Building a rifle

arios · #1 10-03-2011, 04:39 PM

I know this has been discussed before; but does anyone know if there is an action out there (custom or semi-custom) that's not $1000.00 or more? I want to build a rifle, just because I like to try everything once. I don't, however, want to build a $5000.00 dollar rifle. Since I don't have a lathe; my plan is to get an action and put a pre-fit barrel on it; such as a Pac-nor or Bergara. I am thinking Remington 700 or a clone.
I've bedded/free-floated a few rifles, done some trigger work, and mounted plenty of scopes, now I want to put the whole thing together.
Any input will be appreciated.

shortgrass · #2 10-03-2011, 04:50 PM

It would be an absolute shame to to put a pre-threaded & chambered barrel on a custom action. Custom/semi-custom actions deserve custom threaded/chambered/crowned barrels. A pre-T,C,& C barrel is made to fit every action of the particular model it is made for. I don't believe they are ever as accurate as a true custom. But, if that's what you want to do,, I don't usually give this advice,, buy a Savage. Then, you're not really "building" a rifle, you're just assembling one. JMO

strombeckj · #3 10-03-2011, 05:31 PM

+1 Shortgrass. I would find the action, Savage or Rem and sent it off to Pacnor and have them fit it the barrel, they will do a little work to square it up and it is cheaper then having most smiths do it. Most end up with a rifle that can shot MOLG (minute of large game) when it is all said and finished. Good luck!

IMO,

Jon

backwoods83 · #4 10-03-2011, 05:47 PM

Savage or a Remington, but remington prefits are long chambered and require milling the shoulder as much as .020" unless you use a remage barrel nut from northland shooters supply. I do all of my savages myself, my leftover parts savage that I plink with shoots .2-.4moa so it doesn't make it any less accurate unless the machinist that cuts your chamber doesn't know what they are doing, and you can get the headspace correct.

BountyHunter · #5 10-03-2011, 05:51 PM

Tooley Orion $900

Tooley Orion action pics as requested.

Agree also, have it chambered and threaded by the smith. Do the other work yourself if you like.

BH

KRP · #6 10-03-2011, 05:56 PM

The new Shilen actions are <$1000 and come with a barrel nut so you can use drop in barrels.

arios · #7 10-03-2011, 07:41 PM

Yes, it would just be "assembling" a rifle with a pre-fitted barrel, but I already did a barreled action with a Howa. Just trying to make it a little more involved.
Thanks for all the input.