When it comes to lightweight hunting rifles packed with high-end features, the Seekins Havak SLAM might just be one of the best options I’ve ever tested. Seekins designed the Havak SLAM with serious hunters in mind, combining innovation with practical features that stand out in the field.
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Lightweight and Durable Chassis
First off, while it appears to be a standard hand-laid carbon fiber stock, the Havak SLAM is actually built around a lightweight, full-length aluminum chassis. This is not your typical stripped-down tactical chassis repurposed for hunting—this one was built from scratch by Glen Seekins for hunters who prioritize weight savings without sacrificing durability or accuracy. The folding stock, combined with the solid aluminum frame, delivers incredible stiffness, ensuring you get precise shots without the worry of any flexing or misalignment.
Havak Element Action
The heart of the SLAM is the Havak Element action, which blends aluminum with metal inserts for additional strength. It is light, smooth, and dependable, featuring a nitride-coated bolt with a 90° bolt throw and four locking lugs for maximum reliability. The bolt can also be taken apart without tools in the field. It also boasts an M16-style extractor, offering positive extraction every time, and a machined-into-the-action 20 MOA Picatinny rail for mounting optics.
Barrel and Suppressor-Ready Design
The 21-inch, 5R rifled stainless steel barrel on the Havak SLAM is Cerakoted for durability, and while many lightweight rifles suffer from thin barrels, Seekins ensures the SLAM has enough barrel thickness to support a 5/8×24 thread. This allows for easy attachment of suppressors or muzzle brakes, making the rifle both customizable and adaptable in different shooting environments.
Top-Notch Components
One of the standout features is the inclusion of the TriggerTech Diamond trigger, which is one of the best in the business for precision bolt-action rifles. It’s crisp, fully adjustable, and offers clicks for fine-tuning that are as tactile as those on a scope. Combine that with the B5 grip, folding stock with a zero-play hinge, and carbon fiber cheekpiece, and you’ve got a rifle built for both comfort and performance in the field.
Magazine Design
Seekins didn’t stop with the rifle design—they’ve also designed the magazine, which holds three rounds and is made of carbon fiber, right in their factory. The magazine release is tucked inside the trigger guard to prevent accidental release in the field, a well-thought-out feature for those navigating dense brush or packing their rifle in tight spaces.
Specifications:
- Calibers Available: .308, 6.5 PRC, 7 PRC
- Action: Havak Element aluminum action with steel inserts
- Barrel: 21-inch stainless steel, 5R rifled, threaded 5/8×24
- Stock/Chassis: Full-length aluminum chassis with carbon fiber handguard
- Weight: 5.5 lbs (approx.)
- Trigger: TriggerTech Diamond, fully adjustable
- Magazine: 3-round detachable, carbon fiber construction
- Picatinny Rail: 20 MOA integrated rail
- Finish: Cerakote
- Other Features: Folding stock, M16-style extractor, integrated bubble level, B5 grip, M-LOK and QD sling mounts
Field Testing and Accuracy
I tested and chronoed multiple loads, including Norma 6.5 PRC Golden Target, Winchester Solid Copper, Hornady Match, and Hornady’s 143-grain ELD-X, the Havak SLAM delivered results that I wasn’t overly pleased with. The groups varied based on ammunition and suppressor configuration.
The tightest groups came in just over half an inch at 100 yards with Hornady’s 143-grain ELD-X after adding extra baffles to the suppressor, proving that the rifle’s harmonics can be dialed in to maximize performance.
The rifle weighed in at just 5.46 pounds—a true ultralight. Even with such a lightweight build, the Havak SLAM remained manageable although I would definitely recommend either a good muzzle brake or a suppressor to help with recoil.
Conclusion
The Seekins Havak SLAM rifle delivers an extraordinary combination of lightweight design, durability, and advanced features ideal for serious hunters. Its innovative chassis, superb action, and adaptable design make it a top contender in the ultralight hunting rifle market. Add in Seekins’ satisfaction guarantee, and you’ve got a rifle that will exceed your expectations, whether you’re chasing big game across the plains or navigating rugged mountain terrain.
Visit Seekins Precision for more information on the SLAM.
Visit Odin Works for more information on the Tiduro 9mm.
Visit Steiner Optics for more information on the H6XI 3-18×50
The best group was shot with Hornady 143gr ELD-X