R700 or custom action for LR Hunting rig?

[KPK]

What's you guys opinion? Do a 700 donor and save $300 or spend the $800 on a custom action?

Is the one piece bolt, side bolt release, etc. worth the extra cash?

[joejo]

do you already have a full custom? if not, then go all aftermarket, you won't be disapointed.
that being said i prob won't ever do a full custom build again. i'll stick to sourcing rem actions.
those little extras in an aftermarket action are sure nice though.

[shortgrass]

Do the 'custom' for the difference in dollars. I've seen several 700s lately, purchased at a discount of course, that have seen "better days", sloppy fitting bolts, extraction cams not engaging, scope base mounting holes not on the center line (we're savin' money now!). Ya' don't see that on a custom action.

[MSLRHunter]

If you already have the m700 donor action, a good gunsmith can make that action shoot as good as a custom. If you don't already own the donor action I would go with the custom action.

[NZ Longranger]

It also depends on weight, which few consider. If you want a very lightweight walkabout hunting rifle, then most custom actions are heavier than the 700, especially the titanium 700. A 700 based rifle can be made as accurate as a custom based rifle, with a bit of work and replacement parts, and it will be lighter. But if weight doesn't matter and you're buying new, go custom, unless you have a very cheap donor action.
Greg

[KPK]

Thanks for the info guys. I currently have a Surgeon 591 being built to a 260 Rem. It'll have all the "goods". That's kind of my dilemma! Got $3,000 in this rig and the way I have it figured out with the R700 and Manners stock with Chassis system I could be right around $2000 total!

Found a WSM donor for $360!

My gunsmith charges $350 to chamber, true, and crown!

[KPK]

Oh and it's stainless.

Also, yes it will be a lighter weight hunting rig. #5 Brux fluted barrel, dbm, Manners t or t3 stock...