wade06 wrote:Thanks bigfella. The $100 order limit is pretty silly.... would probably support a local shop anyway for an extra bit.
Is the prairie hunter rifle a sporter or varmint barrel?
I like the fluted barrel but prefer stainless for easy cleaning and rust resistance. Not sure fluted comes in stainless in 243.
The Prairie Hunter stock is designed for the sporter weight barrel but that one was opened up to suit my Varmint Barrel. The Fluted version is great, slightly lighter and points better than a non fluted version but not big deal breaker either way for me (have both versions) Stainless is fine but don't make the mistake of thinking its rust proof because they aren't as many have found out, stainless isn't rustless as such, yes it has a bit more rust resistance but at the end of the day it's still a good idea to give it a wipe over with some oil of some description (I use lanox, inox, sewing machine oil to name a few) also make sure you put a little bit of grease on the backs of the bolt lugs to prevent galling (you only need a little bit don't go heavy on it) give the bolt a wipe over after use with oil, get that trigger worked and you will have a fantastic reliable rifle for many years to come (some of my Howa's are over 35yrs old and still working as good as ever and bloody accurate with hand loads.
Also don't forget to give the bore a good clean out before 1st use as it will have preservatives in it to help prevent rusting etc, after each use give the bore a patch with some lanox or other oil to help prevent rust and again remove before shooting each time and replace after cleaning to help protect the bore, you do all that each time before and after use and you won't go wrong, neglect to do it and you will end up with a stuffed bore sooner or later.
Bore Tech products are good for cleaning the bore as are others so find something you are happy to use and give it a try.
Anyway mate enjoy the new rifle and remember safety is your No.1 priority whenever out hunting, everything else is second, always remember where that muzzle is pointed and what state of rediness your rifle is in (ie loaded or unloaded) and make sure you know what others are too and make sure everyone is doing the right thing regarding loaded etc all the time, you do that consistently and you'll be fine, neglect it and you or someone else may well pay with their lives as some have found out the hard way.
Good luck and enjoy yourself