Best way to start a build...

[rfroese]

I am about to start a rifle build. I want an awesome long range gun. I am going to be buying this rifle from my work so my options are somewhat limited. I will be building this piece by piece as my budget only allows for about $750 right now for the gun and scope. Of course I get this stuff at a healthy discount so really my budget, as long as I stick to buying stuff from work, is more like $1200.

I can do either;
REM700 in any caliber
Tikka T3 in 270, 30-06
Weatherby Vanguard any caliber
Savage Trophy Hunter 111 in 7mm, 30-06 and 270

For the scope, I am set on a Vortex Viper PST. Not sure yet which model but it will most likely be the 6-24X50.

Mounts and Rings;
Not sure yet. Preferably something from Vortex but that is not set.

What do you guys think? I really am interested in possibly turning this into a 6.5 creedmoor but that is a ways into the future. I would like to start with a REM700 in 308 but it needs a lot more work than a Tikka T3. I plan on using this gun to hunt mule deer in the mean time and slowly over the next year I want to build it into a custom gun with a match barrel, new stock, and whatever else needed. Essentially, I may only keep the action of this rifle but it has to be serviceable right now as well.

 

[George63]

Re: Best way to start a build...

I will say the tikka in 30-06, but when you build the 6.5 it will likely be your volume shooter so do it on a savage action for easy barrel replacements

keep the 30-06, it will be a good combo/backup for a 6.5 and it is a good idea to have a rifle for which ammo is available at any store that sells ammo

 

[Icallem]

Re: Best way to start a build...

"Best way to start a build"

I have not been in this game very long, started first build in 2009. What I have found over the past few years is that the best way to start a new build, or at least for me, is to save about 5 times the amount of money I first thought I would spend. Then I might get it into shooting mode.

YMMV

 

[fire-4-effect]

Re: Best way to start a build...

I have been doing this now for only a few years. I do not think with the money you are talking about it is really a "build". This is more of a purchase and then adding on options. You are not building a rifle unless there is gunsmith work involved (except maybe a savage that you can do yourself).

Now, if you start with a bare action and then choose the barrel, stock, etc... and have a smith do the work then, yes, this is a build. Just do not see that for $750 - $1200 though.

Then again I could be wrong since I am fairly new to LR shooting and rifle building. One of the more knowledgeable guys will chime in I am sure.

Thanks

Phil

 

[fire-4-effect]

Re: Best way to start a build...

Yeah,

So I would get a Rem 700 in your caliber of choice and make sure the length of the action and bolt face will match the caliber you eventually want. It will cost more than a Savage in the long run but you may end up with something that holds value better when it is finally completely done.

Again, my $0.02 only...

Thanks

Phil

 

[rfroese]

Re: Best way to start a build...

I don't want to get into a technical debate about what is "build" is and also, I stated that I have this budget "right now." I will be getting a match barrel, stock, trigger and whatever else later on.

I don't want this to come off as me being an arse but I don't need a bunch of people telling me, "your budget is to small" or "this isn't a build" or whatever else... I just wanted some opinions of what the best option is for me to start this with.

 

[Icallem]

Re: Best way to start a build...

I’m sorry if my post offended you, that was not the intent. It was not meant as the start of a rock throwing contest, it is just my opinion of what I have found out about this game. I for sure didn’t mean don’t buy something now to get started, but just look out down the road. I’m sure some people get in this and spend less money, however for me, it seems I just stand back and throw my wallet at it.

Given your list and “my opinion”, I would have to go with the Rem 700 in something with a 308 bolt face. Again that is me.

 

[rfroese]

Re: Best way to start a build...

I'm not offended and I definitely don't want to start an argument. I have posted this topic on a few other forums and immediately get bashed by people saying you can't do this or that...

I just like being able to utilize online forums for opinions. Almost as a survey. It's good being able to hear other opinions and options. It helps me to decide a lot easier. Usually, someone brings up stuff I never thought about. Till now, I was leaning towards a Tikka in 308 but I have since learned the Savage is the easiest to work on by myself. That is something I didn't know and it sounds like it's the best way to go.

But, I am always open to other ideas.

 

[VJJPunisher]

Re: Best way to start a build...

i say get a howa or a vanguard, same gun, awsome action to build on in the future and great bang for the buck

 

[Dreadin]

Re: Best way to start a build...

Here is what I did for an entry,
Rem 700 tactical in .308
SWFA 10x42ss
Seekins 1 piece 20moa rail
Seekins Med. rings
Harris Bi Pod

it shoots under MOA and I am spending the money now on range and ammo. As I get my skills dialed in I will pick up the stock, trigger etc..

 

[fire-4-effect]

Re: Best way to start a build...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dreadin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is what I did for an entry,
Rem 700 tactical in .308
SWFA 10x42ss
Seekins 1 piece 20moa rail
Seekins Med. rings
Harris Bi Pod

it shoots under MOA and I am spending the money now on range and ammo. As I get my skills dialed in I will pick up the stock, trigger etc..
</div></div>

+1

Go with a 700 with a 308 bolt face... You can alsways improve on it later...

 

[105amatt]

Re: Best way to start a build...

I would go with the 700. Room to build on, many after market parts, great action all around.

 

[Defusion]

Re: Best way to start a build...

I am in the process of purchasing my first precision rifle.

I agree with everyone that a 700 in .308 should be your first rifle. You can always build on it, or sell it and buy something else.

I will be going with the 700pss, swfa ss 10x42, 6-9" harris bipod with swivel.
Still need to do some research on base and rings.

 

[rubar01]

Re: Best way to start a build...

I went through the process 2 years ago.
THis is what I went with:
700 AAC-SD
Action blue printed
New Barrel factary shoot 2-1/2 at best.
Manners T stock
Bedded new stock
Seekin base and rings

 

[harbinger]

Re: Best way to start a build...

Why not use the money you have now for just a hunting rifle and glass? $750 can get you a nice rifle but is going to leave you short on glass for long range shooting. Start from scratch on the long range build and buy them piece by piece until you have them all set to send to the smith. Then you still have a hunting rifle to shoot while the other is in the works.

 

[jonthomps]

Re: Best way to start a build...

There's a reason why so many shooters (novice & experienced) use Remmy actions. I would stick with something like that. Another thought: Most guys start out just like you are talking. They go through a couple of rifles, buying, putting several hundred rounds through them, then selling them (usually loosing money in the process). Then in a couple of years they drop 3-4k for a full custom from a reputable smith. If you have the money, buy once, cry once and get what you want the first time around. Wish someone would have told me that!

 

[Inzaneriderz]

Re: Best way to start a build...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Icallem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"Best way to start a build"

I have not been in this game very long, started first build in 2009. What I have found over the past few years is that the best way to start a new build, or at least for me, is to save about 5 times the amount of money I first thought I would spend. Then I might get it into shooting mode.

YMMV </div></div>

THIS