Looooong time lurker. Finally managed to register.
Anyhow, I noticed a lack of Traditions owners/users here.
Last year I finally got my first inline, and like the subject said, the Vortek Strikerfire.
Initially I had it set up with the fiber optic sights but once I got a few more $$ I now have a Vortex Diamondback 2-8 HP mounted.
The fit & finish of my Vortek was very good considering what I paid ($300 and now I see Cabelas has it for $150 more). Actually its pretty dang good even at a higher price range. Soft touch stock has a nice feel but IMNSHO not crucial. haven't had sweaty hands on it to test if slippery. the TAC2 trigger is sweeeeeeeeet! The rifle is light, almost too light. its better with the scope but before, 6 shots of 110gr powder and my shoulder is done. about on par with my Mosin Nagant M44 and thats a mule. Still working on loads but play with 90-100gr and can go all day.
My only grip I believe is due to primers. specifically the Winchester 209. Think I now know why they were on sale and had a coating of dust on them. Uggg. Had a few FTF but lit off on 2nd go. They foul up the locking mechanism. I finally burned thru that flat of 209 and need to get more. Most definitely will NOT be Winchester
I emailed Traditions about that and here is what Chris Gosselin had to say (kind of fits in the Fit/Finish aspect of the rifle)
"After 8 to 12 shots depending on the load you are shooting, fouling can build up on the breech face. Wiping the breech and rear face of the breech plug should be all that needed to keep the gun locking up correctly. The tolerances are tight when the gun locks up, excessive fouling can effect this lockup and cocking of the firing mechanism."
He is correct, the locking mechanism is very tight. i've since started using a q-tip and #13 or moose milk and swab that area after every 2-3 shots and been great since. What happens, is because of the blowback fouling, it doesn't lock up entirely. it sounds like its locked. Feels like its locked. Cannot tell in any way thats its not locked until you try to arm.
on the plus side of the stikerfire system, the scope can be mounted low. I like that, feels more natural and can get a good cheekweld. moving the strikerfire seems to take a bit more effort, but thats logical as it doesn't have the leverage of a hammer. Due to the safety feature I have to roll my thumb at the end or else the safety will disarm the gun. may just be my fat fingers too.
Overall, for 3 bills its a dang good firearm. I just need to go out and shoot it more.
Actually need more sabots, and better primers, and no rain.... maybe tomorrow..... hmmmm.
Anyhow, I noticed a lack of Traditions owners/users here.
Last year I finally got my first inline, and like the subject said, the Vortek Strikerfire.
Initially I had it set up with the fiber optic sights but once I got a few more $$ I now have a Vortex Diamondback 2-8 HP mounted.
The fit & finish of my Vortek was very good considering what I paid ($300 and now I see Cabelas has it for $150 more). Actually its pretty dang good even at a higher price range. Soft touch stock has a nice feel but IMNSHO not crucial. haven't had sweaty hands on it to test if slippery. the TAC2 trigger is sweeeeeeeeet! The rifle is light, almost too light. its better with the scope but before, 6 shots of 110gr powder and my shoulder is done. about on par with my Mosin Nagant M44 and thats a mule. Still working on loads but play with 90-100gr and can go all day.
My only grip I believe is due to primers. specifically the Winchester 209. Think I now know why they were on sale and had a coating of dust on them. Uggg. Had a few FTF but lit off on 2nd go. They foul up the locking mechanism. I finally burned thru that flat of 209 and need to get more. Most definitely will NOT be Winchester
I emailed Traditions about that and here is what Chris Gosselin had to say (kind of fits in the Fit/Finish aspect of the rifle)
"After 8 to 12 shots depending on the load you are shooting, fouling can build up on the breech face. Wiping the breech and rear face of the breech plug should be all that needed to keep the gun locking up correctly. The tolerances are tight when the gun locks up, excessive fouling can effect this lockup and cocking of the firing mechanism."
He is correct, the locking mechanism is very tight. i've since started using a q-tip and #13 or moose milk and swab that area after every 2-3 shots and been great since. What happens, is because of the blowback fouling, it doesn't lock up entirely. it sounds like its locked. Feels like its locked. Cannot tell in any way thats its not locked until you try to arm.
on the plus side of the stikerfire system, the scope can be mounted low. I like that, feels more natural and can get a good cheekweld. moving the strikerfire seems to take a bit more effort, but thats logical as it doesn't have the leverage of a hammer. Due to the safety feature I have to roll my thumb at the end or else the safety will disarm the gun. may just be my fat fingers too.
Overall, for 3 bills its a dang good firearm. I just need to go out and shoot it more.
Actually need more sabots, and better primers, and no rain.... maybe tomorrow..... hmmmm.
