Changing a SA .473 to a WSM

[sj-pratt]

I think it would be nice if everyone used Jerry's actions and Remingtons became throwaways, then I wouldn't have to pay as much and they would be easier to find when I wanted to start a new project.

[BountyHunter]

Not junk at all, just in many cases not an "economically" sound decision to use as the basis of a custom build particularily if it has to be mod to WSM (ie rails work))

Add the price/sale value of the Rem action to all the mods you want done and see what the smith is going to charge you. If that total runs over $650-700, then why not buy something that will be worth 2x the modified Rem when you get done and will be better?

Let me give you a good example. Here is posted prices from a long range smith and they are normal and very fair. Absolutely nothing out of line for the work.

Used Rem action $350-400 (that is its market value)
install sako extractor $125
lap lugs $50
Flute bolt $75
Open bolt face $50

Now we have $300 of mods in a WSM fluted bolt that I just ordered from PTG for $160 AND mine is sized for my action with an extended bolt handle which would be another $50-100 from the smith. Now add another $275 for any smith to bush that bolt to the same standard mine is or one from a custom action, but most will pass on this due to expense so lets not count that and just say the custom will be tighter as a given.

Now we have $650-700 in the Rem action and bolt, or $900 if we want it bushed and sized where it is similar and we have not even mod's the standard action rails for a WSM or trued the front of the rcvr, we hope the threads do not need recutting etc.

Sell the action and buy the custom, cut your build time in half due to less machining by the smith, save money and have better gun that is worth more.

BH

[sj-pratt]

BOUNTY HUNTER

I use 700 actions mostly because I do my own smithing and when I add all the extra cost of bottom metal and triggers that I need to go with a custom action it makes the cost a little higher than making do with a Rem.
If I buy
action 750
trigger 200
barrel 400
stock 450
metal 150
Thats real close to 2000 with no smithing
I quess the cost of custom is getting to high for the working man.

[BountyHunter]

Sj-pratt

IF you can do all your own smithing, then a Rem is economically viable, as you save $600-1000 in labor.

However, as you point out the working man still has to pay the labor for converting a Rem which all the more makes the custom the way to go.

BH

[sj-pratt]

Point well made
Have a nice day

Steve