Introduction

Patriot Valley Arms has been manufacturing custom rifles, accessories and other parts for quite some time. More recently moving into additional areas as well such as barrel manufacturing and monolithic bullets. Today we are looking at one of the products they have recently released; the Patriot Valley Arms Modus rifle, this one chambered in 6.5 PRC.

The Modus is advertised to be a production precision hunting rifle. Weighing in under 8 pounds is a great start, and adding the reliable precision PVA is known for takes it up another level. It would get even better when paired with the PVA Cayuga solid bullets, but we’ll get to that later.

The Patriot Valley Arms Modus

The PVA Modus is built around a custom action from LWR. It uses the popular Remington 700 footprint which makes it easily adaptable and acceptable to most accessories.

Custom Action Features

• QPQ (black nitride) treated bolt and receiver
• 90° Throw 416 Stainless Receiver, black nitride finish interior with cerakote exterior
• 1-Piece bolt handle with fluted body – black nitride finish
• Mini M16 Extractor and Plunger Ejector
• Roller Bearing Fire Control w/ bayonet style take down
• Compatible with AICS mags, Wyatt’s Outdoor Box Mags, Internal Mags (BDL)
• Double pinned, 0.25″ recoil lug
• Aluminum 20 MOA Picatinny Optics Rail w/ 2 Recoil Pins
• Double round bridge receiver with rail holes that fit Hawkins Precision scope rings
• Action Weight: Standard Configuration 30 oz SA, 32oz LA

In addition to the custom action, the rifle uses a variety of top quality components. All of which are optimized to make the rifle as accurate a hunting rifle as one could hope. Some of the other features of the rifle:

• Osprey precision barrel works chambered barrel, finished at 24″ long with 5/8-24 muzzle threads
• Carbon shell precision rifle hunter stock
• Precision hunter DBM
• Timney Elite Hunter Trigger
• Graphite Black Cerakote
• Base model SA is 7lb 15oz
• Ultralight package 6lb 7oz (lightweight receiver, carbon barrel and ultralight stock)

All of these components are packed together to offer serious hunters a precise hunting tool. And it comes at a great time too, as many big game hunters are looking for quality and performance at this level. A simple glance through the rifle rack at Sportsmans Warehouse shows a broad spectrum of high end hunting rifles similar to this from other big names. While the PVA Modus might not be the least costly rifle when lined up with others, it is far from the most expensive. Even with the ultra-light upgrades.

I was very eager to see how the Modus compared to some of these rifles, several of which I’ve already had experience with.

Initial Impressions

Pulling the Modus rifle from the box, the glistening carbon fiber finish of the stock caught my eye. For an extra fee, you can have the stock custom painted. I’m a bit of a do-it-yourself kind of guy, so the raw stock would do fine for now.

I installed the bolt, to get that first feel. And it felt fantastic, the finish and feel of custom actions is just beautiful. The bolt lift was very smooth due to the cunningly designed roller bearing on the cocking piece. The flutes look sexy, and the robust bolt-stop/release feels very tactile.

The Timney Elite Hunter trigger uses a wider than average trigger shoe. Which I like very much, as it gives the feel of an even lighter trigger pull weight by dispersing the pressure over a wider shoe. Everything felt great just the way it came, the only thing I saw fit to adjust or change was to swap out the PVA Jetblast muzzle brake for a suppressor. Most of my shooting is done suppressed, especially hunting.

One of the reasons I like lightweight designs like the Modus, is that it allows you to use different components without going incredibly overweight. Things like suppressors and thick scopes added to the rifle still don’t take the weight over my expectations. I have carried far heavier rifles into these Rocky Mountains, so the Modus was a treat.

The 6.5 PRC Chambering

The Modus came to me as a 6.5 PRC, I selected that one over others because it fit well into my current needs. There are several other factory caliber options for the Modus, you can select one that fits your needs:

• 6mm Creedmoor 
• 6.5mm Creedmoor
• 6.5mm PRC (SA or LA, same chamber.  LA is for folks planning to do a multi caliber rifle)
• 450 Bushmaster (SA only, not available with ultralight options)
• 7mm PRC  
• 300 PRC
• Optional add-on kits for Smokeless Muzzle Loader in 458 caliber are available as an add on

Hunting with the 6.5 PRC would cover just about everything I needed done, without going too crazy. I mostly hunt small and big game, and this rifle would be for Mule deer, Rocky Mountain Elk, Pronghorn Antelope and such. With a 1:7 twist Osprey barrel, the Modus would sling just about any bullet out there. 147’s and 156’s and such would carry a lot of energy to the elk I often hunt. But I went with PVA Cayuga solids, for obvious reasons. The 129 Cayuga has an extremely high BC, and the twenty-four-inch PRC can launch it at over 3100FPS. In the density altitudes I frequent, that equates to under 6 MRAD of elevation drop to 1,000 yds. And supersonic flight beyond 2,000 yards

Rifle Setup

After getting to know the rifle a bit, I decided to set it up for my hunting season. For a scope I decided to go with something perhaps a little different. I like medium sized variables, so I used the US Optics TXH 3-18X50. The TXH is a hunting crossover scope, meaning it can be used for quite a variety of purposes from tactical shooting and as we used it here a hunting optic. The 34mm scope fit perfect with a set of medium Vortex rings mounted to the double-pinned aluminum picatinny 20 MOA scope rail.

I also bought a couple magazine options, first was the polymer AICS 6.5 PRC mags from Amend2. The other was an Accurate Mag metal magazine, both options hold three rounds. I did find that they both fit very snug in the magwell, and the release was pretty stiff as well. While this could be a bit of an issue if you were doing lots of rapid reloading, I think I like it for a hunting rifle. As there is no rattle, or wobble in either of the magazine types when installed.

I went simple with a bipod, using a Harris SL model mounted to the front sling stud. The second sling stud attached to my sling, a Quake Industries rubberized sling to keep it on my shoulder. For a suppressor I installed the Banish Buck 30, it was a perfect fit for the rifle’s needs.

Range Preparation

I had a few boxes of Hornady 6.5 PRC Match ammo featuring the 147 ELDM’s, but I also wanted to get some Cayugas loaded up since thats what I wanted to hunt with. I started with a modest charge of H4350 and Peterson Brass, primed with Federal 210M primers. In my experience, the Cayugas are very forgiving with seating depth, so I basically seated them 0.020 of the lands and took them to the range.

It wasn’t much of a surprise to me that they shot well, they typically do. After playing with a few shots, I fired a group to see how it looked. The very first groups measured .3-.4 MOA which I was very happy with considering how little time I’d put into it.

After a trip to the range, I took the Modus into the high country in the mountains above my home to stretch it out more and see how it performed at distance. And with all this country to shoot in, it wouldn’t be hard to push the Modus right to the end of its envelope.

The curious Cayugas make a fascinating sound when fired suppressed. I assume they do it unsuppressed as well but you cant hear it. There is a whistling sound as they go downrange, likely due to their open tip. The scorching PRC velocity seemed to condense the cool and moist mountain air as they went downrange.

Shooting the rifle out to 2000 yards show an interesting conundrum. The 129 Cayuga’s stay supersonic at that distance, because of their high BC. They are so good at slipping through the air that they retain velocity better than a feminist does her weight. Even so, at 2000 yards the energy drops to around 600 foot pounds, which doesn’t make for much of a splash. This made impacts harder to spot.

Pros and Cons

After shooting the rifle for several weeks, as well as two separate week-long hunting trips I’ve gotten pretty confident and comfortable with the Modus. And I’ve also been able to form some opinions on what I like and might not like about the rifle. Lets start with the Cons;

I mentioned the tight magazine well, I am unsure if this was just my rifle, or if they are all like this. While it’s not a big deal, I could see somebody who is a big snob on such things might dislike it. I found it simply something to get used to. And later after carrying the rifle for nearly 30 miles over the course of a week, I actually started to appreciate how secure the mag was. I’ve lost AICS mags in the forest before, so that might be why. (PM me if you find any magazines out there)

I also think it would certainly be worth the splurge to upgrade to the Osprey Carbon barrels. While this rifle is lighter than others I’ve hunted with, if you’re going to spend $2,999.00 on the rifle, spend a little more and get the carbon barrel for better balance and less weight. This would make the Modus better in every way compared to similar competitors rifles.

On the Pro side, this thing is built to shoot! The smooth action feeds cartridges great, especially from the polymer magazines. The metal mags have a touch more resistance. Flawless cycling with effortless bolt lift and closing due to the roller bearing. The trigger and other controls are of matching high quality and feel. A rifle priced like this is more appropriate for a seasoned hunter, as beginners and casual hunters might not be able to justify it.

The carbon stock was very rigid and felt great to shoot from, it has that modern feel that Grandpa’s Monte Carlo doesn’t. And a comfy little thumb-shelf for those who like to keep the thumb parallel to their index finger. The dual sling-studs were great, though after 30 miles one of them did come a little loose but I would expect that.

The finish-work on the rifle was as sharp as the accuracy. Which was exactly what you’d expect from a rifle with this heritage. Based on the performance I’d expect the Modus to keep hammering for my grandchildren.

The Hunt

The very first hunt I used the Modus on was an elk hunt in the alpine forests of my home state of Utah. It would be a mostly on foot kind of hunt, with miles of ATV rides mixed in. Despite my best efforts, I never got to point the Modus at a bull elk. Nevertheless it was tested hard on every aspect of a hunting rifle besides the shooting part, in which I was already quite confident. I was however able to take home one little prize with the Modus while searching for elk.

As we stood quietly in the silent forest, the sunlight continued to pierce and illuminate our perspective that morning. I stood quietly listening for the footsteps of my potential prey, but what I heard was not as I’d expected. A great looking coyote came trotting down a trail , the wind and light conditions were in my favor so I decided put to the Modus into action. Lifting the rifle to my shoulder quickly and pressing the trigger right as the coyote paused his step. The incredible speed of the PRC had the coyote shut down instantly, and he settled into a pile of dry Aspen leaves forever.

Deer Hunting

I also brought the Modus along for the mule deer hunt. It’s lightweight and extreme reach would be ideal for these ghostly deer that live in very tough country. Yesterday as a friend, his sons and I were searching for deer. A couple good looking bucks appeared nearly a thousand yards down into a steep canyon. We quickly pursued them closing the distance to 500 yards. With no time to spare, I took the first shot dropping one of the bucks to the ground.

The second buck stood in disbelief I imagine, as one of the boys slid behind the Modus. He fired one shot that drove another Cayuga solid through the buck’s shoulders and he too made it a few feet before expiring. Perfect accuracy and performance from this rifle.

Scorecard

• Accuracy (A) Sub-1/2 MOA accuracy was normal, with good ammunition
• Reliability (A) No malfunctions of any kind were experienced during testing
• Shootability (B+) Flawless cartridge cycling and control, stiff mag condition would be the only catch for some folks
• Ergonomics (A-) Great handling, comfortable and easy to operate. Balance would be improved with carbon barrel option
• Value (A-) Not inexpensive, but well worth its its price. The quality finish of a custom with the consistency of a production gun

Final Thoughts

While I’ve had the Modus for a relatively short time, I feel quite familiar with the rifle having hunted hard for several weeks now. I’ve carried the rifle over my shoulder for miles and miles, for day after day. Riding on ATV’s, in freezing cold and dirty, dusty and even smokey atmosphere. Few things seemed to bother this rifle, it was always ready to deal swift precision and deadly sharpshooting through it all.

There are few things more satisfying than going through a tough patch of hunting, and coming out the other end knowing you and your equipment not only worked but excelled at the task. If you are looking for an exceptional rifle for all your future pursuits, give the Patriot Valley Arms Modus your serious consideration.

-CBM