A golden rod in a climate controlled room is the only safe thing to do.
Some of the desiccants are salt based, so be very careful. While they are collecting water, they will still rust your stuff over time. Plus i've monitored the humidity with various types of desiccants and it doesn't do...
There are 3 distinct differences: gen 2 has smoother lower profile hand guard, a muzzle brake, and a metal bolt shroud. Each of the 3 upgrades can be bought individually and put on a gen 1, but it is MUCH cheaper to just buy the gen 2 if you want all 3 factory upgrades.
Through some internet stalking, I was able to track down two guys that I think can shed some light on the history of them, and I've already heard back from one.
The first is the archivist at Griffin & Howe. He seems to have some records of model numbers and serial numbers of A&F guns sold...
Can anyone shed some light on these rifles? I picked up one today from the original owner (bought in mid to late 80's). on a commercial mauser action, a very slick monte carlo style stock with rollover comb that mimics a Weatherby mark V stock, and 24" barrel 243 Win.
Gun manufacturer is...
Green Top had a 1st gen 243 Win for $1,149 on the shelf (it had scratches, and has already sold). Another gun shop had a 1st gen 6.5 for $1,090 and another store near Harrisonburg had one for same price. Green Top has a backorder on 2nd gens for $1,349. Hopkins gun and tackle got in two 2nd...
I've got one on order, will advise when I get it and then when I have it setup and ready to shoot.
I ordered the 18008, which is the "2nd gen" or "enhanced" 6.5 Creedmoor.
Dance's Sporting Goods in Richmond Va had one of each for $1,249 this past weekend. I am going to wait for sales later this year and hope they are around $1,000 to $1,100.
So how are the RPR's shooting? I hand load, but hornady match loads with new ELD Match bullets I would have no reservations about.
It looks like street pricing of the RPR is still around $1,100 plus tax +/- $50...?
I already had 15 people hounding me to find a 1,000 yard range, so the moment I rented it, it was already full.
It's available throughout the year and available to anyone, so I'm really of no special use :)
VIR (Virginia International Raceway) has a 1,000 yard range available for $125/hr.
I've rented it for a day this coming September. I'll report back here afterwards to let everyone know how it is.
My $390 on sale ($600+MSRP) SFP 5-15x40 Bushnell Elite Tactical LRS with mil dot reticle and AO parallax got me out to 1,200 yards consistently with my 6mm. It's on an EGW HD 20 moa rail. You don't have to spend a lot of money, just be very picky in your scope selection, and buy at the right...