Gunwerks ClymR rifle review

Review: Gunwerks ClymR lightweight hunting rifle


The Gunwerks ClymR is easily one of the most accurate factory rifles that we’ve tested for some time. This precision rifle combines leading-edge materials with performance-driven design. It’s something special.

Gunwerks, based Wyoming, USA, specialises in long-range hunting and precision rifles. Gunwerks did all the design work, engineering and manufacturing for the ClymR in-house to avoid being reliant upon outside elements.

Gunwerks ClymR rifle review
The ClymR is offered with a host of options, including a multitude of colours

The ClymR illustrates just how much performance can be packed into a modern bolt-action rifle.

It is a semi-custom sporting rifle built for mountain hunting and available as a system with multiple options. 

At 2.72kg (6lb even), it is a definite lightweight. With high-tech carbon-fibres reinforcing both its barrel and stock, this high-country specialist has been designed to outperform most other rifles in its weight class.

Acquiring a handily light rifle is easy. A number of modern sporters fall into that category. It’s the light-light rifle that’s hard to make effective. Evidently, Gunwerks worked out how light a sporter can be and still retain the handiness, balance and surely steady accuracy we need in hunting.

Gunwerks ClymR rifle review
The action has a resemblance to the Remington 700 action but is not the same, with a host of improvements including wider double-stack magazine well

This was accomplished by using weight-reducing carbon-fibre material, not only in the stock but by wrapping it around the barrel. This is the result of 25 years of developing technologies and different kinds of carbon-fibres which not only lighten rifle barrels but stiffen them, to increase accuracy and longevity. 

ULTRALIGHT, ULTRA-STIFF BARREL

First a matrix of PAN (polyacrylonitrile) fibre and epoxy mixed with small, chopped sections of pitch fibres are wrapped around the steel barrel liner to form a base layer. Then a helical wrap is added, its angle adapted to suit different calibres and bullet weights.

Because PAN fibres have a thermal coefficient similar to barrel steel, they provide an extremely rigid structure that changes very little when heated and also damps the barrel’s harmonic signature. Barrels vibrate like a tuning fork when fired. The carbon-fibre wrap’s high modulus of elasticity lowers the amplitude of the vibrations and increases their frequency, thus improving accuracy.

The chopped pitch fibres connecting the long PAN fibres in the wrap conduct heat away from the bore at an amazing rate.

Gunwerks ClymR rifle review
Both light and capable of true long-range accuracy, the ClymR stands out as a rifle for the demanding hunter

After a resin is applied and baked to bond the elements together, the barrel is rough ground to the correct dimensions. Then a fine grinding process applies a smooth surface, after which a steel bolster is fitted to the muzzle. The finished barrel is extremely rigid, durable and lightweight.

The epoxy resin used will tolerate hundreds of degrees of heat before it breaks down, but the pitch fibres cool so fast that the matrix never reaches that temperature.

The ClymR’s carbon-fibre barrel is more substantial, and by all accounts stiffer, than those trim barrels found on many ultralights. It may outweigh the real ‘soda straws’, but not by nearly as much as an equally stout all-steel barrel does. 

The 56cm (22”) barrel on our test .300 PRC measures 28.1mm (1.105”) in diameter at the breech, tapering to 19.1mm (0.750”) at the steel bolster backing the muzzle thread, resulting in a graceful contour. The barrel is available in three different lengths — 46, 51 and 56cm (18, 20 and 22”) — and has a 32mm (1.25”) muzzle brake attached using 5/8×24 TPI threads.

Gunwerks ClymR rifle review
The carefully manufactured carbon-fibre stock provide very solid bedding and is no doubt responsible for much of the ClymR’s outstanding accuracy

SUCCESS IN THE STOCK

The ClymR’s stock is constructed with aluminium pillars and blocks moulded into yarns/threads suspended in a synthetic base material to strengthen the stock without adding much weight. It is not really ultralight since it weighs 900g (2lb), but that’s still light enough that mountain hunters no longer have to compromise performance for portability.

The stock comes in a choice of 10 paint finishes; there are 11 metal finish colours available.

With its unusual lines, the stock design is different, definitely not an American classic. Perfectly scaled to fit the slimline action, it is designed so it enables shooters to mount and align the rifle quickly. 

The comb is thick, high and slopes upward toward the butt with no drop at heel. The nose of the comb is widely dished on each side for the base of the thumb of the shooting hand. The curved pistol grip is small in diameter and there’s a palm swelling on both sides.

Gunwerks ClymR rifle review
The rail bolted to the fore-end tip facilitates mounting of a bipod or other rest

Push-button sling swivel cups are located 4cm below the comb‚ near the heel on each side. Another cup located on the forend tip’s underside is accessed through a hole in a bipod mounting rail.

There is utility behind every feature of the ClymR’s stock. The forend is flat on the bottom for tracking along a supported rest or pack. It certainly feels comfortable enough in the leading hand. 

The short Picatinny rail under the forend tip will suit shooters looking to snap a bipod on the end. 

A soft rubber pad helps tame recoil.

Like most rifle makers today, Gunwerks favours free-floating the barrel full length.

The stock and barrelled action form the majority of the ClymR’s individual lines which suggest a greater preference for practicality than tradition. They also make the rifle easy to mount and operate from a variety of shooting positions.

Gunwerks ClymR rifle review
Our test rifle’s action was made from titanium. Steel is a lower-cost alternative

A UNIQUE ACTION

In developing the ClymR’s action, Gunwerks wisely chose not to clone the Remington 700, as many have done before them. Aaron Davison, founder and CEO of Gunwerks, justified his decision by declaring he wanted to get away from the magazine and space constraints of the 700-clone world.

He wanted a reliable staggered-column magazine capable of housing three magnum cartridges while forming a flush fit with the belly of the stock. The Model 700 action isn’t able to accommodate a magazine wide enough to accept a dual column of magnum cartridges, so a new action had to be designed.

Gunwerks successfully combined tried-and-true features with straightforward construction. The ClymR’s receiver is a single machined part made of titanium but there’s a standard GSL stainless steel alternative. Engineering is a strong point in terms of strength, performance and accuracy.

The modified design involves several differences. The ClymR’s cylindrical receiver has an integrally machined, 7.9mm (.310”) thick recoil lug instead of a washer clamped between receiver and barrel, and a wider, more streamlined tang. 

Gunwerks ClymR rifle review
Action, bolt and bottom metal are all superior in design and construction to almost everything else out there

The test sample’s 184mm (7.25”) spacing between action screws and 127mm (5”) of bolt travel makes efficient use of magnum cartridges like the .300 PRC, which has a maximum COL of 94.0mm (3.700”), and even the .375 Remington Ultra Mag which has a COL of 91.4mm (3.600”).

The bolt is a work of art, a unitary CNC machining with six spiral flutes along the body to reduce weight and mitigate against grit interfering with the cycling of the action. Two massive locking lugs level with the bolt rim are slightly tapered to fit against a matching shallow taper in the barrel counterbore. These lugs turn 90 degrees to vertical as the bolt locks. About 30 percent represents initial bolt play and camming, leaving 60 degrees for lug/seat locking engagement.

The lugs ride in raceways cut into the receiver, a process that ensures precision and a smooth surface, eliminating the need for an anti-bind feature. Hardened cams on the bolt and receiver perform all operating functions as the bolt handle is raised and lowered. The cams are not only powerful but have sufficient engagement to avoid any hesitation during the opening and closing cycles.

A pair of internal plunger ejectors permits the two solid, identically sized lugs to give perfectly balanced support for the breech, forming an exceptionally strong locking pattern.

The ClymR’s breech recesses the cartridge base into a deeply counterbored bolt head which in turn fits into a counterbore in the barrel. Like the Model 700, the cartridge head is surrounded by three rings of steel. Thanks to the counterbored breech, the close bolt nose fit can confine case-head failure and limit gas escape back into the enlarged and more susceptible portions of the receiver.

Gunwerks ClymR rifle review
The ClymR is fitted with an excellent TriggerTech trigger

Another plus: Gunwerks ignored Remington’s tiny internal C-spring extractor with its retaining lip which weakened the bolt nose, replacing it with a narrow hook enclosed in the lower bolt lug. It sits above the lug and is enclosed inside the barrel counterbore, allowing a close bolt nose fit and minimum cartridge head protrusion.

The root of the integral bolt handle enters a notch in the receiver to serve as a backup. The straight handle has a lightening vent and the alloy knob is held on by a screw. The distinctively shaped bolt sleeve is solid and sculptured with angled surfaces.

The trigger is from TriggerTech and it breaks at a consistent 900g (2lb) with not the least hint of any creep or over-travel. Gunwerks offers the option of a Timney Hunter Elite trigger designed to ‘elevate’ accuracy.

The receiver’s tang is relieved on its right side for a two-position safety lever, which is incorporated into the trigger housing. The safe position does not lock the bolt handle down. 

Gunwerks ClymR rifle review
The Gunwerks muzzle brake is directional, reducing recoil and jump, and works well on the lightweight rifle

The trim, 19mm long and 5mm wide bolt release on the left side of the bridge is pressed inward to allow the bolt to be withdrawn.

The one-piece aluminium bottom metal incorporates a squared-off trigger guard that houses the magazine release catch inside its front face. The magazine is a staggered, top-loaded type and the alloy follower is Cerakoted a bright orange and tensioned by a W-spring. A hinged floorplate supports the follower assembly, while the receiver rails form lips to position the top cartridge for pick-up by the bolt.

Each ClymR rifle comes packed in a beautiful Gunwerks rifle case with cut-outs in its foam liner. 

The rifle was equipped with a Leupold 5HD 3.6-18×44 scope in Australian-made scope rings by Porter Machine Works. Scope and mounts together added 900g to the all-up weight of the outfit. It would add too much heft to a mountain rifle, but would be an invaluable aid in long-range shooting.

Ammunition supplied for testing was Hornady Precision Hunter loaded with aerodynamically superior 212gn ELD-X bullets at a nominal 2850fps. The .300 PRC was introduced in 2019 and although it doesn’t have magnum in its name, it delivers magnum performance.

My first shot with the new rifle was a blast — literally. The rearward blast of exhaust gases from the four-port muzzle brake dictates wearing hearing protection. 

It required only three shots to get the first bullet in the bullseye at 100yd (91m) and the brake’s effectiveness became obvious. At an all-up 3.5kg (7¾lb), this scoped Gunwerks rifle was pretty light for a cartridge of that power; without a brake, it kicks hard, but with the brake it is much easier, especially as the brake is directional to reduce muzzle jump as well as recoil.

Accuracy testing demonstrated that the ClymR was a consistently accurate rifle.

High-tech materials and modern construction techniques represent the cutting edge of what’s possible with modern bolt-action rifles today. The Gunwerks action is straightforward, strong and reliable, and the breeching design sets a high standard of safety. The stock is sturdy, ergonomic, comfortable, weather resistant and functions beautifully.

You’ll pay more to gain this kind of performance, but genuine hunter-riflemen will appreciate the latest achievement in modern rifle design.   

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Manufacturer: Gunwerks, Cody, Wyoming
  • Type: Turn-bolt action
  • Calibre: .300 PRC (tested)
  • Capacity: 3 rounds
  • Barrel: 56cm (22”), 1:8.5 RH twist
  • Overall length: 109cm (43”)
  • Weight: 2.72kg (6lb) bare
  • Stock: Carbon-fibre
  • Length of pull: 345mm (13.5”)
  • Finish: Cerakoted metal, painted stock
  • Trigger: TriggerTech, 900g (2lb) pull
  • Sights: None, drilled and tapped for scope
  • Price: From $12,500
  • Distributor: Wilderness Precision

 

 

 


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Nick Harvey

The late Nick Harvey (1931-2024) was one of the world's most experienced and knowledgeable gun writers, a true legend of the business. He wrote about firearms and hunting for about 70 years, published many books and uncounted articles, and travelled the world to hunt and shoot. His reloading manuals are highly sought after, and his knowledge of the subject was unmatched. He was Sporting Shooter's Technical Editor for almost 50 years. His work lives on here as part of his legacy to us all.

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