High Performance Suppressed Hunting Rifle Build

It isn’t too tough to find a good rifle that falls under the “budget” category.  In fact, I recently put up a guide on that subject.  Sometimes though, you need to dream bigger.

Drop the budget restriction, and aim for quality and precision! Let’s take a look at one High-Performance Hunting build and the suppressor that can make it even better.

The Rifle

These days we’re blessed with an abundance of riches in the bolt action market.  There are countless variations of caliber, stock, and barrel length, with something for everyone.

Makers such as Savage, Howa, Tikka, and even the old stalwarts like Remington and Winchester are producing quality rifles at fairly reasonable prices. But I want more.  I want cutting-edge.  I have a handful of traditional .308’s and 30-06’s to write about, but it’s time to try something new.

I’m primarily talking about the carbon fiber barrel, aluminum chassis, Christensen Arms Modern Precision Pistol (MPP), and secondarily its big brother the Modern Precision Rifle (MPR).

Tech Specs

• 4.4lbs!
• 12.5″ Stainless Steel Barrel, Carbon Fiber Wrapped
• 6.5 Creedmoor (.300 Blk, .223, .308 available)
• Remington® 700 optics base compatible
• Trigger Tech® “Flat” Trigger
• Oversized Fluted Bolt Knob
• Skeletonized Bolt Handle
• AICS-Compatible Detachable Magazine
• Tactical Mag Release
• Included 0MOA Rail
• Christensen Arms 7075 Billet Aluminum Pistol Chassis
• V-Block Bedding
• Standard AR Grip Compatible

There’s something about a chassis-built bolt-action rifle. It’s akin to seeing a ’68 Camaro with a modern LS motor swapped in.  Classic tech with an ultra-modern performance overhaul. The Christensen Arms MPP and MPR (rifle version) perform too, making challenging shots feel routine. Bull moose at 223 yards in the wind and rain?  Don’t think it’s a problem, one-shot drop.  The MPR in this case, though at that range the difference between the two isn’t massive. The lightweight and compact nature of the folding stock/brace make the MPP a fantastic option for hiking up a few thousand feet, or chasing after mountain goats or Dall sheep. Svelte enough to carry anywhere and tiny enough to toss in a pack for more challenging sections, the MPP is ticking a ton of boxes for me.

The Optic

A gun of this caliber deserves a proper optic. Given 6.5 Creedmoor’s excellent velocity and velocity retention, a 1x magnification red dot optic would easily suffice out to a couple hundred yards. Likewise, a variable power optic could be used to devastating effect on such an accurate gun. I’m in love with the ACOG though, and since I just recently sold the rife it was on, I’m happily strapping it to the MPP. With a dual illuminated reticle, the fixed 4x ACOG is quick to grab the eye, day or night. The ACOG has a legendary reputation for toughness, beloved by many of the warfighters who carried them into combat. This is essential in a tough-as-nails hunting rig when you might only get one shot at a trophy animal.

The Suppressor

My least favorite part of the Christensen MPP?  The highly effective muzzle brake.  Sure, it takes the moderate recoil of 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Winchester down a couple of pegs, but it is deafening in a way few guns can achieve.  I’m talking Barrett .50 BMG fired from an indoor position loud. Suppressors are the cure for muzzle blasts as we all know, but they also do a fair job of reducing recoil.  Not as effective as a muzzle brake or compensator, but still worthwhile. Besides recoil reduction, there are a number of other benefits to hunting with a suppressor. Since I’m putting this MPP package together for a lightweight, high-performance hunting rig that’s capable of dropping any animal in North America, it makes sense to pick a suppressor that’s purpose-built for this application.

Maxim Defense PRS Suppressor

A suppressor like Maxim Defense’s PRS is a distinct advantage for the hunter, as well as other hunters in the area who might keep combing the hills after you’ve hauled in your buck or bull. The PRS’ titanium & aluminum construction is absolutely ideal in a bolt action platform. Less weight on the barrel means a smaller POI shift, and less variability as the barrel heats up. Additionally, nobody wants to carry unnecessary weight on a hunt, especially if you’re headed up the mountain. Finally, the PRS suppressor is excellent at noise reduction. A truly modern design, it’s impressive how much performance Maxim has squeezed into a lightweight package.

Tech Specs

• State-of-the-art MonoKore design.
• Simple 3-piece design.
• Adds 7.25″ to the muzzle.
• Specifically designed for 7.62×51 / 6.5 Creedmoor
• Suppressor core has integrated carbon cutters for tube cleaning
• Ships with 5/8-24 direct thread mount.
• Available Calibers: 6.5, .308 Win
• Thread Pitch: 5/8-24
• Material Composition: Grade-5 Titanium, 7075-T6 Aluminum
• Weight: 10.8 oz
• Length: 7.9″ overall length
• Diameter: 1.75″ outer diameter
• Finish: Type-III hardcoat Anodizing

The Ammo

A gun like this should be paired with the best ammo.  For my money, there is no single better manufacturer than Barnes.  I pay out the nose for the stuff, because it always exceeds my expectations. Barnes T-TSX projectiles are designed for excellent expansion and significant penetration, every time.  I’ve also used Barnes T-TSX in .223 and .300 Blackout to great effect.  Fantastic bullet design means the round will expand well even at extended ranges where velocity starts to get marginal.

Conclusion

With an accurate gun, a solid optic, great ammo,  and a fantastic suppressor, this Christensen Arms MPP makes for a hell of a high-performance hunting rig.  Expect to see more of this combo soon.*This article by Jens Hammer was originally published by RE Factor Tactical.