Wanting to build a custom rifle

Originally Posted By: Timberbeast7Yeah, kinda what I thought. We always just figure $600 +/- for a new tube and installation.

Yep......
 
Originally Posted By: 2muchgunOriginally Posted By: JBPrecisionSuperSeal, if you've ever done it you'd understand why guys charge so much. If your smith only charges $135 I would have to say he is the one thats insane.

Seal---I have seen smiths that do it @ this price. Problem is, they don't really do it. I would be very skeptical.......

2muchgun, Who do you think does a lot of ppl's rifles on ARAIG's? Almost all of Stick's rifles are built by this guy.

I'm not skeptical about the smith I use, he does his own smith work.

JBPrecision, I'm not questioning why smith's charge for what they do, I'm saying my smith is SUPER reasonable. Shop around till you find a smith you're happy with. If you want to spend $600-$800 on a smith, go ahead. Ain't bothering me one bit. I'll use my money left over for a scope or reloading supplies on the rifle.
 
SS, more power to him. If he can afford to do better than a day's work for $135 while still paying his overhead he know's something I don't. I can't. Some people are extremely cheap to rack up all the business they can. I charge reasonable prices and do the best job I can on every one. If people want it cheaper there are guys out there to take it to
 
Mike, if you are talking about Mickey, I did not realize his prices were that cheap. And I will also say that I would trust him in a minute to build me a rifle........
 
Wyoming and "used for anything that moves", screams 25-06AI to me!

My suggestion for your build would be;

Savage 110 long action with Accu Trigger $305

Shilen, McGowan or Douglas prefit barrel $300

Timing and truing, barrel install and glass bedding by
Sharp Shooter Supply $245

McMillian stock of your choice $455

Scope and mounts $695

Total $2000
 
I second the idea to get a Savage action. I just built a custom 6mm BR on a Savage Target Action and had the fun of doing everything myself. And I can change the barrel whenever I want without a gunsmith.

I got the whole project done for around $1500, including $700 optics.
 
Originally Posted By: SuperSeal1102MG's, Nope, keep guessing, grin. BTW, are you shooting the match on Sunday? I'll be there.

I'm thinking they are out of Ohio?.....grins

I'm gonna try to be there Sunday, but have a lot of things working against me..........
 
Originally Posted By: Vent_O_LaterThanks for all the input guys.

I will probably go with a 243 AI, will be used primarily on coyotes and deer, with an occasional p.d. outing, I don't know what would be the optimal barrel length, I want it manuverable for coyotes, but still long enough not to sacrifice long range performance, maybe 22-24".

I think I'll save up a little more so I can avoid the "I wish I would've......"

-Vent-

Planning is half the fun on these projects and once you nail down what cartridge you want and its intended purpose, start researching barrels, stocks, and g-smiths.

From the sounds of what you are after, you might check out some older VHA magazines with articles about the "Walking Varmint" rifles that Steve Timm built. Timm's rifles are manuverable and balanced for general hunting, yet could still serve to a lesser extent for p-dogs. I've had several built along the same lines from already owned actions for under 2k including new Leupy optics.

I think for 2K your can put together a very nice semi-custom rifle built off a worked-over 700 action, but like you stated, saving a few extra $$$ for the project and doing it right the first time is a darn good idea. Don't skimp on the stock and barrel or hire a work-in-progress g-smith. Doing a little shopping for used optics and dumping the factory barrel and stock for a few bucks can also help to put back into project funds.
 
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Steve Timm is a good guy and his walking varminter is a popular blueprint for a lot of builds. He is a big fan of the 223AI.

There are a few other tried and blueprints out there that I know, I just need to know what someone wants. It is real easy to put the wrong barrel contour in the wrong stock, etc.........
 


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