The Evolution of a Tactical Games Rifle
Shawn’s Journey: Evolving the Ultimate Tactical Games Rifle with Team JP
Introduction: The Quest for Perfection
As competitive shooters, we often can’t resist tweaking and tuning our gear. This drive for the perfect blend of performance, reliability, and practicality is exactly what led me, Shawn from Team JP, to evolve my Tactical Games rifle. Join me as we revisit this journey, exploring the transformation from a basic setup to a highly specialized one-size-fits-all tool.
The Starting Point: 2019 and The Tactical Games Debut
My journey began in 2019 when the Tactical Games emerged as a significant event in my shooting life. The rules were simple back then: use a tactical rifle that was mostly factory set up. I started with a JP-15 equipped with a PSC-11 side charge upper. To comply with the rules at the time, I added a non-magnified optic, backup irons, and a full mass carrier.
Key Features of the Initial Setup:
- 16-inch competition profile barrel
- Tunable gas block
- JP thermal dissipator
- Silent capture spring
- JP fire control group
Despite these performance-enhancing features, I quickly learned that in The Tactical Games, unlike three-gun competitions, the weight of the rifle became a significant factor due to longer carrying times.
The Second Iteration: Weight Reduction and Suppressor Experiment
To address the weight issue, I transitioned to a rifle with a 10.5-inch barrel and added a suppressor. Since most of the engagements were on steel within 100 yards, the shorter barrel was appreciated. This change aimed to reduce muzzle rise and improve feedback on target impacts. However, this setup had its drawbacks – significant heat build-up from the suppressor led to issues like Mirage distortion and occasional burns.
Changes Made:
- 10.5-inch barrel for shorter range engagements
- Suppressor to combat muzzle rise and improve feedback
The Return to Basics: Focusing on Efficiency
Learning from the suppressor’s limitations, I reverted to the original JP-15 platform but with significant modifications for weight reduction and efficiency.
Modifications Included:
- 14.5-inch ultra-light barrel
- Newer JP M-lock handguard for weight savings
- Low power variable optic (LPVO) introduced in 2020
This setup proved to be versatile, accurate, and efficient, but I found it a bit too light for my preference in recoil handling.
The Final Configuration: Balancing Weight and Performance
In pursuit of the perfect balance, I collaborated with Team JP to build a rifle with a 13.5-inch light contour barrel and a pinned flash hider, extending it to 16 inches. This final version struck the ideal balance between weight and performance.
Final Rifle Features:
- 13.5-inch light contour barrel
- Pinned flash hider for a total length of 16 inches
- Low mass operating system with JP silent captured spring
- Flat face JP trigger
- Magpul K2 grip for optimal handling
- Traditional rifle stock for better shoulder contact and cheek weld
- Vortex 1-10 scope for range and clarity
Conclusion: The Evolution Complete
After experimenting with three (let’s say, two and a half) different rifles, I’ve reached a point of confidence and comfort with my current platform. The key takeaway for anyone starting from scratch: aim for a lighter-weight rifle that maintains balance and efficiency, especially for the evolving demands of the Tactical Games.
If you have questions about these rifles, their build process, or specific configurations, feel free to drop a comment. Meanwhile, I’ll be eager to test this final iteration in a match scenario and share the results. See you at the range!
