Help me upgrade a savage model 16 hunting rifle.

[aSkyTits]

Would like some help choosing the right parts for my step dads hunting rifle. also trying to keep the cost down on this but don't want to half-ass anything.

Rifle is a savage model 16 243 win with top bolt release and internal magazine. looking to change the Barrel, Stock, Bottom Metal and add a Suppressor.

Barrel: needs to be 16" 308 win (needs to shoot 1 MOA or under with factory hunting ammo as well group some subsonics decently). should i replace the recoil lug and true the front of the action while i am at it?

Stock: Looking at a boyds prairie hunter but if you have something better please tell (should i just bed it or also add pillars?)

Bottom metal: looking at the PTG Stealth (dont really like the two peice factory bdm)

Suppressor: looking at the trash panda (if i go with the trash panda should the new barrel be tappered or do you think it doesnt really matter as long as i torque the cherrybomb)

also please recommend a gunsmith that could do all of this work and give me a rough estimate on the cost for the gunsmith to do this.

Thanks.

 

[Rover31]

why 308?, why 16in?

learn how to reload vs buying factory ammo this could give big gains in the accuracy department.

Better lug and nut will not hurt but are not a must, other variables (mostly the shooter) can effect accuracy.

Lots of choices in the stock or chassis dept. figure out if you want box mag or not first then go from there.

Doing all of this does not need a smith if you are above average with basic tools.
Where are you located? Locals may help...

Suppressors are definitely the way to go for many.

 

[aSkyTits]

308 is common, 16 inch because suppressor.

this is my step dads rifle he doesn't know anything about reloading.

i don't know much about barrels so could you name a few and what twist rate?

trying to keep cost down on the stock. do you know any issues with boyds stocks that i should know about? if so can you recommend a stock that is in the same price range.

from Oklahoma don't want to do the work myself

 

[JMGlasgow]

Criterion barrel with recoil lug and a new nut. A Thunderbeast Ultra 7 suppressor is the best or a SilencerCo Harvester if you want to spend less money. Get a stock of his choice (I personally have had issues with Boyd's on Savage rifles) maybe look at Bell and Carlson or something from Stockys Stocks. CDI has good bottom metal as well, and they'll inlet the stock for you.

A gunsmith isn't needed if you have decent mechanical ability. I have no idea who or how much one would cost.

 

[Rover31]

I would go with a 20in barrel for a little more velocity. I have shot several different lengths of this cal. I think 20 is the best all around. Works great suppressed.

Go for a 1:10 twist

Criterion, McGowen And Benchmark I have and like. Lots of other great options.

You might look at 6.5 Creed the performance is very good (much much better than 308!) and ammo is on shelves everywhere.
Ammo manufacturers are actually producing more 6.5 Creed than 308 at this time.

I have a Boyd’s and it’s fine. All the costs of the bottoms metal and install is going likely cost as much as some of the chassis.

 

[mi223]

X caiber is another good barrel option.

 

[BearNaked]

Go to northland shooters supply, they stock criterion and Shillen barrels plus they have all the tools to set the head space yourself. they also carry the precision recoil lug and barrel nut. I have a Shillen from them and its ok. I would go Criterion if it was my choice.

bell and Carlson on the stock. I have the a5 fully adjustable one and its awesome.

308 with a 1:10 twist rate and I would look at something in the 175-185 bullet weight range. yes you can shoot the 150's and 168's but I have had better experience with the heavier bullets.

CDI does inlet your stock for free, it only costs shipping if you buy their bottom metal. it took about 3-4 weeks if I remember correctly.

I would suggest Prime Ammo for target and steel, then buy a few boxes of different hunting ammo and see what groups best if that gun.

 

[JHutch808]

Just started upgrading my old Savage 110 30-06 flat back. First thing was pulled the old wood stock and dropped it into a Bell & Carlson. It's fully aluminum bedded from the front sling swivel back through the handle. Also swapped out the trigger guard as the OEM was plastic and needed a steel one for proper torque. Had to shorten the front action bolt a bit. Love the B&C Stock, it made big difference. As far as the barrel, that will be coming up and the information above is helpful and I plan to check those barrels out.