Where do I start with this build? Its an Airforce air gun?!? Maybe not! Ok, how about, "this gun started life as a Texan 457 cal"? Ok, that works!
This build is actually an OLD idea I've had for many years now. Considered even before my supremely accurate Badger .375 cal. I've just been waiting on the right time and right platform to work with. Well, one day, I was air gun swapping with a good buddy SOUTHGUNNER, and a Texan 457 cal came up. For trade that is. That's when it hit me, the time was right and this was the perfect opportunity. TRADE it was. So in comes a used but OEM Texan 457 that makes 515 FPE.
With it being an Air Force air rifle, having a long frame and power to spare, the Texan proved to be the perfect platform for a custom 338 build. That's two hard ideas crossed off the list. The rest of them could be decided at later points. Like, what scope? What barrel? What bottle? A Custom valve or OEM valve? What Bi-pod? What scope rings? So forth and so on! Over time, the pieces just fell into place. Lets take a quick look at some of them. These are what's currently on the air rifle:
Witt Machine threaded muzzle break to tame 400+ fpe from a mid-bore
MadDog, RJ-6A Recon Stock. My favorite part of the rifle btw. Aint she purdy?!
Bartlein Barrel in .338 caliber and 34" long. My other favorite part of the rifle....lol
4500 psi Carbon Fiber Bottle and high pressure valve
Last on the list is an Athlon Argos BTR, 8-34x56mm scope and FX adjustable scope rings (no pic)
I built this air rifle 1st and foremost to be accurate and to also do it at long ranges (for airguns). I also plan to push the ammo as fast as it can go while still being very accurate. And that is something that is going to take time to figure all out. She is currently pushing 181.5 gr FP's at 960 FPS and 164.5 grs at 990 fps and 174.5 gr HP's at 976 fps. All on 3400 psi of pressure and power level 2 out of 5! Needless to even say, there will be PLENTY on this air rifle. The journey so far has been wonderful with this project.
Stay Tuned!
