LCDR JGB - Surgeon is the route I am considering and I was referring to in my above post. Since it may help the OP and many of us would you tell us a little about your rifle and experience with Surgeon. Many thanks.
It isn't too much different than the rifle listed in the "rifles for sale section" on their website. Specs as follows:
591/R w/ tactical bolt knob
308 Win
Jewell
24" bartlein, MTU
Badger FTE installed
MCM A5 in Sand Cammo (I was able to choose between that and an AICS 2.0, but it would have been nice to get the A1-3 ... it's just more my style)
FDE Cerakote
Fit an finish of the barreled action and bottom metal to the stock is first rate. I think they micro slick the bolt because it glides in the receiver raceway as if it's sliding over ice when I cycle it. It is a bughole gun at 100 yds, and I can fit 10 shots in a circle about the size of a coke can top at 400 yds. I would take pictures of it to post, but I'm taking advantage of APA's barrel install deal and having 6.5 CM and 223 barrels fit onto it for a switch hitter system. Also, I decided to have Jared circumcise that 308 24" barrel down to 16.5".
From when I gave Stephen at Surgeon my build specs to having the rifle in-hand was about 2 months. After you get it, they will call about 2-3 weeks later you to make sure that you are happy with it. I heard they have an IDIQ contract, which is making it difficult to get actions. But, I would be happy with any of their SA offerings they have at the moment (6XC, 6.5 CM, 260, and 308). If you want a magnum, you'd probably need to call and ask. Nothing wrong with talking with Stephen or Wade and asking if what they can do for you. Not too long ago, I pleaded for a 223 bolt assembly so I could make a switch barrel setup and they were able to scrounge one up for me in about a month. I would love to call them again and order a 300 NM, but I can't really justify such a rifle while I'm living in the NE.
I also want to put a plug in for Mark Gordon (SAC) and Jared Joplin (APA). Both are fine gentlemen that will go through all the aspects of the build with you to make sure you are getting what you want and that will perform to your expectations. A good friend of mine has a badass 260 Rem rig built with Mark's Alpha 11 action in a KRG W-3 chassis; barreled action melonited. It's a laser beam. Took him about 10 weeks to get it after placing the order. I almost went with him too, but the combination of Jared's barrel install deal and his absolutely first class customer service was too tempting to pass up.
When I was starting out, a friend of mine told me to get a 5R before going for a full custom rig. I did that, but I regret it. I should have gone with a full custom rig from the get go. I told a friend of mine (the one with the Alpha 11 260 in the KRG W-3) to start off with the 5R. He bought the 5R, but a short time later he regretted doing that and bought a full custom gun and sold his 5R (sinking several hundred dollars in the process). The 5R I bought now belongs to my wife, and I've put enough money in it (cerakote, mini-chassis, bolt knob, muzzle threading, new trigger, ect) that it is effectively a custom gun. In the 5R's defense, however, once you find a good handload for it, it can hold its own (well, at least with the one I was able to score).
