Faxon Overwatch Tactical Bolt Action Rifle

Not content with merely making barrels for the new 8.6 Blackout, Faxon Firearms recently released the Overwatch rifle series, looking to combine top-quality bolt-action rifle building with the 8.6 Blackout caliber.

The Overwatch is available in a more traditional style with the Overwatch Hunter, as well as two flavors of chassis builds in the Overwatch Tactical, in a 16″ barreled rifle and a 12″ barreled/braced pistol.

Today we’re breaking down the two versions of the Overwatch Tactical.

Faxon Firearms Overwatch Tactical 16″

The 16″ Faxon Overwatch Tactical Bolt Action in 8.6 BLK provides modern modularity and attachment capabilities while retaining the classic bolt action experience.

Features and Specs

• Faxon 16″ 1:3 Twist 8.6 BLK Barrel w/ Thread Protector, Taper Adapter, and Remage-Style Nut
• Muzzle threaded M18x1.5mm for use with any AI standard muzzle device or suppressor mount
• MDT LSS XL Gen 2 Chassis
• Faxon TAC 30 Action & Bolt by Stiller
• AICS Mag Compatible
• Timney Elite Hunter 510-V2 Trigger
• B5 Precision Collapsible Stock
• B5 Pistol Grip

Weights & Dimensions

• Weight: 7.61 lbs
• Length: 35.375″
• Depth: 8″
• Width: 1.5″

Notes on the Overwatch Tactical 16″

B5’s Precision Collapsible stock is the most feature-heavy stock I’ve ever seen.  Toolless adjustment of length-of-pull, cheek piece height, and adjustable position make this an incredibly versatile PRS stock.

Faxon Firearms Overwatch Tactical 12″

The 12″ Faxon Overwatch Tactical Bolt Action in 8.6 BLK provides modern modularity and attachment capabilities while retaining the classic bolt action experience.

Features and Specs

• Faxon 12″ 1:3 Twist 8.6 BLK Barrel w/ Thread Protector, Taper Adapter, and Remage-Style Nut
• Muzzle threaded M18x1.5mm for use with any AI standard muzzle device or suppressor mount
• MDT LSS Gen 2 Chassis
• Faxon TAC 30 Action & Bolt by Stiller
• ​​​​​​​AICS Mag Compatible
• Timney Elite Hunter 510-V2 Trigger
• SBA3 Pistol Brace
• B5 Pistol Grip

Weights & Dimensions

• Weight: 7.87 lbs
• Length: 29″
• Depth: 8″
• Width: 1.5″

SB Tactical SBA3 Brace

The leading name in pistol braces, SB Tactical’s flagship SBA3 makes its presence known on the Overwatch Tactical 12″.  One of the lightest, sturdiest, and most comfortable braces in existence, the SBA3 is a welcome addition.

Here’s a related blog post discussing the ATF’s approved list of SB Tactical braces.

Shared Features of the Overwatch Tactical Bolt Action Rifles

The Overwatch 16″ Rifle and 12″ Pistol share these commonalities.

Faxon TAC30 Action by Stiller

Stiller Actions has been making premium quality rifle action based on the Remington 700 for years.  With customers hunting in the woods, competing at the range, and chasing down enemies of America, Stiller Actions is well known to those who demand quality.

Tac30 Action

• Designed for Tactical and Long Range Hunting applications
• Bead Blasted 416 Stainless
• 90-degree bolt throw
• Modified M16 extractor, Remington 700 pin-style ejector
• Fits any Remington 700 short-action inlet stock
• Accepts AICS pattern mags

The first thing you’ll notice with the Tac 30 action is how amazingly smooth the bolt rides when you run it back and forth.  You can thank Stiller’s proprietary, double-layer coating for that.

Timney 510 Elite Hunter 510-V2

The Timney Elite Hunter 510-V2 is one of the best triggers on this earth.  Zero creep, sharp break; it’s perfection in tangible form.

Differences Between The Overwatch Tactical Bolt Action Rifles

There are two primary differences between the Overwatch Tactical 12″ and 16″.

Besides the barrel length, there’s also the rifle having a buttstock, while the pistol has a stabilizing brace.

First, let’s talk barrel length.  Here’s a look at the preliminary load data for 8.6 Blackout, as provided by Faxon and Q.

The difference between 12″ and 16″ with Barnes supersonic 160gr is only 150 fps.  With Sierra’s 300gr subsonic round, the difference is about 40 fps.  With 8.6 Blackout optimized for performance in short barrels, there’s little performance gain.

Instead, the barrel length (and corresponding brace/stock) is more about personal preference and legality.  In some states hunting with pistols is outlawed, regardless of caliber.

There’s also the matter of comfort and terrain.  If you’re one of Durin’s dwarves like me, you’ll probably opt for the 12″ barrel.  This is also true if you spend more time hunting in densely wooded areas.

But if you’re more of an ent who likes hunting in wide open spaces, that modest performance gain in the 16″ barrel combined with the more adjustable B5 stock makes a better platform for most.

What is the advantage of a bolt-action rifle?

Bolt action rifles are simpler with fewer moving pieces than a semi-auto.  As a general rule, this means bolt action rifles will be more reliable than semi-auto rifles.

Check out this blog regarding the best deer hunting rifles!

What’s more accurate bolt-action or semi auto?

While semi-auto and bolt action rifles both have the same potential for accuracy, it’s easier to make an accurate bolt action rifle than an equally accurate semi-auto.

This is due to the bolt action having fewer moving pieces and a barrel that can be truly free-floated.  The bolt action platform simply has fewer variables, giving it an easier path to the most demanding levels of accuracy.

Conclusion

Regardless of which barrel length you prefer, it’s clear that Faxon Firearms is swinging for the 8.6 Blackout fences with the Overwatch Tactical and Overwatch Hunter.

Like 8.6 Blackout but prefer a semi-auto to bolt-action rifles?  Read more on Faxon’s Sentinel AR-10 platform rifle.

This article by Scott Witner was originally published by RE Factor Tactical.