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Aero Precision SMASHES into the bolt rifle arena with the SOLUS, is it worth it?

10/27/2024

"The Aero Precision SOLUS works to provide hunters, competitors, and shooting enthusiasts with a custom shooting experience. The SOLUS line was designed and built around the core belief that equipment should not be the marksman’s limiting factor under any use case." - Aero Precision

At the heart of the Solus lineup lies a core principle that’s as steadfast as a cat on a sunny windowsill—it's what inspires the Solus to strut its stuff downrange in a variety of thrilling applications. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just starting to dip your toes in the world of precision marksmanship, the Solus lineup rolls out the red carpet for you. You can choose from a custom-tailored turnkey system, a barreled action, or a standalone action—because why limit yourself to just one flavor when you can have the whole sundae? This diverse offering empowers the end user to indulge in a premium bolt action experience that perfectly suits their style, all while giving a cheeky wink to the competition. So gear up and let the Solus be your trusty sidekick on this exciting journey!

Aero Precision has been a familiar name in the tactical rifle and parts universe for years, like that one reliable friend who always shows up with pizza and good vibes—delivering high-quality gear without making you consider a second mortgage. Renowned for their talent in blending affordability with top-notch craftsmanship, Aero has now dipped their toes into the world of bolt-action rifles, and they’re shaking things up like a caffeine-fueled gunsmith on a Saturday night. With the same unbeatable quality and value that catapulted their tactical line into the limelight, Aero's new bolt rifles are ready to make waves—and maybe even snag a few trophies in long-range competitions while they're at it. So get ready to be impressed—these rifles might just have you wondering if you’ve been missing out on the bolt-action party all along.

CHECK OUT THE AERO SOLUS RIFLE

Some of the best and most affordable rifle components you can find anywhere in the world are coming straight from Aero Precision, a spry 10-year-old company that’s more energetic than a puppy at a tennis ball factory. Most of us have unwittingly shot Aero’s gear, but it was cleverly disguised under another gun company’s branding—like a stealthy superhero in a mild-mannered disguise. While Aero was busy licensing their products, they were also quietly expanding, honing their craft, and revamping their catalog to keep up with what consumers actually wanted (hint: it’s not just more space for more gear). With roots in the aerospace industry, where precision machining is the name of the game, Aero has that “measure twice, cut once” ethos down to a science. Then, out of the blue—like a plot twist in a thriller novel—Aero burst onto the bolt rifle scene, setting the airwaves buzzing with gun enthusiasts and PRC competition aficionados, all chattering away like they’re in on some secret that you definitely need to be part of. Buckle up; things just got exciting.

Aero’s core offering has long been its precision AR actions, uppers, lowers, handguards, barrels, bolts, and just about every tiny part that makes an AR tick—think of them as the culinary experts of the firearm world, whipping up gourmet components without the gourmet prices. But lately, what’s really putting Aero on the map is their complete bolt rifles. Instead of playing the behind-the-scenes game and licensing their products to other companies, Aero has decided to step into the spotlight, boldly branding their creations as their own. It’s like they’ve traded in their stealthy ninja status for a flashy superhero cape, and let me tell you, the excitement is palpable.

Their new bolt action rifle is the SOLUS.The Solus lineup features a collection of similar rifles, and the Bravo model proudly flaunts a third-party KRG (Kinetic Research Group) “Bravo” stock like it just stepped off a fashion runway. This beauty is a bull-barreled, 10-plus-pound hybrid hunting/target/PRS rifle—though I wouldn’t recommend taking it on a leisurely stroll through the deer woods unless you’ve been hitting the gym like a bodybuilder. These days, you rarely hear the term “bull-barrel” since most heavy barrels have been fluted to lighten the load, but not this rugged contender. Aero decided to go old-school with a solid, non-fluted M24-contour barrel, which accounts for the bulk of the Bravo's heft—and let me tell you, it definitely adds a bit of top-heaviness that might make it feel like you’re carrying a small anvil! The M24 references the iconic Remington 700-actioned SWS [Sniper Weapon Systems] rifles from the ‘80s, designed for the U.S. Marine Scout/Sniper program, known for their formidable, barely tapering barrels that could probably double as a bowling ball. The Solus Bravo offers options like a 20-inch .308 Win. with a 1:10 twist, a 22-inch 6.5 Creedmoor with a 1:8 twist, or a 26-inch 6mm Creedmoor with a 1:7.5 twist—all threaded for a suppressor or muzzle brake of your choice, because who doesn’t love a little customization?

It’s paired with Aero’s own Solus action, boasting a short-action M70 footprint that’s machined from tough-as-nails 416 steel. This baby features a snappy 60-degree bolt throw, an integral recoil lug, and a 3-lug interchangeable bolt head, all while playing nicely with AICS-style magazines. What I really appreciate is that Aero didn’t skimp on the machining—oh no! They splurged on an integral 20-MOA pic rail built directly into the top of the action, rather than just slapping one on like most other companies do to save a few bucks. Frankly I have no idea how they managed to maintain such a low price point with the magnificent machining they were able to apply but I guess that's what makes them special. Plus, the entire interior of the action and the bolt are coated with Aero’s proprietary metal finish, which is glossier than a fresh coat of wax on a sports car. Seriously, it makes the action slicker than proverbial you-know-what, and it might just be the slickest system I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. It even comes with a 5-round detachable Magpul mag and an excellent Trigger Tech trigger, because why not throw in a cherry on top?

A target stock has two main jobs: keep human interference to a minimum so it doesn’t mess with the barrel’s harmonics, and fit the shooter like a glove so those pressure points remain consistent. Enter the KRG Bravo! The KRG stock features a robust three-piece, rigid polymer exterior that’s firmly bolted to a full-length aluminum chassis, which is then securely attached to the barreled action. With its vertical palm-swell grip, square forend, and adjustable comb and recoil pad, it nails those objectives. However, I can’t help but raise an eyebrow at the fact that it’s made up of four parts total (including the chassis) and requires about a dozen bolts to hold it all together—seriously, it has more hardware than a DIY enthusiast’s workshop! If you thought Charlie Sheen’s end table was cluttered with rails, just wait until you see this setup.

Pair your new SOLUS rifle with a fancy Leupold Mark 4 scope and you've got a "one rifle to rule them all" situation.

Pros:

You would be hard pressed to find a PRS style rifle all set up and ready to go for less. Just add a scope and bipod and sign up for your first (or next) match.

Barrel swaps do not require a custom machinist fit and can be done with a modest home gunsmithing setup.

Cons:

Barrels a break-in period.

heavy and therefore probably not suitable for most hunting situations.

In conclusion, the Aero Precision SOLUS line is a game-changer for hunters, competitors, and shooting enthusiasts alike, embodying the belief that your gear should elevate your performance rather than limit it. With its thoughtfully engineered features, from the robust Solus action to the adjustable KRG Bravo stock, this rifle is designed for precision and adaptability, catering to a wide range of shooting styles and preferences. Whether you’re gearing up for your first PRS match or simply honing your skills at the range, the SOLUS provides a solid foundation without breaking the bank. Sure, it might be a bit hefty for a casual stroll in the woods, but when it comes to serious shooting, it stands ready to impress. So, if you’re on the hunt for a reliable, high-quality bolt-action rifle that blends affordability with performance, look no further than the Aero Precision SOLUS. Get ready to unleash your inner marksman—this rifle is ready to help you hit your target with style!

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