My first bolt action, semi-custom, build.

[Shooter762x51]

I'm new to the SH, and thought I would share my newest project with you all.

While I had intended on purchasing an older rifle to build up, I came across this one and had to get it. It arrived the other day and I couldnt help myself and had to put the scope on it.

It's from a limited run of 500 (or so I'm told) made for one of the distributor houses, though I have no idea which one. This is essentially a light tactical rifle (LTR) except that it comes on the cheap synthetic varminter stock, and has a 20" threaded barrel. It's got a 1 in 10 twist for stabilizing the heavier sub-sonic bullets, which will be great since I will be using a can on this in the next 10 months, or so.

I've installed a Blackhawk 20 MOA extended rail, and will be using a Nikon M-308 scope with this (as shown in the other pics). However, I am waiting for my Warne, sintered steel, low mount, scope rings to arrive. The M-308 mount sits too high, and has 20 MOA built-in so with the rail it puts the scope at 40 MOA and that's not going to work for me.

The bolt has been shipped off to STS in Kentucky to have their slotted tactical knob installed and to be helical fluted in two tone black w/ machined silver flutes.

edited to show the finished product.

I am a fan of laminated stocks so I have ordered an Apache thumbhole stock with an aluminum bedding system from Stockys Stocks. I've used a similar (though not aluminum bedded) style stock on my Ruger 10/22 and I really like the look and feel of it.

While I know that this style of stock is not what most people like for tactical weapons etc, the truth of the matter is that I will likely never be in a "tactical" scenario. As such, im building a gun that I will like to look at and enjoy shooting for many years. Besides if I am in a tactical scenario, I'll reach for my other .308, which will bring a bit more "tac" to the situation.

For now, I will keep the X-Mark trigger as its a million times better than anything else that I use. I will eventually add a Timney, though for now I've spent enough $$$ on the other accessories. Although, I do have my eye on a Harris bi-pod...

Anyways, I'll add more pics as the build continues.

 

[devildogandboy]

it sounds like you're off to a good start. just build it as you want it and that's what counts. put those pics up when you made progress on it.

 

[strike33]

Good luck with the rest of the build. You have a great foundation. I hope things work out with STS. If you haven't shipped it off, I would recommend "boltfluter" as I have had and extremely poor experience with STS

 

[Shooter762x51]

Good luck with the rest of the build. You have a great foundation. I hope things work out with STS. If you haven't shipped it off, I would recommend "boltfluter" as I have had and extremely poor experience with STS

I hadn't discovered boltfluter until the day I shipped off the bolt to STS, which is a shame as I prefer their "Vortex" fluting. I guess I'll save them for my next build? Hopefully I'll have a more positive experience with STS than you did. My main concern was that I receive back my original bolt and not a swap for another as it is individually numbered to match the receiver.

I'd be interested in knowing, and appreciate your input on what troubles you had so as not to have any surprises?

I google'd bolt fluting, custom bolts, etc and found very little. I had to find STS via EBay, of all places... For $181 (incl shipping) I am getting the bolt ceracoated, the two-tone fluting, and the tactical knob installed which seemed like a fair price. Especially since my local gunsmith wanted $90 just to install a knob, plus the price of a knob.

 

[Shooter762x51]

I've replaced the M-308 mount, which sat too high, with a set of WARNE Low, steel, scope rings.

These are very well built rings, which include recoil lugs, and are available at very reasonable costs.

I went ahead and mounted, leveled and bore-sighted the scope. Here are a couple of pictures that I took with my iPhone.

The new stock will arrive this week and I'll post pictures once it does.

I'm guessing that it'll be another week until my bolt returns from STS.

 

[rubicon06on33s]

Keep an eye on the warne mounts. I used them on a 50 cal muzzleloader with 100 grains of pyrodex it broke all the screws in 5 shots. Keep the flat timney trigger in mind at $120 it is great when paired with a more vertical grip.

 

[strike33]

sorry...it wouldn't let me respond with a quote
here is a link: http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/showthread.php?t=165778.
I have been told that STS out sources the bolt fluting

 

[caleb7mm]

looking forward to seeing that wood stock. Not enough of those around imo

 

[ollie]

Theres been a few shilen triggers for sale in the last week or so. You may want to check them out. I have one and like it.

 

[Shooter762x51]

looking forward to seeing that wood stock. Not enough of those around imo

The new stock should be here tomorrow afternoon and I'll get some pictures up.

Yesterday I picked up a Harris SLM bipod and fitted to the current stock.

[MENTION=74978]rubicon06on33s[/MENTION] - I'll watch out for the scope rings. [MENTION=73147]strike33[/MENTION] - I'm hopeful... I spoke with Brad today and he's thinking it'll take an extra week. Fingers crossed.

 

[Shooter762x51]

The Revolution "Apache" stock arrived today. Here are some close-up pictures of the stock and the aluminum bedding system.






Overall, the finish looks amazing. I'll get the action installed tonight and follow-up with some more pictures and a review on the fit.

 

[caleb7mm]

very nice stock!

 

[Shooter762x51]

The new stock is cut for a sporter barrel contour. As anticipated, its going to need some in-letting. Time to break out a dowel with sandpaper...

Or, I could have my gunsmith install a thicker recoil lug so as to rotate the barrel so that the tactical fluting rests over the wood.

Nah, let the sanding and shaping begin!

 

[capreppy]

That is a gorgeous stock.

 

[Shooter762x51]

The inletting is almost done. It's free floated from the recoil lug all the way up to just about 3/8" from the end of the beaver tail. I'll finish it up the sanding tomorrow and then apply a quick clear coat to seal up the wood.

 

[Shooter762x51]

Inletting is complete, though I think I may skim bed the action before I do the final clear coat. The barrel is completely free-floated.

Deep well sockets make great sanding blocks as they have uniform dimensions, and come in many sizes for shaping the wood to match the barrel contours. I also used a toilet plunger handle to get a start. Working with wood is such a treat.

Anyone know the significance of the two dollar bill?

 

[Doctorwho1138]

That looks like a gorgeous stock. Can't wait to see some shooting reports.

 

[Maelstrom]

$2.00 bill for placing $2.00 bets at the horse track. Now common good luck source for drug smugglers crossing the border from Mexico.

 

[Shooter762x51]

$2.00 bill for placing $2.00 bets at the horse track. Now common good luck source for drug smugglers crossing the border from Mexico.

Uh, NO! The significance of the $2.00 bill is that it features the signing of The Declaration of Independence.

 

[Shooter762x51]

Here is an iPhone picture of the Nikon M-308 BDC-800 reticle.

This is the scope I'm using on this rifle.

 

[Shooter762x51]

My bolt arrived back from Superior Tactical Services this afternoon. I had them do two-tone helical fluting, install a tactical bolt knob, and reinforce the handle as the extended charging handle will apply additional stresses to the factory soldering.

The workmanship is pretty darn good.
It took a bit longer than initially communicated, but that seems to be the nature of the market today, or so it might seem. Regardless, its back now and ready to be installed and test fired. Finally!!!

 

[Shooter762x51]

Regarding STS and the process.

Brad was a nice guy to work with, though it seems he's distracted and has a communicated track-order of being unable to fill orders in a timely fashion, per another SH member. However, he was quick to apologize and did offer to add the reinforcement screw machining and tapping, for half the normal price. Again, the quality of the work is on par with the best of them, and this opinion comes from a man who grew up with a father who is a highly skilled machinist, though now retired.

If you're not in a terrible rush, I'd say you could feel confident that you'll get a quality product in the end. It may just take a little time.

Just my .02

 

[Shooter762x51]

Here are a few pictures of the bolt in the action and factory stock.

I did a little inletting in the bolt cycle path and am now applying the final clear coating.

The bolt lever just clears the scope and open the cover on the first cycle.

 

[Shooter762x51]

Here's the action in the new stock. I'll be heading to Colorado next week and will get an opportunity to break this in. So excited...

Full aluminum bedded chassis...

 

[Bruno]

Looks very nice, I really like the wood stock and bolt. Great looking build, post a range report soon!

 

[JGorski]

Hope your 700 shoots as good as this 700.

 

[Shooter762x51]

Hope your 700 shoots as good as this 700.

Me too. I'll let you all know in the coming weeks.

 

[Supergyro]

That bolt looks fantastic! Awesome build.