buliding an 7.62x51 R700 - Any suggestion is appreciated

[ShinonomeRyoko]

I'm new here. I live in CA and all I have previously owned was a Gen 3 glock 34. I planned to bulid a PSR recently and did some research. Below is my parts purchasing plan for the R700. I'm guessing there might be some compatibility issues or common mistakes that novices often make. Any suggestion or correction is appreciated.

1. Chassis: (1)MDT ESS R700 SA BASE + (2)MDT ESS Forend No Rail 15” + (3)MDT SRS-XF Folding Stock. LOP is 13.75"-14.75”.
2. Action: Impact Precision 737R .308 / 20MOA TOP RAIL
3. Barrel: Proof Research 737R pre-fit 28'' Competition Contour/1:10" Twist (It seems to be out of stock across the entire internet tho, and is 1:10" twist rate a good choice?)
4. Trigger Group: TriggerTech Rem 700 Clone Diamond Flat
5. Scope: (1) NF ATACR – 7-35x56
or (2) Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56
or (3) Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56
Reticle pending. Any idea that which one might be better?
6. Scope Mount : Hawkins Precision Heavy Tactical One-Piece 1.5'' and 0 MOA CANT. Ring size depening on the scope.
7. Bipods: MDT CKYE-POD Gen2 Double Pull - BTC/ARMS
8. A Kestrel 5700 Elite (Is this a worthy item for beginner?)

And one last question, which of these parts might have a big discount during black friday?

 

[pmclaine]

I'd go with .308 instead.

 

[ShinonomeRyoko]

I'd go with .308 instead.

I heard that 7.62x51 ammo works fine in .308 action. Is it wrong?

 

[pmclaine]

I am messing around.

They are the same.

Having said that someone will say differently.

I would keep an eye in the PX here and find yourself some savings.

I would have no problem buying glass or an action at discount in the site PX. Also look for trigger, Kestrel, rings, etc in there.

Buy a brand new barrel though.

Your bigger concern is your builder. Who are you going to have build it?

 

[ShinonomeRyoko]

I am messing around.

They are the same.

Having said that someone will say differently.

I would keep an eye in the PX here and find yourself some savings.

I would have no problem buying glass or an action at discount in the site PX. Also look for trigger, Kestrel, rings, etc in there.

Buy a brand new barrel though.

Your bigger concern is your builder. Who are you going to have build it?

Good point. I thought I could assemble it in my room. Since you asked then I guess it is not practical for beginner to finish this. Would it be a good idea to find a local gunsmith with good rep to do it? Looks like there are a lot of gunsmiths in SoCal tho.

If I can't get a pre-fit barrel, what steps should I take to make a non-pre-fit one work?

 

[Aftermath]

Good point. I thought I could assemble it in my room. Since you asked then I guess it is not practical for beginner to finish this. Would it be a good idea to find a local gunsmith with good rep to do it? Looks like there are a lot of gunsmiths in SoCal tho.

If I can't get a pre-fit barrel, what steps should I take to make a non-pre-fit one work?

In your room....as in your bedroom?

 

[MarshallDodge]

Why 308? It isn't a bad caliber, but the shooting world is moving away from it. There are other cartridges, such as 6 or 6.5 Creedmoor, that are more popular.

You should be able to take a barrel headspaced for an Impact 737 action and screw it on that action. You will need a good barrel vice, action and torque wrench. You may also want to check headspace when you are done, which requires headspace gauges.

 

[pmclaine]

Why 308? It isn't a bad caliber, but the shooting world is moving away from it. There are other cartridges, such as 6 or 6.5 Creedmoor, that are more popular.

You should be able to take a barrel headspaced for an Impact 737 action and screw it on that action. You will need a good barrel vice, action and torque wrench. You may also want to check headspace when you are done, which requires headspace gauges.

This man is correct with all except questioning “why .308”.

He has shown he is a heretic.

Let your first instincts guide you.

…..and just buy a TacOps and call it done.

 

[Hecouldgoalltheway]

You can install your own barrel. You can put all of the parts together. I could walk my 5 year old through the process. Don't pay a gunsmith to put your Legos together. You could do fucking brain surgery while building a rocket ship with a few youtube videos in 2024. There's not one damn thing complicated about putting these parts together.

However, if you look at all of the short action cartridge options available for that bolt face, plug in your intended use, and think critically, there's no reason to shoot a .308. Whatever this thing is going to be used for, there's a better cartridge. The only contest a .308 will ever win is that it's faster than a 30/30.... slightly.

 

[NHPiper]

For what it's worth, don't get a 28" barrel. Get a 20" to 24" barrel. Especially if you plan to run a can.

 

[Rob01]

I'm new here. I live in CA and all I have previously owned was a Gen 3 glock 34. I planned to bulid a PSR recently and did some research. Below is my parts purchasing plan for the R700. I'm guessing there might be some compatibility issues or common mistakes that novices often make. Any suggestion or correction is appreciated.

1. Chassis: (1)MDT ESS R700 SA BASE + (2)MDT ESS Forend No Rail 15” + (3)MDT SRS-XF Folding Stock. LOP is 13.75"-14.75”.
2. Action: Impact Precision 737R .308 / 20MOA TOP RAIL
3. Barrel: Proof Research 737R pre-fit 28'' Competition Contour/1:10" Twist (It seems to be out of stock across the entire internet tho, and is 1:10" twist rate a good choice?)
4. Trigger Group: TriggerTech Rem 700 Clone Diamond Flat
5. Scope: (1) NF ATACR – 7-35x56
or (2) Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56
or (3) Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56
Reticle pending. Any idea that which one might be better?
6. Scope Mount : Hawkins Precision Heavy Tactical One-Piece 1.5'' and 0 MOA CANT. Ring size depening on the scope.
7. Bipods: MDT CKYE-POD Gen2 Double Pull - BTC/ARMS
8. A Kestrel 5700 Elite (Is this a worthy item for beginner?)

And one last question, which of these parts might have a big discount during black friday?

First that’s not a R700. That means Remington 700 to most everyone. Your list is better but stop calling it a R700.

Nothing wrong with a 28” .308 with a 10 twist. It’s exactly what I have on my match rifle now but mine is an M24 contour barrel. It loves the 176 ATips!

Any reason you will need a double pull bipod?

And unless you are running the full mirage shield on your chassis you can use a 1.26” height and be fine. I’d take a look at the Zeiss S3 6-36 also for an optic.

 

[FuhQ]

For what it's worth, don't get a 28" barrel. Get a 20" to 24" barrel. Especially if you plan to run a can.

He's in California, I don't think that's happening...

 

[NHPiper]

He's in California, I don't think that's happening...

I had that feeling but hoped otherwise.

I retract my statement. Go 24-28" and enjoy the speed.

My first custom bolt gun I saved for was a 20" 308 from SPR that was a laser. I still miss it.

 

[Im2bent]

 

[MarshallDodge]

This man is correct with all except questioning “why .308”.

He has shown he is a heretic.

Let your first instincts guide you.

…..and just buy a TacOps and call it done.

I own 3 or 4 7.62x51 rifles, just don't see a reason to build another one in 2024. Take a look at how long they sit for sale in the PX and that should tell you something.

 

[ShinonomeRyoko]

In your room....as in your bedroom?

Exactly.

 

[ShinonomeRyoko]

Why 308? It isn't a bad caliber, but the shooting world is moving away from it. There are other cartridges, such as 6 or 6.5 Creedmoor, that are more popular.

You should be able to take a barrel headspaced for an Impact 737 action and screw it on that action. You will need a good barrel vice, action and torque wrench. You may also want to check headspace when you are done, which requires headspace gauges.

I personally love calibers that are being used by military. But if 7.62x51/.308 has a much worse performance than creedmoors in long-range shooting then I guess ill reconsider it.

 

[ShinonomeRyoko]

For what it's worth, don't get a 28" barrel. Get a 20" to 24" barrel. Especially if you plan to run a can.

Why 20''/24'' would be a better choice than 28'' barrel?

 

[ShinonomeRyoko]

First that’s not a R700. That means Remington 700 to most everyone. Your list is better but stop calling it a R700.

Nothing wrong with a 28” .308 with a 10 twist. It’s exactly what I have on my match rifle now but mine is an M24 contour barrel. It loves the 176 ATips!

Any reason you will need a double pull bipod?

And unless you are running the full mirage shield on your chassis you can use a 1.26” height and be fine. I’d take a look at the Zeiss S3 6-36 also for an optic.

I choose double pull bipod incase someday I need a longer stretch. As the ring height, is there any disadvantage using a 1.5'' one?

 

[ShinonomeRyoko]

He's in California, I don't think that's happening...

Honestly I'm not sure lol. I remembered that the only restriction for BAs in CA is no .50 BMG.

 

[pmclaine]

I own 3 or 4 7.62x51 rifles, just don't see a reason to build another one in 2024. Take a look at how long they sit for sale in the PX and that should tell you something.

Why would someone sell one?

 

[NHPiper]

Why 20''/24'' would be a better choice than 28'' barrel?

So take this for what it's worth, but I enjoy more of a practical style of shooting.meaning I like to shoot steel at distance and often have to jump the rifle or toss it in a vehicle to go somewhere. I find that even my 26" 6cm is long and unwieldy, but it serves a purpose. If you are going to be shooting from a bench, maybe shooting comps, then sure an 24-26" barrel might be worth it. I would probably still choose something slightly shorter.

You give up speed, so more drop, but usually the wind drift isn't that impacted. There is a reason a lot of people build 16-18" barreled guns. More elevation dial and less velocity for bullet expansion down range are the two big draw backs that come to mind.

Short story, I wouldn't want to hump around a 28" barrel. I don't think the velocity gains a 22" to a 28" are likely to met you enough to offset the extra length/weight. However, I would encourage you to do some reading on this, maybe play with a ballistic calculator to explore some loads, etc before making a decision.

 

[Rob01]

I choose double pull bipod incase someday I need a longer stretch. As the ring height, is there any disadvantage using a 1.5'' one?

You obviously have deep pockets so buy away. No real disadvantage to the 1.5" mount as long as you have the adjustment in your stock to raise the comb enough to be comfortable behind it.

On barrel length, comes down to use. Will you be carrying it around in the woods hunting? If so then a shorter and lighter contour as well. But if shooting it long range the velocity does help at how far out you can reach with it. There is nothing wrong with a 28" barrel. I have run one on my 6.5s since 2008 in matches. The 28" on a .308 is a good match for long range. I wouldn't change it.

As to caliber, stick with the .308 when getting into the sport. You will get longer barrel life to learn. The 6.5 Creedmoor is a great caliber but you can have both if you just buy a barrel in Creedmoor as you get more comfortable shooting long range. It uses the same bolt face and magazines as the .308 so you can just swap barrels at home.

 

[Aftermath]

In your room....as in your bedroom?

Exactly.

Will this rifle be used against Ida?