{"id":491,"date":"2023-08-02T21:58:52","date_gmt":"2023-08-02T21:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=491"},"modified":"2023-08-02T21:58:53","modified_gmt":"2023-08-02T21:58:53","slug":"bradshaw-brss-review-a-different-twist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=491","title":{"rendered":"Bradshaw BRSS Review &#8211; A Different Twist"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<p>When walking the aisles of the Dallas Safari Club Convention, I always enjoy seeing the handiwork of those bespoke rifle makers and smaller rifle shops. While SHOT Show has a huge selection of firearms, ranging from airguns to the latest high-tech black rifles, the DSC Convention is geared more toward hunters. If you want to hold the finest double rifle or a rifle made specifically for the most rugged terrain on earth, it\u2019ll be at DSC.<\/p>\n<p>Bradshaw Gun &amp; Rifle is renowned for rising-block single-shot and double rifles, as well as the side lever falling-block designs. But after catching up a bit, I spied a unique rifle among Bradshaw\u2019s better-known stuff, one with a perfectly round receiver; I was immediately intrigued. \u201cThis is my take on the Hoenig-style rifle, but this one is a single-shot,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-deer-skin.jpg\" alt=\"Bradshaw-deer-skin\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-deer-skin.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-deer-skin-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-deer-skin-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-deer-skin-696x348.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-deer-skin-200x100.jpg 200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Bradshaw BRSS single-shot is a unique rotary action, based on the Hoenig double-barrel rifle. <em>Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>What Bradshaw handed me was one of the lightest and most well-balanced stalking rifles I\u2019ve ever handled. With its cylindrical action, the BRSS sits so comfortably in the hand when carried that it hardly feels like a firearm. There are no squared metal edges on the receiver, and the way Bradshaw has stocked the rifle, the weight belies the length of the gun.<\/p>\n<p>I politely asked Bradshaw if he\u2019d send one out for review, as I was drooling at the thought of spending some time with this rifle. Bradshaw obliged, sending out a handsomely adorned example, chambered in 7x57R, a perfect all-around choice for a single-shot.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-Double-Rifle.jpg\" alt=\"Bradshaw-Double-Rifle\" class=\"wp-image-290113\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-Double-Rifle.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-Double-Rifle-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-Double-Rifle-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-Double-Rifle-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-Double-Rifle-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-Double-Rifle.jpg\" alt=\"Bradshaw-Double-Rifle\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290113\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-Double-Rifle.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-Double-Rifle-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-Double-Rifle-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-Double-Rifle-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-Double-Rifle-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Twist and shout! The Bradshaw BRSS action is opened by rotating the butt 90 degrees to the left, and then pulling rearward. <em>Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-i-thought-rotary-was-a-telephone\"><strong>I Thought \u2018Rotary\u2019 Was A Telephone<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>In order to safely seal the breech of a centerfire rifle and still successfully handle the pressures generated during the firing of the cartridge, several different methods have been employed over the past 150 years. For many of the single-shot designs, a break-action with a locking lever is common, as is the very strong falling block, which uses a lever to raise and lower a large block of steel to seal the breech. For repeating rifles like the common bolt-action (or \u201cturnbolt,\u201d as it\u2019s called across the pond), a strong steel bolt with extended lugs is run into a raceway and turned at 50 to 90 degrees, locking the bolt closed.<\/p>\n<p>The rotary action\u2014slightly oval in cross-section\u2014used in the Bradshaw BRSS is, upon examination, a sort of enlarged version of the bolt-action theory. Simply put, the rifle comes in two parts, with the butt end having what you could consider functioning as the bolt face, and the forend having the receiver and extractor. With the butt rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, a hinged, protruding \u201ckey\u201d on the butt end is inserted into a cutout in the face of the forend, and the entire butt is pushed forward until the lugs of the rear slide into the raceways of the fore. Once inserted, the butt portion is then rotated 90 degrees clockwise, locking the action.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Hoenig-action.jpg\" alt=\"BRSS-Hoenig-action\" class=\"wp-image-290114\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Hoenig-action.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Hoenig-action-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Hoenig-action-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Hoenig-action-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Hoenig-action-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Hoenig-action.jpg\" alt=\"BRSS-Hoenig-action\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290114\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Hoenig-action.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Hoenig-action-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Hoenig-action-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Hoenig-action-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Hoenig-action-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>After the rifle has been fired, the butt is again rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise and pulled slightly rearward to open the action. The hinge in the key allows the open action to be tilted just enough to remove the spent case (or cartridge in the case of unloading). The breech face and keyed arm has a cocking cam that pushes the striker into cocked position when the action is opened. The BRSS has small lug in the key that pulls the extractor rearward, so the cartridge\/case may be removed by hand, as there is no ejector. The firearm has a small top lever that functions as the safety; when swung to the left, the rifle is on safe, and when swung to the right, it may be fired.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-built-for-the-stalk\"><strong>Built For The Stalk<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The concept of a single-shot rifle evokes a different mindset. Though I firmly believe making the first shot count with any rifle is paramount, when you carry a single-shot \u2026 it seems to change the game a bit.<\/p>\n<p>With a single-shot rifle, there is no magazine to add length to the gun, so the overall package can and will be both shorter and lighter. Combine that fact with the slim and sleek barrel contour Bradshaw has chosen for the 7x57R\u2014I measured the barrel diameter at 0.622 inch at the midpoint and 0.520 inch at the muzzle\u2014and the lack of weight should be readily apparent.<\/p>\n<p>But, in addition to slender metalwork, Bradshaw stocked the rifle perfectly. This is no corpulent, cookie-cutter stock design that betrays the scheme of the barreled action. No, this is a svelte stock design with a splinter forend, a rear stock featuring a thin, open wrist, shadow-line cheekpiece and a 14\u00bd-inch length-of-pull that fits me perfectly. Bradshaw has balanced the lightweight barreled action with a stock that gives only what the shooter needs\u2014and not a toothpick\u2019s worth of wood more. It\u2019s very refreshing to find a gunmaker who knows what to take off a stock, rather than leaving too much.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-stock.jpg\" alt=\"Bradshaw-stock\" class=\"wp-image-290115\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-stock.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-stock-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-stock-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-stock-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-stock-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-stock.jpg\" alt=\"Bradshaw-stock\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290115\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-stock.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-stock-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-stock-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-stock-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-stock-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The butt culminates in a classic red recoil pad, fitted properly to the figured walnut stock. And what a figure it has! It\u2019s the type of stock that you could stare at for hours, getting lost in the figure and three-dimensional aspects of the premium walnut. Checkered exquisitely fore and aft with classy lines and angles, Bradshaw has a stock worthy of note. There\u2019s a round rear sling swivel stud on the rear stock, and a barrel band sling swivel stud just ahead of the forend tip.<\/p>\n<p>The BRSS is equipped with iron sights\u2014a fine brass bead front sight and a 140-degree-wide V rear sight\u2014in addition to offering the option for a scope. The rear portion of the rear sight island serves as one of the scope ring bases, and a second is affixed atop of the forward portion of the cylindrical action, keeping the scope on the front half of the rifle. Bradshaw installed Talley bases so the rifle could be scoped.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-it-came-to-be\"><strong>How It Came To Be<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>I asked Bradshaw for the story of the development of his unique twist on an already unique design, and he gladly obliged:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe story really starts with a string of failures \u2026 struggling for over five years with designing and manufacturing falling block double rifles,\u201d Bradshaw said. \u201cI lost count of how many versions I designed and tested, but it was more than I care to recall. The end result was an over-complicated, bulky and \u2018not-so-fun-to-manufacture\u2019 action. I made several serviceable falling block doubles, but they were never the rifle I had envisioned as my ideal.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Leupold-scope.jpg\" alt=\"BRSS-Leupold-scope\" class=\"wp-image-290116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Leupold-scope.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Leupold-scope-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Leupold-scope-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Leupold-scope-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Leupold-scope-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Leupold-scope.jpg\" alt=\"BRSS-Leupold-scope\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Leupold-scope.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Leupold-scope-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Leupold-scope-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Leupold-scope-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BRSS-Leupold-scope-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The cylindrical action\u2014actually slightly oval in cross-section\u2014carries wonderfully in the hand and is surely visually appealing. <em>Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cI came across Ron Spomer\u2019s article on the Hoenig rotary action and immediately searched Google Patents to get an understanding of how the action works,\u201d added Bradshaw. \u201cThis all took place in 2016 and 2017. I noticed Mr. Hoenig\u2019s patent expired in 2015 and decided I would like to try to build a rotary action for my own use\u2014but as single shot and not a double rifle, as Mr. Hoenig typically made. I set about turning an action on my lathe, and an idea hit me: What George Hoenig did by condensing a bolt action into his rotary action, I could do with turning a falling block into my rising-block action. Two weeks later, I had a prototype rising-block single-shot action. The next four years were devoted to perfecting and marketing my rising-block singles and double rifles.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFast-forward to the fall of 2020, and the acquisition of a CNC lathe,\u201d continued Bradshaw. \u201cI decided to revisit the rotary actions. I started with building a prototype SXS rotary action, which I didn\u2019t care for. It was a little bulky for my taste and cumbersome to reload\u00a0compared to my rising-block doubles. Focusing on the rotary action single-shots, they developed into something I very much enjoy. I carried and hunted with the prototype chambered in 7x65R for two years. Many hogs and coyotes have been taken with the rifle, but its shining attribute is how easily it carries\u00a0in the field, and how easily it breaks down for travel. The action being oval instead of completely round sets the single-shot version apart, in my opinion.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-in-case.jpg\" alt=\"Bradshaw-in-case\" class=\"wp-image-290117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-in-case.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-in-case-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-in-case-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-in-case-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-in-case-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-in-case.jpg\" alt=\"Bradshaw-in-case\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-in-case.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-in-case-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-in-case-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-in-case-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-in-case-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The BRSS comes in a tasty case with compartments to hold the rifle\u2019s parts when disassembled, as well as a riflescope. <em>Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cI did change a couple of features from Mr. Hoenig\u2019s original design,\u201d admitted Bradshaw. \u201cThe first is the safety, which isn\u2019t a drastic departure. Though it operates in a similar fashion to the original design, I just changed it from a horizontal arrangement to vertical. The second change was to the link that connects the rotating breech to the barrel ring. Mr. Hoenig designed the link with a spring-loaded latch. With the action open, pulling the extractor out from the extracted position disengages the link latch, allowing the receiver and barrels to be separated. It was one more part to make, fit, time and tune. I went with a more simplified \u2018keyed dowel\u2019 arrangement that\u00a0requires less work to manufacture, yet it offers every bit of the function and simplicity of the overall design. I also changed the length of the hinge of the rotating breech and link, providing a stop to limit how much the action gaps open for extracting and reloading.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy design philosophy is to build actions as simple as possible, with an absolute economy of parts, and to build those parts very robustly to ensure strength and longevity,\u201d said Bradshaw. \u201cI also put a huge emphasis on building sleek, low profile, good handling and shootable rifles. The rotary action, and my rising-block actions, both fit all of the above criteria. It\u2019s a good place to be as a designer and manufacturer.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mr. Bradshaw, I couldn\u2019t agree more.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-classic-cartridge\"><strong>A Classic Cartridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The 7\u00d757 Mauser hearkens back to the 19th century, being developed by Peter Paul Mauser in 1892 and adopted as Spain\u2019s military cartridge in 1893. It would be this cartridge in the Spanish-American War that\u2019d serve as the inspiration for the U.S. Army to ultimately develop the .30-06 Springfield. Like so many cartridges of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the rimless cartridges were offered in a rimmed variant for single and double rifles; the 7x57mm Mauser was no exception.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7x57mm-R.jpg\" alt=\"7x57mm-R\" class=\"wp-image-290118\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7x57mm-R.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7x57mm-R-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7x57mm-R-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7x57mm-R-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7x57mm-R-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7x57mm-R.jpg\" alt=\"7x57mm-R\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290118\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7x57mm-R.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7x57mm-R-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7x57mm-R-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7x57mm-R-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7x57mm-R-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 7x57R is no more and no less than a rimmed variant of the time-tested 7\u00d757 Mauser, fully capable of filling the all-around hunting role. These 173-grain slugs printed three-shot groups measuring 1.2 inches and cut neat little paper-punch holes in the target. <em>Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Dubbed the 7x57R (R for rimmed), it\u2019s identical in dimension and performance to the rimless variety, except for the base and rim. While nowhere near as popular as the rimless version, it remains a sound choice for all-around hunting. For test ammo, I used Sellier &amp; Bellot\u2019s 173-grain load, at a muzzle velocity of 2,379 fps. The late 19th century formula of heavy-for-caliber bullets at a moderate muzzle velocity worked just fine then, and it will do the same in the early 21st century. Boxer primed, these cartridges are fully reloadable.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-home-on-the-range\"><strong>Home On The Range<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>To test the accuracy of this lightweight wonder, I mounted a Leupold VX-6HD 1-6x24mm scope in Talley 30mm rings, and I set up the 100-yard target. The first thing I noted was the smooth trigger pull (according to my Lyman digital trigger scale, it broke consistently at 3 pounds, 4 ounces) with just a bit of creep and almost no overtravel. Recoil was more than manageable.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-on-rest.jpg\" alt=\"Bradshaw-BRSS-on-rest\" class=\"wp-image-290119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-on-rest.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-on-rest-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-on-rest-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-on-rest-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-on-rest-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-on-rest.jpg\" alt=\"Bradshaw-BRSS-on-rest\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-on-rest.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-on-rest-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-on-rest-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-on-rest-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-on-rest-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At the bench, the lightweight BRSS exhibited a fair amount of muzzle jump, but the recoil of the 7x57R was more than manageable. <em>Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As you might expect with a rifle that tips the scales at 5 pounds, 11 ounces\u2014unscoped\u2014and with a pencil-thin barrel, there was an appreciable amount of muzzle jump. While my first thought was that getting back on target quickly might be an issue, that thought faded when I realized I had to bring the rifle off my shoulder to reload it anyway, so that was no issue.<\/p>\n<p>Because of the thin barrel\u2014which heats up quickly\u2014I limited groups to three shots, and the Bradshaw BRSS consistently put three of those 173-grain slugs into a group measuring 1.2 inches (again, on that 100-yard target). I\u2019m certain that this rifle would benefit from a custom handload, but for a factory load, that\u2019s plenty accurate enough for hunting purposes.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-wrap\"><strong>The Wrap<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>There\u2019s a demand for heirloom-quality rifles\u2014and looking for such a rifle made in the USA is a daunting task. The Bradshaw BRSS fits the bill perfectly; it\u2019s a gentleman\u2019s rifle, worthy of passing on to your children and built to last several lifetimes. This is no cookie-cutter rifle, and it will assuredly stand out in the crowd.<\/p>\n<p>Bradshaw spared no expense on the rifle I tested, save gold inlays; the color case hardening, scroll engraving, hand-cut checkering and fine stock lines all scream \u201cbespoke rifle.\u201d This gun starts at $7,500; in the configuration pictured here in this article, it\u2019s $9,500. I can only imagine the amount of time it takes one pair of hands to complete this rifle\u2014you\u2019re getting a functional piece of art, so keep that in mind when considering the price.<\/p>\n<p>The test rifle had an amazing piece of walnut, hand-worked to the point where I\u2019d get lost just looking at it. The rifle has balance, handsome lines and exudes craftsmanship. The action, which may seem foreign at first, quickly becomes natural. I can only imagine how pleasant it would be to carry this lightweight rifle in the African heat when on the tracks of eland or kudu. The compact design would be right at home in a leopard blind\u2014where you only get one shot\u2014or when sitting on a bear bait. Though I might have concerns about scratching it up in the deer woods, I can\u2019t imagine a nicer choice for still hunting whitetails.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-review-feature.jpg\" alt=\"Bradshaw BRSS review feature\" class=\"wp-image-290110\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-review-feature.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-review-feature-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-review-feature-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-review-feature-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-review-feature-650x420.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-review-feature.jpg\" alt=\"Bradshaw BRSS review feature\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-290110\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-review-feature.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-review-feature-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-review-feature-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-review-feature-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bradshaw-BRSS-review-feature-650x420.jpg 650w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Bradshaw BRSS offers an extractor, but not an ejector. Since it\u2019s only offered in rimmed cartridges, it\u2019s no problem to take a spent case from the chamber. <em>Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Bradshaw offers the BRSS in any rimmed cartridge, from .22 Hornet to 9.3x74R, so there are plenty of excellent options. I wonder what a .300 H&amp;H Flanged might feel like in this gun, and if you wanted something completely unique, you could inquire about the possibility of a .350 Rigby No. 2 or a .333 Jeffery Flanged. Bespoke is, after all, bespoke.<\/p>\n<p>I truly enjoyed my time with the Bradshaw BRSS and was saddened to see it head back to Bradshaw\u2019s shop. Maybe one day I\u2019ll have one of my own, but for now, you and I both can feed our daydreams at <a href=\"http:\/\/BradshawGunAndRifle.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BradshawGunAndRifle.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article originally appeared in the\u00a0July 2023 issue of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gundigeststore.com\/product\/gun-digest-magazine-one-year-subscription\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gun Digest the Magazine<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><strong>More Hunting Rifles:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-35\" style=\"margin: 8px 0; clear: both;\">\n<hr\/>\n<div>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/storm-tactical-target-pack?path=5\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/a>NEXT STEP: Download Your <strong>Free<\/strong> Storm Tactical Printable Target Pack<\/h3>\n<p> <strong>62 Printable MOA Targets with DOT Drills &#8211; Rifle Range in YARDS<\/strong> This impressive target pack from our friends at Storm Tactical contains <a href=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/storm-tactical-target-pack?path=5\"><strong>62 printable targets<\/strong><\/a> for rifle and handgun range use. Target grids and bullseye sizes are in MOA. Ideal for long-range shooting!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter and we&#8217;ll send your print-at-home target pack right away.<\/strong> Just enter your email address below. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr\/>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- AI CONTENT END 1 --><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When walking the aisles of the Dallas Safari Club Convention, I always enjoy seeing the handiwork of those bespoke rifle makers and smaller rifle shops. While SHOT Show has a huge selection of firearms, ranging from airguns to the latest high-tech black rifles, the DSC Convention is geared more toward hunters. If you want to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":492,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-491","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gun-reviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/491","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=491"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/491\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":493,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/491\/revisions\/493"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/492"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=491"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=491"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=491"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}