Building gun from parts?

[clemens]

I am wanting to build a rifle off of a savage action and have few questions. I will prob go with custom barrel not sure which one at this time. When ordering barrel do I need any special measurements for barrel threads/length of thread tenon? Or is action and barrel threads a set amount?
What is a bolt lift kit and what does it do? Seen few threads that with rifles that have them just haven't heard what it does.
I will have more questions as I go along on thid . Thanks in advance

 

[trucraft]

I am wanting to build a rifle off of a savage action and have few questions. I will prob go with custom barrel not sure which one at this time. When ordering barrel do I need any special measurements for barrel threads/length of thread tenon? Or is action and barrel threads a set amount?
What is a bolt lift kit and what does it do? Seen few threads that with rifles that have them just haven't heard what it does.
I will have more questions as I go along on thid . Thanks in advance

Custom barrels are usually bought as a blank/ no thread or chamber. You will need to request lenght, bore for example .243 - 6mm, twist rate and profile varmint/ sporter and so on.
You can then take it and your action to your gun smith and he will chamber the barrel to the cartrage you request and fit it to your action with the correct headspace.

If you don't have a smith in mind most barrel companys are very helpful and will get you a blank that will best suit your project.

Hope that helps.

 

[J E Custom]

I am wanting to build a rifle off of a savage action and have few questions. I will prob go with custom barrel not sure which one at this time. When ordering barrel do I need any special measurements for barrel threads/length of thread tenon? Or is action and barrel threads a set amount?
What is a bolt lift kit and what does it do? Seen few threads that with rifles that have them just haven't heard what it does.
I will have more questions as I go along on thid . Thanks in advance

I recommend buying a top of the line stainless barrel With a 1.250 shank Diameter and have a
good smith thread and chamber it for you (I have had bad luck with pre- chambered barrels
and replaced many of them).

The smith can do a better job of fitting the action threads.

As to other items like a bolt lift kit, I personally don't see the need unless you are loading Maximum
(Very hard) loads.

Also if a smith fits the barrel he can eliminate the barrel nut (This allows for a larger shank diameter
adding more barrel material around the chamber) This improves extraction if using hard loads
because the chamber walls do not expand as much during firing.

Just my opinion

J E CUSTOM

 

[clemens]

If diameter of shank help in extraction what about length of shank? Length of cartridge being used determine length if shank? Or is that a cosmetic preference. On some rifle long shank looks pretty good. Does barrel thickness play a role in the TPI for a muzzle break. The stock gonna be a personal preference. Local smith wanted to charge me $600 for a B&C stock cause I have a 15" lop. Was a bit disappointed to have him do that when I can get a McMillian or manners for few dollars more then that or could have had B&C build one for 35$ more. Thanks for the info hope to be able to get started this fall or first of January.

 

[J E Custom]

If diameter of shank help in extraction what about length of shank? Length of cartridge being used determine length if shank? Or is that a cosmetic preference. On some rifle long shank looks pretty good. Does barrel thickness play a role in the TPI for a muzzle break. The stock gonna be a personal preference. Local smith wanted to charge me $600 for a B&C stock cause I have a 15" lop. Was a bit disappointed to have him do that when I can get a McMillian or manners for few dollars more then that or could have had B&C build one for 35$ more. Thanks for the info hope to be able to get started this fall or first of January.

The length can help also If it is around 3 " (It is as long as most cases are to the neck giving it added
thickness around the chamber.

One option on your length of pull is to buy an adjustable but plate and have it installed on a standard
length stock. The are also very handy for shooting different positions (Off hand shooting normally
requires a shorter length of pull than Prone).

Also the barrel diameter DOES play a role in size and TPI also the thread fit needs to be near perfect
to help support the barrel tenon.

J E CUSTOM

 

[Embalmer883]

I say go ahead and get a prefit barrel for your savage. Just don't go cheap as they are not all the same. I use shilen prefits and have no problems. Pac-nor also makes prefits for your action.

You will only need to know if its a standard shank or large shank action, then order the contour you prefer (heavy varmint, sporter.....)

 

[doniphan]

I don't know if this will help you or not. This is my latest project.
I have put together a few of these semi-custom Savage/Stevens projects and they have all
been excellent shooters thus far. I think this is a good example of the upper end of a Savage/Stevens build.

Long action, small shank round back Stevens (started life as a 30-06 that I picked up for $200)
30"- 338 Edge Benchmark Barrel 1 in 9.5" twist with Muscle Break and Nitrided for good measure
Sharp Shooters Supply Trigger
Bolt head conversion from Sharp Shooters Supply
Savage 110 BA bolt handle
Choate Ultimate Sniper Stock
NightForce 20 MOA Base
NightForce Rings
NightForce 5-25 ATACR Scope with MOAR Reticle
Throated for 300 Grain Berger Hybrids
Weight as pictured is about 16.5 pounds

John

 

[clemens]

Did Benchmark thread and install the brake?

 

[doniphan]

Did Benchmark thread and install the brake?

Yes, and took care of the nitride processing. Excellent work, I highly recommend them.
John

 

[jasonR]

You may very well know all this but in case you don't. Depending on what you plan on doing you will need to consider old or new screw spacing for the short action, flat or rounded action top, side or bottom bolt release, and as someone already mentioned whether or not it is a standard or large shank.

Again my apologies if you already know this. It is easy to make a mistake parts buying without knowing which exact savage action you have.

 

[clemens]

Thanks for the info never paid attention to round or flat top action till you mentioned it. To clarify shank refers to the portion of barrel that houses the casing not the thread tenon that goes into the receiver? More then likely rifle will be of older model so prob have side bolt release. Just wild guess always find older models at pawn shops. Yet I am sure anything possible as to what I find.

 

[clemens]

Doniphan that is a sweet build.

 

[clemens]

Donipah if I may ask ball park figure without scope and stock what $ you got into the action barrel rail etc.. I have good idea on what the NF is thanks for the help guys

 

[doniphan]

Donipah if I may ask ball park figure without scope and stock what $ you got into the action barrel rail etc.. I have good idea on what the NF is thanks for the help guys

Bought the Stevens 200 long action used for $200.
Put a SSS trigger in for about $100
The SSS bolt conversion was about $55
The 110 BA bolt handle was about $80
SSS machined recoil lug was about $25
All of the parts prices are from my best memory (give or take a few dollars)
I don't know the breakdown on the barrel but the total for the barrel, brake, all machine work, having the barrel and action nitrided and shipped back to me in a hard case assembled and ready to install was $875.
So the total less the stock is about $1,335-ish.

Hope this answers your question.
John