What are the features of the Windham Weaponry VEX-SS that differentiate it from other models?

BARREL: The VEX-SS has a matte finished, fluted, stainless steel barrel – hardness is Rc 26-32. The matte finish cuts game spooking reflection, and the fluting reduces weight. All other models have barrels turned from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel: MIL-B-11595; Q&T 286 / 327 BHN; Strain & Stress Relieved. MP (Magnetic Particle) tested. Bores on chrome moly vanadium barrels are chrome lined – the stainless barrel is not.

CHAMBER: The Chamber on the stainless varmint gun has what is called a 5.56 Compass Lake chamber with a bolt matched to the chamber for match grade headspace. The leade (that portion of a firearm’s barrel immediately in front of the chamber where the bullet travels prior to contacting the rifling) in this chamber is somewhere between .223 and 5.56 NATO – not as tight as .223 but a bit tighter than the NATO spec. We recommend Match Grade .223 ammo for best results with the Stainless Steel Barrel.

TRIGGER: The Trigger Group is a standard mil. spec. single stage trigger that has been stone deburred, and we use a slightly lighter hammer spring. It is single stage but has a smooth 5 pound pull. Various accessory two stage triggers can be installed.

ACCURACY: Range testing so far has shown 100 yard groups of one inch or under with the following ammo: Hornady V-max 55gr, Hornady 75gr BTHP, and Federal Gold Medal Match 69gr BTHP. Good quality optics were also used to achieve the small groups with the VEX – in this case a Leupold VX-3 4.5-14 x 40mm.

BUTTSTOCK: The VEX-SS is supplied with a “Skeleton Stock” which provides light weight and a comfortable cheek weld. A Tele stock or other aftermarket buttstock can be installed if the owner so chooses.

FOREND: The forend is a tubular free-floating type – meaning it doesn’t touch the barrel forward of the barrel nut for optimum accuracy. It is knurled for comfort and a non-slip grip, and is vented to help dissipate heat. A Q.D. type sling swivel is attached to a forward stud for sling or bipod mounting

SIGHTS: None are provided as we expect the typical varmint hunter would want to mount a scope of some kind. Two 1/2” high optics riser blocks are supplied to facilitate scope mounting.

PISTOL GRIP: The VEX-SS features a very comfortable Hogue Rubber Pistol Grip.

Is the only difference between the MPC and the SRC the Carry Handle and Sights?

Yes, the differences between the MPC and the SRC are the carry handle and the sights. The SRC was created as a “sight ready” model for shooters who would want to add their own accessory sights, optics or scope. Therefore, on the SRC the gas block has a section of Picatinny rail for adding aftermarket sights, while the MPC has the full, standard A2 front sight base.

How does the VEX rifle compare to a Rock River rifle?

I can’t really do a side by side comparison because I can’t seem to find information on the Rock River site about the gun you are looking at.

But here is a list of the Tech Data on the VEX:

  • Bolts: Matched to the Barrel – Machined from Carpenter 158 Steel.
  • Bolt Carriers: properly staked and chrome lined.
  • Upper and Lower Receivers: Forged 7075 T6 Aircraft Aluminum
  • Trigger Guards: Aluminum Finish: Hard coat black anodize
  • Stock: ACE Skeleton Stock Stainless Steel Barrel: 416 R Stainless 1-8 twist for stabilizing heavier bullets.
  • Hardness: Rc 26-32
  • Chamber: Compass Lake Spec Competition Chamber. Recommended for use with .223 ammo but 5.56 can also be fired safely.
  • Lifetime Transferable Warranty
  • The trigger on the VEX is a standard military trigger that has been smoothed up with a slightly lighter hammer spring for a lighter pull. The pull averages 4.5 / 5.5 lbs. As the Lower is mil-spec, any trigger upgrade will work in the VEX.

Is the only difference between the MPC and the SRC the Carry Handle and Sights?

Yes, the differences between the MPC and the SRC are the carry handle and the sights. The SRC was created as a “sight ready” model for shooters who would want to add their own accessory sights, optics or scope. Therefore, on the SRC the gas block has a section of Picatinny rail for adding aftermarket sights, while the MPC has the full, standard A2 front sight base.