7SAUM
The foundation and starting point of building my RBros Apex Hunter began with selecting the caliber. It’s a can of worms, but one that is easy to sift through if your goals are realistic and clear. I was after; (1) something with enough knock down power to take on anything in North America, and (2) keeping the rifle as lightweight as possible. I’d never play the girl card, but every ounce adds up and I chose to save myself 4-6oz., by sticking with a short action caliber instead of a long.
Rogue LW Action
Travis Redell developed the Rogue Action in 2009 with the help of Glen Harrison of Phoenix Actions. Where many Remington Clones fell short, Travis sought to ensure the Rogue Action would triumph since ultimately—it was his name that would be etched into the side of each one.
He began with eliminating the counterbore which gives maximum case support, strengthens the bolt lugs, and allows for a stronger extractor to be used. Any feeding or extraction problems were a thing of the past.
20” PROOF CF Sendero Light: .284, 20”, 1:8 twist, 2lbs.9oz
I studied carbon fiber wrapped barrels for months before deciding on one, and though my personal success with them was unfounded at the time, I felt it foolish not to capitalize on the modern upgrades they boasted. I wouldn’t have to worry about rust, it’d be lighter weight, and it is known that Carbon Fiber is stiffer than steel, which means less vibration and greater accuracy. So, there I was, in the deep murky waters of countless forums and YouTube reviews, when I noticed everyone was agreeing on the ridiculously fast cooling time compared to traditional steel barrel. I was sold and went with PROOF. No modern rifle would be complete without a muzzle brake, and I went with an APA Gen II Little Bastard.
Manners EH-1 : Elite Hunter series, short action, right hand
In 2014, the EH1 stocks thrusted Manners into a new era of advancements in composite materials. After studying the strength of carbon fiber wind turbines, Manners developed a new process and composite for filling the 100% carbon fiber shells, and putting the “heavy fill,” in critical areas like around the bolt. The rest of the stock is filled with the lighter composite which ultimately brings the EH1 hunter in around 24oz.
The EH-1 was extremely different than the skinny, traditional hunting stocks I had grown used to, but the more I handled my Apex Hunter the more I came to appreciate the added “beefiness,” and welcome it from an ergonomic standpoint. The integrated recoil pad provided me with ample cushion and absorption when shooting and I never left a day of shooting with even a remotely sore shoulder.
Jewell HVR
As noted in part 1, I firmly believe that a lighter trigger (i.e. not a 6lb factory abomination) played a massive role in helping me evolve as a shooter. I knew what to expect—again—having shot other RBros rifles, but continue to enjoy the zero creep, and crisp break of this Jewell HVR has to offer. Travis set’s the 1.5oz-3lb trigger to 2lbs, and I have not adjusted it further. Dry firing use to not be phenomenal for your rifle, but now I find myself telling others to “feel the trigger,” and just like myself, they pull it, their eyes get wide-and-bright-eyed and reply, “that’s crisp!”
What sells you on a product?
It’s on rare occasion that we purchase something without considering the company itself, warranty/customer service, testimonials, and the representative we interact with. It’s an even easier decision to make when all the above is a one stop shop and can be answered by a man who wears all of the hats. In this case that man is Travis Redell, the owner of Rbros Rifles. I was sold on the Apex Hunter model, but I was mostly sold on Travis.
Travis’ father ran a small gunsmithing operation out of the family owned gas/service station, and on Saturday’s his father would give he and his brother, Jesse, old broken rifles to take apart, access, and reassemble. There was usually a pile of parts left over, Travis said. But after time there were no piles and the broken rifles were flawlessly reassembled.
His upbringing and passion for building rifles never ceased, and Travis blended the old and new practices until finally he began building rifles for family and friends. Participating in long range hunting and tactical rifle competitions began to fuel his need to create “end all,” rifles. In 2008 Travis shifted from building for hobby and building for business, and for the past 12 years his rifles have continued to impress hunters, competition shooters, and enthusiasts alike.
The RBros Rifles Apex Hunter Review Part 1
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