Preface
Seekins Precision has been a well known name in the precision rifle community for a long time. From small beginnings, Seekins has built a massive name for themselves among precision shooters, law enforcement/military and the hunting public. Today we will be taking a look at one of Seekins popular rifle models marketed towards hunters; the Seekins Havak PH3. This model happens to be chambered in 7mm PRC, though it is available in a variety of others.
The Havak is by no means an entry level rifle, more likely to be purchased by dedicated hunters who take their shooting very seriously. Furthermore, the caliber change ability of the PH3 Action allows the user to incorporate additional calibers to the same rifle. All this to say the Havak is worth sticking around to the end to see what makes it so useful to you as a hunter.
The Seekins Havak PH3
Seekins released the Havak in 2017, as a production premium hunting rifle. All kinds of custom rifle features were built into the rifle, particularly helical fluting, precise bedding process and quality triggers.
Later in 2025 the PH3 model replaced the previous model. The new PH3 incorporated a sixty-degree bolt-throw due to its six-lug bolt design. Additionally, the PH3 added Seekins own switch-barrel system.
PH3 Action
Its bolt can be completely disassembled without tools, which also allows you to change the bolt-head for different sized cartridges. The barrel can also be changed by loosening a tension screw on the side of the action, then threading the barrel out of the action. Reversing the process with a different barrel and bolt-head render the Havak PH3 a whole different rifle. More on this later.
Unlike the first generation of the Havak, the PH3 does not share the Remington 700 footprint. But it does use the same style triggers which is a nice touch. The bolt-release is opposite the bolt-handle on the left side of the action, and also acts as a key to keep the bolt from rotating unless in battery.
Chassis
The Havak uses a mini chassis to perfectly mate the action to the stock, made from a machined piece of aluminum incorporated to the stock itself. This model comes with adjustable comb, and features M-Lok rails in the forend to attach your favorite accessories.
The comb-height can be adjusted on the fly, which is a nice feature. As are the four integrated QD sling cups to attach your favorite sling. For scope mounting, the Havak uses a built-in 20-MOA canted scope base, which is ideal for long-range shooting.
Specifications
| Caliber | 7mm PRC |
| Barrel Length | 22 inches |
| Barrel Twist Rate | 1:8″ |
| Barrel Material | Fluted & threaded stainless steel |
| Muzzle Thread | 5/8×24 (includes muzzle brake) |
| Action Type | 3-lug bolt with a 60-degree throw |
| Rifle Weight | Approximately 7.8 lbs |
| Overall Length | 42 inches |
| Stock Material | Carbon composite with mini chassis |
| Stock Adjustments | Adjustable cheek riser |
| Trigger Type | Adjustable TriggerTech Primary |
| Magazine System | Detachable box magazine (3-round capacity) |
| Optic Mount | Integrated 20 MOA Picatinny rail |
| Accessory Mount | Full-length M-LOK rail on fore-end |
| Special Features | Quick Change Barrel System |
Unboxing and Setup
As I opened the box I was pleased to see the Havak came in a simple plastic hard case. Nothing fancy, but nice enough to throw the gun in the bed of the truck. Inside the case I found the rifle and a fired cartridge in a small plastic tube, this is handy for those looking to handload.
PH3 Action and Barrel
After installing the bolt, and ran it back and forth a few times. It was smooth and easy to lift due to its three-lug bolt. There was a lower than anticipated amount of friction when closing and opening the bolt, which I expect will make cycling cartridges more fluid. The Trigger Tech as usual feels fantastic, with a clean break and a two position safety.
At the top of the action you can see the built-in picatinny rail. It is interrupted in the middle, and also has machined out the center of the picatinny section. This is an obvious weight savings technique, and it looks very well done.
The bolt-release is easily actuated to remove the bolt from the rear of the action. Removing the barrel is a little more intense of an operation that I will go into a little later. Helical flutes adorn the 22-inch barrel for a handsome look, and at the front you’ll find a radial muzzle brake mounted on 5/8-24 threads.
Havak PH3 Stock
The stock was also impressive, with its built-in mini chassis and M-Lok rail. The precisely machined mini chassis perfectly fits the bottom of the action, and the stock closely fits the entire barreled action. On the bottom of the stock, there is a full-length forearm M-Lok rail that sits in a groove down the forend centerline. The aluminum magazine well is sandwiched under the rail, and the mini chassis.
The Amend 2 polymer magazine holds 3-rounds, and it fits securely in the Seekins magwell. The mag release is inside the triggerguard, and does require a fair amount of pressing to release the magazine.
Adjusting the comb-height of the Havak stock was surprisingly easy. I thought there would be a thumb-wheel or something to tighten. But there is a simple push-button that when depressed, allows you to raise or lower the comb. I like that the front end of the adjustable comb has a void to allow removing the bolt regardless of comb-height. There is a soft rubber recoil pad at the rear which works great to reduce the recoil of this magnum rifle with its light weight.
Setup
For my initial tests, I decided to mount some quality accessories. First off was the brand new Steiner H6Xi 2-12×42, a scope with a focus on hunters and their needs. With its 30MM tube and single rotation elevation turret, it would give more than enough travel for some long-range elk hunting later this year. I mounted the H6Xi in a set of matching 30mm Steiner rings, with just enough room to clear the rifle features.
Under the stock I put a Magpul M-Lok sling mount up front so that I could install a Harris bipod. A simple sling could also be added using the various QD cups on the stock of the Havak. Lastly I would for sure run the rifle suppressed, first with the SilencerCo Scythe Ti. And later using the SilencerCo Omega 36M just to get a little variation.
Initial Shots
First shots from the PH3 were done at a rifle range, to get it zeroed and baseline accuracy. For that I fired a couple different loads; some 162 ELDM handloads, as well as some 180gr Hornady Match and some Barnes VOR-TX 160gr ammunition.
I boresighted the scope before settling down behind the rifle on a bench. A couple shots was all it took to correct point of impact, and get a couple groups on paper. After which I zeroed the turrets of the little Steiner so it would be ready for bigger country.
As the morning went on, I shot additional rounds to evaluate how the PH3 functions and to familiarize myself with it.
Field Testing the Seekins Havak PH3
Later on a another day we would shoot the PH3 in the Rocky Mountains where it was meant to be. Bringing additional ammunition sources to see it the Havak has a preference for them. Here in the 10k density altitude, the 7 PRC is a monster of a cartridge. And up here is exactly the kind of place it will be used this fall during hunting season. With additional shooters to get behind the Seekins, we’d be able to generate additional feedback on the PH3.
Accuracy
Seekins is known for their precision rifles, and that is where I expected the PH3 to excel. It was a relief to see how quick the rifle was to group well. And with additional shooting it seemed to tighten up even more. It also showed a preference for Hornady’s Precision Hunter 175 ELDX ammunition, printing 3-shot groups under .5 MOA. (albeit 200FPS slower than the box said 🤥)
Shootability
The PH3 action is outstanding. The short bolt-lift and smooth throw make it fast and nearly automated. Muscle memory runs the operation on the back-burner while you focus on the target and firing solution.
The one thing that stood out to me about the PH3 action was it seems to have significantly lower friction when opening the bolt after firing. Lower than what I’m used to anyways, which was a very refreshing sensation. The Trigger Tech was immaculate as always, making clean shots every time.
Ergonomics
Resting on the stock of the Havak PH3 was quiet comfortable. I love the adjustable comb, allowing us to get a perfect sight picture through the scope. The angle of the grip feels very natural and gives a perfect angle for trigger engagement. Every thing feels in the right spot and functions just how you would like it to. But there is one thing, that I must give a demerit for on this rifle. The magazine release feels significantly stiffer than it need be. If it was an outside the trigger-guard type, I’d be okay with it. But being an inside the trigger guard, it requires more effort than I’d like. I found it challenging to operate without breaking shooting position significantly. This did give me the impression that reloading magazines hastily might be a challenge.
It’s fair I suppose to assume Seekins designed it this way to avoid magazines from getting inadvertently released while hiking down some God-awful canyon. And for a hunting rifle I would favor too hard to remove over too easy, for that very reason. Its not a huge deal, but one I figured deserves mentioning.
Reliability
Staying on the magazine topic; we had zero malfunctions with the polymer Amend 2 magazine. I appreciate how compact the magazine is, and its slippery polymer lips that feed flawlessly. But the magazine did feel a tiny bit petite, like it could be broken easier than I’d like.
Feeding cartridges was all but flawless, a couple times I noticed someone’s first shots on the rifle it didn’t feed but only because they hadn’t fully seated the magazine. Extraction and ejection are smooth and predictable.
The stiff stock of the Havak PH3 kept the rifle reliably accurate, even as the barrel heated up some. Shots didn’t wander from point of aim. It was a great performance, crossing all my t’s and dotting i’s.
Value
I mentioned at the top, I don’t feel like the Havak is an entry level rifle. But if you can afford it as your first hunting rifle, you’ll likely never need another. Street prices for the Havak hover between $1700 and $1900, which is not insignificant. But when compared to other big name custom shop production rifles, it is still quite reasonable.
And with the Seekins name on it, you can trust they will take care of the product for life. I’ve dealt with some of the people at Seekins and they have always been informative and honest. Thats the kind of company that deserves your investment, and speaking of value, let us not forget the next topic.
Modular Seekins Switch-barrel System
This feature deserves it’s own section. Seekins has been making switch-barrel options for some time, you may have seen it in my review of the Seekins Havak HIT. The design is simple and reliable; barrels thread into the face of the action by hand, and are clamped secure using a single cross-bolt. This allows the user to remove their own barrel, and change it out to another should they choose. Additionally Seekins open sources their barrel design allowing you to have your local gunsmith cut you a custom barrel for your Seekins rifle.
If you find yourself changing to a smaller cartridge, you can swap out the bolt head to a different one by disassembling the bolt. This can be done by hand, no tools required. The system allows you to completely convert your Havak from the 7 PRC shown here to something like a 6.5 Creedmoor should you choose. All this done by you, at home, no special tools required (maybe a torque wrench if your’e a stickler). As a bit of a multi-caliber rifle guy myself, that is a value that is hard to put a price on.
Pros and Cons
| Smooth reliable Action | The Magazine thing I mentioned |
| Built-in Picatinny Scope Rail | |
| Lightweight Design and Balance | |
| Great Accuracy out of the box | |
| Barrel/Caliber Change Option | |
| Adjustable Stock | |
| Built-in Mini Chassis | |
| Excellent Trigger | |
| M-Lok Forend | |
| QD Cups where you want them | |
| Threaded Muzzle and Brake | |
| Sexy AF |
Conclusion
I was confident that the Seekins would be a solid buy, not just because of my past experiences with Seekins rifles but because they have built a good reputation in the market. I am glad this rifle stood up to my expectations, and I look forward to seeing it laying against the bloodied side of our prey later this year. The Seekins Havak PH3 offers an accurate and reliable rifle that will standup for life, and accompany you into the dark and damp parts of the forest. Its the kind of rifle that will ride on your shoulder for weeks at a time, and make the perfect shot when it matters. I love rifles like that, and if you find yourself looking for one too, give the Havak an honest look.
