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Re: Long Range Rifle On A Budget, by Jerry Teo
The Accutrigger will not fit in the Stevens or the Savage with a similar trigger. There is some machining differences in the action. The SSS is a much simpler swap. The RB2 is you want light trigger pulls.
I have been using many different Elite 4200's for coming on 8yrs. I have yet to have a problem with their tracking. I compete with 6X24 AO mildot scopes and their optics are right up there with some of the mega dollar scopes.
Scopes are now on rifles with their third and fourth barrel. Seem to be holding up OK>
Contrast is a little bright and the elevation adj range is low but it tracks like a dream and the optics are razor sharp for my eyes. Recently put on a Davis OPtical booster and that has made the view even better- albeit with fairly short eye relief (no hard kickers here).
I spent a short while with both of the new side focus 4200 scopes. Both tracked very well. The optics on the tactical model did drop a bit when at full 24X but more then enough to see dust kick up at a mile from a 80gr Amax from a 223. I put it in the range as the VXIII's that I have looked through.
You can read the other post on scope set up where I did a tracking test on the tactical model. Dead on over the entire range. If the tracking wasn't spot on, dialing up from 1500 to 1730yds would be a frustrating affair. Instead, it was dial and hit.
The 338 Mytic was my version of the 338 Tomahawk. A 40deg improved case based off the 300RUM. Throated long to suit a 300gr MK seated out. Performance would be similar.
Ironically, all that is needed is a new stock but I have not finished it for several years now. I have found smaller cals to offer me superb LR performance and costs are way lower. I spend much more time competing and plinking then I do hunting now so this project sits in the closet.
6mmBR.com gun of the week #75 to see the toy I spend the most time with.
As for the 721 project, if you feel that you are getting good value, then go for it. There really isn't any wrong answers. The 721 is the precursor to the 700 so similar work can be done to make them shoot. Just make sure you have the aftermarket parts you need before going too far.
I have not played with a 721 before so don't know for sure. Pretty sure most everything fits the same as a long action 700.
I am on a huge Savage/Stevens kick and am not likely to stop anytime soon. For the money involved, you get so much potential that nothing on the market even comes close. I have yet to do any work on the actions and get superb lock up and accuracy.
Savage will be releasing a new alum chassis stocks in all their tuperwear stocks. That will take care of the last major problem with these dirt cheap rifles.
The cost increase is also supposed to be minimal so I look forward to their release. Considering how well these rifles have shot for me, I could see true sub MOA off the shelf rifles with a superb trigger, detachable center feed mag, under 7lbs for under $500 a very real possibility.
How do you top that?
UP here in Canada, the Marlin may never arrive. Have zero first hand experience but they look to have taken a page right out of the Savage play book. Because there is zip for aftermarket toys, I would shy away for the time being.
If you just want to try something different for little money, do a test and let us know how it does. I expect it will perform in line with the Savages.
As a base for a custom project, might be very interesting IF we can get stocks soon. I can see that tuning the bolt lift would get it as light as a Rem. Cosmetically, very similar so would get over the 'ugly' concerns of some. I like light triggers and there is no better trigger groups yet.
Personally, I would have a serious look at the HOWA/Vanguard before the Marlin simply because there are 'better' parts available. If you like the way it comes out of the box, why not. Cheap enough.
Glad to hear that more are enjoying the article and getting motivated to build more toys. Keep it up and please post pics....
Jerry
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