Aquila Precision Firearms specializes in
tactical style rifles. We can build them in practically any
configuration to meet the shooters needs. Most of these rifles will
shoot .250 groups or better at 100 yards with the work described
below, proper optics, and the proper skill level. We guarantee them
to shoot .5 MOA.
There are a lot of options available for
these style rifles in order to fit them to the shooters needs and
preferences. Most of them will be listed on this page to assist in
making the proper choices. Also there is a checklist at the bottom
of the page.
The following are item and option that are
the anatomy of a true custom Tactical rifle.
Action and Bolt
We start with a new Remington Action and
incorporate very meticulous machining methods to blue print the
action and bolt. The Bolt and firing pin is bushed to remove any
slop so that everything is concentric with the bore of the barrel to
ensure repeatable ignition. We also offer a PTG manufactured bolt
that is already trued. A 3-position bolt safety is also a great
option for a tactical rifle. It actually locks the firing pin vs the
trigger.
A major problem with tactical style rifles
is the manner in which the bolt is attached. Just knocking the rifle
over can break off the bolt handle. We now tig weld the bolts to
ensure the handles stay attached during extreme abuse.
Aquila also utilizes custom actions that
do not require any truing work. Some of them are pricey but deliver
quality results. Most of the time we transform our customers
existing hunting rifle into their desired tactical rifle. Since
there is no truing work required on a custom action, sometimes it
pays to start one if starting from scratch. If a custom action is
desired, there is a large selection to choose from. We also carry
some in stock and are listed at the bottom of the page.
Triggers
We have settled with three brands that
offer great performance and reliability - Timney, Rifle basix and
Jewel. This is an important option on any rifle. It doesn’t make the
rifle any more accurate; it helps the shooter, shoot better. It is
almost impossible to shoot accurately with a heavy trigger pull and
excess creep. We no long adjust the Remington triggers due to
liability and quality reasons.
Barrels
Tactical rifles usually incorporate a
heavy style barrel from a quality manufacture. Aquila’s preferred
barrel manufacturer is Mike Rock. There are other barrel makers
available that also make great products. However, we try to offer
better turnaround times than other rifle makers and we can get these
barrels in a timely manner.
To properly fit a barrel to an action is a
very meticulous pains taking job. We developed several operations
that have allowed us to produce consistently accurate rifles and
incorporate these into every rifle we make. There is a huge
difference in a gunsmith that doesn’t understand the dynamics of a
gun barrel and machinist that takes all of the dynamics into
consideration when machining and fitting it to the receiver and
chambering. Even the best barrel will not shoot well if not proper
machined.
The crown is the last part of the barrel
the bullet touches before it heads down range and it has to be
perfect. We machine them so that they are perfectly concentric with
the last few inches of the bore and the bullet makes full contact
all the way around as it leaves the barrel.
Other barrel options are muzzle brakes and
fluting. Muzzle brakes are a must for some of the larger magnum
calibers but may not be needed for the smaller ones. This is up to
the preference of the shooter. Our brakes reduce the felt recoil up
to 50%, this is a huge option for calibers such as the 338 Lapua and
the Ultra Mags..
Barrel fluting reduces the weight and
looks great. It does not offer greater barrel rigidity as widely
touted.
Stocks
As with most of the components of the
tactical rifle, a quality stock must be used in order to produce
accuracy and comfort to the shooter. There are several
configurations that have to be considered as well, shape, adjustable
butt pad and cheek piece for example. Tactical rifles are usually
shot for longer durations than hunting rifles and fit is important
in order to cut down on fatigue.
Aquila normally uses H-S Precision and
Manners. We also go with other makers that our customers prefer.
Both these companies offer very high quality products that we can
get in short order in order to stay with our short deliver times.
Rings and Bases
Scope Mounts and rings on a tactical rifle
are usually much heavier built that the ones utilized on a hunting
rifle. The base is usually a picatiny style with a slight MOA cant
for long range shooting.
Coatings
Aquila uses Duracoat for most
applications. We have found it to be a very versatile and durable
finish. We go to great lengths to ensure every coating job is
perfect, from metal prep to the final spraying. Just bead blasting
the metal and spraying the coating isn’t enough to produce a
good-looking finish that will last.
As detailed in our coating section, there
are a lot of options, colors, and solid or camo patterns…. Even
pink. Just let us know what is required.
