Backpack Boltgun in A Big Way

The concept of building long guns for off-body concealed carry is not a new trend. From pistol caliber carbines to folding centerfire rifle options, there are numerous “backpack gun” and “truck gun” offerings available in what one can argue is an oversaturated market. So why, then, would one consider a concealable bolt action for such a purpose? Surely an AR in 300 Blackout can do the same things, with larger magazines, easier handling, and a myriad of accessory options. Ultimately, the true crux of the differentiation doesn’t stand solely in the gun itself, but the choice of caliber.

Typically, when one considers a platform for a backpack, their mind immediately goes to smaller calibers such as 9mm, .223/5.56, or 300 Blackout. While valid arguments can be made for all these platforms, it’s time to expand our horizons a bit and consider offerings that are a bit more…girthy. In this case, it all started with the CDX-Seven from Cadex.

Established in 1994 and truly coming into their own in the 2000’s, Cadex has a storied history in the precision bolt action rifle professional community, most notably in ELR (Extreme Long Range) competitions. ELR seeks to push the limits of what we think is possible with regard to long-range rifles and optics. It also tests shooters with regard to reading environmentals and pressing a good shot with dozens of variables in mind. That’s the reason Cadex was chosen as the platform for our backpack boltgun.

The CDX-SS Seven S.T.A.R.S. Covert is a complete rifle ready to be set up as a compact yet highly effective option. It sports a fluted 16.5” Bartlein 5R single point-cut rifling barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor with a twist rate optimized for stabilizing a heavier projectile in a shorter configuration, as well as their famously precise action utilizing a spiral-fluted 3-lug 416 stainless bolt with a sixty degree throw. 

The Covert is purpose-built to provide precision without the size often associated with sending large projectiles long distances. The heart of any precision rifle is the barrel and action and Cadex knows it, so they don’t skimp on providing the user with a truly precise build. Their DX2 Evo trigger is tunable and adjustable, meaning you can choose single stage or a two-stage and adjust the pull weight from 2.5 down to 1.5 lbs, all in the same trigger. 

With the two-stage setup right at a 2-lb break, it provides exactly what you want in a precision trigger that will be used in conditions where positional shooting and moving with a chambered round are necessary. Their folding stock chassis offers adjustable length of pull and comb height, a comfortably curved rubber buttpad, QD placements on both the stock and rear of the chassis. Feeding from AI pattern magazines that seat snugly and a three-sided MLOK forend with a continuous Picatinny rail across the top of the receiver, the Covert is ready for any modern accessories your heart desires. We selected a handful to complete this versatile package.

Matching the glass to the use seems to have become a controversial topic. Many default to the idea of “maximum magnification means maximum results,” but the more time you spend shooting at distances, the more you’ll realize that’s not true. For the ranges, this platform is capable of a Nightforce ATACR 4-16X F1 is a great fit. It easily allowed for hits past 1,000 yards with 140-grain Sierra BTHP projectiles in Starline brass with CCI BR primers. 

For scope covers, Scope Bumper provides a truly novel approach, with hinged caps that sit flush with the body of the scope on thick retention loops. The optic was mounted in the excellent Ruff’s Precision Manufacturing Bravo Series Cantilever. The RPM Bravo provides a solid foundation with clever weight reductions where possible, and critically sports a bubble level right in line with a right-handed/right eye dominant shooter's eyeline, meaning there’s no need to come off glass to check level, simply open your left eye. As engagement distance increases, ensuring you’re shooting level with the Earth has an increasingly significant effect.

For accessories, Cadex’s Falcon bipod provides a compact, stable option with adjustable front-angle settings on independent legs and on-the-fly tilt adjustment. Lastly, an Area419 Hellfire Universal Adapter and Suppressor mount was used to mount the impressive EchoCore LaTitude 30. The EchoCore was chosen not just because it’s a lightweight .30 cal suppressor, but also to check the effectiveness of a low-blowback design on a bolt-action platform. 

Even prone in a dusty environment, it performed remarkably well for suppression and gas flow and was right at home on a short 6.5 CM. In testing next to another short 6.5 CM with a suppressor equipped with an end cap brake, it also held its own in recoil mitigation, which was surprising. Marsupial Gear was the chosen suppressor cover, and it performed quite well thanks to its unique design, is secured by both hook-and-loop and three buckles, as well as a pull cord. All of this was easily stored in an Eberlestock Fade Adapt backpack. 

For general use and as a tool for adjustments on the rifle, the EOD F.I.D.O. is a helpful accompaniment to the rifle. It’s a multi-use blade with a pry tip, four different sizes of standard wrench flats, and a compact construction.

Even though it doesn’t start reaching transonic until roughly 900 yards, this rifle is still easily suppressed, accurate, configurable, and compact enough to fit in a backpack. We field-tested the rifle at the BRVO Tactical Sierra 1 Site, a 100-acre training ground with widely variable terrain and shooting challenges. 

The CDX-SS Seven S.T.A.R.S. Covert paired with the venerable Sig Kilo 10k binoculars, reached out past 900 yards with consistent repeatability even in challenging winds gusting up to 20-30 mph. Whether was braced off a tree branch, on a bipod (rarely other than zeroing), or mounted via an ARCA rail to a tripod, this compact 6.5 Creedmoor rifle performs admirably. 

One consideration for bolt-action builds with shorter barrels: you are going to experience more felt recoil. That being said, you feel it far less than something like a 12 GA shotgun, for comparison. In an era where the trend seems to be small calibers in small platforms, keep larger calibers in mind because they provide some unique options in terms of effectiveness that 300 Blackout just won’t be able to touch. This setup can be concealed in a backpack, but it’ll still reach out and touch targets with surprising precision.

A special thank you to BRVO Tactical for allowing me to attend their Advanced Precision course, and to Match Grade Media for his skills as a spotter, cameraman, and instructor.

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