Hi fellas/gals,
Just came across the GBO website last night and noticed quite a bit of interest in the SPR18. I have one in .223 and will pass on what I have discovered. Of particular interest was mounting a scope on the 11mm rail.
I came across one of the design engineers who worked for B-Square and has begun his own company. It is called Sun Optics out of Cleburne, Tx. Dewayne Sorensen is the owner and can be reached at 817-944-2981.
He has made a scope rail that slides on the dovetail that is machined into the receiver and clamps down with three allen head screws. It has some leeway to move fore and aft. It also has an extension that extends forward so that the rings can be positioned across a span so that there is about 3 inches of distance between the insides of the two rings. I have plenty of distance fore and aft for the scope turrets. With the adjustment on the rail and the adjustment on moving the rings that best suits the positioning of the scope, I have plenty of room to adjust for the eye relief that I need. No drilling necessary. Can all be done yourself. Verrry easy.
I purchased my unit as a combo with rail and Weaver rings combined. Takes about two minutes to mount the rail and a few minutes to mount the scope and rings, depending on what is comfortable for you. There are also adjustable rings available for extra windage and elevation if you think you need them. Some have indicated that there wasn't enough adjustment in the scope to get satisfactory results when sighting in. He told me he didn't think I would need them --- I didn't.
I took a World Class Tasco 4X9 off of another gun to put on it. At 50 yds I wasn't on paper. After a few shots, I found paper and got it dialed in enough that I thought I could find paper at 100 yds. After a few more shots I had a 3 inch group. I know I can do better with a little more tweaking, but I'm happy with it for all the more shooting I've done with it. Now I wouldn't trade that rail/ring set up for anything. Oh, it also came with three allen wrenches for mounting, adjustment, etc. Everything was there I needed. Very happy with it. Now its coyote time. As someone has said, "As long as I'm fishing, the coyote are safe."
I also noticed that there was some inquiry as to the calibers available. Maybe it has already been noted but I'll include it anyway. Go to the following Remington website: I hope I have gotten all the address correct:
http://www.remington.com/library/history/firearem_models/centerfire/SPR18N.aspI called Remington to see if there were other barrels that could be purchased separately. I wanted to be able to swap barrels and therefore be able to change calibers. They said no because the barrels are fitted specifically to the receiver. I wanted to order one in another caliber to have a quick change if I wanted it. Can't do it. Also, at this point, wood is the only material avialable and I don't believe there is going to be anything in the future unless someone besides Remington decides to provide something.
The fluted, hammer forged barrel is kind of neat. I asked a gunsmith about it. In his opinion, the hammer forged is very good. I wasn't sure I'd like the fluted barrel but turns out it is quite nice. While shooting at the range, a fella stopped to take a look and was wondering "what is with the barrel." After looking it over, he said it looks kind of cool.
The only down side so far is what some others have indicated. Trigger pull is a bit stiff and a bit of travel before it fires. Thanks to one of the fellas for posting the pics of the internals of his. Gives me an idea what to look for. I want to try to make it a little better. All in all, I'm happy with it.
Here in Oregon, I paid $230 plus $10 background check. Sounds like some others are getting a little better deal in other parts of the country. Uncle Lee's in Kentucky had them for $199.99 but that was at the counter. They wouldn't ship. Counter priced only.
If I think of anything else of significance, I'll post it. Can't think of anything else right off of the top of my head. If you have a question, ask it. I may have already talked to someone about it.
Oh, Dewayne sent me a couple of pics on an email. If you want to see the setup he offers, I'll have to forward it to you. Maybe someone else can post the pics. I don't have a clue where to begin.
Happy shooting !