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Posted: 2/15/2006 1:16:26 PM EDT
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Bushmaster's website just listed a new model called the "Predator". Seems to be a Varmiter with a shorter barrel with the 1:8 twist. |
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I wonder how much it weighs. My 20" HBAR bushy with a scope weighs in at 10 lbs even. Very accurate, but for anything other than benchrest shooting its in need of some weight loss. From the Bushmaster website: Predator features include a hybrid SAAMI Spec. chamber, Two-Stage Competition Trigger (3 1/2 lb. take-up and 1 lb let-off); a Vented Aluminum Free-Floater Forend with Bipod Stud; B.M.A.S. 1/2" Mini-Risers for optimum scope positioning and cheek weld; Hogue ergonomic, ambidextrous pistol grip; a 5 Round Magazine (legal for hunting in most states). Just what exactly is a hybrid SAAMI Spec. chamber? Intended more for match-grade ammo instead of cheap plinking ammo? Looks interesting to me.... |
Sounds like a Wilde chamber, it's a compromise between a Saami and 5.56 chamber, intended for better accuracy than a 5.56 chamber, but not as tight as a Saami chamber. |
Maybe it's something like a Wylde chamber? ETA damn beat 
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if i'm wrong someone PLEASE correct me as i want to know the right terminology, but i thought the SAAMI chamber is the same as the Wylde. i always thought that it was one of those two name things, but i could very easily be wrong as it's something i haven't studied very hard. again, please correct me if i'm wrong. ETA:nevermind, i've been corrected before i even typed-didn't see that post. jake 
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SAAMI is very tight intended for .223 only, 5.56 chamber is used for said round and .223, although a.223 fits loosely in the chamber. WYLDE is a compromise that can safely chamber both rounds, but have tighter specs than the 5.56. |
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Just advised by Bushmaster that they have shipped my new Predator upper. It's going on my Bushy lower with JP Enterprises trigger parts. Chamber specs don't matter to me as long as it will shoot itty bitty groups a long way off and homogenize coyotes. Will report facts later. |
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I just called Bushmaster customer service yesterday to get these very questions answered. I was told that the "hybrid SAAMI Spec. chamber" is 223 SAAMI spec EXCEPT it is made with a longer "leade" (spelling?) so it can handle the longer heavy bullets. I also asked about the weight. He said that where the Varminter weight is aprox 8.75 Lbs, the Preditor will be just a hair over 8 Lbs. I also had a question about the barrel used on the Preditor Vs. the Varminter. Whereas the Bushmaster website said that the Varminter barrel was 'machined to same specifications as our DCM Competition Barrel with tolerances twice as tight as regular barrels", it said that the Preditor was a "20 inch barreled version of our Varminter" but went on to say it had the "hybrid SAAMI Spec. chamber" mentioned above. Bushmaster said that the Preditor barrel has the exact same barrel as the Varminter except it is a 20" version with a 1 in 8 twist. I got to hold one of the BM Varminters at the local gun shop yesterday afternoon and really liked it. It was a little long, but still balanced well and I didn't think it was too heavy. I really liked the BM competition trigger. It felt like is was set perfectly with a 3 1/2 Lb take-up & 1 Lb let-off. I'm in the market for a preditor calling / carry rifle and after handling the Varminter, I think the BM Preditor @ 8LBs with the 20" barrel is going to fit the bill perfictly. Has anyone got one of these yet? firstshot ----------------------------------- Make your first shot count! 557 |
Good question! I called Bushmaster again and was told YES you can shoot 5.56mm in the Predator with no worries about chamber pressures. firstshot --------------------------------- Make your first shot count! |
Thanks 
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post whore  hybrid SAAMI Spec. chamber, is another way for gun maker to pander more money, plus it just sounds cool. jhpsr45 BM said that they wouldnt ship uppers until complete rifle order was filled. are you special like GI_Brat (I mean that in a nice way GI) also what does one expect to pay for said upper.... |
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GI_Brat Obviously that's your new Predator! he What kind of glass are you going to put on it? firstshot --------------------------------- Make your first shot count! |
Thanks! I'm going to put a Leupold 3.5-10x40 LR M3 on top of it. I have the same scope on my Varminters 
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Good looking rig! I really like the slotted hand guard. Please excuse the drool...LOL
I love being a post whore when it comes to showing off my new toys. FYI, I never took the short bus to school.  |
GI_Brat Ok.....well then.....hinking.gif.....here's your chance!!! I'd love to see a pic with one of your Varminters and your new Preditor lined up with the butstocks even with each other so I can get a "visual feel" for the difference in overall length 24" vs 20". Never Mind.......I see it inbetween the other two in your pic. Is that the Varminter on the bottom? Thanks firstshot ------------------------------------ Make your first shot count! |
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