Bolt action rifles are among the simplest repeating rifle designs, yet they remain one of the most popular firearm types on the market. Today, we’re looking at something new that closely resembles something old. The European American Armory (EAA) Balikli BLK .308 is an imported bolt gun chambered in .308 Winchester (as well as .30-06).
Built around a design inspired by the popular Remington 700, the Balikli BLK incorporates many of the features shooters have come to appreciate while adding a few of its own.
The BLK .308 is built on the familiar Remington 700 pattern because it has become a standard among precision rifle actions. That gives the rifle access to a huge range of aftermarket accessories and products, although it’s important to note that the BLK isn’t a completely interchangeable clone.
Built around a short-action design, the BLK .308 uses two action screws to secure the receiver to its walnut stock. The floorplate is designed to accept AICS-compatible magazines, providing a modern approach to ammunition storage. A traditional 700-style trigger is pinned to the action, with the safety extending along the right side of the tang.
The two-lug bolt rotates 90 degrees, but there are some differences from the original Remington design. The Balikli BLK uses a Sako-style extractor, which is a welcome improvement over the traditional 700 extractor. A single plunger handles ejection. The bolt body is helically fluted, while the bolt handle incorporates several lightening holes. The bolt stop/release are located on the left side of the action, allowing the bolt to be removed by simply pressing the release.
The recoil lug is captured between the action face and barrel shoulder, much like the Remington 700. EAA also includes a one-piece Picatinny scope rail, adding value and simplifying optic installation. The receiver is mounted in the stock using aluminum pillars, which is a nice touch. The 20-inch barrel is helically fluted and threaded 5/8-24, allowing the installation of compatible muzzle devices.
The EAA Balikli BLK 308 is chambered in .308 Winchester and uses a 5+1-capacity AICS-compatible magazine. It measures 41.4 inches overall and weighs 6.85 pounds. The 20-inch spiral-fluted barrel is threaded 5/8-24, and the rifle comes with a checkered walnut stock.
As I lifted the rifle from the box, I was greeted by the familiar feel of walnut and checkering. It might not be my preferred stock style, but I can appreciate the traditional appearance. The weight was about what I would expect from a relatively compact hunting rifle.
I worked the bolt several times, pressed the trigger, and tested both polymer magazines included with the rifle. The magazine release is easily reached with the trigger finger.
My initial impressions were somewhat mixed. The trigger felt rough, with what seemed like three or four distinct movements before it broke. The bolt also felt a little sloppier than I would have liked. I later investigated several of these issues, but first I wanted to get the rifle ready for the range.
For testing, I installed my Winchester Premium Optics 6-18×50 riflescope. Experience has shown that this magnification range makes a useful option for a rifle intended for deer hunting and general shooting. Using Wheeler 30mm low rings, the scope sat at a comfortable height.
Since the BLK 308 comes with a threaded muzzle, I also decided to shoot it suppressed using my YHM R9 suppressor. Later I also installed a Mueller 8-32×44, which gave me a little better optical reach.
As a Remington 700-inspired rifle, the Balikli BLK 308 feels very familiar. It has the appearance and handling characteristics of a traditional walnut-stocked Model 700, but with the added convenience of an AICS magazine.
I took the rifle on several trips to the range and into the mountains to evaluate its performance. One of our children showed considerable interest in the rifle, and since he might end up hunting with it this fall, I let him do a good portion of the shooting.
I mounted the scope as low as possible to minimize the gap between the comb and the optic. There appears to be other versions of the rifle with a higher comb, which could be useful for shooters who prefer a different setup. The length of pull worked well for both my 13-year-old and myself. The recoil pad was firmer than I expected, but I had no complaints, as it should provide good durability.
The bolt cycled and fed cartridges reliably, as one would expect from a rifle based on the 700 design. There was a little more play in the bolt than I like, which I suspect is partially related to its fluting. The two polymer AICS magazines included with the rifle were slippery, allowing cartridges to feed smoothly. Magazine changes were straightforward, and the release was easy to reach. It was also compatible with AICS magazines from other manufacturers like MDT and Magpul.
The trigger was initially a little disappointing, but it improved after adjustment. The walnut stock’s checkering provides a good purchase, and the traditional grip angle and stock dimensions made the rifle feel familiar. Turkish walnut is known for its attractive appearance, although I suspect this stock was selected in part because of the availability and cost of walnut compared to more expensive fiberglass or other stock materials. Regardless, it is a welcome improvement over the inexpensive plastic stocks found on many budget rifles.
The controls are well thought out. I particularly appreciate the relocated bolt release, which is easier to access than the traditional Remington arrangement. The large bolt knob provides good purchase, and magazine changes are both easy and tactile.
Initial accuracy testing showed that the rifle was capable of producing one-MOA groups without much difficulty. It seemed to prefer the 175-grain match ammunition I tested over the 150- and 155-grain loads. While this level of accuracy is unlikely to win any precision rifle competitions, it is certainly adequate for hunting deer and comparable to other rifles in its price range. I could see the BLK 308 performing well in a deer blind, although I wanted to see if I could improve its performance further.
The rifle never malfunctioned during testing, but I noticed a few things that deserved closer inspection. The polymer floorplate appeared uneven in the stock, so I decided to investigate whether it might be contributing to that poor trigger feel.
After disassembling the rifle, I discovered that the floorplate was actually contacting the trigger housing. The interference was significant enough to flex the trigger guard portion when tightened. The trigger housing was wider than the available space in the floorplate, particularly around the trigger axle and the lower portion of the safety. That meant tightening the action screws could place unwanted pressure on the trigger assembly.
I widened the opening in the floorplate to provide additional clearance and prevent the components from being compressed when the action screws were tightened. While I was working on the rifle, I also adjusted the trigger. To my surprise, it was relatively easy to improve the trigger’s feel, making it both lighter and less gritty.
I attempted to install a different Remington 700 trigger, hoping to eliminate the clearance issue altogether. Unfortunately, the BLK 308 isn’t sufficiently compatible with standard 700 triggers. That was a significant disappointment, as one of the primary advantages of a 700-pattern rifle is the availability of aftermarket components like better triggers.
I was willing to accept that an imported rifle at this price point might have a few issues. I expected that with some tinkering, I could still make it a useful rifle, and for the most part, I believe that’s exactly what I have.
However, if a rifle is marketed around the Remington 700 design, but can’t accept standard 700 triggers, its value as a clone is significantly reduced. It may still accept some aftermarket stocks and accessories, but the inability to swap out the trigger limits its potential. As a standalone rifle costing around $600, the BLK 308 performs reasonably well, although there are other options in the same price range that deserve consideration.
That said, the rifle has several positive attributes. It looks good, combines a classic walnut stock with modern AICS magazines, and incorporates features that make it comfortable to shoot. It functions reliably, and its accuracy is adequate for most hunting applications. After a little tinkering, I found the rifle’s performance improved considerably, and I expect we will put it to good use for years to come.
I find myself somewhat torn on the EAA Balikli BLK 308. I enjoy shooting it and can see several applications where it would be a useful rifle. At the same time, it falls short of expectations. I have always been a tinkerer, which has made it easier for me to work with firearms that others might find finicky. I also recognize that my experience could be unique, and another rifle might not exhibit the same issues.
The BLK 308 is an interesting rifle that combines a traditional appearance with modern features. It cycles reliably and shoots well enough to compete with many rifles in its price range. While it has some shortcomings, particularly regarding compatibility with Remington 700 aftermarket components, it is still worth considering for someone looking for an affordable walnut-stocked hunting rifle.
Specifications: Balikli BLK Bolt-Action Rifle
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Capacity: 5+1 AICS compatible magazine
Barrel: 20-Inch spiral fluted and threaded ⅝-24
Overall Length: 41.4 inches
Weight: 6.85 pounds
Stock: Checkered walnut
Made In: Turkey
MSRP: $769 (about $600 retail)