Savage build...?

[Rs130754]

First of all I have been doing a lot of reading and thinking the past several months. I feel even more confused now. I would like to get into some longer range or even mid range shooting. We have recently moved from town to the wide open spaces of rural Iowa. Since the in-laws farm and I am still in good standing with them I have access to about 6K acres of ground where I can shoot and hunt.

I would like to get either a .260 Remington or a 6.5 Creedmoor. I like what I hear about savage rifles but no one model jumps out at me. Being a teacher (i.e. low pay) my budget is limited. I like the model 10 predator max but hate the stock. I like the 12 LRP but the barrel is a bit too heavy to lug around coyote hunting.

So I got to think with summer coming and lots of free time should I just try to piece my own rifle together. That is where the questions come in. Could I get a Savage action, and from what I have read install my own barrel? Then just purchase my stock of choice and have the rifle I want without having to remove or add things to make it what I want. Also, where would be my best options to locate my materials. I am within driving distance of Brownells.

I am looking forward to hearing your input. If this has been asked before please don't crucify me too bad.

 

[FEENIX]

First of all I have been doing a lot of reading and thinking the past several months. I feel even more confused now. I would like to get into some longer range or even mid range shooting. We have recently moved from town to the wide open spaces of rural Iowa. Since the in-laws farm and I am still in good standing with them I have access to about 6K acres of ground where I can shoot and hunt.

I would like to get either a .260 Remington or a 6.5 Creedmoor. I like what I hear about savage rifles but no one model jumps out at me. Being a teacher (i.e. low pay) my budget is limited. I like the model 10 predator max but hate the stock. I like the 12 LRP but the barrel is a bit too heavy to lug around coyote hunting.

So I got to think with summer coming and lots of free time should I just try to piece my own rifle together. That is where the questions come in. Could I get a Savage action, and from what I have read install my own barrel? Then just purchase my stock of choice and have the rifle I want without having to remove or add things to make it what I want. Also, where would be my best options to locate my materials. I am within driving distance of Brownells.

I am looking forward to hearing your input. If this has been asked before please don't crucify me too bad.

Savage is an excellent action to build on esp. for a DIY. I always start with a realistic budget when purchasing a rifle or a project build, what's yours?

You might also want to consider >>> http://www.ershawbarrels.com/build-your-e-r-shaw-mk-VII-rifle.htm

 

[Rs130754]

I have looked at ERShaw and they appear to have mixed reviews. The wait time as of a month ago was just inside of a year. My budget for the rifle only would be around $1000 but if a few hundred more got me something better I would be willing to spend it. Optics wise I have an older Nikon Monarch 6.5-20x44 and an older Leopold fixed power scope.
Any thoughts on the Remington Gen2 5R? I have heard Remington is hit or miss these days and again I can get an SPS on the cheap but would have to toss the stock and the barrel isn't what I am after. Maybe I should just buy that CZ 550 Varmint .308 that has been at a dealer that seems like forever.

 

[Barrelnut]

You can get new Savage actions, tools, and barrels from Northland Shooter Supply. It's a well known stopping point for Savage folks.
Actions – Northland Shooters Supply

Also can get barrels from bugholes. You can spend a few bucks here but you can have them cut you a chamber on a Bartlein cut rifled barrel. Worth it.
BARRELS

Boyde stocks are good, inexpensive, and nice looking.
https://www.boydsgunstocks.com/find-a-stock

The custom barrel is what will set your Savage build apart from a factory Savage and is a good investment for accuracy.

Factory ammo? Go 6.5 Creed
Handloads? The 260 can be a good option, for the available Lapua brass. Lapu is now making 6.5 Creed brass but it uses a small primer pocket. It might have ignition issues in cold Iowa weather (maybe). But others like Norma make very good Creed brass these days also.

It WILL be FUN.gun)

 

[Rs130754]

Thanks for the tip. I should also mention that I am not hung up on Savage and would consider anything. Even the Howa barreled actions sparked my interest but the barrel contour is on the light side for what I want. Thanks again.

 

[Lee in Texas]

If you want to go with Savage, check out Savage Shooters

They have a classified section that is fairly busy. I bought a Savage off there and traded away a Savage barreled action. Lots of folks with plenty of knowledge there. Of course Barrelnut knows plenty, also.

The Savage I bought from there was a .338 Edge with McGowen barrel and a laminated Boyd's stock. I had it put in a BR stock and some other work done to it. It's a large-shank single shot. It can't eject a loaded round, but that's OK with me.

If you want this hideous stock, you can have it for postage. It looks worse up close.

I also have a Savage stainless small shank 7mm Remington Magnum that I plan to rebarrel. I'd let the 7mm barrel go for a good price, if you have any interest.

 

[Waynzee]

If your looking to build, Grab a Gun on the web has Remington actions pretty reasonable. I'm not fond of Remington but a build off one of their actions should be OK.