mountainman56
Well-Known Member
Well I did it, I finally managed to build my own semi-custom rifle. My original plan was to build a 7mm Dakota but with a ruptured disk in my neck that doesn't seem to like the repeated recoil of larger rifles, I decided to chamber it in 280 Ackley. Went with a Savage action, a 27" Bartlein barrel and one of Ryan's brakes that I had ordered in the wrong size for my 7mag barrel. A PT&G recoil lug, oversized fluted PT&G bolt body, tactical bolt handle (a little too sticky-outy I think), timney trigger and a 20moa Weaver base. The laminated stock color is called "coyote" so it only seemed right to duracoat it in coyote tan. I know the tactical look is popular these days but I still have a preference for wood. I have liberated the 4-16 Vortex scope off my 7mag as I'm scope poor at the moment but I plan on a Nightforce in the not too distant future.
It was a relatively trouble free project with one hiccup when I dulled the first reamer by using inadequate cutting oil. It took me 13 days of spare time from start to finish (after 5 months of preparation). I found the biggest danger in this undertaking is; get-done-itis. Sometimes the best way for me to work on a project like this is to stop working on it, sit down, drink a cold beer or three and think about it till tomorrow.
I have fire formed 20 brass and also shot a dozen rounds with different loads. The heavy barrel, muscle brake, laminated stock and decelerator pad combine to turn this into a pussycat with the recoil of a 223. It is an absolute pleasure to shoot and has already put out some very nice groups (if it shot lousy none of y'all would have ever known I built it
).
I have to say this forum is an incredible research tool. Many questions and a lot of my research has been done here. There is an incredible wealth of information here from knowledgeable members willing to share their experience. A special thanks to Jerry who was willing to share his expertise and to take the time to answer my silly questions.
It was a relatively trouble free project with one hiccup when I dulled the first reamer by using inadequate cutting oil. It took me 13 days of spare time from start to finish (after 5 months of preparation). I found the biggest danger in this undertaking is; get-done-itis. Sometimes the best way for me to work on a project like this is to stop working on it, sit down, drink a cold beer or three and think about it till tomorrow.
I have fire formed 20 brass and also shot a dozen rounds with different loads. The heavy barrel, muscle brake, laminated stock and decelerator pad combine to turn this into a pussycat with the recoil of a 223. It is an absolute pleasure to shoot and has already put out some very nice groups (if it shot lousy none of y'all would have ever known I built it
).I have to say this forum is an incredible research tool. Many questions and a lot of my research has been done here. There is an incredible wealth of information here from knowledgeable members willing to share their experience. A special thanks to Jerry who was willing to share his expertise and to take the time to answer my silly questions.
