What for first build?

[Buccaneerfan]

Hey guys, I am getting ready for my first build and need some feedback. I have a Browning A- built in 7mm-08. I like this caliber but I want a gun that I can build a real tack driver out of. My first thought is the Remington 700 sps varmint because it has an action that I can build from later and has a heavy barrel. What I am wondering is if anyone has experience with this model or if there might be a savage I should be looking at instead. I want something I can build off of later but will be a very good gun right out of the box.

 

[submoa]

The savages are vary accurate out of the box, plus you can do all the work your self no need for gunsmith to headspace barrel. ;-)

 

[HoytFlinger]

I want something I can build off of later but will be a very good gun right out of the box.

Tikka T3 fits that bill extremely well.

 

[Buccaneerfan]

Tikka T3 fits that bill extremely well.

I don't know much about Tikka, except the little bit I can learn online. Can you get after market parts for them very easily? Like stocks barrels triggers etc.?

 

[HoytFlinger]

Tikka Performance Center

You can get parts at the link above. KRG makes a sick chassis called the Whiskey 3 for the T3.

 

[Zep]

I thought about going the 700 route and building off it but after doing my homework I would now consider one of the custom actions and the work of a competent gunsmith. Can't help you much there choice wise, at least not today as I am still trying to figure that out. I did learn last week in my search/study that by studying the results of benchrest shoots you can find what actions/smiths the competitors use. Certain names pop up more than others, of course the gunsmith part can at least be a rather regional thing. I would be willing to spend an entire day on the road to meet a gunsmith before hiring him. But I am sure you reach a point as skill level increases this may not be possible. These are just my current views on the topic.

If you go to the International Benchrest Shooters web site and go under "Results" then "Scores" and scroll down you will see what these guys and gals are using. Then look up the gunsmiths and see what kind of rifles they generally build, many also build hunting rifles.

This can get expensive real quick but if you are already a competent shot and you have the coin this may be a viable option.

What is your goal, what are you hunting.

 

[Buccaneerfan]

I thought about going the 700 route and building off it but after doing my homework I would now consider one of the custom actions and the work of a competent gunsmith. Can't help you much there choice wise, at least not today as I am still trying to figure that out. I did learn last week in my search/study that by studying the results of benchrest shoots you can find what actions/smiths the competitors use. Certain names pop up more than others, of course the gunsmith part can at least be a rather regional thing. I would be willing to spend an entire day on the road to meet a gunsmith before hiring him. But I am sure you reach a point as skill level increases this may not be possible. These are just my current views on the topic.

If you go to the International Benchrest Shooters web site and go under "Results" then "Scores" and scroll down you will see what these guys and gals are using. Then look up the gunsmiths and see what kind of rifles they generally build, many also build hunting rifles.

This can get expensive real quick but if you are already a competent shot and you have the coin this may be a viable option.

What is your goal, what are you hunting.

I can't afford a custom job right now but would like to work my way into one. For example, in a year I might put in a new trigger, then upgrade the barrel etc. as funds will allow. I would like to be able to dust a coyote at 800+. I have an AR 15 that I can hit a prairie dog with at 400 or less but I want something with a little more oomph. I am already geared up for 7mm-08 and like that caliber so it seemed to make sense.

 

[Zep]

I was just going thru the Sunday newspaper and Dick's has their 700 on sale for 450. A friend of mine bought one last year in 223 and could not be happier (he restocked it himself). He got a good one. Last year Dick's had these on sale for 399. (223 22/250 and 308) on Black Friday, must admit I am giving it some thought if they do it again this year. Might wait in line half the day but it might be worth it.