Seekins Havak Element review

[SteveB]

I thought I already owned the greatest 300WM hunting rifle ever built, a Brockman custom Dakota 76. I’ve hunted all over the US and Africa with that rifle. So when GJM started raving about his new Element, I discounted much of his enthusiasm. I mean, how great could it be next to the Brockman? But he wore me down and I paid my $2750 and the rifle arrived the other day. Pulled it out of the box and did a double-take; amazingly light! Great action and trigger! Even with that cushy butt pad and the cool muzzle brake, I thought this thing is going to sting off the bench, though.

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Seekins said 6 lbs and they did not lie. I rigged it up with Magpul bipod and RLS sling. The only appropriate scope I had in rings was a SIG Sierra3 BDX 4.5-14, a bit heavy and the reticle stadia lines are too thick, but I was eager to shoot it.

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I had 6 different 300WM loads:

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Seekins did a great job saving weight on this rifle. Bolt head is steel but the bolt body is aluminum, as is the receiver (with steel insert). The magazine is a work of art in carbon fiber; look at the room for longer OAL:

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At the range, I shot 3-shot groups at 100 and chronoed each round. I ended up shooting about 25 rounds off the bench, and the rifle felt like I was shooting .308! The lack of recoil in a rifle this light was astounding. The winner was my favorite round in this caliber, the Barnes 180 TTSX, 2973 fps (81° here today); here’s the group:

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ROUND. VELOCITY GROUP SIZE
FED 165 TSX. 3000. 0.9”
NOSLER 180 ETIP. 2887. 1.2”
ICC 180 TTSX. 2976. 1”
BARNES 180 TTSX. 2973. 0.334”
FED 185 BERGER. 2921. 0.7”
FED 200 TERM ASCENT 2820. 0.6”

So, it shoots, it points and balances well, you can run the bolt hard, the trigger weighs 2 lbs 9 oz and has great feel. Lots of nice touches, like the mag release that won’t dump your mag in the field, nice big trigger guard for gloves, LOP a touch over 13”, integral QD sling sockets, integral 20 MOA rail with a bubble level. I don’t even mind the Model 700-style safety because the rest of the rifle is so good. I would love to know what their cost is on this rifle, because this thing is a steal.

[ccmdfd]

Nice write up and great looking rifle!

[flyrodr]

Nice write-up. Thanks.

Seriously considering an Element myself. Likely in 6.5CM. Kinda like my grouse gun: a lot of carrying, and only a little shooting.

[SecondsCount]

It's pretty amazing what a good muzzle brake can do.

That stock design looks like a perfect blend of precision benchrest with a hunting twist. Now for some better glass ;)

[GJM]

It's pretty amazing what a good muzzle brake can do.

That stock design looks like a perfect blend of precision benchrest with a hunting twist. Now for some better glass ;)

The muzzle brake is extremely effective on this rifle, and out in the field, the blast isn't bad on the shooter or someone behind the rifle. On the side, it is a different story. Steve has a VX6 2-12 that will likely find its way onto this rifle.

[Lost River]

Now that is an elk rifle!

[newyork]

Is the PH2 or pro hunter also worth a look vs others in its price. Lass (Christiansen/Nosler etc). Looks to be about $1000 less.

[ccmdfd]

This thread makes me want a 300 Win Mag.

And I have no need or use for a 300 Win Mag!

[newyork]

Any updates on this rifle SteveB?

[flyrodr]

Got my Seekins Havak Element in 6.5 Creedmoor a couple of weeks ago. Put a NF ATACR 4-16x42 on it (nice, but heavy, at 30 oz.), and have run around 60 rounds of mostly Hornady ELD-M and -X through it at local range (indoor, and 100 yd max). I'm liking it quite a bit, and getting 5-shot groups under an inch (but not under 3/4", yet).

Question for those who seek light weight packages (I almost said "elements"), specifically the scope. I'm looking for something closer to 20 oz., preferably FFP, a zoom range near 3-15X, probably MOA (because I'm old, etc.). Also, a zero stop, dialable elevation (capped windage OK).

Locally, I've gotten recommendations for the Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15X 42 (19oz, but it's a SFP); a couple of the Leupolds, etc.

But I'd appreciate additional thoughts. Lightweight, durable, etc.

Thanks!!

[GJM]

I have a Leupold VX6 2-12 on my Seekins Element.

[Clusterfrack]

flyrodr, the new FFP Razor HD LHT is 22 oz.

https://vortexoptics.com/razor-hd-lht-45-22x50-ffp.html

[GJM]

flyrodr, the new FFP Razor HD LHT is 22 oz.

https://vortexoptics.com/razor-hd-lht-45-22x50-ffp.html

Thoughts on this versus a VX6?

[Clusterfrack]

Thoughts on this versus a VX6?

I don’t have a fraction of your hunting experience, so my opinion isn’t worth much.

I like mil reticles and FFP, so the Vortex checks those boxes. Top end magnification is excessive, but not really a downside to that unless the eye box is compromised by the zoom ratio.

When Leupold does it right, they make excellent scopes.

[Lost River]

Got my Seekins Havak Element in 6.5 Creedmoor a couple of weeks ago. Put a NF ATACR 4-16x42 on it (nice, but heavy, at 30 oz.), and have run around 60 rounds of mostly Hornady ELD-M and -X through it at local range (indoor, and 100 yd max). I'm liking it quite a bit, and getting 5-shot groups under an inch (but not under 3/4", yet).

Question for those who seek light weight packages (I almost said "elements"), specifically the scope. I'm looking for something closer to 20 oz., preferably FFP, a zoom range near 3-15X, probably MOA (because I'm old, etc.). Also, a zero stop, dialable elevation (capped windage OK).

Locally, I've gotten recommendations for the Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15X 42 (19oz, but it's a SFP); a couple of the Leupolds, etc.

But I'd appreciate additional thoughts. Lightweight, durable, etc.

Thanks!!

The SWFA 3-15x42 is an FFP that you can get in MIL/MIL or MOA/MOA and it comes in at 24 ounces. I have a few of them on Tikkas and ARs and they are good quality scopes. If I am not going to buy a Nightforce (money wise) I look at SWFA scopes.


https://i.imgur.com/zkNL4h4.jpg?3

[ccmdfd]

I have a Leupold VX6 2-12 on my Seekins Element.

You get a custom turret made for it.

I've got a larger VX6 on one of my hunting rifles.
It's an impressive scope.

[GJM]

My Seekins is an elk rifle, and in .300 WM. For elk hunting, I prefer a second focal plane reticle, because the reticle is easier to see at the low power I walk around on, especially in lower light. To 300 yards, I don't need to dial, which covers a lot of shots.

[newyork]

I’m pretty jealous. Element in 300 with a 2-12 sounds pretty amazing. What rings are you using? Sling?

[flyrodr]

GJM Clusterfrack Lost River

Thanks for the suggestions. I have another (heavier) rifle that the Nightforce (which, except for its weight, I like very much) might match better. I'll check out the lighter Leupold, Vortex and SWFA models y'all suggested.

Much appreciated!

[SteveB]

I’m pretty jealous. Element in 300 with a 2-12 sounds pretty amazing. What rings are you using? Sling?

I’m using Nightforce lightweight medium height rings, 30mm.

[SteveB]

And I think GJM is using the same Magpul RLS sling that I am.

[ccmdfd]

I’m using Nightforce lightweight medium height rings, 30mm.

I do like their rings! High quality. (and their Scopes are pretty darn good too)

[ccmdfd]

The muzzle brake is extremely effective on this rifle, and out in the field, the blast isn't bad on the shooter or someone behind the rifle. On the side, it is a different story. Steve has a VX6 2-12 that will likely find its way onto this rifle.

What model/brand muzzle brake is that?

I've seen a few of these rifles on sale online, but none come with a brake.

Thanks

[GJM]

What model/brand muzzle brake is that?

I've seen a few of these rifles on sale online, but none come with a brake.

Thanks

https://seekinsprecision.com/havak-element.html

Reading their website, it appears that the short action Element rifles do not come with a muzzle brake, but the long action ones come with an ATC muzzle brake.

[ccmdfd]

https://seekinsprecision.com/havak-element.html

Reading their website, it appears that the short action Element rifles do not come with a muzzle brake, but the long action ones come with an ATC muzzle brake.


Thanks

Looks like some/most of the sites are using stock pictures of a short action model for all versions.

[newyork]

This is true as I asked Europtic about the brake. Magnums come with the brake.

[ccmdfd]

Was browsing Europtic's website today and see that they are listing 7mm PRC Elements. Not in stock yet.