Mega Arms Ma-Ten Lilja Geissele JP Rifles Ultimate 308 AR Hog Hunter Build

Mega Arms Ma-Ten Lilja Geissele JP Rifles Ultimate 308 AR Hog Hunter Build

After the harassment I took for publishing the Leupold VX-R Hog optic review and not following up immediately with the review of the full Ultimate Hog Hunter Build review, I thought I better get to posting what can be only described as gun porn.

During my planning for my Ultimate Hog Gun build, I talked with a number of people who actually hunt hogs semi-professionally versus all the guys who want to hunt hogs or have bagged “a” hog.  The resounding suggestion for optics was for a super clear low power optic and preferably one with an illuminated reticle. Ultimately I decided on the Leupold VX-R Hog Plex 1.25-4x20 scope featuring outstanding optics paired with a BDC (bullet drop compensating) dangerous game reticle optimized for the 308 round. The Leupold Hog turned out to be the perfect setup for my 308 AR format Ultimate Hog Gun build.  But before we got to selecting an optic, there were many, many choices to make. The experts said 308 format, with illuminated low magnification optic, as light as possible, and preferably in an AR semi-auto format.

Recently I published a review of a seriously bad ass and very heavy DPMS 308 build, but this time I wanted to go as light as possible and that starts with the barrel. I am a bit of an accuracy nerd and noticed that Lilja, considered one of the premo barrel manufacturers in the world, make a lightweight profile 308 barrel for the AR platform. Generally most folks picking up Lilja barrels only buy the big fat bull barrels, but Lilja felt it was important to offer barrels which could realistically be fielded for hunting. 

They developed the AR10740 model which has a .750” Gas block size with a profile that hovers around .740” to .750” from front to back. This delivers great compromise of weight to accuracy according to Lilja and with the 18” barrel you give up very little in the way of velocity. Actually they noted, mere mortals would not notice a difference in the accuracy between this profile and the bull profile barrels. Good enough for me, famous Lilja accuracy without the weight. Apparently Lilja is a glassmaker, because that is what it looks like down the pristine 1:11 twist bore... simply amazing.

Next on the list was the upper and lower receivers and for this nothing else would due except a Nickel Boron (NiBo) coated matched Ma-Ten receiver set from Mega Arms.  Their 308 receiver set in a DPMS compatible format (versus an AR10 Armalite version) is stunningly gorgeous. I figured since it was an Ultimate build, it should look like it and opted for the special order NiBo coating. I even splurged for the ambi-format lower receiver. Like all Mega receivers they have a unique modern updated style with smooth blended lines that scream custom.  I also slipped in a Mega charging handle. This 308 billet upper and lower set makes and statement and performs perfectly.

If you have poured this much cash into an Ultimate 308 AR Build you might as well call Bill Geissele and see what kind of trigger he would suggest.  In this case, Bill recommended the Geissele Super Dynamic Enhanced - Flat Blade Trigger. I used a flat blade trigger on a 10/22 build and loved it... if I could swap all my other triggers to this format I would. Add in the outstandingly crisp trigger and you have an awesome trigger feel. The enhanced versions provide a safe precision long-range combat proven trigger for the designated marksman with a lighter trigger pull.  

The Geissele Super Dynamic Enhanced (SDE) Trigger is a finely-tuned non-adjustable semi-automatic-only version of their proven full-auto, two stage combat trigger presently used in the U.S. Special Operations Community. Built on the chassis of the Geissele SSA, the SSA-E provides enhanced trigger control and a little lighter trigger feel for improved precision shooting all while maintaining the robustness and reliability of the combat-proven two-stage SSA trigger. The trigger delivers a flat 2-lb trigger pull all the way to the 2nd stage where it breaks at 3.5lbs. Geissele says this smooth linear break assures the sight picture and intended bullet placement is undisturbed even in higher stress situations. I say it allows you to be a bit sloppy and still make the shot.  Sounds perfect for when a hog is charging you - sold!

The receiver was finished up with a lightweight low-mass JP Rifles Carrier and their  EnhancedBolt Match bolt. Honestly, this build sat for nearly five months though the worst of the AR parts outage until I finally bit the bullet and bought the best 308 bolt carrier on the market.  JP Rifle’s EnhancedBolt is made from a supreme 9310 Steel which is far tougher and longer living than the old C-158 mil-spec steel. The JP Low Mass carrier delivers the ability to dial down the gas pressure with an adjustable gas block to greatly reduce recoil.  To dial down the gas, I used a PRI Adjustable Gas Block with a White Oak stainless gas tube on the Rifle Length Gas system.

For furniture I picked up a Mission First Tactical stock and grip which fit my hand a bit better than other brands. The forend I had to go for a Troy TRX Rail with the Squid Grips.  I have used this forend before in another build and it is rock solid, durable as hell, slim and comfortable in my hands.  With the Troy Squid Grips inserts, it is the most comfortable forend in existence even with it starts to heat up. 

It was the perfect forend for this build to mount my Atlas Accushot bipod to and a Surefire X300 Ultra for shooting support and light to see the evil hogs.  I tipped the end of the barrel with a Troy flash hider to reduce the fire bombs the 308 classically delivers during night shoots.  I slipped in a couple Magpul LR-20 20-round 308 mags in the kit and called it complete.

FUNCTIONING & ACCURACY

Functionally this build ran flawlessly as you would expect that it should. After tuning the gas pressure with the adjustable gas block to take advantage of the low mass JP Rifle carrier, this thing is a dream to shoot as fast as you can pull the trigger with a recoil more like a .223 than any 308.  The experts note that when you run across a sounder of hogs, you shoot as fast as you can to humanely take as many hogs as possible.  The 308 round is certainly THE round of choice for hog hunters, however the challenge usually becomes the rate of rifle and fatigue on the shooter. My other 308 is getting an adjustable gas block after this build... it is that much of an improvement in rate of fire and decreased recoil.

From an accuracy perspective the Lilja barrel is an outstandingly accurate barrel and delivered sub-MOA groups .8”-.9” groups with just a 4X max Leupold optic.  That accuracy appeared to hold fairly well all the way out to 400 yards with Hornday 168gr VMax and 168gr Tap ammo. Most of my 400 yard groups were in the 6” range which I considered outstanding considering the 1.25-4 Leupold does not offer the precision of a high magnification optic, but the key was Leupold’s amazingly clear optics and that very useful reticle. I wanted to try some of the 178gr ammo, but didn’t have any on hand... damn ammo shortage.  The Hornday 150gr SST I did have were still plenty accurate out to 200, however it seemed the 168gr rounds tended to hold together a bit better at the longer distances.

FINAL THOUGHTS

According to my experts, this is everything a hog gun should be and nothing it shouldn’t... well the NiBo finish is a little over the top, however I will claim its an reliability enhancement.  The entire package, optic and all, minus the magazine is 9.6lbs which is stunningly light for a full accessorized and scoped 308. In fact I have several AR15s which are that heavy with the optics on.  So it is light, easy to maneuver, packs 20-round of .308 in a semi-auto format and shoots with very little recoil/shooter fatigue. This billed not only hit the goals my experts and I had, it killed the goals exceeding everything I had hoped for.

Now of course that the build is done, sighted in, broken in and run through its paces, I now find myself in search of a hog hunt. Chances are this wonderful rig will be christened with on this year’s deer hunt, however maybe, just maybe as a more northern boy without a hog problem, I can invited to come down and help out my southern brethren.  

SPECS
Lilja 308 Barrel AR10740 Rifle Length Gas Port $490
Mega Arms MaTen Ambi NiBo Upper and Lower Receiver Set $732
Geissele SDE Super Dynamic Enhanced Flat Trigger $235
PRI Adjustable Gas Block $69.99
Troy TRX-308 Rail 13.8" $240.00
Troy Medieval Muzzle Brake $45
JP Enhanced Bolt and Low Mass Carrier $459.95
Atlas Bipod $280
Mission First Battlelink Stock, ENGAGE grip and buffer tube - $200
DPMS 308 Carbine buffer - $30
Leupold VX-R Hog Plex Scope  - $480

SOURCES

Leupold - http://www.leupold.com

Lilja Rifle Barrels - http://www.riflebarrels.com/

Mission First Tactical - http://www.missionfirsttactical.com/

Mega Arms - http://www.megaarms.com/

JP Rifles - http://www.jprifles.com/

PRI - http://www.precisionreflex.com/

Troy - http://troyind.com/

Geissele - http://geissele.com/

Surefire - http://www.surefire.com/

Atlas Accushot  - http://www.accu-shot.com/Atlas_Bipods.php

BangItAmmo.com Review - There is ammo out there and its reasonably priced

BangItAmmo.com Review - There is ammo out there and its reasonably priced

UPDATE - SEE THE 2016 EDIT BELOW

Yes, I will admit it. I am a recovering ammo purchaser and was one of those guys who would purchase a case of .22LR ammo at a time.  Note that I still will when given the chance again. Unfortunately the horde of ammo I did have was damaged in a basement flood and now find myself like anyone else out there begging, bartering and trading for a few boxes of ammo; on occasion maxing out my two box daily purchase limit from my gun dealer. My new pastime seems to be placing orders for out of stock ammo.

Generally the way this self-inflicted torture process works, is after hours of exhaustive searching, I find someone who actually has ammo listed as “In Stock” and I place my order.  Usually 3-10 days later after my hopes have peaked, the email from the company reads “the bastard who placed the order before you took all your ammo”. I am probably paraphrasing and embellishing their words, but I think you get the idea... no ammo.

Several weeks ago, I was again cruising the world wide inter-web for .22LR ammo and there before me was this company call BangItAmmo.com who listed .22LR CCI Standard Velocity ammo as “in stock” for a reasonable price.  They even had a “Warning” on their front page which noted that if a product/ammo is listed in stock, it is actually physically “in stock” and that their system would not let you buy more than they had. They even had no purchase limits. OK, I’ll bite. I whipped out my theft-protected Life-Locked low limit credit card and decided to give it a go by adding a reasonable amount of .22LR CCI SV boxes and a couple boxes of .223 to kill the $100 of credit limit on the card.

The reality though is that there was none of the expected drama typical of my previous ammo purchase attempts. This time I received a couple emails thanking me for my account registration and order placement.  As is typical these days for online ammo orders, they required a state issued ID with my name, address and date of birth to verify age. The request this time was a bit different. BangItAmmo asked they asked that I cover my photo, ID#, and any other non-pertinent information before sending in a copy.  I covered the non-necessary info on my ID with tape, snapped a picture and emailed it right from my smart phone.  I had been this far with other retailers to still be told the ammo was out of stock, so I was not holding my breath yet.  

The next set of emails confirmed my age verification and shipping information... wow, I may even get the ammo. How exciting!  I kept tabs on the UPS tracking info to the day of delivery where a very nice man in a brown UPS truck delivered my ammo.  What is more amazing was that all the ammo was there physically in the box. A few times, I have expectantly opened a box only to find there was one box of ammo in the shipment where there should have been ten with a note that said “sorry sucker we are now following a socialist mentality of even distribution of ammo.”  Nope, everything I ordered from BangItAmmo.com was in the box.  

I did actually read the “About” section of their website before ordering which was truly enlightening. BangItAmmo.com is run by just one guy, out of his home... often on his kitchen table. So how does this ammo madman founder of BangItAmmo.com do it and still offer decent prices? Simple he is both a licensed FFL dealer and a ammo scrounger just like me. Sometimes he gets the ammo wholesale, and sometimes he is the guy buying out the latest flash sales by being the first guy in line or online at 3AM. When he has something in stock, he marks it up from what he paid for it, adds shipping and then sells it to desperate ammo deprived individuals like myself.  This means that sometimes my beloved CCI Standard Velocity ammo is $5 a box and sometimes in this situation is $6.99.  Oddly enough being the little guy has its advantages of smaller overhead cost so instead of having to double his cost, he can add a smaller markup. The reality is that I need ammo and he has it at a reasonable price that is not gouging me and BangItAmmo.com allows me to buy all he has in stock without limits, without a maximum, or without stupid socialist ammo distribution rules.

My suggestion is to give them a try for ammo and look around a bit on their site, as they even had Magpul PMAGs for under $13 each which is a great price.  They will not have everything all the time, however BangItAmmo.com did allow me to buy just under 10 boxes of CCI SV ammo in a time when I cannot even find one box.

Update - Obviously times have changed a little and there is ammo. Bang it Ammo has kept pace and grown to now offer a wider array of products as of 2016.

SOURCES

BangItAmmo.com - http://www.BangItAmmo.com

The Mako Group Survival Buttstock w/Built–in Magazine Carrier - GL-MAG Review

The Mako Group Survival Buttstock w/Built–in Magazine Carrier - GL-MAG - Review

10 more rounds when you need it most

I greatly doubt I will ever fend off zombie hordes, return fire hundreds of yards beyond the confines of my home defense perimeter, or ever run a 30-round AR magazine empty. It is plausible a type 2 jam (ammo mis-feed) could occur which generally necessitates/recommends a magazine change. The next question crosses your mind is where would I get that magazine as I am moving around the house trying to clear a jam, replace a magazine, and attempting to defend myself? In this case, right from the conveniently placed 10-round magazine in the Mako Survival Buttstock of my Spikes Tactical AR15.

ABOUT MAKO

Mako is an Israeli company run and operated by ex/active Israeli Military Special Operators. My experience with products from The Mako Group has been more than a passing interest.  I actually attended a week-long tactical training class taught by top Israeli Special Forces operators with The Mako Defense team. I saw first hand how they use, critique and develop their products and it does not start with CAD software and a fat guy with Doritos and a Mountain Dew. There is some hard core testing that goes into each product with rugged durability which is far beyond what us mere mortals can dish out.  At this point I have quite a few Mako products, however this concept is so innovative it deserves a review.

FIT, FEEL, FINISH, & FEATURES

The idea of the Mako Survival Buttstock w/Built–in Magazine Carrier is simple; take the most popular M4/AR15 Israeli Defense Forces Mako buttstock and integrate an magazine well. What is unique about the mag well is that it is not just a friction fit, it actually has a magazine latch. 

Mako has even includes  one of  Mako’s own 10-round AR15 magazines, so after you are empty this provides you ten more chances to hit your mark. If you like, any other capacity mag will fit in the stock. Just remember, the 10-round sits tight into the stock but the larger cap mags may impede typical shouldering a bit. The 20-round I tested felt OK, but the 30-rounder felt a little goofy.

For this upgrade, I reached for my home defense gun; my Spikes Tactical ST15 decked out with an Apex Machine free-float forend, BPM Flash hider, Vortex Sparc red dot, Surefire weapon light, a customized Hogue grip, and my DIY adjustable gas block.  After months of range sessions, tactical training, and supporting inspections of bumps in the night, the GL-MAG has gained enough respect that it will remain on the firearm I depend on to protect my family and home.

From a fit perspective, generally I have a problem with “universal” stocks which will fit both Commercial and Mil-Spec AR15 buffer tubes (the Commercial is a wee bit larger diameter). Usually they are far too tight on the marginally larger Commercial buffer tubes and loose on the smaller spec mil-spec tubes. My OEM Magpul stocks all rattle for example.  I have yet to have a stock that does not have a little wiggle unless the stock and buffer tube come together as a kit; if you want a rattle free stock, buy the buffer tube with the stock. Mako has figured out a system which works pretty well.  It is not perfect and just a tad rattly and ended up tightening that ft with a little electrical tape applied from the rear to the front top of the buffer tube.

Shown it Monopod buttpad Adapter installed

I would rather see a dedicated Mil-Spec and Commercial tube model, however that is not a big deal to me. The quality of The Mako Group Survival Buttstock is extremely well made and integrates two QD sling swivel mounts. One of the features I have really come to like is the chevron rubber buttpad which slids onto the shoulder well. Due to the magazine well taking over what would typically be the storage cavity on the original Mako stock design, there is no storage on the stock. Because the stock does have the same dovetail mounted buttpad, the stock can support the new monopod adapter Mako just introduced this year which is extremely cool.

The Monopod buttstock adapter just slips on in place of the original buttstock and provides precision elevation adjustments but slips out of the way when not in use.  Probably the most ingenious monopod setup I have seen yet.

Shown it Monopod buttpad Adapter installed

FUNCTION & FINAL THOUGHTS

The Mako Survival Buttstock GL-MAG works perfectly as advertised. The position of the spare magazine in the stock provides easy access to a spare magazine. Actually when seated or while kneeling the stock provides far better magazine access than attempting to grab a mag from a belt pouch. To grab the spare 10-rounder, just sweep the support hand back the the base fo the magazine and drop the mag from the buttstock with the thumb actuated release and move forward to insert the new mag. It is actually very fast once you get the hang of it.

Functionally the included 10-round polymer magazine worked perfectly with no functional issues.  It fed all the various rounds I put through it, locked back on empty, and dropped free on the magazine release..

The GL-Mag stock does add a little weight on the buttstock end of the rifle, however that is not all a bad thing for a defensive rifle as it makes the rifle feel much faster overall and improves the balance a bit. This is a great stock and adds peace of mind that I always have a spare magazine right there ready... just in case.

SPECS

Available in OD Green, FDE, and Black

• Keeps all of the Characteristics of our M4 Buttstock, while incorporating a State of the Art Magazine Carrier

• Holds all Standard Sized M4 Magazines

• Positioned Close by for Convenient Mag Change, Providing you with that Tactical Edge You Need

• Unique Inverted Positioning Lever Incorporates a Quick Release Button Allowing Swift Mag Release

•Does Not Interfere or Change Buttstock to Shoulder Positioning

• Ambidextrous Integrated Attachment Points for standard QD Quick Detach Sling Swivels

• Fits Perfectly on Both Mil-Spec and Aftermarket Commercial Tubes

• Made from Mil-Spec Reinforced Polymer Composite

MSRP - $122

SOURCES

The Mako Group - http://www.themakogroup.com

OTHER PRODUCTS FEATURED

Spikes Tactical - http://www.spikestactical.com

Apex Manufactuing - http://www.apexhandguard.com/

Surefire  - http://www.surefire.com

Vortex Optics - http://www.vortexoptics.com/

MOA Stainless 10/22 Receiver Review

MOA Stainless 10/22 Receiver Review

For those of us that want to squeeze the last little bit of accuracy from a 10/22 build, we are always looking for any edge we can get. As an example we want a barrel trunion/shank to receiver union so tight that any potential for shot to shot variance or barrel droop is negated. In the case of barrel to receiver fit, we want mounting option that can make the barrel and receiver become one.  The 100% stainless steel MOA 10/22 receiver will satisfy even the most ardent of accuracy 10/22 fanatics.

ABOUT MOA CORP

MOA Corp was founded in 1982 with the introduction of the company's Maximum long range target pistol which is still today considered one of the most accurate pistols ever made. Today, 30 years later, MOA also produces the one and only 100% stainless steel receiver for the 10/22. Additionally it is one of only three 10/22 receivers made in the industry that are threaded which allows for the best barrel to receiver union possible.

FEATURES & FUNCTIONS

Assembly of this build was no different than any other 10/22 build and is 100% compatible with all your favorite 10/22 trigger groups, charging assemblies, bolts, pins, buffers, and v-block mounted barrel if you opt for a non-threaded barrel build.  Beyond being stainless, the MOA 10/22 receiver is identical to a stock receiver except for a rear cleaning hole and a rear mounting/bedding tab.  

MOA delivers a very unique 10/22 receiver for accuracy nuts and/or those that want a stronger more durable and corrosion resistant receiver. To maximize accuracy, minimizing any play between the barrel shank and receiver and eliminating barrel droop is critical.  Some also believe that a stiffer receiver also increases accuracy as well, which this stainless beast of a receiver delivers very well.

One way to minimize barrel play is to hand fit a slip-in barrel. A number of barrel manufacturers deliver their barrels with .001"  oversized shanks for this very reason. MOA's stainless 10/22 receiver goes all the way with a  threaded receiver union in a bomb proof stainless receiver.

Of course the next question becomes how do you come by a 10/22 barrel with a threaded shank? There are actually a couple methods.  The first most obvious is to work with a gunsmith to have an existing 18" or longer barrel shortened, rechambered, rethreaded, and have the extractor slot recut once the position is marked on the receiver. Getting this work done can be kind of a pain, so MOA offers a couple far less expensive and more convenient options.

MOA partners with several premium match barrel manufacturers such as Feddersen (R4), Douglas, and others to offer shooters complete threaded barrels for the 10/22. They buy the sized and chambered blanks from each manufacturer and then turn and thread the shanks for optimal fit to the MOA receivers. After marking the proper ejector location, the extractor slot is cut. I opted for this option and added an 18" Feddersen R4 barrel to my order which arrived attached when I picked up the receiver from my FFL dealer. Just like all the other Feddersen barrels I have used in articles; this one was another gorgeous un-fluted bull barrel with a pristine bore.

For those customers who already have a favorite barrel that they want to use with a MOA receiver, the company also offers a service to thread customer barrels for a $40 charge.  The service turns down the customer's barrel shank, threads it, attaches MOA's threaded barrel collar, attaches the barrel to their MOA receiver, and then cuts the ejector slot. It is important to note that many an expert believe this machining does not impact accuracy and when threaded and mounted in the receiver actually reduces barrel stress compared to a v-block retention system. This service is another potential accuracy improving feature even when you supply your own barrel.

In either case, once you have a threaded shank, the barrel is threaded into the receiver just as many other firearms are; this barrel to receiver union provides the most reliable, solid, and accurate fit possible with zero slop, no induced barrel droop, and also negates the need for a v-block.

For those that just want an indestructible stainless receiver without a threaded barrel or opting for the threading conversion service, the MOA receiver will also accept any aftermarket barrel and mount with a v-block just as you would on any other receiver, all without modification. The threaded receiver barrel hole is dimensionally the same as any other 10/22 receiver; it is just threaded.

To increase accuracy further, MOA also added a rear pillar mount tab to deliver a more solid mounting platform for the receiver. This rear receiver pillar mount tab can be used a number of ways or not at all.  At the very least a little Dremel work is required to allow the receiver to mount in your stock of choice. The hole in the tab allows you to screw the receiver into the stock, typically via a pillar bedded mount. Or it can be used as a cantilever point for the front action screw to tighten against. Or bedded down, or...etc. It is a flexible and welcome little feature which adds much needed support to a single screw mounted receiver which was never designed to hang 3lb barrels from.

For this build, the MOA stainless receiver was paired with a Feddersen R4 barrel ordered threaded directly from MOA. I choose to mount the MOA receiver and R4 barrel in a Hogue overmolded stock with a little drill and Dremel work to allow the rear mounting tab to key into the stock. In my setup, the MOA receiver keys into the rear tab hole and then cantilevers down via the standard front take down bolt. In order to increase accuracy, I also pillar bedded the front take down screw on the Hogue stock to greatly diminish the effect the torque of the take down screw has on accuracy.  I added a Nikon Prostaff EFR 3-9x40 optic with adjustable objective to compare the accuracy to what I have experienced before with Feddersen barrels. All the other parts were stock Ruger pieces including the trigger assembly.

Being 100% stainless steel has the obvious durability points of corrosion and rust proof, however I believe the more important point is the added structural strength.  The trim little cast alloy Ruger 10/22 receiver was never intended to support 16"-22" heavy bull barrels 2-3 times the weight of the original barrel especially when the barrel is also free-floated. That much stress will lead to some minute flex which does impact accuracy negatively.  It only makes sense that a stronger and more rigid receiver will structurally support the weight of our heavy barrels much more solidly and therefore improve accuracy, especially when we also thread in the barrel.

FIT, FEEL, & FINISH

The MOA stainless receivers are CNC machined from 17-4 stainless castings with a low reflection bead blast finish on the exterior surfaces and the interior surfaces are left machine finished.  From a distance, the MOA 10/22 receiver looks like a stock silver finished forged stock Ruger receiver, however up close or once you lift it, you know it is not aluminum.

Internally the milling is consistent however the pickier builders will notice a few sharp edges internally, however they do not affect functioning and could be touched up in a under a minute with a little Dremel work if they bother you. The one issue I did have was that the factory Ruger bolt would stick at the rear most position. This is a problem I have had with other aftermarket receivers with certain factory bolts, however a little Dremel work tapering the back end of the bolt delivered problem free operation.

With the 100% stainless receiver and an unfluted 18" bull barrel the action is anything but light; the word "beefy comes to mind. The MOA stainless 10/22 receiver is considerably heavier than the factory cast aluminum alloy receiver.  This extra weight is actually a positive for high accuracy benchrest shooters, but  certainly would not be my choice for build I would plan dragging into the field.

ACCURACY

The Nikon PROSTAFF’s is a perfect scope for an accurate fielded .22, however for a bench target gun it is hardly up to the task of wringing out the most accuracy of this rig. It is clear and a deal for around $150 on the street and gives me a good base for accuracy as all my other testing was with scopes maxing out at 10X or under.

This is my third Feddersen barrel and it was no surprise that it printed nearly identical groups as my other two using CCI standard Velocity and Lapua Center-X, Midis +, and X-act. 

My best center to center measured 50-yard group was a five shot .135” group with X-Act and a .157” five shot group with CCI standard Velocity. These are essentially single hole groups; not bad at all considering the Hogue stocks are not famous for accuracy and the rifle could definitely take advantage of a higher magnification optic and a match trigger.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The MOA 10/22 receiver is unique and definitely delivers from a features perspective at only $179.85 which is still less than almost any 10/22 aftermarket receiver out there. To be honest, I saw "about" the same accuracy as I did from my other Feddersen barreled actions, but did not see a huge improvement in overall accuracy. To be fair, I need to move, retest, and capture data from this and my other Feddersen barreled rigs at 75 yards which I will do when ammo starts freeing up a bit more. The reasons for this move to 75 yards is that if you are shooting near single hole groups already at 50-yards then it makes it really tough to see drastic differences when you shoot another rig that shoots near single hole groups at 50-yards until you make things more difficult. Add in wind, different optics, different triggers, stock and different days and you have a bunch of variables between all my rifles that make it hard to tell how much better the MOA receiver setup really is.  Once I can actually get .22LR ammo again, I will revisit this test.

If I was creating the most durable weatherproof 10/22 ever, I would reach for the MOA receiver and same goes if you plan to slip a Feddersen or Douglas barrel on anyway; as you will get the most from each of those barrels in this receiver. At the very least MOA will assure some of the more typical barrel droop and fitment problems affecting accuracy will be negated. My only complaint was the absence of an integrated picatinny scope rail, however at least with a stainless receiver you can crank down the screw with far less worry about stripping the receiver screws.

SPECS

MOA 10/22 Stainless Replacement Receiver $179.95

MOA 10/22 Receiver with 18” Feddersen R4 Barrel $329.95

Fitting/threading your barrel to the receiver $40

SOURCES

MOA Corp - http://www.moaguns.com

Nikon Optics - http://www.nikonsportoptics.com

Feddersen Barrels - http://www.1022rifle.com

Ruger - http://www.ruger.com

CCI - http://www.cci-ammunition.com/

Lapua - http://www.lapua.com