New to PRS, want to build a gun. Advice needed

[NoDakSniper]

Well the title says it all, I'd like to dabble in PRS shooting. Eventually go to competitions after I've got everything dialed in. I will be reloading my own ammo.

Popular cartridge right now is the 6mm dasher, and popular opinion is that the bighorn tl3 is the slickest action to be had for that 6dasher. I would like a nice barrel, from what I've read bartleins are quite good and I'm wanting a blank to have it custom chamberd. Finally I'll put that all in a chassis.

So my question is, what's the best chassis? I love the looks of the railed accuracy internationals. What's the best barrel, barrel length, and profile? Finally, where is the go-to place to buy these parts? As most people I like to spend as little for as much as possible.

Are used actions a good idea? Do they wear out?

Also, there's a guy local to me who can chamber a blank barrel. I guess he's been doing this sort of thing for a long time, but I have not seen any feedback on him. Is this something that's fairly straight forward? Or should I find a specialist that's well known?

Post links or pics of your guys favorite parts,I want to build as accurate of a rifle as I can. Im not afraid to spend money where it counts.

Thanks for reading, i'm new to bolt guns in general. Any advice or criticism is welcome.

Edit: I'd also like to get your guys opinion on boldface and barrel swapping to maybe 223 for some good fun cheap practice. Is that a good idea? Can I assemble the barrel at home and retain the same level of accuracy as if a gunsmith did it? What tools are needed?

 

[mmlook]

before you build a full custom gun, with a wildcat cartridge

I'd highly suggest taking a look a few of the "production" guns with custom actions:
1. MPA PMR
- Curtis action
- Custom barrel
- MPA chassis

PMR Rifles - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.

2. Badrock
- Defiance action
- Custom barrel
- MDT LSS XL Chassis

BadRock Precision Rifles South Fork - Firearms for tactical and target use.

BadRock Rifles are built for tactical and target use, the South Fork uses a precision bolt action, set into an aluminum chassis. Call us at 406-897-2776.

badrockrifles.com

both are available in 6mm Creedmoor,
which imo is the best beginner cartridge, with factory ammo available

If you're dead set on building something,
and are serious about barrel/bolt swapping with a .223.

top suggestions would be:
1. AI AT/AX
2. Curtis Vector/Terminus Zeus

both can barrel/bolt swap without a vise

 

[Eric32]

Shop the PX and look for a great deal.

Also I love my AT, right at 20lbs , I put a heavier than normal contour on it, which made the balance point just in front of the mag. it balances well on barricades with either a saracen or mini fortune cookie

 

[Fatorangecat]

There are so many deals on used gear at this point you could really do well if you shopped around.

 

[seafury]

If you have a match local to you, it would be worth a trip to swing by and see the variety of rifle systems in action. Typically most will let you get behind their gun and try it on for size during periods of inaction.

 

[Wheres-Waldo]

I second the notion of going to a club match and check out different rifles. A lot of what you can build is personal preference, including stock/chassis, optic/reticle, cartridge choice, etc.

The main components you’d want to get a feel for are the stock/chassis and the action.

Establish a direction you want to build in. It will save you time, money and frustration.

 

[Bugzlife19]

If you have a match local to you, it would be worth a trip to swing by and see the variety of rifle systems in action. Typically most will let you get behind their gun and try it on for size during periods of inaction.

This is great advice that I wish I would of headed more. Going to a match and seeing and trying others peoples rifles. I researched and followed a fair amount of advise off the web and built a rifle. It’s a great rifle but after shooting it for awhile at matches and trying other people’s kits. I found I was wanting a new rifle because I found parts that felt way better to me then what I had. Took that knowledge to build the perfect rifle for me. Now I practice a lot with my old rifle and compete with my new rifle. Until you feel a bolt or get behind a stick or chassis you don’t. Know if it’s right for you. Local matches are a great place to try gear and learn a ton. Good luck

 

[DownhillFromHere]

Here's a parable. The guy whose company built our house had built literally thousands of homes over a long career. He built two for us; the second was one of the last before he retired.

He said, "You know, I've done this all my adult life, and every time I built a house for my wife and me, afterward there was always something I would've done differently."
-------------
So it has been with my rifles - and probably will be with yours. You will collect info, build or buy something, and repeat the process. How many times? Who knows. I went through four skeet guns before I finally found the one that was perfect for me. Since that spring (in 1997), I've handled and fired many, many different shotguns and never was I as dialed in as I was and continue to be with "the one."

Not there yet with rifles. The closest I've come to rifle nirvana so far are my Vudoo .22 and custom 6.5CM , both in MPA BA Comp chassis.

I have two other rifles in MDT chassis. MDT is an awesome company in terms of quality product and after-sale support. The company has looked after me VERY well. But the MPA chassis just feels better to me. It works better for me.

There is no "best" in a market replete with so many great choices. "Best" is "best" for you. As others have suggested, it's in your best interest to handle and, if possible, shoot different rifles before committing to one. My only suggestions are:

• Avoid the lowest end of the factory-rifle market - not because the products are "bad," but because their resale potential is low.
• Do not skimp on your optic. Choosing an optic is just as complicated as choosing the rifle. Find the reticle you like in a First Focal Plane (FFP) model and buy that scope, at the highest tier your budget supports. If you don't already have a preference, buy milrad (mils) as opposed to MOA.

Enjoy the journey. Bring $$$$.

 

[Sheldon N]

Welcome to the forum Mr Sniper. That's a hell of a first post, I think you asked pretty much every hot button question out there. Each one of those has been discussed at length previously.

I'd say grab a cup of coffee, sit down and read the forums, lots of good info here.

 

[NoDakSniper]

If you have a match local to you, it would be worth a trip to swing by and see the variety of rifle systems in action. Typically most will let you get behind their gun and try it on for size during periods of inaction.

I don't have much near me.... up here in north dakota. I'd have to travel far. Sucks living in the middle of nowhere!

 

[NoDakSniper]

Welcome to the forum Mr Sniper. That's a hell of a first post, I think you asked pretty much every hot button question out there. Each one of those has been discussed at length previously.

I'd say grab a cup of coffee, sit down and read the forums, lots of good info here.

You got it, I'll certainly browse around.

 

[NoDakSniper]

Shop the PX and look for a great deal.

Also I love my AT, right at 20lbs , I put a heavier than normal contour on it, which made the balance point just in front of the mag. it balances well on barricades with either a saracen or mini fortune cookie

Is there any question about a custom gun? Meaning, are all customs made to the same degree of quality of workmanship? Just don't want to buy a used lemon.

 

[NoDakSniper]

Here's a parable. The guy whose company built our house had built literally thousands of homes over a long career. He built two for us; the second was one of the last before he retired.

He said, "You know, I've done this all my adult life, and every time I built a house for my wife and me, afterward there was always something I would've done differently."
-------------
So it has been with my rifles - and probably will be with yours. You will collect info, build or buy something, and repeat the process. How many times? Who knows. I went through four skeet guns before I finally found the one that was perfect for me. Since that spring (in 1997), I've handled and fired many, many different shotguns and never was I as dialed in as I was and continue to be with "the one."

Not there yet with rifles. The closest I've come to rifle nirvana so far are my Vudoo .22 and custom 6.5CM , both in MPA BA Comp chassis.

I have two other rifles in MDT chassis. MDT is an awesome company in terms of quality product and after-sale support. The company has looked after me VERY well. But the MPA chassis just feels better to me. It works better for me.

There is no "best" in a market replete with so many great choices. "Best" is "best" for you. As others have suggested, it's in your best interest to handle and, if possible, shoot different rifles before committing to one. My only suggestions are:

• Avoid the lowest end of the factory-rifle market - not because the products are "bad," but because their resale potential is low.
• Do not skimp on your optic. Choosing an optic is just as complicated as choosing the rifle. Find the reticle you like in a First Focal Plane (FFP) model and buy that scope, at the highest tier your budget supports. If you don't already have a preference, buy milrad (mils) as opposed to MOA.

Enjoy the journey. Bring $$$$.

This isn't my first gun, I've got many ARs, with many optics, kahles and a new athlon cronus(that'll be the optic going on my prs gun). I want to have the best of the best, I want to be the limiting factor, all the time.

That's why i'm nervous to buy a used one. So many decisions !

 

[NoDakSniper]

There are so many deals on used gear at this point you could really do well if you shopped around.

Im not entirely sure what's a good deal if it was looking at me. Plus I don't know who built the rifle. Was the guy a pro,or an amateur. That's the part that worries me.

 

[NoDakSniper]

before you build a full custom gun, with a wildcat cartridge

I'd highly suggest taking a look a few of the "production" guns with custom actions:
1. MPA PMR
- Curtis action
- Custom barrel
- MPA chassis

PMR Rifles - MasterPiece Arms, Inc.

2. Badrock
- Defiance action
- Custom barrel
- MDT LSS XL Chassis

BadRock Precision Rifles South Fork - Firearms for tactical and target use.

BadRock Rifles are built for tactical and target use, the South Fork uses a precision bolt action, set into an aluminum chassis. Call us at 406-897-2776.

badrockrifles.com

both are available in 6mm Creedmoor,
which imo is the best beginner cartridge, with factory ammo available

If you're dead set on building something,
and are serious about barrel/bolt swapping with a .223.

top suggestions would be:
1. AI AT/AX
2. Curtis Vector/Terminus Zeus

both can barrel/bolt swap without a vise

Might I ask why you advise to buy a prebuilt custom?

 

[Eric32]

Pre-built customs work together as a system. Meaning less trying to make things work. And they come with alot of adjustability to make the rifle fit you not the other way around.

Customs that's are high dollar in the PX are usually backed by a guy with a build sheet. So I dont think you will get a lemon if you make sure to ask all the usual questions.

I had always tried to make parts work together all be it sometimes to no end and poor results. So that's why I purchased the AI AT. It works as a system.

 

[HogsLife]

Well the title says it all, I'd like to dabble in PRS shooting. Eventually go to competitions after I've got everything dialed in. I will be reloading my own ammo.

Popular cartridge right now is the 6mm dasher, and popular opinion is that the bighorn tl3 is the slickest action to be had for that 6dasher. I would like a nice barrel, from what I've read bartleins are quite good and I'm wanting a blank to have it custom chamberd. Finally I'll put that all in a chassis.

So my question is, what's the best chassis? I love the looks of the railed accuracy internationals. What's the best barrel, barrel length, and profile? Finally, where is the go-to place to buy these parts? As most people I like to spend as little for as much as possible.

Are used actions a good idea? Do they wear out?

Also, there's a guy local to me who can chamber a blank barrel. I guess he's been doing this sort of thing for a long time, but I have not seen any feedback on him. Is this something that's fairly straight forward? Or should I find a specialist that's well known?

Post links or pics of your guys favorite parts,I want to build as accurate of a rifle as I can. Im not afraid to spend money where it counts.

Thanks for reading, i'm new to bolt guns in general. Any advice or criticism is welcome.

Edit: I'd also like to get your guys opinion on boldface and barrel swapping to maybe 223 for some good fun cheap practice. Is that a good idea? Can I assemble the barrel at home and retain the same level of accuracy as if a gunsmith did it? What tools are needed?

I currently have one that fits the bill in the For Sale Section ?. Ready to roll. 0 rounds fired. Bipods, action wrench, mags, and accessories included. I built this with PRS in mind and built it with all my favorite parts. Prefit barrels available and only takes about 5 min to do the barrel swap yourself with the action wrench. 22lbs with weight kit, scope, Bipod installed, 16-17lbs without the weight kit.

Ern @ Altus Shooting Solutions did the barrel work.

https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...ales-area-419-unfired-k.6959783/#post-7943854

 

[NoDakSniper]

I currently have one that fits the bill in the For Sale Section ?. Ready to roll. 0 rounds fired. Bipods, action wrench, mags, and accessories included. I built this with PRS in mind and built it with all my favorite parts. Prefit barrels available and only takes about 5 min to do the barrel swap yourself with the action wrench. 22lbs with weight kit, scope, Bipod installed, 16-17lbs without the weight kit.

Ern @ Altus Shooting Solutions did the barrel work.

https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...ales-area-419-unfired-k.6959783/#post-7943854

Sick rifle, I'm just starting to learn and just don't know enough to buy yet

 

[mmlook]

Might I ask why you advise to buy a prebuilt custom?

cheaper, and you get about 80-90% of the performance of a full custom
- the last 10-20% is mostly personal preference, imo

when you are ready,
likely after you burn out your first barrel.

then look into a full custom build(barrel, chassis, stock, etc..)
keep the core items:
action
scope
mount

 

[Rant Durden]

You mentioned trying PRS, but there are no matches nearby. Maybe a full on, PRS Gucci gun isn't what you really should start with. I may have missed it, but if you are in the Dakotas, you should have some pretty good hunting opportunities. Most of your chassis guns with a scope are gonna be >20lbs. Having something a little lighter would allow you to work on both hunting and competition skills without much penalty.
I would strongly recommend buying the whole shebang for your first rig. I'm sure your smith is a good dude, but if something is wrong...the action guy will blame the barrel guy, the barrel guy will say the guy who bedded your action screwed up, the smith who did the bedding will say your smith boned the tolerances. Buy a good stick and a quality scope, go shoot and you can re-barrel later. I'll get some hate for this, but Tikka, Bergara and Ruger all make rifles that will out shoot your abilities for quite a while. Oh and Tikka and Ruger make 22 clones for practice.
You'll learn the most by shooting a match.

 

[Codiekfx400]

TS customs is in central SD so not too far from you. They are highly regarded and could build you a rifle for a reasonable price. Or you could get a mpa pmr for about 2k and go shoot it and see what you might want to change. The pmr is going to have a heavy barrel and a chassis. If you like to build your own rifle which is very simple if you have any mechanical skill at all. That will be slightly more money than a pmr and will give you some self satisfaction. Or if you only want to spend $1000 a Tikka CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor is a nice option.

 

[NoDakSniper]

You mentioned trying PRS, but there are no matches nearby. Maybe a full on, PRS Gucci gun isn't what you really should start with. I may have missed it, but if you are in the Dakotas, you should have some pretty good hunting opportunities. Most of your chassis guns with a scope are gonna be >20lbs. Having something a little lighter would allow you to work on both hunting and competition skills without much penalty.
I would strongly recommend buying the whole shebang for your first rig. I'm sure your smith is a good dude, but if something is wrong...the action guy will blame the barrel guy, the barrel guy will say the guy who bedded your action screwed up, the smith who did the bedding will say your smith boned the tolerances. Buy a good stick and a quality scope, go shoot and you can re-barrel later. I'll get some hate for this, but Tikka, Bergara and Ruger all make rifles that will out shoot your abilities for quite a while. Oh and Tikka and Ruger make 22 clones for practice.
You'll learn the most by shooting a match.

I have several rifles to use for hunting, and a few of them would probably do the trick in PRS. I think I would enjoy having better equipment for PRS thoush.

 

[NoDakSniper]

TS customs is in central SD so not too far from you. They are highly regarded and could build you a rifle for a reasonable price. Or you could get a mpa pmr for about 2k and go shoot it and see what you might want to change. The pmr is going to have a heavy barrel and a chassis. If you like to build your own rifle which is very simple if you have any mechanical skill at all. That will be slightly more money than a pmr and will give you some self satisfaction. Or if you only want to spend $1000 a Tikka CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor is a nice option.

You're the second to suggest TScustoms. Once i do a bit more research so i'm familiar with what im wanting, i'll be sure to give him a call. thanks!

 

[Defiance Machine]

You might consider attending the Precision Rifle Expo coming up Sept. 28-29 down in Georgia. Yes, it would be a trip down, however, they have almost a dozen production rifles that will be there, as well as plenty of custom builds that will include chassis and stocks from even companies unable to attend. You would get a real good feel for almost every major chassis, stock, optic, action, bipod, etc, then you could make your own decision based off what you personally liked best. Fact is, rifles are highly personalized on everything from feel to aesthetics, and while everyone can give a great opinion on their likes, yours may defer. Just some food for thought.

 

[NoDakSniper]

You might consider attending the Precision Rifle Expo coming up Sept. 28-29 down in Georgia. Yes, it would be a trip down, however, they have almost a dozen production rifles that will be there, as well as plenty of custom builds that will include chassis and stocks from even companies unable to attend. You would get a real good feel for almost every major chassis, stock, optic, action, bipod, etc, then you could make your own decision based off what you personally liked best. Fact is, rifles are highly personalized on everything from feel to aesthetics, and while everyone can give a great opinion on their likes, yours may defer. Just some food for thought.

While I'd love to do this, I would not be able to dedicate the time required. How often do events like this happen? Are there other locations?

 

[Defiance Machine]

While I'd love to do this, I would not be able to dedicate the time required. How often do events like this happen? Are there other locations?

There are couple different events around the country, but this one is really one of the more focued on precision rifles, and it's only once a year.

 

[SonicBurlap]

Might I ask why you advise to buy a prebuilt custom?

Because when you are just getting into shooting long range you won't know yet whether you prefer single stage, or two stage triggers, controlled round feed, or drop feed, a fiberglass, or carbon stock, aluminum chassis, or stock with mini chassis, or whether you want a stainless, chromoly, or carbon fiber barrel. A custom rifle build to fit you and what you eventually will find out you like easily will end up costing you anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 with the glass if you know what you want. If you don't know and have to keep replacing parts over and over it can reach much higher levels of expenditure. Why not start with a near custom rifle with custom parts like the Ashbury Precision Ordnance Sniper's Hide Edition M700 Saber, Badrock Southfork, Patriot Valley Arms John Hancock (if you are willing to wait that long), or a Seekins Havak Bravo. Or if you want to try a factory near custom you could go with a Bergara, or a Tikka. It's better to learn what your wants and needs are, what might work for you than just throw money at the idea and see what sticks. It's easy to spend money on rifles and not necessarily get any of the wants, or needs satisfied if you don't know what the differences are. Whatever you end up doing buy some decent quality glass and accessories like a bipod, a.s.o. because even if you end up selling that first rifle you buy later on you won't have to keep buying everything else over again. Just my two cents worth.

 

[NoDakSniper]

Because when you are just getting into shooting long range you won't know yet whether you prefer single stage, or two stage triggers, controlled round feed, or drop feed, a fiberglass, or carbon stock, aluminum chassis, or stock with mini chassis, or whether you want a stainless, chromoly, or carbon fiber barrel. A custom rifle build to fit you and what you eventually will find out you like easily will end up costing you anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 with the glass if you know what you want. If you don't know and have to keep replacing parts over and over it can reach much higher levels of expenditure. Why not start with a near custom rifle with custom parts like the Ashbury Precision Ordnance Sniper's Hide Edition M700 Saber, Badrock Southfork, Patriot Valley Arms John Hancock (if you are willing to wait that long), or a Seekins Havak Bravo. Or if you want to try a factory near custom you could go with a Bergara, or a Tikka. It's better to learn what your wants and needs are, what might work for you than just throw money at the idea and see what sticks. It's easy to spend money on rifles and not necessarily get any of the wants, or needs satisfied if you don't know what the differences are. Whatever you end up doing buy some decent quality glass and accessories like a bipod, a.s.o. because even if you end up selling that first rifle you buy later on you won't have to keep buying everything else over again. Just my two cents worth.

First off, thank you for the detailed response. I might see about getting a pre built custom from seekins or pva. I've seen afew seekins certs floating around out there, that might be a good route.

 

[The King]

I would push a bit and say get an AI AT. Keeps is value and easy to everything.

First off, thank you for the detailed response. I might see about getting a pre built custom from seekins or pva. I've seen afew seekins certs floating around out there, that might be a good route.

 

[NoDakSniper]

I would push a bit and say get an AI AT. Keeps is value and easy to everything.

Easy to everything? What's the AT stand for?

 

[Danrobberg]

The Tl3 is a great choice to run a dasher. I have two of them and am very happy. You can buy an action wrench and a .223 bolt face and swap it out to shoot cheap .223 for practice in about 10 minutes. The action is very slick. I run arc mags and seat the rounds forward about half an inch and they feed perfect every time.
I started with an MPA chassis and eventually switch to a Manners PRS1 and am very happy. The MPA was a fantastic chassis but the manners just feels better to me. That’s going to be a personal thing that you will have to get behind to see how it feels. Sometimes you have to buy something to try it out and if it doesn’t work for you, you can trade it or sell it for something else. I think just about everybody on here has switched actions and stocks/chassis several times.
Most smiths can do a prefit barrel for a tl3 with out ever touching your action. Every barrel I’ve ever bought has been chambered with out ever seeing the action and they all shoot lights out. The barrel on my match gun right now is a rock creek button rifle barrel done by PVA. The button barrels are about 100 bucks cheaper than a cut rifled barrel and it shoots just as well. I have 1600 rounds on it and haven’t noticed any difference at all.
6 dasher is a great round but it can be a pain to fire form. Hunts long range sells fireformed brass for 150 per 100 pieces of brass. That might sound steep but when you consider the 6 br brass is 100 dollars per 100 to start and then you have to prime them charge them with powder and seat a bullet then put 300 rounds down the barrel the price isn’t bad at all. I believe Alpha my be making brass soon for the dasher.
6 creed is a very popular round but your barrel life will be a lot shorter. Most people say about 1200 rounds where you can get well over 2000 with the dasher.
As others have have stated do plenty of reading on this forum and if you can’t find an answer don’t be afraid to ask, but sometimes you just have to buy something to try it out and roll the dice. If you do t like it then list it on the px for sale or trade. It might take a few different combinations before you find what works for you.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Easy to everything? What's the AT stand for?

“Accuracy Tactical”

I’d put hands on one first. I run an AI and love it. But it’s a rifle that either works for you or it doesn’t. The ergonomics and trigger are what they are for the most part. No real option to change much on them.

 

[NoDakSniper]

The Tl3 is a great choice to run a dasher. I have two of them and am very happy. You can buy an action wrench and a .223 bolt face and swap it out to shoot cheap .223 for practice in about 10 minutes. The action is very slick. I run arc mags and seat the rounds forward about half an inch and they feed perfect every time.
I started with an MPA chassis and eventually switch to a Manners PRS1 and am very happy. The MPA was a fantastic chassis but the manners just feels better to me. That’s going to be a personal thing that you will have to get behind to see how it feels. Sometimes you have to buy something to try it out and if it doesn’t work for you, you can trade it or sell it for something else. I think just about everybody on here has switched actions and stocks/chassis several times.
Most smiths can do a prefit barrel for a tl3 with out ever touching your action. Every barrel I’ve ever bought has been chambered with out ever seeing the action and they all shoot lights out. The barrel on my match gun right now is a rock creek button rifle barrel done by PVA. The button barrels are about 100 bucks cheaper than a cut rifled barrel and it shoots just as well. I have 1600 rounds on it and haven’t noticed any difference at all.
6 dasher is a great round but it can be a pain to fire form. Hunts long range sells fireformed brass for 150 per 100 pieces of brass. That might sound steep but when you consider the 6 br brass is 100 dollars per 100 to start and then you have to prime them charge them with powder and seat a bullet then put 300 rounds down the barrel the price isn’t bad at all. I believe Alpha my be making brass soon for the dasher.
6 creed is a very popular round but your barrel life will be a lot shorter. Most people say about 1200 rounds where you can get well over 2000 with the dasher.
As others have have stated do plenty of reading on this forum and if you can’t find an answer don’t be afraid to ask, but sometimes you just have to buy something to try it out and roll the dice. If you do t like it then list it on the px for sale or trade. It might take a few different combinations before you find what works for you.

Very motivating post, others have said Get something a little more versatile. I've got way too many ARs, built for everything from HD to hunting, and a long range 308.

I love the tl3 for the reviews it's had, many similar to your testimonial. Along with the interchangeable bolt faces/barrels,I could justify buying top tier components if a barrel swap got me shooting another cartridge.

So with the action wrench, do you need a vice? Does the barrel attach to the chassis at all?

 

[NoDakSniper]

Absolutely Tits.

The AI rifles (all of them pretty much) are military grade custom rifles and I have never seen someone who was pissed they bought an AX or AT.

Funny guy! I have seen them on the PX every now and then... they sure do hold their price.

 

[Danrobberg]

You would need a barrel vice. No the barrel doesn’t touch anything but the action. A few companies make some nice barrel vices.

 

[SonicBurlap]

Very motivating post, others have said Get something a little more versatile. I've got way too many ARs, built for everything from HD to hunting, and a long range 308.

I love the tl3 for the reviews it's had, many similar to your testimonial. Along with the interchangeable bolt faces/barrels,I could justify buying top tier components if a barrel swap got me shooting another cartridge.

So with the action wrench, do you need a vice? Does the barrel attach to the chassis at all?

Just as with the AR10 and AR15 your factors limiting your exchangeable available calibers are the dimensions of your action, i.e. short action, long action. If you are considering getting an AI AT (around $4,200), or an AX (around $7,500) with you living in ND, regardless of where I'd recommend taking the trip to Mile High Shooting in Erie, CO and at least laying hands on one before you drop the cash, then again you might just have enough green laying around that you don't need to make sure you really like the ergonomics and feel of the rifle first.
The reason why I recommended the APO Saber 700 is because it is based on the Remington 700 which has the widest aftermarket of all the bolt actions out there, it is accurized by skilled gunsmiths meaning it is no longer in the condition of rifles coming of Remington's assembly line these days. You'll be able to upgrade and change configurations easily with this system.

The Badrock Southfork is built on their Defiance Action, the company that is probably the most represented in competitions these days, in a MDT chassis.

The PVA John Hancock is built on an American Rifle Company Nucleus action in a KRG Bravo chassis.

The Seekins Havak Bravo is built on their proprietary action on a KRG Bravo chassis.

All of these rifles have actions that plenty shooters on this forum have utilized for their custom builds. What you get is up to you but most who are here on this forum will probably agree with me that whatever rifle you end up getting you'll probably end up switching to a "better" one in the next few years because you'll find out what you really like, or don't like about the one you currently have. If you are going to do the custom build route the TL3 is a great action, I will be doing a custom build on a TL3 SA myself next year.

As to your question regarding chassis attachment. The barrel does not attach to the chassis it is solely connected to the action, either direct, or if you get that switch system through the barrel nut, it should not even touch the chassis but be free floating because any contact will influence barrel harmonics and ultimately precision.

 

[Skunkworx]

Go shoot a match with something you have. What you think you need for prs will change drastically after a few matches. The biggest thing is to get out there. You’ll see what works and what doesn’t pretty quickly.

 

[SonicBurlap]

I agree with most of this ... except I don’t see many AI AX shooters out getting a “better” rifle. If it fits you it fits you, and it’s probably the Alpha and the Omega.

I wasn't referring to the AI in that regard but I've seen two who ordered one, picked it up could not bring themselves to like the ergonomics, sold them immediately and got MRADs instead. Wish I had their problems. The point I was making about the AI, and that's more about the AX than the AT is that if you are going to plop down to what amounts to the payment for a really decent used car you might as well go have a test drive first, or at least take a look inside before you raid the wallet.

 

[NoDakSniper]

Is the biggest reason you don't see AI's in PRS because it's not a real popular cartridge for PRS?

 

[NineHotel]

You can't have any fun shooting these matches without first investing at least $15K in equipment and 5.11 clothing.

 

[702lineman]

This isn't my first gun, I've got many ARs, with many optics, kahles and a new athlon cronus(that'll be the optic going on my prs gun). I want to have the best of the best, I want to be the limiting factor, all the time.

That's why i'm nervous to buy a used one. So many decisions !

Take your ar to a couple club matches and try it out. A good shooting ar15 will do just fine for you. Being your first match, the gun isn't going to hold you back. No pun intended, that's with any new competitors. Prs is a lot of mental, not just shooting

Trying it with your ar will give you a chance to see different things and try different gear before you buy

 

[Toughestsoldier]

I started with a savage stealth in 6.5 cm. I have an mpa ba6.5 sl that I burnt the barrel out. Before the season. I ran the entire season with my stealth and my only regret was not changing the trigger. There's allot of things I would consider doing differently with my build now. Get to some events talk to some more experienced ppl in person.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Is the biggest reason you don't see AI's in PRS because it's not a real popular cartridge for PRS?

Ergos and trigger is why you don’t see as many AI rifles as customs.

And AI is an AI. You don’t get to swap things out to your perfect liking with them.

 

[SonicBurlap]

Ergos and trigger is why you don’t see as many AI rifles as customs.

And AI is an AI. You don’t get to swap things out to your perfect liking with them.

With the AI AX it's also that little price tag thingy ; ) but the main thing is exactly what you said.

For the OP : you probably won't win a match the first time you are out there but all of those rifles I mentioned, or a custom build will get you a good start. As you build experience with long range you will know exactly what you like and want and be able to order something that fits you and your needs to the T but why blow the bank account for something that in all likelihood will be temporary.

If competitions are your goal there is so much more to it, the psych aspect, fitness, lots and lots of dry fires with mag changes while keeping your eye on the target, and of course lots of range time and ammo purchasing, plus your barrels won't take as long until the next re-barrel. Then there are always the nifty little "must haves" we all "got to have", mats, monopods, bipods, bags, Kestrels or ballistic apps with weathermeters, chronographs or RADAR, borescopes a.s.o. Long story short this hobby is an addiction and you'll find plenty ways to sink your cash into it, it helps to plan ahead and no detail is to minute to overlook from weight and balance of your barrel, stock, or chassis to price of ammo, or supplies, especially if you are reloading.

All that said best thing to do if you want to do a custom build figure out your budget, be clear what you you intend to use it for (i.e. competition, bench rest, hunting, or a bit of all). Be clear what caliber you want, most barrel makers mentioned on this forum provide quality barrels be clear how far you might want to lug that stock, chassis and barrel and what weight is acceptable, what brake if any, or do you plan on using a can, if you prefer MOA or MILRAD in a scope, what range is your goal, what magnification, what type of mags do you prefer and will they work with the stock, or chassis, ... Oh, and then there are such things as availability and lead times, sometimes a build ends up one part at a time in a box before the magic gets to happen.

I've been at this since the 1980s and I still learn something new everyday so asking questions is a good thing

 

[Dthomas3523]

Ya, I keep forgetting the AX is like $6200 ?

 

[LawnMM]

This isn't my first gun, I've got many ARs, with many optics, kahles and a new athlon cronus(that'll be the optic going on my prs gun). I want to have the best of the best, I want to be the limiting factor, all the time.

 

[SonicBurlap]

Ya, I keep forgetting the AX is like $6200 ?

You're about a Grand low. Unless you want the discontinued .308 with the large firing pin.

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[Mk32784]

I went "all in" and had a rifle built for me for PRS/NRL/RTC/etc shooting. Nothing to crazy, using parts that are pretty popular in the PRS world but also parts that were in stock. Ended up with an Axiom Action + Bartline 6.5 26 inch barrel + MPA Chassis + Triggertech Trigger.

6.5cm over any of the 6mm just due to the availability and cheapness of factory ammo + a little more barrel life. Maybe after this barrel is shot I will rebarrel for 6mm but that's at least an year or two out.

Sent everything off to a smith that had it done in a week, and in less then a month had the gun. Was "only" about $3k and will probably be all of the gun I'll ever need for PRS. If you know you want to get into it, I would just do custom build if you can afford. Otherwise run the gear you got until you decided if it's for you.

 

[SonicBurlap]

I went "all in" and had a rifle built for me for PRS/NRL/RTC/etc shooting. Nothing to crazy, using parts that are pretty popular in the PRS world but also parts that were in stock. Ended up with an Axiom Action + Bartline 6.5 26 inch barrel + MPA Chassis + Triggertech Trigger.

6.5cm over any of the 6mm just due to the availability and cheapness of factory ammo + a little more barrel life. Maybe after this barrel is shot I will rebarrel for 6mm but that's at least an year or two out.

Sent everything off to a smith that had it done in a week, and in less then a month had the gun. Was "only" about $3k and will probably be all of the gun I'll ever need for PRS. If you know you want to get into it, I would just do custom build if you can afford. Otherwise run the gear you got until you decided if it's for you.

That's some good advice, dance with who brung ya, in other words use what you've got until you see if you're still interested enough to do a build, by then you'll have seen, and hopefully tested out some rifles and gear to have a better understanding of what will serve your needs and wants, and if you like PRS enough to want to stick with it. Of course you can go full steam ahead and build right away but you'll always lose at least some money whenever you sell, and if the build ended up not satisfying your needs and wants chances are you'll end up having to part it out because potential buyers probably won't fall in love with the combo either.

 

[mmlook]

I went "all in" and had a rifle built for me for PRS/NRL/RTC/etc shooting. Nothing to crazy, using parts that are pretty popular in the PRS world but also parts that were in stock. Ended up with an Axiom Action + Bartline 6.5 26 inch barrel + MPA Chassis + Triggertech Trigger.

6.5cm over any of the 6mm just due to the availability and cheapness of factory ammo + a little more barrel life. Maybe after this barrel is shot I will rebarrel for 6mm but that's at least an year or two out.

Sent everything off to a smith that had it done in a week, and in less then a month had the gun. Was "only" about $3k and will probably be all of the gun I'll ever need for PRS. If you know you want to get into it, I would just do custom build if you can afford. Otherwise run the gear you got until you decided if it's for you.

Just fyi,

the new "production" rifles coming out are more less the same as your custom build.

These days, you can spend way more than $3k on a custom build
- not saying it will be better,
but you can spend way more than that, and possibly end up with a bunch of stuff you don't want

I think a lot of forget as well,
precision rifle investment is way more than just your gun.

the gun is just one small part of the investment