when on.  Very nicely made so far.  We'll see how well it holds up.

Here's the Amazon link:



It's pricey, but I don't have a choice w/this stock.  I have to run an over-bore bipod, and this seems like a better choice than the AF bipod...  It's nearly double the cost though 

[YEMX]

Okay- I've fixed the rear hole, so I have 3 screws securing the stock, as planned.  I just have to change the screw from a socket head to a cap head.  No biggie.  Also, I noticed something:  The tank is so big, I don't really need a butt-plate.  So I took it off.  It feels fine... Great even!  So that's a plus.  I may get another tank cover that's both camo and has a more rubbery no-slip butt section.  The brighter tan isn't really jiving with the rest of the gun now.  Anyhoo, that's it for updates.

[YEMX]

Okay!  My riser/dovetail to pic rail adapter came in today.  Let me tell ya, I honestly thought that Fate foiled my plans AGAIN!  I mounted the adapter on, and my heart sunk- I thought it would put the bipod in the way of the scope... looked too high.  But I tightened everything down and peered through the scope expecting the worst.  You know what though?  Nothing!  Clear line of sight!!  I'm amazed!  I even have full cant and pan!  Everything surprisingly clears!!!  I'm calling the project done!  Even though the project is done, I'll update with shooting data here. 

[YEMX]

No shooting data- been busy with other stuff...  I need some relaxation though, so I'm going to make time to shoot.  Anyhoo, Something that's been nagging at me about this build is the lack of a trigger shoe.  Due to my poor planning, the factory shoe doesn't fit in the trigger well.  But either a picture I saw, or perhaps a recent vid on youtube of one of Doug Noble's rifles that fixes my issue!  Just use a different trigger shoe.  I'm not sure which one he used, but I found a trigger shoe for an old paintball gun.  So I put it on. Voila!  Problem solved, and the trigger works perfectly fine.  Let me tell you- it feels AMAZING!! 

[YEMX]

I thought I'd also mention, that over-bore bipod is no longer available from UTG.  Not sure why.  Seems like a really solid unit...  I may have to design a base for it, so I can swap it between a few of my rifles.  I'd really like to use this bipod on a Texan build I have planned, and my .257 Condor.