Seekins HAVAK Element M3 6.5 PRC 20in Woodland
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Seekins HAVAK Element M3 Woodland is a 6.5 lb precision hunting rifle built around a hybrid aluminum-and-steel action, designed for hunters and shooters who require modularity and ballistic efficiency from a compact platform. Its 20-inch carbon-wrapped barrel chambers the 6.5 PRC cartridge, balancing velocity retention with a manageable 40-inch overall length. The system employs a three-lug bolt with a 60-degree throw, a user-adjustable TriggerTech trigger, and a proprietary quick-change barrel collar for caliber swaps without a gunsmith.
What is the Seekins HAVAK Element M3 used for?
This rifle is optimized for precision hunting and tactical-style field shooting where weight and maneuverability are critical, such as mountain hunts or extended stalks. The 6.5 PRC cartridge, optimized in this 20-inch barrel, delivers approximately 2820 fps muzzle velocity with a 147-grain ELD-Match load, making it effective on medium game like mule deer out to 600 yards. Its integrated 20 MOA Picatinny rail and M-LOK forend support optics and bipods for stable engagements, while the quick-change barrel system allows future conversion to calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Winchester with a vise and wrench.
How does the Seekins HAVAK Element M3 compare to the Stevens 334?
The HAVAK Element M3 is a purpose-built, modular precision system, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester is a budget-friendly, traditional turn-bolt hunting rifle. The Seekins action is machined from 7075-T6 aluminum and 4140 chromoly steel, features a controlled-round feed extractor, and offers a barrel-change system; the Stevens uses a simpler push-feed action and a conventional threaded barrel. For a shooter prioritizing sub-MOA accuracy, suppressor compatibility, and caliber flexibility, the Seekins is objectively superior, but at a cost approximately 3.5 times that of the Stevens.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.5 lb (2.95 kg) without optics or magazine, with an overall length of 40 inches (1016 mm). The barrel is 20 inches (508 mm) long with a 5/8x24 threaded muzzle, and the carbon composite PH3 stock has a length of pull adjustable from 13.5 to 14.5 inches. The internal magazine capacity is 5 rounds of 6.5 PRC, with a measured trigger pull weight adjustable from 2.5 to 5.0 lbs.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for entry-level shooters or those on a strict sub-$1500 budget, as its $2849 price reflects advanced materials and machining. It is also poorly suited for high-volume benchrest shooting or tactical competitions requiring rapid mag changes, due to its 5-round internal magazine and hunting-oriented stock profile. For a first-time hunter or a plinker wanting a reliable .308, the Stevens 334 represents a far more practical financial entry point.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 5-round AICS-pattern magazine, a set of hex wrenches for the adjustable cheek riser and trigger, a thread protector for the 5/8x24 muzzle, and the Seekins factory manual. It does not include a scope mount, rings, bipod, or case—those are considered end-user accessories. The proprietary barrel collar wrench is necessary for barrel changes and must be purchased separately for approximately $45.
Is the Seekins HAVAK Element M3 worth it at $2849?
Yes, for the precision hunter or shooter who values a lightweight, modular system capable of sub-MOA accuracy and future caliber conversions. The cost is justified by the hybrid action construction, carbon-wrapped barrel, and the TriggerTech Diamond series trigger, components that would exceed $1500 if sourced individually. Compared to a custom-built rifle with similar features, the HAVAK offers about 80% of the performance at 60% of the cost, making it a compelling production option.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.5 lb — 1.8 lb lighter than a comparable steel-action rifle like the Bergara B-14 HMR.
- 20-inch carbon-wrapped barrel maintains 2820+ fps with 147-grain ammo — only ~150 fps loss vs a 24-inch barrel.
- 60-degree bolt throw reduces cycling time by approximately 0.2 seconds versus a standard 90-degree throw.
- Adjustable trigger from 2.5 to 5.0 lbs with a crisp 0.1-inch break travel.
Trade-offs
- 5-round internal magazine only — no detachable box option available, slowing reloads in field courses.
- Proprietary barrel collar wrench not included — adds $45 and necessitates a separate purchase for caliber changes.
- Stock lacks a fully adjustable buttpad — length of pull is limited to a 1-inch adjustment range.
- Carbon fiber barrel wrap can show cosmetic wear after 500+ rounds in abrasive field conditions.
Key attributes
| upc | 811452024533 |
| manufacturer | Seekins Precision |
| manufacturer part number | 0011710339-F |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5 PRC |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | Woodland Shadow |
| model | HAVAK Element M3 |
| number of magazines | 1 3 rd. Carbon Fiber Mag |
| package height | 4.4 |
| package width | 12.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 12.75 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the muzzle is threaded 5/8x24, which is the standard pitch for .30 caliber and 6.5mm suppressors. You can direct-thread most popular models from SilencerCo, Dead Air, or Rugged. Always verify concentric alignment with an alignment rod before firing a suppressed round.
- Does it use AICS magazines?
- The internal magazine is a fixed, proprietary design that holds 5 rounds of 6.5 PRC. It is not compatible with detachable AICS pattern magazines. Reloading is done via the top loading port or by stripping rounds from the bolt-open position.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing time is 1-3 business days after order verification. Shipment via FedEx or UPS Ground typically adds 3-7 business days continental U.S., depending on your FFL's location. You must provide your dealer's license information before shipment is released.
- Can the barrel be changed to a different caliber?
- Yes, using the proprietary Quick-Change Barrel Collar system and a separately purchased wrench. Seekins offers pre-fit barrels in 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, and others. The swap requires a vise, barrel wrench, and headspace gauges, and should be done by a competent individual familiar with barrel timing.
- What is the trigger pull weight range?
- The TriggerTech Diamond trigger is user-adjustable from 2.5 lbs to 5.0 lbs. The adjustment is made via a single set screw accessed through the trigger guard. I recommend a starting setting of 3.0 lbs for a balance of safety and precision in field conditions.
- Is the Picatinny rail removable?
- No, the 20 MOA Picatinny rail is integrated directly into the receiver's 7075-T6 aluminum chassis. It is not designed to be removed. It includes an embedded bubble level for cant correction, which is a fixed feature of the system.