Edgar Brothers is now the proud importer of the new hunting rifles from Seekins Precision in Idaho, USA — and we have the Havak Pro Hunter 2 on test in .308 Win. These are very striking sporting rifles, primarily due to the spiral-cut fluted barrels, three colour stock finishes (mountain shadow, desert shadow and urban shadow) and spiral fluted bolt.

You also have a lightweight carbon composite stock, which is hand-bedded for consistent accuracy potential and all backed by a lifetime warranty. It all sounds very good, and on closer inspection the build quality for the £2,770 price seems reasonable.

Like a lot of American rifles, they tend to have that semi-tactical stock design conducive to shooting from any position. The calibre options range from the short-actioned models in 6mm Creedmoor to .308 Win and long-actioned rifles from 6.5 Creedmoor to .338 Win mag. Seekins has also fitted the superb TriggerTech trigger for precision fire control, and the use of a cheap aftermarket Magpul detachable magazines is very sensible for availability and price point.

Small touches like a tough black bead-blasted finish makes it impervious to moisture, the bolt head is exchangeable and in the field it feels like a very well-thought-out rifle.

Havak Pro Hunter 2 – need to know

• Manufacturer: Seekins Precision
• Model: Havak Pro Hunter 2
• Calibre: .308 Win on test
• Overall length: 40.5in
• Weight: 6.9lb short action, (7.2lb long action)
• Barrel: 24in, 416 stainless steel spiral fluted, threaded muzzle: 5/8×24
• Finish: Matt black bead-blasted barrelled action
• Stock: Carbon composite
• Magazine: Five-shot Magpul (carbon fibre option)
• Trigger: TriggerTech, adjustable 2.5lb to 5lb
• Safety: Side lever
• Price £2,770
• Supplier Edgar Brothers Ltd, 01625 613177

In depth

Let’s tackle the stock first. The semi-tac design is popular, and although I prefer a true classic slimline Sporter design, it’s a very lightweight stock weighing in at 880g. This is because of the carbon fibre composite nature, which installs rigidity for a solid bedding platform and total weather protection, so there’s no wrapping to destroy accuracy. You have a generous hand-applied bedding compound and aluminium pillars so the action is secured rock solid and the ambidextrous nature is welcome. But the pistol grip is very wide, with double palm swells, and short, so my hands don’t fit very well. The moulded-in X-type chequering works but isn’t to my taste.

Weight saving

Better is the metalwork that wears a very tough bead-blasted finish; in black it is both non-reflective and very smart. What really stands out, though, is that impressive barrel of 24in made from premium 416 stainless steel and slender Sporter taper with those eye-catching deep-cut six spiral flutes. This not only saves weight but cools the barrel quickly and adds rigidity too. It’s finished off with a 5/8×24 UNEF thread for a sound moderator.

The action is equally well-appointed with a beautifully engineered and no tool mark construction, fitted with a full-length Picatinny rail for scope fitment. The integral recoil lug really helps with a consistent bed to the stock and the bolt’s spiral flutes mimic that of the barrel. I like the four lug removable locking head as it allows a precise and strong lock-up as well as aiding easy cleaning. You also have a very good M16-style large extractor claw for positive ejection, while the long, straight bolt handle gives a perfect hold.

The TriggerTech Field trigger model comes adjustable from 2.5 to 5lb (2lb 11oz on test) and is an industry standard with side safety. I use these on my custom rifles, so enough said. Seekins has also opted for the Magpul magazine system that allows a range of reliable mags such AICS-style to fit, thus benefiting from affordable aftermarket five and 10-shot versions.

Conclusion

I wasn’t keen on the looks when it first arrived, I will be honest, but this Seekins earned its good review with fine accuracy and very practical use where it’s meant to be; out in the field. Yes, the stock is not pretty but other models are available and certainly the Havak is worthy of consideration primarily due to the great action and accuracy.

• Accuracy: Good all-round accuracy with the factory ammunition 18/20
• Handling:  Handles well and has a very good overall feel to the rifle 17/20
• Trigger: TriggerTech triggers make the most of the accuracy potential 18/20
• Stock: Solid synthetic stock but not keen on the chequering 17/20
• Value: Loved the barrelled action, not keen on the stock 17/20
• Overall Score: A practical, accurate rifle when out in the field 88/100

Field test

I headed to Scotland for the roe rut and first sighted in and tested the Havak with a selection of factory loads. Straight up you notice how very smooth and precise the whole bolt cycling system is, a sign of quality. Accuracy was very consistent and recoil was surprising light for a .308 Win. The Geco Express 165-gr round shot 2,675fps and 2,622ft/lb with excellent 0.75in accuracy, while the new Hornady Outfitter 165-gr CX lead-free shot less accurately at 1.25in but achieved 2,619fps and 2,514ft/lb. (Read our guide to deer seasons here.)

Norma’s TipStrike are a heavier 170-gr load, good for reds, and shot 2,623fps and 2,598ft/lb with consistent inch groups.

Going light, I love the Sako Gamehead 123-gr bullet, which achieved great accuracy at 0.75in for a fast, flat-shooting 2,968fps and 2,407ft/lb. A lead-free option for a lighter roe bullet was the new Hornady International 125-gr ECX at a stonking 3,100fps and 2,668ft/lb and an inch group. Finally, my all-round favourite, the Hornady SST 150-gr, shot 1in or less at well over 3,000fps — that’s extremely fast for a 150-gr.

Long morning stalk

I chose the Sako 123-gr Gameheads and woke early for a long morning stalk. I headed to the loch side as the roe had been feeding and chasing during the rut on the level shoreline. Sure enough I spotted two roe, does on closer examination, but bucks would be close by.

After an hour’s wait nothing was moving, so I decided on a slow stalk through the forestry. This was where the lightweight nature of the Havak was appreciated and damp morning foliage brushing the rifle as I stalked just dripped off. On the forestry edge, overlooking a solitary field, were two red hinds feeding quietly, and sure enough a lone roebuck at a laser 131 yards slowly moving to the shore line.

Up on sticks and that superb trigger sent the Sako Gamehead for a perfect heart shot.