The Aero Solus
Aero Precision is one of the top names in AR parts, producing high quality but affordable components, receivers, and full builds. I have assembled many guns using Aero components. In 2023, the company decided to dip its toe into bolt-action rifles and seems to have nailed it.
The Solus bolt-action receiver is built off the Remington 700 footprint, so it can fit in Rem 700 stocks and chassis and is compatible with Rem 700 triggers. This was a good choice, because the Remington 700 design has the most compatible accessories on the market.
The rifle has the most desirable features for bolt actions right now, including: a 60-degree bolt throw, integral 20-MOA top rail, three-lug interchangeable bolt head, dual ejectors, “cock on lift” bolt design, trigger hanger, and AICS magazine compatibility. Aero is certainly plugged into the custom precision rifle market.
The action is almost infinitely variable. The Solus is available as a stand-alone action, a barreled action, or a complete rifle. Aero offers long action and short action models. There are numerous bolt face options and even a lightweight receiver variant. And because it is also compatible with pre-fit barrels, it can be built up to nearly any configuration.
Package & Specs
My test gun from the Guns.com Certified Used inventory is a complete build from Aero that includes a 24-inch 6.5 Creedmoor fluted barrel and a composite carbon-fiber stock.
On top, I mounted my go-to precision riflescope, the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25. I also added an Area419 Hellfire Match muzzle brake to reduce some recoil. This package weighed just over 11.5 pounds – light enough for hunting and eligible for NRL Hunter and PRS Sportsman divisions.
Here’s a quick rundown of the specs for the Solus Hunter:
- Type: Bolt action
- Chambering: 6.5 Creedmoor (tested), 6.5 PRC, .308 Win
- Barrel: 24 Inches (tested), 1:8 twist, threaded 5/8x24
- Rifle Weight: 8 pounds, 15 ounces
- Capacity: AICS magazine
- Stock: Carbon fiber
- Finish: Black Elite Cerakote
- Sights: None, Integral 20-MOA Picatinny rail
-
Trigger: TriggerTech single-stage, adjustable
Accuracy Test
To test the system, I took it to Peacemaker National Training Center, the premier long-range shooting facility in the Mid-Atlantic. I started on the 100-yard range to sight in and shoot test groups. Conditions were difficult that day, with lots of shadows and gusty winds.
I measured velocities with my Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph. The DoubleTap Match, Hornady American Gunner, and Federal Gold Medal Berger all performed well. Aero includes a sub-MOA guarantee, and this rifle lived up to that promise. That’s impressive for a mass-produced bolt action and means Aero has a lot of faith in its machining.
Shooting Experience
Next, I moved to the Peacemaker Starlight range to engage targets out to 481 yards from several barricades. The Solus had no problems with this whatsoever. The action ran smoothly and reliably, and spotting hits was easy thanks to the good muzzle brake and some basic shooting mechanics. The superb TriggerTech trigger is one of my favorite triggers.
On this range, I also employed a Tricer RP bipod I was sent to test. The Tricer RP allows you go from ultra-low prone to sitting to high kneeling, all with one bipod. In a real-world hunting situation, this is so helpful when negotiating inclines, rocks and tall grasses. Plus, it weighs less than a pound. It even comes with short legs if you just want to shoot off a standard bench.
My last stop at Peacemaker was the Frontier range at the top of a mountain. I switched to the Tricer HK tripod to get hits out to 600 yards. Winds gusts were 5-15 mph from multiple directions, so stability was the biggest challenge of the day. Incidentally, I used the Tricer X2 tripod for all my target camera work, because it is a bit heavier and was more stable in the winds that day.
Pros & Cons
As for the Solus, it performed flawlessly all day. The 60-degree bolt throw makes it fast to run while not interfering with the scope controls. Running the action is pretty smooth. It’s not a custom action, but it is better than your standard Remington 700. Both Magpul and American Rifle Company AICS magazines functioned perfectly.
The AG Composites carbon-fiber stock was comfortable and allowed for consistent hits. The comb and length of pull are adjustable so individual shooters can customize the fit, which is important for both recoil control and comfort. A natural shooting position is preferable, because you want to use the least amount of muscle tension so you don’t start shaking.
Pros:
- Accurate
- Reliable
- Compatible with many accessories
- Affordable
Cons:
-
Action could be smoother
Final Thoughts
The Aero Precision Solus Hunter is an incredible package, especially at its price point. Honestly, I don’t think there is any this rifle can’t do. If someday you want to build it out to be a full-blown competition rifle, you can easily bolt on a new heavy chassis and spin on a barrel in one of those fancy competition cartridges.
