Sheri will also be signing complimentary copies of the 2015 EraThr3 pin-up calendar featuring the work of legendary pinup photographer Robert Alvarado -- while PROOF's carbonistas serve free beer. If you need a break from the SHOT Show circus, swing by the PROOF Research booth #1017 from 3pm-5:30pm Wednesday Day 2, and again on Friday, Day 4 from 1pm-3pm.
Operation Klepto, shown below, is a limited edition, signature series rifle that will be produced in small numbers; perhaps ten per run, Erath3's Sheri Johnson's told us. The rifle was spec'd by Clint Smith, a prolific firearms instructor and the man behind Thunder Ranch. In a spare-no-expense approach, he and Erath3 have produced a lightweight, precision platform for shooters expecting top level performance right out of the case.
It's based on a Stiller .308 custom short action with an integral Picatinny rail and recoil lug. It includes a custom, oversized E3 titanium bolt knob and a Jewell trigger. Up front they've got a 20-inch Proof Research barrel featuring 416R Stainless/Carbon Construction with a heavy contour, 1:10 twist and 5/8"x24 threads capped with an E3 Titanium Thread Protector.
The stock is a Manners Elite Tactical Stock with 100% carbon fiber lay-up, adjustable comb height, 13-inch length of pull, and an integral mini chassis compatible with AI magazines. For attachment points, the rifle has QD cup mounts and an E3 titanium front rail that's ready to go with the included quick detach Atlas Bi-Pod.
Topping the rifle off is a Schmidt & Bender 5-20 x 50mm PM II Ultra Short (with an H2CMR Reticle) mounted in a custom Spuhr Optics zero MOA mount that skeletonized and shortened to fit the 5-20 perfectly. The rifle will be test fired and zeroed at the factory.
Pricing wasn't set when we spoke with Erathr3 today. But, judging the components and work in the rifle, I'm sure it's going to be on par with other high end bolt rifles (and mid-range Italian sportbikes.)
This is the first what will become a line of Erathr3 firearms. While they're already producing smaller parts such as titanium bolt knobs, titanium magazine base plates and rail systems, they've just begun work on their own in-house titanium actions and brakes.
