Rifle & scope review: Antler’s Ti Mountain and the Zeiss Conquest V4 are ready for the backcountry

There’s no question the term “Made in Canada” grabs my attention. Such is the case with Quebec-based Antler Firearms, which builds semi-custom rifles in an array of models and options guaranteed to shoot into half-MOA. Having previously reviewed Antler’s Rocky Mountain model, I looked to the company for a lightweight, rugged and accurate backcountry rifle, one that would captivate a sheep hunter. The logical choice was the Ti Mountain, which comes with the target used to verify its half-MOA accuracy guarantee.

The Ti Mountain boasts a titanium action that’s not only super-strong, tough and resistant to corrosion, but also 50 per cent lighter than stainless steel. The receiver includes integrated 20 MOA bases and a recoil lug that enhance precision by reducing vibration. Meanwhile, the internal cutting is made with an EDM wire cutter that, with an accuracy of 0.0004 inches, is the most precise on the market.

The spiral-fluted stainless steel barrel is button rifled rather than cold-hammer forged, a process that creates less stress on the barrel, leaves fewer marks and improves precision and consistency. As a result, the barrel does not require lapping. As for the spiral fluting, it reduces weight, promotes cooling and enhances the rifle’s overall aesthetic appeal. Along with the barrel, the muzzle brake and action are also Cerakote-treated for a durable, enhanced finish in black or one of the 14 impressive colour options.

Other mechanical features include the three-lug bolt. Made from match grade 416 stainless steel, it’s spiral-fluted and offers a 70-degree lift. The trigger, meanwhile, is adjustable, although it leaves the factory set at 2.75 pounds. Then there’s the three-position safety, and detachable magazine.

As for the Ti’s carbon-fibre stock, it’s three times harder and 50 per cent lighter than a wood stock, and it includes a Limbsaver recoil pad. Among the 14 colour choices is the new “Golden Forest” that my test rifle was decked out in. The rifle was also equipped with a few options, including a side-ported brake rather than the standard MB42 muzzle brake, and a forend rail.

TEST RESULTS

The Ti Mountain is a well-built, compact rifle. On the postal scale, my test model weighed in at five pounds 12 ounces. The trigger pull weight was two pounds seven ounces, with zero creep—a great trigger. Using lightweight Weaver Tactical four-hold rings, mounting the V4 4-16×44 scope took just minutes, bringing the total combined weight to seven pounds four ounces, a very comfortable backcountry weight.

For a shorter barreled rifle, the Ti fit and balanced well. I also liked the three-position safety and detachable magazine. As for aesthetics, the eye-catching Golden Forest camo was a perfect match for a backcountry hunting rifle.

On the range (above), I tested six handloads and 14 factory loads, all of which cycled perfectly. With its side-ported muzzle brake, the rifle was a joy to shoot, offering minimal recoil and virtually no muzzle jump. Despite the rifle’s shorter 20-inch barrel, I also noted that many of the factory loads approximated their advertised velocity, a decided plus for longer shots.

As for the scope, I agree with Zeiss that the Conquest V4 4-16×44 is designed for mountain hunts, and in my view, it’s the best of the V4 lineup for such lofty pursuits. The optics were excellent, and I loved the user-friendliness of both the illuminated #60 reticle and the elevated ballistic turret.

Overall, the Ti delivered on its accuracy guarantee. My handloads averaged 0.778 groups, while the factory ammo bettered that average with 0.698. Two of my handloads and four factory loads also exceeded Antler Firearm’s half-MOA guarantee, while several others hovered around that average. In fact, 18 of the 20 groups bettered MOA. The best of the lot at 0.345 was 127-grain VOR-TX LRX. A close second at 0.480 was a handload with 140-grain Hornady InterLock and StaBall 6.5 powder. Both would make excellent choices for most backcountry hunts. For deer, Nosler Whitetail Country, grouping at 0.495, would top my list.

TEST RIFLE SPECS

• Calibre: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Weight: 5 lb 12 oz
• Barrel Length: 20″
• Total Length: with brake 41.5″ (measured)
• Twist Rate: 1/8″
• Magazine Capacity: 4
• Trigger: adjustable set @2.75 lb
• Length of Pull: 13.5″

For the complete range test results, go to www.outdoorcanada.ca/timttest.

ZEISS CONQUEST V4

I’m a fan of Zeiss optics, which no doubt factored into my decision to review another one of their riflescopes, this time to match the Ti Mountain. To quote Zeiss, the Conquest V4 4-16×44 provides “lightweight precision for mountain hunts.”. With its light weight, compact size, #60 illuminated reticle, and ballistic elevation turret, it’s what Zeiss refers to as the most versatile and compact model in the V4 lineup—just what I was looking for.

While it’s manufactured by one of the world’s premiere optical companies, this scope does not come with a high-end price tag. It does come with numerous features, however, including: a 30mm tube; 4x zoom; second focal plane; target-style elevation turret with Zeiss Ballistic Stop, 0.25 MOA elevation and windage clicks; high-definition glass; T* multi-layer lens coatings; and a LotuTec protective coating for bright, sharp images.

Also worth noting is the 90 per cent light transmission, 80 MOA of elevation travel for optimal long-range versatility, and the fact it’s nitrogen-filled for fog- and waterproofing to 400 mbar. Then there’s the generous eyebox, which allows for quick target acquisition. It all comes with a limited lifetime warranty, and a five-year, no-fault warranty for accidental damage.

TEST SCOPE SPECS

• Magnification: 4-16x
• Objective lens: 44mm
• Tube size: 30mm
• Length: 14″
• Weight: 22.6 oz
• Field of view: 28-7′ @100 yards
• Eye relief: 3.54″
• Elevation adjustment: 80 MOA
• Parallax: 9.1m to infinity
• Focal plane: Second