Critique my proposed build

[stalski]

My current stock 700 is great but I'm looking for something different.

Specifically I'm looking for a 308 cal rifle good for up to 400 yards max, rugged and easy to carry/fold/sling and shoot under all conditions not just bench rest.

Given that at any given time 400 people are looking at this section of the forum I thought I'd see if anyone has built this exact rifle and has any rants/raves/suggestions:

AICS 2.0 SA folding stock
Atlas bipod
Surgeon 591ss action
Krieger 18 inch 1:11.25 twist fluted barrel
Jewell trigger

Any lessons or avoid's on this combo?

 

[Graham]

Re: Critique my proposed build

There's nothing wrong with that as a build.

I like a Manners thumbhole stock for a lightweight build, but that's just me.

What barrel contour? It matters.

 

[K2Ballistics]

Re: Critique my proposed build

I have all of those parts you speak of, just not necessarily on the same gun.

Since this is to be a rugged field gun, I would suggest a Huber or Jackson trigger.

+1 on Manners stock, but then I'm not a huge fan of folders.

 

[stalski]

Re: Critique my proposed build

Was thinking about copying AI's contour, but any recommendations?

Thanks for thevHuber rec, I'll read upon em

 

[High Binder]

Re: Critique my proposed build

With the conditions (easy to pack/carry) you stated and being that you're only going for 400yrds max I would buy an off-the-shelf 308 hunting rig R700 or Savage. From my point of view your proposed rig is gross overkill and you could save a lot of money for other things like reloading gear/scope/etc.

 

[sawman556]

Re: Critique my proposed build

I'd put a 20" barrel on it. If your going to spend that much cash you might as well be able to reach a bit further. Or build a AR-10 with 16" barrel. Also check out the XLR and KRG chassis. A Stiller TAC 30 would also save you a few bucks over the Surgeon. What's the plan on optics?

 

[excess]

Re: Critique my proposed build

That's a lot of money for 400 yards!!

 

[Wolfish365]

Re: Critique my proposed build

I agree, that's a lot of expense to put into a rifle that's only intended to reach out that far. Especially when your barrel is already really short with little room to set back for improved accuracy after accuracy starts going downhill in the future. If you're going custom build, do something besides the standard.

 

[MLC]

Re: Critique my proposed build

Why 30 cal for 400 and under.
I'd go 6mm or 223/AI for that range.
Bullets are cheaper, less recoil.
Smaller contour barrel with the same stiffness.

 

[Boltfluter]

Re: Critique my proposed build

How about a Tikka T3 in .308. Great price,easy to pack and very accurate. What's not to like.

Regards, Paul.

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: Critique my proposed build

less then 400? fuck man do a 16" in a manners folder with mini chassis, that would be bad ass.

 

[stalski]

Re: Critique my proposed build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">From my point of view your proposed rig is gross overkill </div></div>

LOL, it definitely is but almost everything we do on this site is overkill, no?

I'm looking for a light, folding & rugged weapon that can put up with anything and can shoot 1 inch groups at 400 (aka outshoot me). My stock remmy 700, even with a truing / re-barelling cannot.

When I'm shooting from 400-1000+ I'll use another caliber that's more suited for that distance. While the 308 is pretty good out to 800-900 with 175's, it's hardly 'ideal' and a 338LM for example would grossly outshine a 308 at this distance IMHO.

Ideal is what we're all searching for, no?

So thanks for the recommendations so far. I'll look into Huber triggers and it looks like the Manners folding stocks are ~1 less than the AICS and quite a bit cheaper.

 

[hewlett260]

Re: Critique my proposed build

Here are my suggestions: first is the barrel, if it was me it would be a Bartlein or a Rock Creek and for a 308 I would go with a 10" twist rate for heavier bullets. Already own the AICS and love it so I would definitely do another build with one. Huber trigger all the way.
However, here is where you and I would not see eye to eye. If you are only going out to 400 yards go with a caliber that would really shine for that range. Some one mentioned a 223, and that would be awesome. I would try something new like for me maybe a 6.5 Grendel. Plenty of factory and reloading a mini cartridge. Almost no recoil and minimal powder consumption.
As far as an optic, can't go wrong with Nightforce. Thats just me sayin give it a thought. At the end of the day whatever makes you happy.

 

[XTR]

Re: Critique my proposed build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stalski</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...<span style="font-weight: bold">and can shoot 1 inch groups at 400 (aka outshoot me).</span> My stock remmy 700, even with a truing / re-barelling cannot.

... </div></div>

That's .25MOA, you are looking for bench rest accuracy. You aren't getting there. That requires way more money and time on reloading than on the rifle.

I hunt with a stock R700 that I dropped into a B&C A2, shooting my reloads in 165 SGKs will shoot .75MOA at 200. (that's about 1.5 inches) so figure it's probably an MOA gun at 400. I've played with it at 600 and was able to keep the majority of the shots in the 10 ring of an F-class target. (that's 1MOA)

What are you planning to shoot with a 308 at 400 yards for which a sub MOA rifle won't work?

If I were spending that much $$ I'd buy something with more capabilities.

 

[Layton]

Re: Critique my proposed build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stalski</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
LOL, it definitely is but almost everything we do on this site is overkill, no?
</div></div>

LOL, yep. Who cares what you want to do with it. The fact is it's something you want to do and thats all that matters. Practicality be damned.

L

 

[VKC]

Re: Critique my proposed build

Pick the components you want.

Get behind the stock you are getting 1st, and shoot someone else's rifle before purchasing. Consider what positions you will be shooting from, mostly prone, off-hand etc...and make these considerations.

Consider threading and capping or putting a muzzle break on your barrel.

Nothing wrong with a 18" barrel, the short length comes in handy. Your velocities will depend on if you handload or not.

 

[quacktastic]

Re: Critique my proposed build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">less then 400? fuck man do a 16" in a manners folder with mini chassis, that would be bad ass. </div></div>
+1

 

[PatrickChewing]

Re: Critique my proposed build

Something like this comes to mind

 

[dawson08]

Re: Critique my proposed build

go to gotxring.com and look at there hunting rig. just get a lighter weight ar stock and it will be lighter the the stock you are looking at plus you can get a folder adapter for it, just my 2 cents

 

[JudasMac]

Re: Critique my proposed build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Layton</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stalski</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
LOL, it definitely is but almost everything we do on this site is overkill, no?
</div></div>

LOL, yep. Who cares what you want to do with it. The fact is it's something you want to do and thats all that matters. Practicality be damned.

L </div></div>

+1!!! It's your gun, build it how you want it. I'm in the middle of a 16" sub-moa build that a lot of people have said is not practical... but it's my money and it's what I want, so hell with em. I think your build sounds like it'd be sweet.

 

[catronro]

Re: Critique my proposed build

Build it the way you want or you will always wonder what might have been!

 

[fenwick253]

Re: Critique my proposed build

"It's your money, use it when you need it!"

-J.G. Wentworth

 

[kanej]

Re: Critique my proposed build

I would assume you would have a ton of fun with your proposed setup.

 

[The Busby]

Re: Critique my proposed build

i run a folding McRee. That stock with a 700 sps 18" barrell and a Vortex PST for the unconditional warranty.

 

[JB02]

Re: Critique my proposed build

I would skip the AICS and go with a Manners mini-chassis T3 (T5 if you must have the thumbhole). This will be lighter weight. Run a triad tactical stock pack to get rid of the weight of the adjustable hardware.

Consider a Sendero barrel. This will make the rifle light enough to carry around, yet sturdy enough to make recoil manageable.

A 1/10 twist would stabilize heavier bullets better, especially with the shorter barrel, but 11.25 should work fine if that's all that's available.

Have fun!

 

[stalski]

Re: Critique my proposed build

yup, that's the idea!

 

[stalski]

Re: Critique my proposed build

Thanks, that's my attitude and general philosophy

 

[stalski]

Re: Critique my proposed build

For anyone who's interested, I decided to go with a Mcree folding chassis.

Instead of going with a Surgeon / Kreiger, I also decided (for now) just to true my existing remmy 700 action and chop the barrel. Its round count is only ~500 right now.

"Short Action Customs" is doing the work, right now they say their waitlist is around ~3 months. So expect pics in ~3 months!

 

[lestersurv]

Re: Critique my proposed build

18" barrel is too short unless you intend suppressed use.
No need to be hung-up on Krieger, plenty of other fine cut-rifled barrelmakers to choose from. Maybe try for an Obermeyer...

Here's a critique: You got one bolt rifle, why not go Armalite Platform and open-up new horizons for precision shooting and obtain versatility no boltgun offers? No more worries about stockmakers or bedding. None of the anxieties of which bolt-fluting pattern to choose or which recoil lug or scope base.

 

[VKC]

Re: Critique my proposed build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stalski</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For anyone who's interested, I decided to go with a Mcree folding chassis.

Instead of going with a Surgeon / Kreiger, I also decided (for now) just to true my existing remmy 700 action and chop the barrel. Its round count is only ~500 right now.

"Short Action Customs" is doing the work, right now they say their waitlist is around ~3 months. So expect pics in ~3 months! </div></div>

Not a bad choice for the money, and will do what you want and more.

 

[HOGTOOTH5R]

Re: Critique my proposed build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PatrickChewing</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Something like this comes to mind

</div></div>

I'LL TAKE IT!!! LOL...Oh Waite, just got too excited when I saw that picuture.

But on a Serious note to OP,

if 400 Yards is "Only" as far as you're going to be using this Rifle, then I too suggest to just Save the Money and buy a Tikka T3 Scout TCR, wether in a .308 or .223 then buy a KRG or XLR Folding Stock and be done with it! I have Tikka T3 Scouts in Both mentioned Cal and I must say the Accuracy and Quality is on par with some of the "Custom" Builds out there! And the best part is, you can do All of this without the Usual Months and Months of Waiting for a Custom to be completed. Just my 2 Cents. Good Luck!!!