I am looking into building a rifle. I am thinking about using an older rifle and reworking it for a unique one of a kind rifle. I was thinking something in .308 and either a bolt action or semi-auto. My budget is slim for the time being so I am looking for something that will be fairly inexpensive to get started and can play with for a while until I can perform all of the upgrades and mods. Thanks in advance for all the help.
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Re: Need help! What to build?
A slim budget and a custom build don't go real well together. Buy a heavy barreled savage .308 and shoot the piss out of it. Save your money and buy parts as you go and by the time you wear out the savage you will have enough to do the build you really want.
David
A slim budget and a custom build don't go real well together. Buy a heavy barreled savage .308 and shoot the piss out of it. Save your money and buy parts as you go and by the time you wear out the savage you will have enough to do the build you really want.
David
Re: Need help! What to build?
I would tell you to get a rimfire, the up front cost is all there really is.
Ammunition is cheaper and the skills are the same.
As you get better at shooting the rimfire and time goes on you can sink $$$$ into a centerfire.
John
I would tell you to get a rimfire, the up front cost is all there really is.
Ammunition is cheaper and the skills are the same.
As you get better at shooting the rimfire and time goes on you can sink $$$$ into a centerfire.
John
Re: Need help! What to build?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: J.Boyette</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would tell you to get a rimfire, the up front cost is all there really is.
Ammunition is cheaper and the skills are the same.
As you get better at shooting the rimfire and time goes on you can sink $$$$ into a centerfire.
John </div></div>+1
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: J.Boyette</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would tell you to get a rimfire, the up front cost is all there really is.
Ammunition is cheaper and the skills are the same.
As you get better at shooting the rimfire and time goes on you can sink $$$$ into a centerfire.
John </div></div>+1
Re: Need help! What to build?
A Mauser is a rifle that is upgradable albeit not very sexy. Another rifle that's a centerfire and surprisingly accurate is a Swiss K31, they are kind of neat too, I want to build an al out costom on one someday....in my spare time.
Like has been said a rimfire is a wonderful way to break into long gun shooting. A .17HMR, .22LR or .22Mag will be fun to shoot and cheap.
If you want a rifle that won't cost a bunch now in .308 and you can build a respectable custom on as you go get a Stevens. They are built by Savage and have the same action as Savage's more expensive rifles. They don't have the accutrigger but they can be had for less than $300.
As you go you can add a better trigger from Sharp Shooter Supply for $100, a Bell and Carlson Stock for $200, a custom barrel from $200-$500 depending on what brand you want, or a brand new Savage take off heavy barrel for $100 and while it's being rebarreled have the action blueprinted and you'll have a very nice rifle that you built in stages that should shoot very, very well for about $1100 or so.
Or send me the $1100 and I'll build you one.
A Mauser is a rifle that is upgradable albeit not very sexy. Another rifle that's a centerfire and surprisingly accurate is a Swiss K31, they are kind of neat too, I want to build an al out costom on one someday....in my spare time.
Like has been said a rimfire is a wonderful way to break into long gun shooting. A .17HMR, .22LR or .22Mag will be fun to shoot and cheap.
If you want a rifle that won't cost a bunch now in .308 and you can build a respectable custom on as you go get a Stevens. They are built by Savage and have the same action as Savage's more expensive rifles. They don't have the accutrigger but they can be had for less than $300.
As you go you can add a better trigger from Sharp Shooter Supply for $100, a Bell and Carlson Stock for $200, a custom barrel from $200-$500 depending on what brand you want, or a brand new Savage take off heavy barrel for $100 and while it's being rebarreled have the action blueprinted and you'll have a very nice rifle that you built in stages that should shoot very, very well for about $1100 or so.
Or send me the $1100 and I'll build you one.
Re: Need help! What to build?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: oneeyedmac</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A Mauser is a rifle that is upgradable albeit not very sexy. Another rifle that's a centerfire and surprisingly accurate is a Swiss K31, they are kind of neat too, I want to build an al out costom on one someday....in my spare time.
Like has been said a rimfire is a wonderful way to break into long gun shooting. A .17HMR, .22LR or .22Mag will be fun to shoot and cheap.
If you want a rifle that won't cost a bunch now in .308 and you can build a respectable custom on as you go get a Stevens. They are built by Savage and have the same action as Savage's more expensive rifles. They don't have the accutrigger but they can be had for less than $300.
As you go you can add a better trigger from Sharp Shooter Supply for $100, a Bell and Carlson Stock for $200, a custom barrel from $200-$500 depending on what brand you want, or a brand new Savage take off heavy barrel for $100 and while it's being rebarreled have the action blueprinted and you'll have a very nice rifle that you built in stages that should shoot very, very well for about $1100 or so.
Or send me the $1100 and I'll build you one. </div></div>
To some other comments than what I quoted
+1 to getting a rimfire and shooting that. HOWEVER, 17 HMR ammo costs me more than reloading 223 does with the stuff I have in stock right now. It's break even with the 6-223 that I'm building. I really love my 22LR rifles and pistol though. Can't go wrong with them.
Getting a Savage is a good way to work in at the bottom and save up for parts. I have an OEM Savage 12 that groups well under 1/2 MOA with hand loads, really more like 1/4 MOA when I don't screw up.
To the Mauser actions: I have a 30-06 that's a 3/4" rifle with mil surp pulled bullets, surp powder and LC 68 cases. My dad and I built it from a 1943 Turk Mauser that cost 29 bucks in 2002. They're great actions, very strong and smooth and aren't all that difficult for a decent gunsmith to turn into wonderful shooters.
You're right that the 6.5's are flatter than a 30 cal, especially a 308.
On the K31's. they're really neat rifles and they shoot GREAT. The cases for them are almost identical to the 284 necked to a 30 cal bullet. Thus far the only difference I can find is a rebated rim on the 284 case. You can put a 284 into a k31 without issue whatsover. With the GP11 surplus match ammo I can use the stock irons to shoot beer bottles at 200 yards every time.
Soooo, to get off my soap box. If you find a good condition action from a surplus bolt action rifle there's a good chance you can have it turned into a great shooter. My dad used to have a business accurizing mauser actions for people, that's where mine started from. He has several that shoot 1/2 MOA or better with cheap components. The Swiss rifles are great, Mausers are great, Enfields can be great, Carcano's suck, what little I've messed with them, Arisaka's aren't all that great.
I've had some good experiences with Mosin Nagant 91/30's and M38's and M44's but that's another soap box to get on.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: oneeyedmac</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A Mauser is a rifle that is upgradable albeit not very sexy. Another rifle that's a centerfire and surprisingly accurate is a Swiss K31, they are kind of neat too, I want to build an al out costom on one someday....in my spare time.
Like has been said a rimfire is a wonderful way to break into long gun shooting. A .17HMR, .22LR or .22Mag will be fun to shoot and cheap.
If you want a rifle that won't cost a bunch now in .308 and you can build a respectable custom on as you go get a Stevens. They are built by Savage and have the same action as Savage's more expensive rifles. They don't have the accutrigger but they can be had for less than $300.
As you go you can add a better trigger from Sharp Shooter Supply for $100, a Bell and Carlson Stock for $200, a custom barrel from $200-$500 depending on what brand you want, or a brand new Savage take off heavy barrel for $100 and while it's being rebarreled have the action blueprinted and you'll have a very nice rifle that you built in stages that should shoot very, very well for about $1100 or so.
Or send me the $1100 and I'll build you one. </div></div>
To some other comments than what I quoted
+1 to getting a rimfire and shooting that. HOWEVER, 17 HMR ammo costs me more than reloading 223 does with the stuff I have in stock right now. It's break even with the 6-223 that I'm building. I really love my 22LR rifles and pistol though. Can't go wrong with them.
Getting a Savage is a good way to work in at the bottom and save up for parts. I have an OEM Savage 12 that groups well under 1/2 MOA with hand loads, really more like 1/4 MOA when I don't screw up.
To the Mauser actions: I have a 30-06 that's a 3/4" rifle with mil surp pulled bullets, surp powder and LC 68 cases. My dad and I built it from a 1943 Turk Mauser that cost 29 bucks in 2002. They're great actions, very strong and smooth and aren't all that difficult for a decent gunsmith to turn into wonderful shooters.
You're right that the 6.5's are flatter than a 30 cal, especially a 308.
On the K31's. they're really neat rifles and they shoot GREAT. The cases for them are almost identical to the 284 necked to a 30 cal bullet. Thus far the only difference I can find is a rebated rim on the 284 case. You can put a 284 into a k31 without issue whatsover. With the GP11 surplus match ammo I can use the stock irons to shoot beer bottles at 200 yards every time.
Soooo, to get off my soap box. If you find a good condition action from a surplus bolt action rifle there's a good chance you can have it turned into a great shooter. My dad used to have a business accurizing mauser actions for people, that's where mine started from. He has several that shoot 1/2 MOA or better with cheap components. The Swiss rifles are great, Mausers are great, Enfields can be great, Carcano's suck, what little I've messed with them, Arisaka's aren't all that great.
I've had some good experiences with Mosin Nagant 91/30's and M38's and M44's but that's another soap box to get on.
Re: Need help! What to build?
I have been told that I would be better off just buying an action and put this together from there. I don't feel that this is worth it since an action is going to run about what i can get a complete rifle for and then shoot it while I save up for the up-grades. what are your thoughts on this. Also, I have a Ruger M77 Mk II chambered in .270, is this something that I can use and build something out of or would I be wasting my time with the Ruger??
I have been told that I would be better off just buying an action and put this together from there. I don't feel that this is worth it since an action is going to run about what i can get a complete rifle for and then shoot it while I save up for the up-grades. what are your thoughts on this. Also, I have a Ruger M77 Mk II chambered in .270, is this something that I can use and build something out of or would I be wasting my time with the Ruger??
Re: Need help! What to build?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BotCoDeputy286</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been told that I would be better off just buying an action and put this together from there. I don't feel that this is worth it since an action is going to run about what i can get a complete rifle for and then shoot it while I save up for the up-grades. what are your thoughts on this. Also, I have a Ruger M77 Mk II chambered in .270, is this something that I can use and build something out of or would I be wasting my time with the Ruger?? </div></div>
The Ruger is a good rifle, just about anything out there on the market today can be made to shoot with the proper care by a competent gunsmith.
If you plan to upgrade all the way then doing it from the start can save you some money in the long run. Having another rifle to build in bits and pieces while you save all the goodies is nice though. You get more trigger time and you have a rifle to shoot, rather than a pile of parts to drool over all the time.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BotCoDeputy286</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been told that I would be better off just buying an action and put this together from there. I don't feel that this is worth it since an action is going to run about what i can get a complete rifle for and then shoot it while I save up for the up-grades. what are your thoughts on this. Also, I have a Ruger M77 Mk II chambered in .270, is this something that I can use and build something out of or would I be wasting my time with the Ruger?? </div></div>
The Ruger is a good rifle, just about anything out there on the market today can be made to shoot with the proper care by a competent gunsmith.
If you plan to upgrade all the way then doing it from the start can save you some money in the long run. Having another rifle to build in bits and pieces while you save all the goodies is nice though. You get more trigger time and you have a rifle to shoot, rather than a pile of parts to drool over all the time.
Re: Need help! What to build?
i'm actually looking into a stevens model 200 action (same as a savage 110). i'll remove the trigger, stock and barrel and put new ones on.
this can often build a nice tactical rifle of sub MOA for well under $1k
i'm actually looking into a stevens model 200 action (same as a savage 110). i'll remove the trigger, stock and barrel and put new ones on.
this can often build a nice tactical rifle of sub MOA for well under $1k
Re: Need help! What to build?
If you can't find a direct M77 barrel just get a blank of your choice. In order to dress up the M77 to shoot well the "short chambered" blanks still need to have some gunsmithing work done.
Pay the extra money and have the blank properly fitted to the action, you'll be much happier I am sure of it.
If you can't find a direct M77 barrel just get a blank of your choice. In order to dress up the M77 to shoot well the "short chambered" blanks still need to have some gunsmithing work done.
Pay the extra money and have the blank properly fitted to the action, you'll be much happier I am sure of it.
Re: Need help! What to build?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Soooo, to get off my soap box. If you find a good condition action from a surplus bolt action rifle there's a good chance you can have it turned into a great shooter. My dad used to have a business accurizing mauser actions for people, that's where mine started from. He has several that shoot 1/2 MOA or better with cheap components. The Swiss rifles are great, Mausers are great, Enfields can be great, Carcano's suck, what little I've messed with them, Arisaka's aren't all that great.
I've had some good experiences with Mosin Nagant 91/30's and M38's and M44's but that's another soap box to get on. </div></div>
I agree.
Put a Rem700 action on one end of the bench and a Mauser action at the other end. Notice the features. All of the other 100 bolt actions will fall somewhere in between on the bench.
You don't need to pay $20k for a dangerous game rifle on a Mauser action. Mauser rifles are $150 imported from foreign militaries. Take off the barrel and stock, and get to work.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Soooo, to get off my soap box. If you find a good condition action from a surplus bolt action rifle there's a good chance you can have it turned into a great shooter. My dad used to have a business accurizing mauser actions for people, that's where mine started from. He has several that shoot 1/2 MOA or better with cheap components. The Swiss rifles are great, Mausers are great, Enfields can be great, Carcano's suck, what little I've messed with them, Arisaka's aren't all that great.
I've had some good experiences with Mosin Nagant 91/30's and M38's and M44's but that's another soap box to get on. </div></div>
I agree.
Put a Rem700 action on one end of the bench and a Mauser action at the other end. Notice the features. All of the other 100 bolt actions will fall somewhere in between on the bench.
You don't need to pay $20k for a dangerous game rifle on a Mauser action. Mauser rifles are $150 imported from foreign militaries. Take off the barrel and stock, and get to work.
Re: Need help! What to build?
i would say go get a savage fp or somthin similar,cheap reloading kit with quality dies and get started.componets ,rifle,rest,reloading kit under 1000 bucks.feel things out a little bit before you do your build.
i would say go get a savage fp or somthin similar,cheap reloading kit with quality dies and get started.componets ,rifle,rest,reloading kit under 1000 bucks.feel things out a little bit before you do your build.
Re: Need help! What to build?
Building on mausers ain't cheap especially if you can't do any of the work. bolt handle needs reforging or replacing, drill and tap at least 3 holes, modify safety or replace with a trigger safety trigger, replace trigger, we haven't even bought a barrel yet and the stock will be replaced to come close to what comes on a factory. if you go cheap on a stock you'll end up doing it twice ditto on the barrel. if we stopped with just the work on the action alone you could have bought a savage and been shooting it, maybe even saving up for an upgrade on your glass by the time you get a barrel and stock. If you have to buy tools to do this stuff like Reamers, taps, drills, jigs, double the price. Now put it all together and it won't be trued or squared as a factory gun if its his first try. Did I mention reblueing? I've done all of the above for customers that are sticker shocked when the result is delivered, Even though we walked through this when they brought in a "budget project". Rebuilding a "custom mauser" isn't a budget project unless you own all the jigs, tools, and can perform all the work yourself. Remember no- ones gonna give you much for a project you started and can't complete so if you stop halfway through, you might as well have rolled cigarettes with those bills. And you still don't have a rifle. Please listen to a guy that has been doing this for 10+ years. Mausers can make great rifles, But only when done right.
Building on mausers ain't cheap especially if you can't do any of the work. bolt handle needs reforging or replacing, drill and tap at least 3 holes, modify safety or replace with a trigger safety trigger, replace trigger, we haven't even bought a barrel yet and the stock will be replaced to come close to what comes on a factory. if you go cheap on a stock you'll end up doing it twice ditto on the barrel. if we stopped with just the work on the action alone you could have bought a savage and been shooting it, maybe even saving up for an upgrade on your glass by the time you get a barrel and stock. If you have to buy tools to do this stuff like Reamers, taps, drills, jigs, double the price. Now put it all together and it won't be trued or squared as a factory gun if its his first try. Did I mention reblueing? I've done all of the above for customers that are sticker shocked when the result is delivered, Even though we walked through this when they brought in a "budget project". Rebuilding a "custom mauser" isn't a budget project unless you own all the jigs, tools, and can perform all the work yourself. Remember no- ones gonna give you much for a project you started and can't complete so if you stop halfway through, you might as well have rolled cigarettes with those bills. And you still don't have a rifle. Please listen to a guy that has been doing this for 10+ years. Mausers can make great rifles, But only when done right.
Re: Need help! What to build?
If you want to go the bolt route, get a plain vanilla Rem 700 SPS from Wally-World or pick one up used out of the local classifieds. Doesn't really matter which caliber you choose as long as it has a standard bolt face (.243, 7mm-08, .308, .270, .30-06). Shoot the hell out of it until you get the jingle to spend on a new stock, barrel, trigger, or wherever you think money needs to be spent. At the very least, you'll have a great foundation from which to build, and a factory action that the majority of gunsmiths build off of.
If you want to go semi-auto, buy a stripped .308-class AR lower (close to or more than the same price as a complete Rem 700 SPS depending on which lower you get) and accumulate parts as cash becomes available. Season to taste with the absurd amount of variation in parts to make it just like you want. Downside here is you won't be using it until it is 100%.
If you want to go the bolt route, get a plain vanilla Rem 700 SPS from Wally-World or pick one up used out of the local classifieds. Doesn't really matter which caliber you choose as long as it has a standard bolt face (.243, 7mm-08, .308, .270, .30-06). Shoot the hell out of it until you get the jingle to spend on a new stock, barrel, trigger, or wherever you think money needs to be spent. At the very least, you'll have a great foundation from which to build, and a factory action that the majority of gunsmiths build off of.
If you want to go semi-auto, buy a stripped .308-class AR lower (close to or more than the same price as a complete Rem 700 SPS depending on which lower you get) and accumulate parts as cash becomes available. Season to taste with the absurd amount of variation in parts to make it just like you want. Downside here is you won't be using it until it is 100%.
Re: Need help! What to build?
I too have been building Mausers for 10 years, and other rifles longer.
The Rem 700 is the Yugo and the Mauser is the Rolls Royce, and everything else is in between.
The $400 Rem798 can get a $100 Wisner safety mod by Jim Kobe, and be ready for dangerous game.
No amount of modifications make the Rem700 good enough for dangerous game.
I too have been building Mausers for 10 years, and other rifles longer.
The Rem 700 is the Yugo and the Mauser is the Rolls Royce, and everything else is in between.
The $400 Rem798 can get a $100 Wisner safety mod by Jim Kobe, and be ready for dangerous game.
No amount of modifications make the Rem700 good enough for dangerous game.
