.375 RUM and .416 Ruger. If you hanker
for the unique, Shaw’s list includes many
you’ll never find in name brands. And after
deciding on a caliber, you also get to pick
its rifling twist rate—unheard of in pro-
duction guns. Barrel contours—sporter,
varmint and heavy varmint—are fairly
standard, but available lengths run 16 to
26 inches depending on caliber. Fluting
is a Shaw specialty, and its helical (spiral)
pattern is protected by an exclusive patent.
I’m no walnut expert, but can’t argue
with the Grade 5 rating on one of our
sample rifles. Its marble figure is dramatic,
and the overall look is enhanced by gener-
ous panels of fine checkering. At the same
time, it’s an example of how tastes have
changed. Formerly, the prominent receiver
rail and the non-flush five-round magazine
would have been frowned on, but today’s
generation likely sees the functional value
of such features. Laminate stocks come
in the reddish-brown Nutmeg and gray
Pepper patterns that match the walnut
model’s lines. Both types are glass-bedded
at the receiver bridge, and aluminum pil-
lars house the action screws.
Naturally the options affect the pric-
ing, but the differences aren’t huge. Fancy
walnut is $130 more than you’d pay for
laminate, while barrel fluting adds $130
(straight) or $160 (helical). Stainless steel
barrels up the tab about 18 percent over
chrome-moly. Cursory surfing showed
a price spread from $1,285 to $1,770,
well over production levels but far less
than most comparably equipped custom
rifles. Shaw says current build time is
four to five months.
Lately there’s been a Renaissance in the
bolt-action category. Manufacturers have
pushed the introduction of serviceable,
under-$500 offerings, while continuing to
spin off variants of their flagship models.
More competition has come from brands
originally devoted to making AR-typesemi-autos, as well as from a plethora of
custom and semi-custom shops.
The point is, whatever your interest,
there’s never been a better time to buy a
bolt gun. Because of its quality, custom-
ization and value, the E.R. Shaw Mk. X is
one rifle worth sorting out of the field. ahSHAW MK. Xshawcustombarrels.com■ Type: bolt-action centerfire rifle
■ Caliber: 6mm Creedmoor (tested)
■ Barrel: 24"; button-rifled; chrome-moly
steel; varmint contour (#3); 1:7" RH twist;
threaded; helical fluting
■ Magazine: AI-pattern detachable box;
3-rnd. capacity
■ Trigger: single-stage; adjustable tri-
ple-honed Savage AccuTrigger; 3.5 lbs.;
Timney trigger upgrade available
■ Sights: none, bases machined directly
into the receiver for mounting optics
■ Safety: 3-position tang
■ Stock: English buttstock with Monte
Carlo cheekpiece, walnut; 13.25" LOP
■ Metal Finish: matte
■ Overall Length: 44"
■ Weight: 8 lbs.
■ MSRP: $1,6301.877.899.6672 PatriotMobile.com/NRA
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