First Build w/Pics

[Done Vida]

Here a few pictures of my first build. Let me know what u guys think.









Trued and skim bedded 700 action
Benchmark m40/m24 contour 1:11 barrel finished at 24in. Chambered in .308
Badger recoil lug
B&C m40A1 stock
Timmey trigger set at two lbs
Wyatt's 5 round DBM and guard
Badger 20 MOA rail
Work done by Howard Pitts at Pitts Precision Rifles. I can't say enough about Howard, great guy who does awesome work and has good turn around time. I don't know if other smiths do this but he gave me a piece of the barrel, from when he cut and crowned it, that he chambered with same reamer so I could check head spacing when I start to reload. Shot five round groups at 100yds that a dime could cover with a 3x9x40 I had from a hunting rifle(pics are on my old phone). Hoping to get glass and some color on it next. Also, I have posted a few times on here looking for guys to shoot with and learn from so anybody in the middle Tn area that would want to help a new guy out let me know.

 

[texote]

Nice looking rifle! Lemme know how you like that benchmark barrel, I just ordered my first one

 

[Done Vida]

I like it so far. With ammo being so expensive and not reloading I haven't got to shoot all the new off of it yet, and sorry for the crappy pictures I did that whole post on my phone.

 

[Shoalwater]

Looks good, what kind of groups are you getting with the factory ammo you have been shooting.

 

[Done Vida]

I have only taken it to the 100yd range to break in the new barrel and zero a scope. Groups were pretty consistant at just outside the edges of a dime and a few the dime would cover. I wish I still had the pictures of a few of the better ones. I am as new as they come to all this so I just went with 168 SMK's and 175 SMK's because that is what is most recommended. I'm not sure if it was just me but the 175's seem to produce better groups than the 168's. I don't think either way has any effect at 100yd.

 

[Sportin Wood]

That Benchmark barrel will treat you right... Good choice in barrel manufacturer!!!

 

[tinytree]

it looks great! what kind of scope are you gonna get?

 

[Done Vida]

Thanks. I'm not sure yet. I don't wann spend more than $1500 but there are a lot of options out there at that price range. I started out wanting to buy a nice NF or Leupold but I am thinking I may go with something like a PST or Weaver Tactical and use some of my budget for ammo. I would rather be at the range with an $800 scope than on my sofa staring at my $1500 one.

 

[Shoalwater]

Done Vida I sent you a PM

 

[nightwolf0215]

Show some group pictures when you got it. Viper PST is a fine scope.

 

[leadbullet]

nice build, no worries about the benchmark barrel, I have 4 of them and will soon order another, all have been 1/2 MOA or better.
congrats.

 

[xXlojackXx]

Thanks. I'm not sure yet. I don't wann spend more than $1500 but there are a lot of options out there at that price range. I started out wanting to buy a nice NF or Leupold but I am thinking I may go with something like a PST or Weaver Tactical and use some of my budget for ammo. I would rather be at the range with an $800 scope than on my sofa staring at my $1500 one.

Pick up a used NF. No point in "settling" on optics from what you originally wanted now that your custom build is ready for it. Ammo will be around. I have some leftover .30 168gr BTHP Hornady Match bullets you can have to get you rolling if you want them.

 

[glassbeaver]

Looks great! Just got a benchmark myself so eager to see the range report.

 

[bobaguilar]

Very nice rifle. Nicer when you build it yourself.

 

[Done Vida]

PM replied. Lojack, I would really appreciate it. I'll shoot you a pm. As far as scope choice I go back and forth about it. My biggest issue at this point is a range past 100 yds. There is a gun club a northeast of me that has a 300yd range but the waiting list to join the club is miles long. I'll try to get some pictures from the range posted in the next couple of weeks.

 

[diderr]

nice build.

 

[slingshot14]

That is sick bud!!! Anxious to hear how it shoots.

 

[Landon]

Thanks. I'm not sure yet. I don't wann spend more than $1500 but there are a lot of options out there at that price range. I started out wanting to buy a nice NF or Leupold but I am thinking I may go with something like a PST or Weaver Tactical and use some of my budget for ammo. I would rather be at the range with an $800 scope than on my sofa staring at my $1500 one.

You can always pick up a bushnell 3.5-21 with the 5 mil per rev turrets. I have been very impressed with this scope. It would complement that rifle nicely and probably be half way between a nightforce and the PST on price.

Great looking rifle.

 

[falluchi624]

Nikon Buckminster has tactical 1/8 moa adjustment. I love mine, it makes it to 600 yards no problem, I know with a 20 map base it has plenty of adjustment to reach 1000 yards. I love mine, and it is just as clear as my buddy's nf. They are available with different radicals. Mine cost like $450 or somewhere right in that rang. I think it's a 6-18 power. Give them a look I think you will be surprised.

Gun looks great btw. I shot the factory federal goldmatch aim with 168smk. At 600 it seemed like I'd get the occasional flyer, and a lot where on shots that I felt where good. I agree that the 175 are more accurate.

 

[thrusty]

Nice stick! You will be really happy with that build.

 

[Done Vida]

Hey Guys, bringing up this old thread cause I have made some changes to my rifle. Just wanted to show them off a bit. Did the camo job myself with spray paint. Sent the barreled action back to Howard to shorten the barrel down to 20 inches and cerakote in od. I wanted a sort of do it all rifle and the previous barrel length was a pain to carry through the woods. Excuse the bad phone pics.

Still using the same Nikon hunting scope. Tax time I plan on upgrading. Here are some groups from this past weekend all at 100yds with factory FGMM 168 SMK's
Two shots of adjustments then an 8 shot group

5 shot group

And the best 5 shot group I have ever shot

Planning on attending a course when it warms up and getting into some local matches. Wanna say a quick thank you to Low Light for an awesome site. I would have probably never found this hobby with out it and I have learned a ton in the past year or so. Keep up the good work