Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero Review

The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero Made a Bold First Impression

I’ve been building custom rifles for over a decade. The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero immediately piqued my interest as a potential foundation for a lightweight, accurate long-range hunting rig. It promises the custom build experience without the hassle of headspacing a barrel, a feature I found incredibly appealing.

For years, I’ve struggled with sourcing quality components that balanced performance and budget. Many custom actions require gunsmithing, which adds to the overall cost and lead time. The Solus action’s compatibility with R700 pattern triggers promised a straightforward build, making it an attractive option.

When the Aero Precision Solus Barreled Action arrived, the first thing I noticed was the heft. It felt substantial, reassuringly solid, suggesting quality materials. The fit and finish were clean and professional, far exceeding my expectations for a barreled action at this price point.

I was considering a custom action from Defiance Machine and a pre-fit barrel from Criterion. The Defiance action, while renowned for its precision, comes at a premium. The Criterion barrel, while accurate, requires proper installation. I chose the Aero Precision Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero due to its simplicity and potential cost savings.

My initial reaction was excitement mixed with cautious optimism. I was excited by the potential for a quick and relatively inexpensive custom build. However, I was also cautiously optimistic, wondering if it could truly deliver the accuracy and reliability I demand from a hunting rifle.

Real-World Testing: Putting Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Solus action at my local shooting range. The goal was to verify the headspace and break in the barrel. I paired it with a Timney trigger, a Magpul Hunter 700 stock, and a Vortex Viper PST Gen II optic.

The weather was typical for early spring: cool, damp, and a slight breeze. These conditions can affect bullet trajectory, so I paid close attention to consistency. The action cycled smoothly, and the trigger broke cleanly, making for a positive first impression.

I did encounter a minor issue during the first few rounds. The bolt felt a bit stiff, which is typical for new actions. After about 20 rounds, the action smoothed out considerably.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of range sessions and a backcountry deer hunt, the Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero has proven to be reliable. The action continues to cycle smoothly, and accuracy has improved as the barrel has broken in. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.

Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward. The nitride finish on the action resists corrosion, even after exposure to damp conditions. I’ve been using a standard cleaning rod, bore brush, and solvent without any issues.

Compared to previous custom builds, the Solus action has exceeded my expectations in terms of ease of assembly and initial accuracy. While a fully custom action might offer a slight edge in ultimate precision, the Solus action delivers excellent performance at a fraction of the cost.

Breaking Down the Features of Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero

Specifications

• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor. This caliber is known for its excellent long-range performance and manageable recoil, making it a popular choice for both target shooting and hunting.
• Barrel Length: 22 inches. This length strikes a good balance between maneuverability and velocity.
• Action Footprint: R700 Short Action. This compatibility allows for a wide range of aftermarket stocks and accessories.
• Trigger Compatibility: R700 Pattern Triggers. This further simplifies the build process, providing numerous trigger options.
• Barrel Profile: Sendero. The Sendero profile offers increased rigidity for enhanced accuracy.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the rifle’s performance and ease of customization. The 6.5 Creedmoor caliber ensures long-range accuracy, while the R700 footprint opens up a world of aftermarket possibilities.

Performance & Functionality

The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero performs admirably. It delivers consistent accuracy and reliable cycling.

Its strengths include ease of assembly, compatibility with readily available components, and good out-of-the-box accuracy. The action could be smoother initially, but this improves with use.

The Solus action has met my expectations for a mid-range custom build. It’s not a top-tier competition action, but it provides excellent performance for hunting and recreational shooting.

Design & Ergonomics

The Solus action is well-designed and ergonomically sound. The nitride finish is durable and visually appealing. The action’s weight provides a stable shooting platform.

The action is user-friendly. Its compatibility with R700 pattern triggers and stocks simplifies the build process.

Durability & Maintenance

The Solus action appears to be built to last. The nitride finish provides excellent corrosion resistance. Disassembly and cleaning are relatively straightforward.

I expect the Solus action to provide many years of reliable service with proper maintenance. I’ve seen no indication of any potential durability issues.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero does not come with any accessories beyond the barreled action itself. However, its R700 short action footprint allows for a vast array of customization options.

The action is compatible with various stocks, triggers, optics, and magazines. This makes it a versatile platform for building a custom rifle to your specific needs.

Pros and Cons of Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero

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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 hunters seeking a lightweight, accurate long-range rifle. It is also suited for recreational target shooters looking for a customizable platform. Experienced shooters and DIY enthusiasts wanting to build a custom rifle without the complexities of headspacing will also find it ideal.

This product might not be the best choice for competitive shooters seeking the absolute pinnacle of precision. It is also not recommended for beginners who prefer a complete, ready-to-shoot rifle.

Must-have accessories include a quality trigger, a compatible stock, and a reliable optic. A bipod or shooting rest is also recommended for maximizing accuracy.

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 an excellent balance of performance, affordability, and customization. It provides a solid foundation for building a capable long-range rifle.

The price is justified given the quality of the action and the ease of assembly. The Solus action offers a fantastic value proposition.

I would personally recommend the Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero to anyone looking to build a custom 6.5 Creedmoor rifle without breaking the bank. Start your custom rifle journey today and experience the satisfaction of building your own precision instrument!

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