Custom build questions.

[AEROMechanic]

I've come to the realization that purchasing an AIAW or AIAX is a pipe-dream for the forseable future so I'm going to have to go the custom route. It'll be used for punching holes in paper, smacking steel, the occasional marksmenship course, and every once in while, hunting.

I'm going to pick up a Surgeon XL action and make it switchbarrel capable so, who would you guys recommend for this task? If this action can't be used for said task can you recommend one that can?

For the trigger I'm putting durrability/reliability above adjust-ability. Who makes a "to hell and back" trigger that fits the above criteria?

For the barrel I was thinking something in the Bartlin flavor unless theres a higher quality manufacturer.

I'm gonna pick up an Atlas V8 and an AICS LA 2.0and a grippy check pad, and a spigot. I'm also looking to change out the standard AICS skins with either the new pistol-grip AI skins or the Viper skins.

On that note, is there a quality diference between the AI and Victor skins that makes the Victor Co skins worth $80 more?

As far as glass goes I'm looking at either a S&B or Hensoldt FFP, don't know about a reticle and would love suggestions based upon what I'll be using the rifle for.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[The Surgeons Ghost]

Re: Custom build questions.

Okay, switch barrel. Are you talking about pulling on out and dropping in another and continue to shoot, switch out? Or the old fashioned way with a barrel vise and an action wrench?

What do the AW's sell for? $5 grand give or take?

By the time you finish this build, the way you have it now, you could most likely buy an AIAW.

Oh, and the Surgeons are caliber specific.

 

[AEROMechanic]

Re: Custom build questions.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The_Surgeon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay, switch barrel. Are you talking about pulling on out and dropping in another and continue to shoot, switch out? Or the old fashioned way with a barrel vise and an action wrench?
<span style="color: #CC0000">Barrel vise and an action wrench.</span>

What do the AW's sell for? $5 grand give or take?
<span style="color: #CC0000">New, I'm seeing them for the same price of a new AX, about $7800+/-
There is a used AW on here for $4800 (incredible price) but it's not a folder and thats a no-go for me.</span>By the time you finish this build, the way you have it now, you could most likely buy an AIAW.

Oh, and the Surgeons are caliber specific.
<span style="color: #FF0000">10-4, All I'd ever be doing is replacing shot out barrels and swaping for diferent lengths and profiles.</span> </div></div>

 

[George63]

Re: Custom build questions.

if you want a switch barrel the AI AX is designed for this exact feature - only requires an allen wrench that stores in the grip

realistically without the design for it the barrel swapping just will not happen because it will be too much of a PITA - remove the stock, remove the scope, remove the scope base, fit up the action in the wrench without F ing up the finish, good luck not leaving marks from the barrel vice - then put it all back together, maybe redo the scope base bedding

so if you really want 2 chamberings the AX with an extra barrel may be as cost efficient as 2 separate actions etc

what is pretty simple is 2 barreled actions in 1 stock, but after separate optics you do not save much

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Custom build questions.

For the price of a custom, you could buy an Accuracy International AE. You can switch barrels at home with it as well. You can also use the same action-wrench and barrel vice if you ever get your AW.

 

[hdbiker1]

Re: Custom build questions.

To make a switch barrel rifle, the only thing needed besides the internal action wrench and barrel vise is to have the recoil lug pinned. And no, it isn't necessary to remove the scope, base and stock. As far as marking of the barrel, I use a couple of index cards in my aluminum vise that's similar to the one Tubbs sells.

 

[The Surgeons Ghost]

Re: Custom build questions.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LarryA</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The_Surgeon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay, switch barrel. Are you talking about pulling on out and dropping in another and continue to shoot, switch out? Or the old fashioned way with a barrel vise and an action wrench?
<span style="color: #CC0000">Barrel vise and an action wrench.</span>

What do the AW's sell for? $5 grand give or take?
<span style="color: #CC0000">New, I'm seeing them for the same price of a new AX, about $7800+/-
There is a used AW on here for $4800 (incredible price) but it's not a folder and thats a no-go for me.</span>By the time you finish this build, the way you have it now, you could most likely buy an AIAW.

Oh, and the Surgeons are caliber specific.
<span style="color: #FF0000">10-4, All I'd ever be doing is replacing shot out barrels and swaping for diferent lengths and profiles.</span> </div></div> </div></div>

I built a few, many here have built way more guns than I. With the Surgeon 1581 XL/R you are going to dump just about as much money as you would on an AI. What I am trying to tell you is that you would be happier when it is all said and done to buy an AI.

Here is a link to Surgeon and one of there AI 2.0 rifles.
http://www.surgeonrifles.com/300-norma-remedy-3-27-6

If you can do the build yourself without going to a smith, you should be able to do it a bit cheaper that Surgeon's price, but you are not going to beat it buy a hole heck of a lot. I and many folks here have been down the road that you are getting ready to go down and are just giving you some advice. Whether or not you want to take it is up to you. Give Surgeon a call and ask for Wade. Tell him what you are looking for and maybe he can help. Either way, expect to spend at least $5,000.

 

[Rthur]

Re: Custom build questions.

I wouldn't discount the AIAE as mentioned. They are great shooters and have almost all of the AW's options.

 

[AEROMechanic]

Re: Custom build questions.


i appreciate your honesty, and given the cost of all the components I think Ill just save a bit longer. Waiting sucks

LarryA

 

[The Surgeons Ghost]

Re: Custom build questions.

What caliber are you going with?

 

[AEROMechanic]

Re: Custom build questions.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The_Surgeon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What caliber are you going with? </div></div>

.338 Lapua, What calibers are you currently running?

 

[The Surgeons Ghost]

Re: Custom build questions.

That 338 is something. I run a Surgeon 308 and I am currently building a 300 RUM. Right now I am at a stand still, at the mercy of McMillan waiting on a stock.

 

[The Lawn Ranger]

Re: Custom build questions.

If you are ok with a bull-pup design you may want to look at the Desert Tactical Arms SRS. They made switch barrel a breeze and the conversion kits are under $2k (barrel, mag, bolt). People here have great things to say about the system.

DTA SRS

 

[AEROMechanic]

Re: Custom build questions.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m14er</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are ok with a bull-pup design you may want to look at the Desert Tactical Arms SRS. They made switch barrel a breeze and the conversion kits are under $2k (barrel, mag, bolt). People here have great things to say about the system.

DTA SRS

</div></div>

I considered them but im left handed and having to lose cheekweld everytime i cycle the bolt is a no go

 

[Joebill]

Re: Custom build questions.

Best advice I can give is get what you want don't settle it will cost more down the road