Whether you like them or not, you know a Porsche when you see it, regardless of model or year. This continuity takes strong commitment to a formula that may not always be the coolest but yields solid results.
This brings us to today’s precision rifles, with designs that are all basically the same. They all possess a similar style, and rightfully so, because functionality and purpose trump everything else. While their performance has improved over the years, the packaging is for the most part still the same. Traditional stocks have been all but replaced by numerous chassis systems. Each brings its own style and functionality, and some are more conspicuous than others. While chassis systems represent technological achievements and offer several ergonomic and performance benefits, for some they are too great a departure from the tried-and-true conventional stock.
But one company, J. Allen Enterprises, has taken the familiar look and feel of a traditional rifle stock and blended it with the modularity of a modern chassis. In other words, like Porsche, the company has blended traditional lines with technological advancements to improve its chassis’ overall performance.
J. Allen Enterprises + Surgeon
There is something inexplicably alluring about a J. Allen chassis. Like a Porsche, you know a J. Allen Enterprises product when you see one, whether it’s mated with an M1A or a Remington 700 action.
Jeff Jones, the company’s founder, owner and head designer, studied at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., and graduated with a degree in transportation design.
Jeff has been passionate about cars and shooting for a long time, and he spent time designing automobiles in Michigan before designing his rifle chassis systems. So when I decided to harness the performance of the 6mm Creedmoor with some style, I knew that I had to have a J. Allen chassis as part of the foundation. There was no other option.
As for the action, another iconic brand was needed—a brand with a reputation for quality. None other than Surgeon Rifles could fit the bill.
After talking to the incredible team at Surgeon, they expressed that they would not only provide an action, but even build the rifle. All that was needed was a barrel, and a friend suggested Hawk Hill Custom. She had been running their barrels on her competition guns with much success and believed the company could provide the performance I was looking for. A few weeks later, all of the components arrived in Arizona.
Built For Speed
What eventually became a Surgeon Scalpel was originally inspired by the chassis. I had a specific paint scheme in mind, one that I discovered on a Porsche GT4 Clubsport racer. After sending a picture to Lisa Jones—CEO of J. Allen Enterprises and Jeff’s wife—and discussing my specifics, J. Allen provided a rendering of what it would look like.
In short, it was beautiful and exactly how I had imagined it. Finished off with custom engraving on the cheekpiece and “nose art,” the rifle certainly stands out/ Beyond the custom paint job, the chassis was outfitted with only the best functional components. Of course, while this chassis looks amazing, it also provides a rigid platform for the barreled action.
Trigger Time
The “go” pedal here is a Timney Calvin Elite flat-bladed trigger set at 1.5 pounds. It’s a single-stage unit with a nice clean break free of any drama. I’ve trusted Timney triggers for years, and this one doesn’t disappoint. This trigger has a carbo-nitride coating for smooth operation and durability. The wear components are made from coated A2 tool steel while the sears are wire-EDM cut. The trigger itself is CNC machined, and the housing is made from 6061-T6 aluminum.
SIG Optics
For optics, I installed a Sig Sauer 5-25x56mm TANGO6 scope in a set of lightweight Seekins Precision aluminum rings. The Level-Plex feature inside the TANGO6 provides the display technology that this build deserves. It will tell you if things aren’t squared up, and the illuminated Christmas-tree-like reticle is fast and easy to use. The exterior also matches the paint scheme of the rest of the build.
Custom Surgeon Scalpel Specifications
- Caliber: 6mm Creedmoor
- Barrel: 27 inches
- OA Length: 47 inches
- Weight: 17.6 pounds (empty)
- Stock: J. Allen JAE-700
- Sights: Sig Sauer 5-30x56mm TANGO6
- Action: Bolt
- Finish: Stainless, black, gray
- Capacity: 10+1
- MSRP: $6,600 (rifle only)
More Information
- J. Allen Enterprises: JAllenGlobal.com
- Surgeon Rifles: SurgeonRifles.com
- AWC Silencers: AWCsilencers.com
- Sig Sauer: SigSauer.com
- Timney Triggers: TimneyTriggers.com
- Hawk Hill Custom: HawkHillCustom.com
Read more about the custom Surgeon Scalpel in the upcoming November/December 2018 issue of Tactical Life Magazine, which hits newsstands on Sept. 11. Grab your copy here at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
