Help with semi-custom rifle

[Bigeclipse]

Hey all,
I would like to get my first semi-custom rifle going. I have always shot factory rifles. I recently started reloading and I am loving the sub MOA accuracy I have been getting which actually has been plenty enough for me hunting here in New York. One might ask, then why do i need a semi-custom rifle which might get 1/2MOA or better accuracy if I wont be shooting really long distances...the answer is simply...I like to tinker and I like the idea of my OWN custom rifle. That being said, I do not have 2000+ dollars to spend on a custom rifle right out the gate so what I was thinking is I would start with a factory action...savage, remington, browning whatever...and then build off of that. That way, I can add one piece at a time when i have the money...i.e. buy a new trigger this month, continue saving..then buy a barrel or stock...etc.
First question is I was wondering if you all were going to go this route, which brand rifle action you would start with? For example, savage 110, remington 700, browning A-bolt/X-bolt...these would all be in their base model forms unless i could find just the action itself which here in NY is hard.
Second question is would you buy the rifle NEW then build onto it knowing it is new and in good condition or do you buy used and hope it is in good condition? I can pick out corrosion and rust when I look at a rifle and check the rifling in the barrel but i honestly would have no idea what to look for in an action to tell if it was worth buying used or not.
Third question, what order would you buy things after the rifle?...trigger 1st, stock 2nd, barrel 3rd...etc.
Fourth question, which caliber? I will use this gun to hunt and most likely it would be strictly for deer with MAYBE a black bear(they come around from time to time but are pretty rare and we dont go looking for them, but if one showed up during deer season id take it). Distances will be no farther than 500 yards BUT if I get the chance to shoot it farther(hunting or on a bench) I MAY want to stretch it out in the future. There are no places to shoot farther than that right now, but who knows what the future brings.

 

[liltank]

If you plan to do a semi custom build, then don't waste the money on a new action. I would suggest a savage. You can do every part of the rifle w/o needing a lathe or a mill. You can pre order barrel with the thread for the action cut and screw it on with only a few hand tools. There are plenty of after market parts available. I built a savage in .308 that produces sub .2" groups pretty regularly. I put the barrel on and set the timing on the firing pin. If you have the accutrigger and like it, then no trigger necessary. But there are a couple really good triggers if you get one of the older models. Now is when everybody jumps in with, "go with a sendero" or "since you want a semi custom, then go the extra buck and get a custom action!" The truth of the matter is that savage will allow the time you want to take to build.

 

[Bigeclipse]

If you plan to do a semi custom build, then don't waste the money on a new action. I would suggest a savage. You can do every part of the rifle w/o needing a lathe or a mill. You can pre order barrel with the thread for the action cut and screw it on with only a few hand tools. There are plenty of after market parts available. I built a savage in .308 that produces sub .2" groups pretty regularly. I put the barrel on and set the timing on the firing pin. If you have the accutrigger and like it, then no trigger necessary. But there are a couple really good triggers if you get one of the older models. Now is when everybody jumps in with, "go with a sendero" or "since you want a semi custom, then go the extra buck and get a custom action!" The truth of the matter is that savage will allow the time you want to take to build.

thanks liltank. yes...I could save over th next year or two and get a full custom but as you said I'd rather get a savage and then ad pieces here and there as I can afford them...plus I like to tinker so doing the work myselc is a plus...even though this will be my fiest build and I'm sure there is a steap learning curve. the whole thing with the new action vs used is condition...yes there are savages that come up time to tike used here but they tend to have loys of nicks and dings in the finish. here is an after thiught I just had...I assume the aftermarket barrel I end up getting will not match the finish of whatever action I start with...I'm guessing I will need to have the entire rifle reblued in order to match?

 

[liltank]

thanks liltank. yes...I could save over th next year or two and get a full custom but as you said I'd rather get a savage and then ad pieces here and there as I can afford them...plus I like to tinker so doing the work myselc is a plus...even though this will be my fiest build and I'm sure there is a steap learning curve. the whole thing with the new action vs used is condition...yes there are savages that come up time to tike used here but they tend to have loys of nicks and dings in the finish. here is an after thiught I just had...I assume the aftermarket barrel I end up getting will not match the finish of whatever action I start with...I'm guessing I will need to have the entire rifle reblued in order to match?

You can reblue it if you want. I have had blued actions with SS barrels, and think they look fine. Krylon is your best friend unless you want dura coat or Cerakote. Could just go all Stainless or you can purchase aftermarket barrels blued. It's totally on you. Some swear by Chromoly, others won't buy anything but stainless. For tools, you'll want an action wrench, and barrel nut wrench. I prefer the grooved barrel nut vs the smooth barrel nut. The grooved is easier to work with. If you go with a Savage, shoot me some PM's with any questions you might have. I'll go into detail with build suggestions there.

Tank

 

[liltank]

As far as nicks. If they are in the stock, that's ok. As long as the action doesn't have any cracks, your good to go.