Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing The Right Barrelled Action:

The best barreled action for your rifle largely depends on its intended use. Whether you’re hunting, shooting for fun at the range, or competing in precision rifle matches, selecting the right option and considering your budget is crucial.

Hunting

  • Walk-and-Stalk Hunting: Opt for a lighter profile barrel. A heavy bull barrel might offer enhanced stability, but it can become burdensome when trekking through the wilderness.
  • Bakkie/Driver (Voorsit) Hunting: In this case, weight is less of an issue since you won’t be carrying your rifle for long distances. You can opt for a heavier barrel if you prefer, offering better heat management and accuracy.

Carbon-Wrapped Barrels

Some manufacturers offer carbon fiber-wrapped barrels, which are ideal for hunting. These barrels provide the rigidity and accuracy of heavier barrels without the added weight, making them perfect for those on the move. While carbon-wrapped barrels are more expensive to produce, they offer the same barrel life as traditional steel barrels. The lightweight and stiffness combination makes them a popular choice for hunters who want high performance without the bulk.

Competition Shooting

Here, the heavier the barrel, the better. Heavy barrels are easier to shoot consistently and produce less felt recoil, which is critical for maintaining accuracy over long shooting sessions. Competition shooters often gravitate toward heavier barrels because of their increased stiffness, which results in greater precision and stability, especially during rapid fire.

Budget Considerations

  • Entry-Level: The Howa action provides exceptional value, making it a solid choice for those starting out. It’s an excellent foundation with numerous upgrade possibilities, allowing you to build up your rifle over time.

 

  • Mid-Range: Tikka offers a step up in quality and performance. Known for its smooth action and reliability, it’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a balance between cost and performance. However, keep in mind that a Tikka is approximately three times the cost of a Howa. For most users, the additional investment may not be necessary unless specific needs or preferences warrant the jump.

 

  • Custom Builds: For the ultimate in performance and personalization, custom-barreled actions allow you to tailor every aspect of your rifle to your precise requirements. While the cost is roughly double that of a Tikka, the results are unparalleled in terms of fit, finish, and performance. This bespoke option will be available through Impact Proshop starting at the end of 2024.

 

Choosing the right barrelled action is about balancing your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build a world-class custom rifle, Impact Proshop has options to suit every shooter’s goals.

 

Muzzle Devices:

Selecting the right Warbird or Raptor for your rifle?

Muzzle brakes: are exceptionally effective at reducing recoil, making them a favoured option among shooters who seek to lessen the recoil of their firearms. This is particularly advantageous for high-recoil weapons such as magnum rifles. Additionally, precision rifle shooters prefer muzzle brakes for superior recoil mitigation, enhancing the overall shooting experience.

Silencer (Suppressor): Suppressors greatly diminish the sound produced during a firearm discharge, making them a superb option for individuals seeking a quieter shooting experience and a reduction in noise pollution. They are particularly well-suited for recreational shooting and hunting activities.

Don’t miss out on enhancing your precision and performance—check out our Muzzle Devices today and find the right fit for your needs!

Which thread should I choose for my muzzle device?

When selecting a thread for your muzzle device, it is essential to confirm its compatibility with both your firearm’s barrel and the specific device you plan to install. If you are unsure about the thread size, it is advisable to consult your firearm’s manufacturer or a qualified gunsmith.

Which Raptor Brake is right for me?

Although there is no definitive answer, we have made every effort to provide guidance on the product page. From the examples provided, please select a cartridge that closely resembles the one you are considering. Remember, bigger isn’t always better.

How much recoil does the Raptor Muzzle brake reduce?

The recoil reduction offered by the Raptor Muzzle Brake, or any muzzle brake for that matter, is influenced by several factors, including the firearm’s calibre and the specifics of the ammunition used. Muzzle brakes function by redirecting and venting a portion of the high-pressure gases produced when a bullet is fired. This gas redirection generates a counterforce that effectively mitigates the recoil force of the firearm. The Raptor Muzzle Brake can achieve over a 44% reduction in recoil, as demonstrated in the example below.

How quiet is the Warbird?

The Warbird Silencer offers a significant noise reduction, but it’s essential to understand that the term “hearing safe” can have different interpretations. While specific decibel reduction measurements have been taken in the past, consumer-level technology may not provide the precision required for an accurate figure. However, it’s reported that the Warbird Silencer provides more than a 50% reduction in noise, which is substantial and significantly reduces the risk of hearing damage.

It is important to understand that even when using a suppressor or silencer, supersonic bullets can still produce a sonic boom as they exit the muzzle. This noise can be intense enough to cause hearing damage if fired without appropriate hearing protection. Therefore, it is highly recommended to wear suitable hearing protection when using firearms with supersonic ammunition, even when equipped with a suppressor.

How does the Tuner work?

A barrel tuner, often referred to simply as a tuner or harmonic tuner, is a device designed to fine-tune the vibrations of a rifle’s barrel. The primary goal of a barrel tuner is to optimize the barrel’s harmonics, which can significantly impact accuracy by altering how the barrel vibrates when a shot is fired. It’s essential to understand that the effectiveness of a barrel tuner varies between rifles, influenced by factors such as barrel contour, ammunition type, and specific shooting conditions. Not all rifles experience the same benefits from tuners, and determining the ideal tuner position can be a time-consuming process.

What are the advantages of the Littlebird with Tuner?

A rimfire suppressor equipped with a built-in tuner, like the Littlebird, provides a distinct advantage for rimfire firearms, particularly in optimizing accuracy with factory ammunition. Unlike centerfire ammunition, rimfire cartridges cannot be easily reloaded by hand, limiting the ability to customize ammo to match a specific rifle’s characteristics, as is commonly done with hand-loaded centerfire cartridges. 

This is where the value of a rimfire suppressor with a built-in tuner becomes evident. The tuner enables shooters to fine-tune the barrel’s harmonics to align with their factory ammunition. By adjusting the tuner, shooters can discover the optimal position to enhance both accuracy and precision.

 

Reloading:

When Should I use my expander mandrel?

Each time you reload, the mandrel should be the final step in processing your brass before seating a bullet. To enhance precision, consider seating bullets within a few hours of running the mandrel through your brass. This helps prevent spring-back from altering the neck dimensions.

Should I use Lube with my mandrel set?

When using mandrels, we recommend applying Imperial sizing lube sparingly, as even a small amount can be very effective.

Why is the Tin Coated Mandrel better than the regular set?

The Tin coating provides a significantly harder surface, resulting in an exceptionally smooth glide when using the mandrel sets. Users have also noted that lubrication is unnecessary with the Tin-coated sets. This benefit is particularly advantageous as it eliminates the need to remove any lubricant before adding powder.

 

APW Guarantee / Warrantee

APW proudly offers a lifetime guarantee on all our products. For further details, please click here to learn more.

Muzzle brakes are highly effective in reducing recoil when firing a firearm, making them popular among enthusiasts seeking less kick. They are particularly beneficial for powerful weapons, such as magnum rifles. Additionally, experienced shooters appreciate muzzle brakes for their ability to enhance shooting performance, allowing for a more controlled and enjoyable experience.