Savage action Budget build for hobby

[stanley52]

Ok so I'm thinking about building a rifle myself just for the sake of saying I did it off either a Stevens or savage action, whatever I can find cheapest. Can I reasonably expect sub-MOA or close to 1/2 MOA performance? The components that will be used are perfectly capable of it in a blueprinted 700 or any other custom action, my concern is the prefit barrels and the savage/Stevens action. I understand they having a floating bolt head which helps this, and I get how all that works, but without any smithing at all will they be good to go still?

B&C or HS precision Stock (will be glass bedded too)
Aftermarket recoil lug
Timney Trigger
Lotha Walther/shilen/criterion prefit barrel

 

[FEENIX]

Ok so I'm thinking about building a rifle myself just for the sake of saying I did it off either a Stevens or savage action, whatever I can find cheapest. Can I reasonably expect sub-MOA or close to 1/2 MOA performance? The components that will be used are perfectly capable of it in a blueprinted 700 or any other custom action, my concern is the prefit barrels and the savage/Stevens action. I understand they having a floating bolt head which helps this, and I get how all that works, but without any smithing at all will they be good to go still?

B&C or HS precision Stock (will be glass bedded too)
Aftermarket recoil lug
Timney Trigger
Lotha Walther/shilen/criterion prefit barrel

The short answer is yes, esp. when you handload.

ADDED:

Check out this factory rifle >>>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVMCBEe0E_4#t=22

 

[jpd676]

The short answer is yes, esp. when you handload.

I second this.

 

[ohiohunter]

Yep, my garage built stevens 280 will shoot 0.2-0.25"

 

[7magcreedmoor]

I just finished load development today on my 280AI which is my first do-it-yourself rifle. Savage 111 for the action, RifleBasix SAV2 trigger, Vortex Viper HSLR FFP in Burris rings on a 20moa rail, PacNor 26 inch, 6 contour barrel with brake from JP Industries, in a Boyds Tacticool stock. 168 Berger VLDs @ 2912fps, 0.338" @ 100 yards. In other words, YES. You can build an accurate rifle on a savage action. My 6.5/284 on a savage 111 (professionally built last year) put its first 3 rounds @ 500 yards into less than an inch.

 

[7magcreedmoor]

P.S. If you haven't already, read Jerry Teo's article on budget built long range rifles, and read the discussion threads attached. All your questions answered.

 

[7magcreedmoor]

P.P.S. That's how I ended up with the two rifles pictured above.

 

[sundance1972]

Jerry Teo put together my 338-06AI for me a couple years ago and couldn't be happier with it.
Savage 111 action
McGowan prefit 26" barrel, heavy magnum contour
Timney trigger
Vortex Viper 4-12
Total cost was maybe $1200, including scope, Redding dies were another $125. Currently shooting 210gr TTSX (2850fps) into 1/2"-5/8" groups @ 100. Am able to take them up higher, but 2850 seems to be their "happy place". The only drawback in using the Savage I can see is the poor selection of stocks available up here in Canada.

Considering building a 260 on one of my Savage Axis', but they (243 and 7mm-08) are too accurate to pull apart??