First Thoughts on the Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero
The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero is Aero Precision’s offering to the burgeoning market of precision rifle components, promising a blend of quality and customization at a competitive price point. This isn’t a complete rifle; it’s the heart of one, ready to be dropped into a compatible chassis or stock. The Solus barreled action aims to provide the user with a semi-custom experience without the headaches of complex gunsmithing.
For years, I’ve been piecing together custom rifles, always chasing that perfect balance of accuracy and reliability. Building a precision rifle from the ground up can be an expensive and time-consuming process, requiring specialized tools and expertise. The Solus barreled action seemed like a potential shortcut, promising to deliver a significant portion of the performance without all the hassle.
My initial unboxing experience was positive. The action felt solid and well-machined, with a smooth bolt throw. The Sendero profile barrel looked substantial and ready to handle the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. The matte black finish was clean and even.
I considered actions from Remington (700 footprint is the key) and Savage, as well as fully custom actions from companies like Defiance Machine. I chose the Aero Precision Solus due to its reputation for quality, the readily available 6.5 Creedmoor chambering, and the price point being significantly lower than a full custom build. I was cautiously optimistic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero at my local outdoor shooting range, mounted in a Magpul Pro 700 chassis. The range offered distances out to 600 yards, providing a good opportunity to stretch the legs of the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, which allowed for consistent shooting conditions.
The first few shots were promising. The bolt cycled smoothly, and the trigger (a Timney 510, compatible with the R700 footprint) broke cleanly. I was quickly stacking rounds near the center of the target at 100 yards. However, I did notice a slight tightness in the bolt when chambering rounds, especially with factory ammunition.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including over 500 rounds fired, the Solus action has proven to be reasonably reliable. The bolt tightness I initially experienced has smoothed out somewhat, although it is still noticeable with certain types of ammunition. I have experienced no failures to extract or eject.
The finish is holding up well, with no significant signs of wear. I’ve kept the barrel clean and properly lubricated the action. Disassembly and cleaning are straightforward. It’s a familiar process to anyone with experience with the Remington 700 platform.
Compared to my previous experiences with complete custom builds, the Aero Precision Solus offers a good value proposition. It doesn’t quite match the silky-smooth action of a high-end custom, but it comes surprisingly close, and at a fraction of the cost. The accuracy is certainly competitive for a factory barrel.
Breaking Down the Features of Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero
Specifications
The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero is chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, a popular cartridge known for its accuracy and ballistic performance. This makes it suitable for both target shooting and hunting.
It features a 22-inch Sendero profile barrel. The Sendero contour is designed to balance rigidity and weight, providing excellent accuracy without excessive bulk.
The action is built on a Remington 700 short action footprint. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket stocks, chassis, and triggers.
The action is made from 4140 steel, providing strength and durability. This is a common and proven material for rifle actions.
Performance & Functionality
The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero performs admirably, delivering consistent accuracy. With hand-loaded ammunition, I was able to achieve sub-MOA groups at 100 yards.
The action is smooth, though as noted, can be a bit tight initially. The trigger, being an aftermarket R700 compatible unit, is excellent. The 6.5 Creedmoor chambering provides a flat trajectory and ample energy for long-range shooting. A weakness is the initial bolt tightness, especially with factory ammo.
It largely meets expectations, delivering a level of performance consistent with its price point. The ability to easily customize the rifle with R700-compatible components is a major strength.
Design & Ergonomics
The Solus barreled action is well-designed and ergonomically sound. The matte black finish is durable and aesthetically pleasing.
The weight is manageable. Its balance allows for comfortable shooting from various positions. The R700 footprint makes it extremely user-friendly. The design lends itself to easy integration into numerous stocks and chassis systems.
Durability & Maintenance
The Solus barreled action appears to be durable. The 4140 steel construction should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s required to keep the action running smoothly. The R700 design means that replacement parts are readily available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero is highly customizable, thanks to its R700 footprint. This allows for a wide range of aftermarket accessories to be used.
Compatible accessories include stocks and chassis from manufacturers like Magpul, MDT, and McMillan. R700 pattern triggers from Timney, TriggerTech, and Geissele are also compatible. Optics rails and scope mounts designed for the R700 platform can be easily installed. The ability to upgrade and personalize the rifle is a major advantage.
Pros and Cons of Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero
Pros
- Excellent accuracy for a factory barreled action.
- R700 footprint provides extensive customization options.
- Solid and durable construction.
- Competitive price point.
- 6.5 Creedmoor chambering offers excellent ballistic performance.
Cons
- Bolt can be tight initially, especially with certain ammunition.
- May not match the smoothness of a high-end custom action.
Who Should Buy Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero?
The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who want to build a custom precision rifle. It is also well suited to hunters looking for a reliable and accurate long-range platform. It is also a good choice for those who enjoy tinkering and customizing their firearms.
Those seeking absolute top-tier performance should consider a full custom action. Individuals who prefer a complete, ready-to-shoot rifle should look elsewhere.
A high-quality chassis or stock, a compatible R700 trigger, and a reliable scope mount are must-have accessories.
Conclusion on Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero
The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero offers a compelling value proposition. It provides a solid foundation for a custom precision rifle build.
The price is justified given the accuracy, durability, and customization options. It’s an excellent option for shooters looking to get into the world of precision rifle shooting without breaking the bank.
I would recommend the Aero Precision Solus to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable barreled action. It is a well-made product that delivers excellent performance at a reasonable price. If you’re looking to build your own long-range rifle, the Solus is a great place to start.