$1800 enough for build?

[Copper818]

Hello gents.

looking to get into another bolt gun for bench shooting. Had a LaRue UU 6.5cm upper on a LaRue lower 22” barrel and it was okay for $1600.

is 1800 enough for a good bolt rifle besides the Snipers Hide rifle? I have the bipod, Mount, and glass.. so that can removed from the equation.

looking to stick with 300wm or 6.5cm. definitely prefer a chassis stock.

thank you!

 

[chevy_man]

Yes.

That said, maybe not.

Reciever, $400-2000 depending
prefit barrel, $400-800
Trigger, $150-500
Chassis, $350-2000

So factory remington 700, remage barrel setup, TT primary trigger and a bravo chassis you're into it about $1400. Upgrade as you see fit. However a good portion of the upgrades available to the aftermarket action crowd are all about reliability. If it's just a bench gun don't be embarrassed to use a factory new bare action to start with.

 

[j741]

All depends on what you want for components and if you assemble yourself.

Origin + Proof Steel Prefit + KRG Bravo is a pretty good low cost setup - $825 + $479 + 349 = $1653 + possible taxes & shipping. You'd still have to assemble the parts. Still need a trigger though.

You can get an Origin barreled action from PVA for $1475. They note 4-8 week delivery time. (I think it may extend depending on Origin availability)

Bighorn Arms Origin Barreled Action

[email protected]

patriotvalleyarms.com

Another option is Nick @ Straightjacket and his current 10% off sale site-wide for Veteran's day. Curtis Axiom 6.5CM barreled action for $1521 after discount. It ends this Friday. You can call to order and get discount.

Curtis Custom Barreled Actions Vector Helix Axiom - Straight Jacket Armory

Curtis Custom Vector Axiom helix and axiom barreled actions. the most popular actions used in PRS/NRL paired up with a match barrel for straight jacket!

straightjacketarmory.com

Nick can also do an Origin action build, just doesn't have it up on his site.

With either of those you're going to be just a bit over $1800 after including the Bravo or similar chassis/stock.

There are also a number of barreled actions in the PX here that can save you a bit. If you were interested in 6.5PRC I've got a Christensen CF barreled action listed.

I also think there may still be a Tikka TAC A1 6.5CM listed in PX. Those are great options too.

 

[SonicBurlap]

j741's Bighorn Origin recommendation, the Sniper's Hide APO 700 Saber, or for $1,995 you can get a Badrock Southfork with a Defiance action. Or cheaper either a Bergara, or a Tikka.

 

[stello1001]

It's extremely doable. IDK why some are suggesting customs that leave very little left over in your budget for a chassis. Get with DS Tactical, they build r700 barelled actions for around 1,000 give or take. This leaves you a great amount to spend on ammo and a chassis.

 

[XLR308]

It is certainly doable, but if you are dead set on a custom action you will run over that budget a bit.
The last rifle I built was almost entirely sourced from parts bought from member here, the exception being the trigger I ordered from TT on the last black Friday deal if I remember correctly.

 

[Kadams1563]

Just wait around here. Look and watch custom guns come up for sale for huge losses.

 

[PBWalsh]

Separate but relevant question. I too am looking at a similar build for next year.

What is the opinion of a T3x action vs. an Origin. I am not seeing a huge difference between the two if I’m not planning on switching bolt faces. I can get pre-fits for either.

Thinking T3x CTR/Bravo (later add a KRG trigger) or Origin/Bravo/Prefit/CG trigger.

 

[b6graham]

Separate but relevant question. I too am looking at a similar build for next year.

What is the opinion of a T3x action vs. an Origin. I am not seeing a huge difference between the two if I’m not planning on switching bolt faces. I can get pre-fits for either.

Thinking T3x CTR/Bravo (later add a KRG trigger) or Origin/Bravo/Prefit/CG trigger.

trigger options (tikka trigger is great)
chassis and stock availability maybe. options arent really limited anymore
scrapping an entire stock/barrel/bottom metal/magazine since you cant just get a tikka action unfortunately

the tikka platform does leave room to upgrade to the new ultimatum action which is a tikka footprint

that said. hard to beat
origin
criterion
TT primary/special
bravo

both leave upgrade room especially with chassis\

6.5 creed will be the optimal choice by a long shot

what bipod mount and scope you plan on using?

 

[SonoranPrecision]

As mentioned above DS Tactical has a great deal. Blueprinted Rem700 action with a heavy Bartlein barrel for $1000. Throw it in a KRG Bravo chassis, and you’re in a solid rifle for $1350.

 

[PBWalsh]

trigger options (tikka trigger is great)
chassis and stock availability maybe. options arent really limited anymore
scrapping an entire stock/barrel/bottom metal/magazine since you cant just get a tikka action unfortunately

the tikka platform does leave room to upgrade to the new ultimatum action which is a tikka footprint

that said. hard to beat
origin
criterion
TT primary/special
bravo

both leave upgrade room especially with chassis\

6.5 creed will be the optimal choice by a long shot

what bipod mount and scope you plan on using?

Yeah I know the 6.5 is better, but I’m going .308 because I like it. Scope will be a basic SWFA 10x until I can justify more. Eventual stock for either will probably be a MCS Eh1. Barrel of 16.5-20” light palma. So aftermarket options are good for either, I am only looking at the action differences.

 

[XLR308]

Yeah I know the 6.5 is better, but I’m going .308 because I like it. Scope will be a basic SWFA 10x until I can justify more. Eventual stock for either will probably be a MCS Eh1. Barrel of 16.5-20” light palma. So aftermarket options are good for either, I am only looking at the action differences.

The biggest difference honestly that I can tell comparing my T3 to the two Kelbly actions I have is bolt lift and smoothness.
To some it matters and others say they can't tell a difference when running the Tikka action on the clock.
To me personally there is a big difference between the well worn Tikka and two new Atlas actions with minimal cycles on them.
The Kelbly actions are butter smooth and I'm sure will only get better and am only guess that the Bighorn would have a similar feel to them.

 

[b6graham]

tikka and bighorn are both smooth if you can run a bolt correctly

pick feed/extract/eject you like

 

[XLR308]

tikka and bighorn are both smooth if you can run a bolt correctly

pick feed/extract/eject you like

I wasn't at all implying that the Tikka isn't smooth, maybe I worded it wrong.
The bolt lift in both feel and resistance is vastly different for the two atleast in my opinion.
But I suppose that is to be expected given the design differences and the Tikka would probably have a better feel with an extended and swept bolt handle like a sterk ball end.
Mine still has the factory handle as I haven't started into building it into a more target oriented set up.

 

[7mmShooter]

Barreled Origin from Keystone Accuracy was like $1185 last I checked, that would put you right around or just over $1800 with a Triggertech Diamond and a KRG Bravo, bit easier if you can catch them on sale.

 

[Copper818]

Delete

 

[Copper818]

As mentioned above DS Tactical has a great deal. Blueprinted Rem700 action with a heavy Bartlein barrel for $1000. Throw it in a KRG Bravo chassis, and you’re in a solid rifle for $1350.

Link? That sounds great for the action and barrel.

 

[b6graham]

Link? That sounds great for the action and barrel.

Theyre 3b barrels in stock. Just google them

 

[Copper818]

Theyre 3b barrels in stock. Just google them

sorry man, stupid brain today. I was doing D2 Tactical and they’re out of Canada.. definitely was confused lol

 

[b6graham]

sorry man, stupid brain today. I was doing D2 Tactical and they’re out of Canada.. definitely was confused lol

I did the same dont worry

 

[HOLLYW00D]

So others don't need to figure out what "DS Tactical" (exact name of a Canadian company; not what you're looking for) is: https://www.deepsouthtactical.com/

 

[ruger35]

I'm in the same boat/budget. Thinking of watching the exchange here, but I'm usually impatient. Really considering the Sniper's Hide rifle, it seems like a good package for the price. Also may give a newbie like me a good foundation to change out parts along the journey as I progress.

 

[Long Range 338]

Not even an issue as far as the barreled action goes, just depends on the chassis. APO, Cadex, and AI chassis are gonna bust the budget but you could with XLR, KRG, or Oryx for good inexpensive options.

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Link? That sounds great for the action and barrel.

https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...eled-actions-bartlein-proof-research.6953454/

DST Reaper Barreled action ( 6.5 CM )

The southeast's premier custom precision rifle builder and gunsmith.

www.deepsouthtactical.com

 

[Copper818]

These suggestions are awesome, I appreciate it.

I’m curious why one would go this route to build over the Snipers Hide m700 rifle? Just so I can pick out my own components? Or am I missing something else?

 

[7mmShooter]

Building with a custom action, You can choose components that are more consistent together and have different features than you can get in a factory action such as a 700. Holds it's value better as well if that matters.

 

[XLR308]

These suggestions are awesome, I appreciate it.

I’m curious why one would go this route to build over the Snipers Hide m700 rifle? Just so I can pick out my own components? Or am I missing something else?

If you are just wanting a plug and play system and aren't really set up or wanting to go through the parts selection, aguiring a barrel vice, action wrench, torque wrench, barrel nut wrench, go/ no go guages, etc.
The SH mod700 would be damn good start and a fine rifle to learn on, alot nicer and more complete set up than I started witn considering I bought a base model Rem700 SPS and right out of the gate had to start upgrading parts to get to were I wanted.

 

[acudaowner]

you could spend less depending on what you want a good used gun and used not abused scope saw a few in a store for under 1k with a cheap optic . I am sure there are others that could be cheaper . I keep eyeing a nice used sako I have seen hoping it's price gets a little cheaper in time . good luck and happy shooting .

 

[MakeSawdust]

Origin-$825
Criterion-$300
TT Diamond-$265
KRG Bravo-$350

Total- $1740

Might need a barrel nut and some misc accessories plus shipping and tax, but damn close.

 

[j741]

Origin-$825
Criterion-$300
TT Diamond-$265
KRG Bravo-$350

Total- $1740

Might need a barrel nut and some misc accessories plus shipping and tax, but damn close.

Where can you get a chambered origin prefit criterion barrel for $300? Or are you referring to the Savage prefits w/barrel nut setups from NSS? Those are $300 but also $75 more for threading (since you'd want a brake) + do require a barrel nut.

OP - you can also wait about 11 days and probably find some deals. Maybe TT will have their limited time 30% off for BF like they did last year.

 

[MakeSawdust]

Savage prefits. I know a shooter that shot all last season in Border Wars matches without a brake and had a top ten and a few top 20 finishes. It's not impossible. Also, the nuts are $30 with a barrel order. Not much. That route gets you a custom action and Remington 700 compatibility with triggers and stocks. You get a chassis with an upgrade path. If money is tight the last thing you want to do is buy a different platform that has small demand for resale and upgrade later. I've been down that road. The SH APO rifle would also be a good deal. The barreled action could be replaced later with a custom and the rest of the system is great.

Ultimately, everyone who is serious about this game ends up with a custom action. They open the door to all kinds of upgrades and prefit barrels later on and most are smooth and reliable. If money is really an issue, the op could run a Savage take-off barrel until he's saved enough to buy a prefit with muzzle threads and a brake.

Most other upgrade paths leave you eventually replacing one of the major components. If you work with my suggestion, you are replacing the barrel later with something better. Barrels are consumables. We replace them all the time anyway. The rest of the stuff I suggested will hang with the big boys pretty well if the shooter is capable.

The argument that it doesn't take a custom action to shoot well is also viable, but most of us end up wanting one anyway. At that point, whatever money we have in a factory action and accessories to fit it are sunk costs. The barrel is where accuracy comes from, but all of the Criterion prefits I have shot have been capable of half moa with a little load development.

That's my opinion. It's worth what you paid for it.

 

[EastCOYotes]

Savage is offering a new competition model that comes in an MDT chassis around your mentioned price. It’s not a “custom build” but would be a good gun for the price IMO and you’re set up for savage prefit barrels.

Some don’t like Savages, but they are proven to be accurate shooters and I think they’re competitively priced for what you’re getting.

All that said, if you’re patient and wait for deals on the PX you could probably build the same thing on a BigHorn or other action for nearly the same price.

 

[Jabot]

I got a bighorn orgin ba and a mpa lite on the exchange site for 1600 shoots 1/2 moa

 

[BrentlyWhite]

Savage is offering a new competition model that comes in an MDT chassis around your mentioned price. It’s not a “custom build” but would be a good gun for the price IMO and you’re set up for savage prefit barrels.

Some don’t like Savages, but they are proven to be accurate shooters and I think they’re competitively priced for what you’re getting.

All that said, if you’re patient and wait for deals on the PX you could probably build the same thing on a BigHorn or other action for nearly the same price.

I just bought a Savage Model 12 Varmit Action, bottom metal, mag, NSS barrel nut, NSS recoil lug for 350 (from the PX), add a criterion prefit 6.5cm barrel 375, a XLR element chassis 595, brake 100, 20 MOA base 100 and I am at $1,520.

 

[Army First]

I own an MPA BA in 6.5CM. My budget this time was to stay below the MPA cost but I'm not doing so well

I'm collecting parts for a rifle build, the majority of parts are new and the calculator says I am just above $2200 already .
I could have saved some money in different areas but I have an idea in my head and this is what I want.


You could wait and hit the BF sales hard and gather a lot of those parts in one big sweep or visit the PX and get something nice. Doing both might be the real answer to stay within your budget. When you are going after what you want it can get expensive.

 

[SonicBurlap]

I own an MPA BA in 6.5CM. My budget this time was to stay below the MPA cost but I'm not doing so well

I'm collecting parts for a rifle build, the majority of parts are new and the calculator says I am just above $2200 already .
I could have saved some money in different areas but I have an idea in my head and this is what I want.


You could wait and hit the BF sales hard and gather a lot of those parts in one big sweep or visit the PX and get something nice. Doing both might be the real answer to stay within your budget. When you are going after what you want it can get expensive.

You said it brother, $150 here, $300 there, ... before you know it you've got a $5,000 - $6,000 rig assembled with glass and rings. This is an expensive addiction but a man's got to do, what a man's got to do.

 

[Deep South Tactical]

We do a lot of defiance tenacity barreled actions for $1599 also. You can pick your barrel contour and caliber. That’s for short action. Long actions are a little more. We keep them in stock to.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

$1800 isn't going to get you a custom build that's worth a crap. You're going to skimp on a lot to stay within budget.

If I had $1800 to spend I'd find a cheap Ruger RPR in whatever caliber (except 223) for $800 or so, order a Proof stainless prefit for it for under $400 next week from Stockys when they go on sale, drop a Seekins SP3R forend on it at the same time as the barrel, tune the trigger or get an aftermarket, and get a couple KAC SR25 mags.

 

[zr600]

Maybe consider a Bergara hmr they shoot good could shoot it the way it is just scope it and ammo and gonhave fun. Mine is very accurate even with the hornady match ammo. The action is smooth stock is solid.