The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero Made a Bold First Impression
The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero isn’t just another barreled action; it’s a promise of precision and customization from a company known for quality AR components. Aero Precision has stepped into the bolt-action world with a clear intention: to provide a solid foundation for a custom rifle build without the headache of barrel installation and headspacing. For someone like me, who has spent years tweaking and perfecting rifles for various applications, this offering immediately piqued my interest.
I’ve always enjoyed the process of building rifles, carefully selecting each component to achieve a specific level of performance. Headspacing has always been the most precise and crucial part of the assembly. The Solus Barreled Action promised to eliminate that particular step. I needed a reliable and accurate platform for long-range target shooting and potentially hunting medium-sized game, and the 6.5 Creedmoor chambering felt like the perfect fit.
The action arrived meticulously packaged, the Sendero contour barrel gleaming under the workshop lights. The weight felt substantial, conveying a sense of robustness. I immediately appreciated the clean lines and the obvious attention to detail in the machining. Compared to a Remington 700 action I had previously worked with, the Solus appeared more refined, with tighter tolerances and a smoother bolt throw. It made me think less about needing a gunsmith.
I also considered a Savage 110 based action and a Howa 1500 barreled action, both popular choices for custom builds. I chose the Aero Precision Solus due to Aero Precision‘s reputation for quality control and the readily available aftermarket support for Remington 700 footprint actions. My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype, but also a little apprehensive about whether it would genuinely simplify the build process as much as promised.
Real-World Testing: Putting Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero was at my local shooting range, nestled in the foothills of the Rockies. The weather was typically unpredictable: a mix of sunshine and gusty winds. I paired the action with a high-quality chassis, a reliable trigger, and a precision optic. The rifle looked and felt the part.
I started with some basic zeroing at 100 yards. The action cycled smoothly, and the trigger broke cleanly. Even with factory ammunition, the groups were promising, hovering around 0.75 MOA. What surprised me most was the consistency. Despite the wind, the point of impact remained remarkably stable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Aero Precision Solus has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, using a variety of ammunition types, from match-grade handloads to affordable hunting rounds. The accuracy has remained consistently impressive, and I have been able to shrink my groups to around 0.5 MOA with optimized handloads.
The finish on the barrel has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear despite regular cleaning and exposure to the elements. Maintenance has been straightforward. I’ve simply followed my usual cleaning routine after each range session. Compared to some of my other rifles, the Solus seems less prone to fouling, possibly due to the quality of the barrel steel and the precision of the machining.
Breaking Down the Features of Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero
Specifications
- Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor. This offers a flat trajectory and excellent ballistics for long-range shooting.
- Barrel Length: 22 inches. Strikes a good balance between maneuverability and maximizing the velocity of the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge.
- Barrel Contour: Sendero. This heavier profile promotes rigidity and minimizes barrel flex, leading to improved accuracy.
- Action Footprint: Remington 700 Short Action. Ensures compatibility with a vast array of aftermarket stocks, chassis, and triggers.
- Compatibility with R700 pattern triggers. Provides the builder access to a myriad of triggers currently on the market.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the rifle’s accuracy, handling, and overall versatility. The 6.5 Creedmoor chambering is known for its inherent accuracy and long-range capabilities. The Sendero contour barrel helps to maintain that accuracy even during extended shooting sessions.
Performance & Functionality
The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero excels in its primary role: providing a consistent and accurate platform for building a custom rifle. The action cycles smoothly, and the bolt throw is relatively short, allowing for rapid follow-up shots. The inherent accuracy of the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, combined with the quality of the barrel, makes this action capable of delivering sub-MOA performance.
One potential weakness is that, being a barreled action, it requires additional components (stock/chassis, trigger, optics) before it can be used. However, this is also a strength, as it allows the user to customize the rifle to their specific needs and preferences. Overall, the Solus meets and even exceeds expectations for accuracy and reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Solus action is based on the tried-and-true Remington 700 footprint, which means that it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket stocks and chassis. The Sendero contour barrel adds weight and rigidity, which contributes to improved accuracy, but also makes the rifle slightly heavier than some other options. The action itself is well-machined and finished, with smooth surfaces and tight tolerances.
The bolt handle is ergonomically designed and provides a comfortable grip. While a complete rifle build will add to the weight, the Sendero barrel adds a level of stability during aiming. There is a small learning curve associated with any new rifle platform, but the Solus is relatively intuitive to use, especially for those familiar with the Remington 700 action.
Durability & Maintenance
The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero appears to be built to last. The materials used are of high quality, and the machining is precise. The barrel is made from durable steel that is resistant to wear and corrosion.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only regular cleaning and lubrication. The action disassembles easily for thorough cleaning. With proper care, this action should provide many years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero is designed to be a highly customizable platform. It is compatible with any stock or chassis that is designed for the Remington 700 short action. This opens up a vast array of options, from traditional hunting stocks to modern tactical chassis systems.
The action is also compatible with a wide range of aftermarket triggers, allowing the user to fine-tune the trigger pull to their liking. There are also numerous options for optics mounting, including scope bases and rails. The possibilities for customization are virtually endless. Be sure to pick the correct action length (Short Action) when selecting parts.
Pros and Cons of Aero Precision – Solus Barreled Short Action – 22″ 6.5 Creedmoor, Sendero
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: Capable of sub-MOA performance with appropriate ammunition.
- Remington 700 Footprint: Ensures broad compatibility with aftermarket parts and accessories.
- High-Quality Construction: Made from durable materials with precise machining.
- Simplified Custom Build: Eliminates the need for barrel installation and headspacing.
- 6.5 Creedmoor Chambering: Offers excellent ballistics and long-range performance.
Cons
- Requires additional components (stock/chassis, trigger, optics) to be a complete rifle.
- Sendero barrel contour can make the completed rifle relatively heavy.
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 experienced shooters and gun enthusiasts who enjoy building and customizing their own rifles. It’s also a great choice for those who want a high-quality, accurate platform for long-range shooting or hunting medium-sized game. Competitive shooters seeking a reliable and customizable action will also find it appealing.
This product might not be the best choice for beginners who are looking for a ready-to-shoot rifle straight out of the box. It also might not be ideal for those who are extremely weight-conscious, as the Sendero barrel contour can add significant weight.
Must-have accessories include a high-quality stock or chassis, a precision trigger, and a reliable optic. A bipod or shooting rest is also highly recommended for achieving optimal 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 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a custom bolt-action rifle on the reliable Remington 700 platform. Aero Precision delivers a quality barreled action with the Solus. The accuracy, durability, and ease of customization make it a compelling option for experienced shooters and gun enthusiasts.
At $1,154.49, the price is justified by the quality of the components and the time and effort saved by not having to install and headspace the barrel yourself. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a solid foundation for a custom rifle build. If you’re ready to take your shooting to the next level, the Aero Precision Solus is a great place to start. Take the plunge and build the rifle of your dreams!
