APR worth the wait!

After 10 months of anticipation my 280AI American Classic Hunter has finally arrived. Just wanted to share how impressed I am with the whole APR adventure. Great experience...and if it shoots half as good as it looks and feels I'll be really happy! Look at the quality workmanship on the thread protector...that's representative of the whole package. 24" Brux barrel, APR proprietary action, McWalnut stock. Topped with a VX-6HD 4X24 56mm. I'll report back when I get a chance to warm it up.

Very nice rifle!

OOPS...typo... 52mm Obj not 56!

I tried to send you a PM, but I guess you are new to the group. What I wanted to know, if you don't mind, is the barrel and receiver Cerakoted? If so, could you add a picture of the face of the crown, I am curious if they Cerakote the Muzzle Crown. I have heard pro and con stories of both and I have several I will be Cerakoting very soon. I just want to see if they did, thank you, you have a very nice rifle.

Do you know who is making there action?

Kmccord said:

I tried to send you a PM, but I guess you are new to the group. What I wanted to know, if you don't mind, is the barrel and receiver Cerakoted? If so, could you add a picture of the face of the crown, I am curious if they Cerakote the Muzzle Crown. I have heard pro and con stories of both and I have several I will be Cerakoting very soon. I just want to see if they did, thank you, you have a very nice rifle.

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Thank you for the compliment...I'm really excited about sitting behind it! No, the crown is not Cerakoted. The action and barrel are Cerakoted in "Mimic Blue," The bolt and bottom metal are nitride finished.

I am new to the group, but not sure why you couldn't PM me. Here's my email if you have other questions. [email protected]

Buck 300 said:

Do you know who is making there action?

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I'm not sure. My rifle was originally supposed to be built on a Defiance Tenacity action, but supply delays were dragging it out. John offered to build it for me using their (slightly more expensive) APR VS action which has an integrated lug rather than pinned for the same price. So...you can guess my answer. I do not know if they are manufacturing the APR actions in house, or having them built by someone else, but I'm sure John could answer that at APR, and he's a great guy to talk to.

MikeWestman said:

I'm not sure. My rifle was originally supposed to be built on a Defiance Tenacity action, but supply delays were dragging it out. John offered to build it for me using their (slightly more expensive) APR VS action which has an integrated lug rather than pinned for the same price. So...you can guess my answer. I do not know if they are manufacturing the APR actions in house, or having them built by someone else, but I'm sure John could answer that at APR, and he's a great guy to talk to.

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I believe they are built by Defiance, you got the same action you wanted, but with APR name on it. I watched a video today on there website that stated that fact. They just changed a few items to make it there own. Keep us updated on how it performs. On the PM, I believe you have to have so many posts before you are able or anyone is able to PM you.

Kmccord said:

I believe they are built by Defiance, you got the same action you wanted, but with APR name on it. I watched a video today on there website that stated that fact. They just changed a few items to make it there own. Keep us updated on how it performs. On the PM, I believe you have to have so many posts before you are able or anyone is able to PM you.

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Copy all. I'm currently collecting 280-speciific cleaning gear so I can follow APR's recommended break in process. When the paper has holes in it I will certainly share. Feels like Christmas morning here

I finally made it to the range a couple times, and I'm even more impressed with APR! The action is so smooth the bolt will drop open by itself if holding the rifle vertically. Trigger is crisp and light enough for hunting (haven't measured it). Fit and finish is spectacular, and I've received numerous compliments on the "McWalnut" stock. I did the preliminary break in even though APR said I didn't really need to. Shooting only factory ammo, and all 140gr projectiles. I zeroed at 100 yards initially, but will adjust to 200 when I get the chance. Best group was 0.344 with Banish30 suppressor attached using Nosler Trophy Grade 140gr AccuBond (those are 1/2" squares on the paper). I can't wait to start working up a load and see what this rifle can really do!