Sergeant Alvin York did not need a precision rifle to capture all those Germans in World War I. Houston McCoy did not need a precision rifle to end Charles Whitman’s rampage from atop the University of Texas bell tower. More recent examples will arise as those not in the know (sometimes even “the brass”) expound on reasons not to include a precision rifle in a law enforcement agency’s arsenal.
Let’s approach this from a different perspective. Until the North Hollywood robbery/shootout in 1997, few in law enforcement “needed” a patrol carbine. But try to find a unit cruising around without a carbine now—not because officers will definitely need one, but because, as a tool, it improves their ability to protect the public should the need arise.
Can an officer with a handgun or carbine make the 30- to 50-yard precision shot needed to stop a hostage-taker? Only a few might be able to with handguns and an increased number might with carbines, but what about a farther shot? I would guess that few patrol officers actually practice making longer-distance shots with pinpoint precision. Those assigned to run bolt-action triggers, however, have an improved chance of making those shots because of training and equipment.
The AdeQ Firearms Company may not have the name recognition of longer-established firearm manufacturers, but expect that to change. Founded in 2010, AdeQ has a unique understanding of the needs of the military and law enforcement communities because Alex de Quesada, the CEO, and Chris Krier, the COO, both have military backgrounds, and the company maintains strong ties to local law enforcement agencies. AdeQ is “dedicated to providing quality made and assembled AR-15 rifles and M4 Carbines for individuals, government, military and law enforcement agencies,” and the company has a number of quality firearms in its lineup: the Vigilum, a 1911 with an accessory rail; the Paladin, a 5.56mm AR; the Venator, a 7.62mm AR; and the Precision Long Range Tactical (PLRT), a 7.62mm AR designed for extra accuracy at range.
But the company was missing one thing: a bolt-action precision rifle for long-range engagements. Well, that’s no longer the case. Answering this need, the AdeQ Interceptor is available with either a short (7.62mm NATO) or long action (.300 Winchester Magnum). Both of these chamberings are proven performers in precision rifles.
BOLT SPECs
The AdeQ Interceptor was born in the AdeQ Custom Shop thanks to Director of Operations Frank Goyco, who came to AdeQ by way of another company where he was also involved in the development of a precision bolt-gun line. From an LEO family and a military background, Goyco said, “Bolt guns are my baby.” In fact, he tests every Interceptor rifle for tight groups before they’re shipped.
What qualities make for a good LE countersniper rifle? A perfectly bedded, blueprinted receiver, a top-notch barrel, a rigid stock and a good trigger. How are these requirements met in the Interceptor?
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Lilja barrels are among the best, and the Interceptor uses a 26-inch, stainless steel, match version with a contour duplicating Remington’s Sendero. Opinions on this type of rifle’s barrel length vary a lot, so AdeQ offers other lengths as custom options. The 5/8×24-tpi threaded muzzle wears a thread protector and ends with an 11-degree match crown. Fitted to a trued and blueprinted Remington 700 action, the Lilja barrel has a 1-in-10-inch twist rate. My test rifle came chambered for the 7.62mm NATO cartridge.
The barrel and receiver both feature a perfect, non-reflective DuraCoat finish. AdeQ also installs a Badger Ordnance bolt knob that looks good and enhances bolt manipulations. A good precision rifle also needs a good trigger, and the Interceptor’s is a nice one. AdeQ has installed a Timney trigger that is adjustable from 1.5 to 4 pounds. My test rifle’s trigger came set at 4 pounds. The Timney unit includes an improved thumb safety that blocks the trigger, not the sear.
Lastly, a precise rifle needs a well-bedded action and a rigid stock. Almost any stock can be used if the action is prepared well and bedded just right. But not just any stock will be able to wring the best out of the barrel/receiver combination. The more rigid the stock, the more the action remains centered from shot to shot, and allowing the barrel to flex freely results in a better accuracy potential.
For these purposes, the Interceptor uses the SABER-FORSST MOD-1 modular rifle chassis system from Ashbury Precision Ordnance (APO), which perfectly cradles the action and leaves the barrel free-floating. The ergonomic SABER-FORSST chassis is certainly rigid, and it’s precision-manufactured from aerospace-grade alloys, advanced composites and super-strong carbon-fiber materials. The alloys used are primarily 7075-T6 and 6061-T6 aluminum, and the chassis utilizes a “bedding-less” action interface technology that ensures the action is perfectly bedded. Because of the SABER-FORSST’s modular design, users can easily interchange the buttstock, center chassis and forend for other versions. The chassis can also be adjusted to fit different users or firing positions. The buttstock is adjustable for length of pull (the LimbSaver recoil pad extends up to 2 inches), recoil pad height and cheek height. The stock also folds to the left side to make the rifle more compact for transportation and storage. Also, the Ergo pistol grip’s angle and trigger reach can be adjusted with inserts.
On my test Interceptor, the MOD-1 Quattro forend featured four Picatinny rails. The monolithic, 20-MOA top rail on the center chassis extends from the bolt area almost to the front of the forend, providing a ton of space for mounting sights and optics. The side and bottom rails can be repositioned/removed as needed. Most of the chassis was finished in Flat Dark Earth Cerakote by APO.
ON THE MARK
My test AdeQ Interceptor arrived with a Harris bipod attached—perfect for working from a bench or prone. The rifle also came with a Leupold 4.5-14x50mm Mark 4 LR/T scope with a TMR reticle. Crisp and clear, the Mark 4 offers excellent visibility and enough magnification to make printing nice groups at 100 yards easier. The Mark 4 would be just the ticket for LEO use.
Shooting the AdeQ Interceptor was a pleasure, as the rifle’s weight and the ergonomics of the SABER-FORSST chassis translated to minimal recoil. Not surprisingly, the Timney trigger worked well, although I generally prefer 3-pound triggers for bolt-action rifles. Luckily, the Timney can be adjusted.
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The Interceptor’s accuracy was excellent—all five-shot groups hovered around the 0.5-inch mark. Even when fired from the prone position, my groups did not suffer significantly.
After testing its accuracy at 100 yards, I wanted to see how the AdeQ Interceptor would fare at the 50-yard average distance for police countersniper shots. With a 100-yard zero, I switched to a closer target and fired five shots at the head of the target using just the reticle to adjust the point of impact/point of aim. I compared the group to one where the scope was zeroed at 50 yards before shooting. There was very little difference in the accuracy, as a sniper who had doped out a variety of shots would know. It can be done quickly if needed.
At 200 yards, off the bench and prone, the Interceptor proved that quality will always win out, punching several groups in the 0.75-inch range and the rest around 1 inch. Even with the average LEO countersniper shot being around 50 yards, experience dictates preparing for longer distances.
DUTY READY
Where does the AdeQ Interceptor fit into an officer’s armament? It would be perfect for any countersniper/precision-shooting role, from near to far. The ability to place shots exactly where they are needed all the time cannot be underestimated. Being able to quickly adjust the length of pull, vertical buttpad position and trigger reach increases the rifle’s versatility and allows the Interceptor to be used by a variety of officers as needed, reducing the need for a large inventory.
A 7.62mm NATO bolt gun might not be the solution to every problem, but it will exceed what an AR offers at longer distances, and it has the ability to punch through more barriers. The AdeQ Interceptor is just the bolt gun to prove that superiority! But get in touch with AdeQ soon, as the company is winding down its firearms manufacturing side and has limited quantities.
For more, call 813-636-5077 or visit adeqfirearms.com.
This article was originally published in the October/November 2016 issue of ‘Guns & Weapons For Law Enforcement’. For information on how to subscribe, please email subscriptions@
