---Custom Build Qestions??- UPDATE--

blopez50

blopez50

New member
UPDATE:
Well I've been in contact with Jon Beanland and this build is a go! I've ordered a McMillian stock, PTG bottom metal, EGW base, Shilen barrel, and a set of hornady dies!

Thanks for all of the help guys!







Later this year, I'm going to have a dream come true!! I'm going to send off for my "dream rifle". It'll be a 338-06. I have a couple questions for you guys who have had customs built.

1) I have a Win 670a 30-06. I like it but am not attached to it and would like to use the action. Is the 670a action worth building on? It's the same action as the 70 right?

2) I've started looking at parts for the build (bottom metal, mags, triggers, ect). Should I start picking these up as I find them in stock? I don't know if gunsmiths prefer to have the parts ready to go or if they like to get them.

3) Should I order the stock? I'm going to go with a McMillian so I know there will be a long wait. Would it be helpful to have it on hand when the build starts?

4) If yes to #3, do I order the stock "custom drop-in"? There are a TON of options when ordering the McMillan.... Honestly, I don't even know where to start!


Thank you guys for the help! I have a list of gunsmiths that I'll be looking into but I'm sure I'll post a request for more help as the project progresses!
 
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Originally Posted By: blopez50Anyone?

Yeah... me!

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1) I have a Win 670a 30-06. I like it but am not attached to it and would like to use the action. Is the 670a action worth building on? It's the same action as the 70 right?

Yes.. same action, just not as pretty.

2) I've started looking at parts for the build (bottom metal, mags, triggers, ect). Should I start picking these up as I find them in stock? I don't know if gunsmiths prefer to have the parts ready to go or if they like to get them.

Most gunsmiths like to supply the parts, cuz they get a discount on them, so they make a bit more on the job.

Either way, YOU pick the parts out - Brownells.com is where to go - get their catalogue sent to you (it is MUCH easier than trying to navigate their website). Then at least you have an idea of what's around and you can make a list of the parts you want used.

3) Should I order the stock? I'm going to go with a McMillian so I know there will be a long wait. Would it be helpful to have it on hand when the build starts?

Yes... many custom guns wind up as barreled actions in a corner for 6 months, waiting for a stock.

4) If yes to #3, do I order the stock "custom drop-in"? There are a TON of options when ordering the McMillan.... Honestly, I don't even know where to start!

Plan your rifle, and barrel, very well. Then you can order the stock.

.
 
338-06 would be a great project !
I have it's baby brother in the works now, 338-08 AKA 338Fed.

** Research all the pieces you want/need for a build sheet.

** Talk to the smith that you want to use and get his take on the project .Some smiths will put you in line if you send them the action upfront, while wating for parts.

** Make choices and start ordering parts.

** Talk with Tim Titus(tt35)/ NOS, about ordering a stock.

*** Once you start, don't give up or loose intrest. Do plenty of research first.

 
Originally Posted By: blopez50

Honestly, I don't even know where to start!



First thing to do:

pick the bullet you want to shoot, and match the twist and throat of the barrel to that bullet.

Second thing to do:

pick a gunsmith that knows how to index and chamber a barrel correctly. It's easy to turn a good barrel into a tomato stake. I've got one on my work bench right now.
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I don't know anything about the action you mentioned, but if Cat says it's suitable for a build I'm sure it is.
Now having said that, consider building it on a custom action if your budget will allow it.

Have fun!!
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I would look for a recommended gunsmith first. When you do that you can find out how he prefers. I have had some gunsmith order everything for me and some that prefer me to order parts as they want me to see and inspect them first instead of finding out there is something I didn't like AFTER I got the rifle. Nowadays, I order all my own parts.

First thing I do is decided on the caliber, sounds like you already have that, then I decide on what I'm going to be using it for and/or any other criteria, maybe I'm trying to build a light rifle for example.

This will help with things like barrel contour. Then you need to decide how you are going to feed it, ie, what type of bottom metal. I have thought about BDL feeding some rifles only to talk with a gunsmith and learn that det mags maybe the way to go. Then you will need to know things like recoil lug thickness and finished cylinder.

Because, when you order a McMillan they will want to know all of these things so it pays to know these things up front.

As far as ordering parts, I do like the old Johnny Cash song, one piece at at time.

My most recent Krieger barrel order took a little over 7 months, my most recent McMillan stock (got it this week) took 6 months. During the wait time is when I order things like bottom metal and triggers.

Hope this helps
 
^ Yes sir it can! I'm already a little anxious for that decision!

I appreciate the help guys. I think I've got most of the things that you suggested figured out. I feel like the next step is to try to find a gunsmith and get his take on the project. From there, I'll know what I need to do!

Over the past 6 moths or so I've been keeping a list of gunsmiths. These are smiths who have built rifles for people that I've seen on the internet or at the range. So far I've got:

- Beanland Custom
- Southern Precision Rifles
-Louisiana precision
-R Bros

I've got a little letter typed out that I figured I'd send to em all and decide who I'll go with after I hear back.

Like I said, this is my first one so I really wasn't for sure who to consider. If you just go by internet searching there are hundreds of names that come up.... these guys seem to always have positive comments. I am open to suggestions though!


Thanks again guys. It's a little intimidating getting this started.
 
RWS gunsmithing or dixon rifles might not have as long of a backorder right now. On stocks, if your wanting a mcmillian and the wait might hurt, try manners composite stocks. They are just as good if not better. I started out with McMillian because everyone said they were the best, manners was offered to me but I declined since I have not heard of them. Since then, I bought one manners and have been sold on em. Now they are my 1st choice on stocks. One reason I say this is they keep a few stocks on had and I think they have some M70 stocks in. They are the best there is on CS. They are right across the street from GA precision and badger ordnace and that can help to if you want GAP to build your rifle. THey are the best there is. I am happy with everything they have done with mine. Manners is stronger and lighter that McMillian to. Give em a call or look at their site. You wouln't be disapointed.
 
I want the Lazeroni Thumbhole. Manners doesn't offer something similar and I doubt I'll find a McMillan in stock...

Waiting is just going to be part of the game! I'm cool with that.
 
You guys just had to go and make my decisions harder!!

I thought the T5 was quite a bit heavier than the Laz but after reading a bit, it's only ~6oz. It looks like pricing will end up being about the same. I like the color options from McMillian better though...

I've had my heart set on the Laz but that T5 may not be bad at all.
 
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