For over four decades, H-S Precision has carved a unique niche in the rifle industry. Renowned for its fiberglass stocks featuring integral aluminum bedding blocks, this South Dakota-based company established a reputation for rugged precision long before the term “precision rifles” emerged as a distinct category. Notably, some of the most iconic production rifles, such as the Remington Sendero and the M24 military sniper rifles, were built on H-S stocks.
In the early 1990s, H-S Precision began producing complete rifle systems, quickly becoming the industry standard for tactical law enforcement, competitive shooters, and discerning hunters. The introduction of the new Gen III rifle continues this legacy.
Before delving into the specifics of the Gen III, it’s essential to understand the current landscape of the “custom rifle” industry. Most custom rifles are assembled by skilled gunsmiths using purchased components, including actions, barrels, stocks, triggers, bottom metals, and brakes. While this method can yield highly accurate rifles when executed correctly, it differs from H-S Precision’s approach.
When H-S Precision began manufacturing rifles, many of these component suppliers did not exist. To create the perfect rifle, H-S engineers designed every part in-house. Today, they continue this tradition, producing all major components internally, including action screws. While this doesn’t inherently make them superior, purchasing an H-S rifle means acquiring over 30 years of meticulous attention to detail. Each H-S Precision rifle comes with a ½ MOA accuracy guarantee, a copy of the test target, and all relevant load data.
Introducing the Gen III Rifle
Josh Cluff, H-S Precision’s VP and a top-level competitive shooter with a passion for western hunting, has collaborated with the engineering team to develop the Gen III rifle. This model is the result of extensive research, incorporating insights from NRL and PRS shooters regarding optimal rifle design.
The Gen III features a new Pro-Series action, replacing the previous Gen II action. It boasts a one-piece spiral-fluted bolt with a removable bolt handle, offering six different styles. This allows users to customize the bolt for various applications, such as selecting a longer handle for NRL matches or a shorter one for reduced snagging potential during transport. The action and bolt are finished with DLC (Diamond-like Carbon) for ultra-smooth operation and are drilled and tapped for robust 8×40 base screws to withstand recoil.
If the action is the heart of a rifle, the barrel represents its soul. H-S Precision sets the industry standard for consistent barrel quality, serving as the largest supplier of test barrels for ammunition manufacturers verifying load data. Each Gen III rifle is equipped with a proprietary 10x cut rifled H-S Precision barrel, mounted true and rigorously tested. Both steel and carbon barrels are available.
Every stock incorporates the legendary full-length aluminum bedding block, ensuring extreme accuracy and reliability in any weather condition. Options include Kevlar, carbon fiber, and fiberglass models, all compatible with Picatinny and ARCA-Swiss rails. The bottom metal and detachable box magazine are machined from stainless steel and Cerakoted to match the action and barrel.
H-S Precision offers over 13 different models, built to order based on individual specifications. Customers can select from any SAAMI-approved caliber, providing 130 options. Additional customizations include barrel length, trigger options (including TriggerTech), stock dimensions, twist rates, fluting options, colors, rings, bases, Pic rails, ARCA rails, and various accessories. While this may seem overwhelming, rifle experts are available to assist in building a personalized rifle. When the rifle arrives, it is likely to be one of a kind in the United States.
Performance Insights
The Gen III rifle is impressive in performance. A test rifle, specifically the PLR Pro Hunter Long Range chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, weighs 8.9 pounds and features a 24” barrel. The composite stock includes a vertical grip with an ambidextrous palm swell, a Pic rail at the front, and an adjustable cheek piece. Paired with a Leica PRS 5-30×56 scope, this combination proves both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.
The new bolt and bolt handle operate with remarkable smoothness, allowing for rapid cycling even on an 800-yard target without losing sight of the target. The rifle’s accuracy is as guaranteed, with three factory loads yielding better than one MOA, and Winchester 6.5 match ammunition consistently achieving ½ MOA. While small groups at 100 yards are impressive, the real test is managing the rifle at longer distances. The combination of the rifle’s weight, stock design, and muzzle brake facilitates easy spotting of impacts at 800 yards. This rifle excels in both NRL matches and western hunting scenarios.
Conclusion
The test rifle is priced at $5039, which is standard for H-S Precision’s steel-barrel rifles. In a market filled with boutique rifle builders and numerous aftermarket part combinations, H-S Precision offers a rarity: a rifle designed, engineered, and manufactured almost entirely under one roof. The Gen III reflects over four decades of refinement in precision rifle design, showcasing H-S Precision’s commitment to quality.
From the innovative Gen III Pro-Series action to the company’s renowned bedding-block stock and match-grade barrels, this new generation is crafted for shooters who prioritize reliability, accuracy, and versatility. Whether engaging targets at long range or embarking on a western hunt, the Gen III demonstrates H-S Precision’s understanding of the needs of serious hunters.