Wanting to build a custom rifle

Vent_O_Later

Vent_O_Later

New member
Hey guys I got some money coming my way and want to build a custom rifle. I have know idea were to start, but here is what I've come up with so far.

-Smaller caliber, but still able to hunt with, .243-.270

-Not sure on barrel, length or dia.

-Want a somewhat low overall weight

-Will be used primarily for anything that moves!!

I've been tossing around a .243 AI don't have any idea on were to start, looking for some suggestions, thanks

-Vent-
 
No more 2k with optics included, I don't really even know what you could get for that amount of money, I don't have a donor rifle or action to play with, this would be completely from scratch......do you think I could build a decent custom for that amount?
 
2k w/optics is gonna be pretty tight...maybe build off a savage action. For a trued up Rem 700 you're probably in the neighborhood of $600-$700 alone. Stillers and Lawtons can be had for another $100-$300, Borden and BAT actions start about $1100 and go up. Figuring a minimum of $600 for scope/rings/bases...that leaves you $1400...not much when you start getting into the custom realm.

Are you going to have it built or try and do most of it on your own...that would make things a little cheaper if you have the know-how...especially if you build on a Savage action. Have you thought about buying a nice scope and a high-end factory gun...Sako, Cooper, Kimber...?
 
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Just thinking out loud here, but...

Surgeon Action- ~$750
Timney trigger- $130
Krieger Barrel- $285
Stock- $150(Boyds)
STD Leupold bases and rings- $75?
gunsmithing- $200ish

= About $1600-$1650 or so, which would leave you with about $350 for optics. You could get a savage action and cut a lot of costs.

Is this going to be a long range rifle or a brush rifle?
 
Vent,

Not to dash your hopes, but 2K is a bit shy of getting into a true custom rifle. If you had an action to go from it would have you a lot closer. One of the first thisgs to do is decide just what you want this rifle to be used for. Trying to make a one rifle for anything usually ends up with something that isn't great for much at all. What are the smallest and largest animals you are looking to use it for, and in what terrain? Typicaly your going to be running a minimum of 2K prior to optics of mounts. The most popular predator type rifle I build runs about 2750 prior to optics if I'm supplying the action. on the other hand you could get a decent base rifle and get a fair bit done to it getting it closer to what your after, and later have the action trued and rebarreled.

PM sent with my contact info if you'd like to look further into it, also located in WY.
 
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i'd wait & save another $500 minimum (or more) to give ya a cushion...if this gonna be ur "dream" rifle,you don't wanna be squeezed by the checkbook...metalwork,hang on's and stock/stockwork add up...you don't wanna be haunted with the "i wish i cudda had ****** done to it"...decide what it's use will be & chambering first then proceed.
 
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My dream is a 7mm-08 custom bolt gun. However I know little about custom bolts so hopefully this thread gets some mileage.
 
for all of us...it just depends upon our personal definition of what "CUSTOM" means...some may think a re-barrel'n/ re-chamber'n is "custom"...for others it might mean "the sky's the limit".
 
All my Customs are built on a Remington 700 action. All but one sport McMillan stocks=#450.00 Barrels will range anywhere from 275.00-500.00. I use Broughton,Hart and Shilen barrels. Trigger I would leave stock, just have it tuned. Where are you going to get the gun built? Find a competent smith you can sit down with and discuss what you want or would like. My last build I went to Academy and bought a new Remmy SPS 22-250 and took it straight to my smith. Shilen barrel and metal work cost me 500.00 Bought a laminated stock and had trigger job done. Total cost including scope,new gun and all work,,,,,$1200 and is now a 6BR.
 
Thanks 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-
 
Not much specs really. It is a Sako 75 Finnlight barreled action glass bedded into a McMillan stock. Trigger is @ 19ozs. Bolt fluted by Kampfeld. It used to look like this:

100_0177.jpg
 
That "WidowMaker" is awesome!

Vent, I have a .243 AI and it is super nice. If I was going to do a lot of Prairie Doggin I might get something with more barrel life. Mine had a 24" barrel, and it was plenty manuverable for coyotes where we are, which isn't a whole lot different than what I've seen of Wyoming. Mine did very well at long range with a 24" barrel, with good velocities. The .243 AI sure puts the smack down on coyotes, and I'm sure it'll drop a deer.
 
For you guys interested in a custom in the 308 family (243, 260, 7-08), I'll tell you what I have done recently. CDNN Investments has had the FN Model 70 short actions on sale for $349. Then I sent it to Pac-Nor to get a barrel installed and action trued Roughly $500). A MacMillan stock will be another $450. So if the budget is $2k that leaves $650 for a gunsmith to put it together and some optics, which should be doable.

I will probably spend a bit more than $2k by the end of the project, but not much. Just some ideas for you,

Tim
 
Here's what I'd build.

Rem 700 sa .473 boltface $350
McMillan Mnt rifle stock or classic for a #1 or #2. $450
PacNor, Supermatch, SS, 22", 9 twist. $300
Smith work, truing, chambering, crowning $300
Tally 1" rings $45
Leupold 6*42 or 3.5-10 $400-$500
Cerakote $160

$2050 w/the 6*42 or $2150 with the 3.5-10.

You could also buy used scope/stocks and save a ton of money.
 
There are a lot of great ideas. And a lot of great rifles in this post. However you might want to consider buying one of the Coopers. I believe the model is the Phoenix. You should be able to hit your price point, get the cartridge you want, and have a very fine rifle.

IF not, the $2000 is going to be close without having your action.

I had RHYS build one for me. He has fair pricng and does good work. I would recommend his work. He is a fair guy that will do what he says he will do. That is saying a lot in this day and age.

Below is a picture of the rifle RHYS built for me. It is a HB Varminter in 22-250. And it is a shooter. Tom.

IMG_0521.jpg


 
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