Gunsmithing Should I get a custom action

[Ragin_cajun]

I'm building a 300 mag and need advice. It's going to be for tactical shooting, AI chassis, and 24" barrel. The question is
I already have an action from a 7mm rum and was wondering, with this action in hand should I true it and build off it or
Get a custom action? Never plan on competing just long range plinking. If the expense to get this action where it needs to be is to close then I would invest in the custom action. Help me on pros and cons each way considering the action is in hand and I'm only paying the gunsmith at this point

 

[seanh]

Which action do you have? That will be the deciding factor.

Seeing that you already have an action, I'd think the best course of action is to simply have it tuned and put a barrel on it, call it a day. If you want a "custom" action, then simply go buy a custom action and don't bother any justification...there is no justification, you simply want it.

Forget cost comparison...you already have an action. So to compare the two isn't really fair. What you need to look at is what you want and how the tool will be used. Will the action you have support the intended usage.

I was at your point early this year. I looked at all kinds of different actions and came to the conclusion that just tuning mine was the best outcome. I sent my rifle to Chad Dixon and in less than a month I had my rifle in-hand ready to shoot. Had I gone true custom, I'd still be waiting. As it stands, I've got a semi-custom rifle that will shoot sub .5" groups at 200 if I can do my part...hard to justify a true custom build other than just "I want"

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have a true custom build but unless I have money to just piss off...not going to happen.

 

[mtmander]

just get your action tuned

 

[Ragin_cajun]

Thanks guys. The action is from a rem 700 xcr in 7 rum. Would there be any benifits in going 300rum over 300 mag? It's going to be my 1k yd rifle because I'm moving to Brisbane and they have a 1k yd range. It would rarly be shot past that but I would like to shoot at 2k yds one day

 

[-Fabien-]

I have a rem700 tuned on a AICS (not any more, this stock is so heavy) and it's very accurate, 1/3 moa on five shots, i'll keep it for yeaaaaaaaaars.......
Customs actions are way too expensive but why not choose one if you can afford it: they are smoothers, more accurate (probably), and most important: they make you feel like syou own the BEST gun ever and that makes you feel so proud and bla bla bla...and that makes you feel so stupid when your results are not better than the guy right next to you who owns a gun "out of the box"!

Au revoir chers amis d'outre-atlantique

 

[xXlojackXx]

Thanks guys. The action is from a rem 700 xcr in 7 rum. Would there be any benifits in going 300rum over 300 mag? It's going to be my 1k yd rifle because I'm moving to Brisbane and they have a 1k yd range. It would rarly be shot past that but I would like to shoot at 2k yds one day

Id stick with a .300 WM over a .300 RUM mainly because of barrel life and the .300 WM will have NO problem reaching 1000 yards. Now if you're talking about hitting 2000 yards you should probably be looking at a .338 or bigger.

Now, that being said, you could go with a .300 RUM and shoot that until it needs a new barrel and then rechamber to a .338 EDGE for reaching out towards 2k yards.

 

[skeetlee]

yes buy a custom action if you can. life is to short!! my opinion. lee

 

[E. Bryant]

I think a lot of this hinges on economics - depending upon the price to true your present receiver, buy a scope rail, buy a new recoil lug, and thread the bolt handle for a knob (and maybe TIG the handle in the right spot), it may very well be possible to get yourself into a Stiller Tac300 for similar money.

On the other hand, pricing like that which is available through Chad Dixon's group buy certainly tips the scales back in favor of using what you already possess.

 

[STR]

You have a nice rifle which you're going to take apart just for the action. I would sell that rifle at a decent price, and get a Stiller TAC-300. It comes with a tactical knob, a pinned rail, and recoil lug, an arguably better extractor, and the body is Stainless. As for caliber, the 300 is the way to go for your intended use. Why? More variety in ammo selection for both target and hunting. A little better barrel life, especially since it will be shot regularly. If you hand load, which I highly recommend due to the cost of either ammo, there are more options for components. A little less recoil. I have no problem with the Ultra, and I know there's a need for it in some cases, but I just don't see it here. Hope that helps a little.

 

[RTH1800]

There is a Tac Ops thread running now that points out that the custom actions have their issues and need trued as well. Makes Remington look a bit more practical. This has been my observation as well. I do have a few customs, but the Rem is about as good as any. JMO

 

[rdinak]

Is there a man among us who can shoot the difference between a trued 700 and custom action with the barrel, stock, bedding, scope and all other components being equal? I know i could not.

 

[Bradu]

I had one of the smiths on the hide build me a rifle on a 700 action and I was curious what I was missing with a custom action so I picked up one by the same builder with his signature action (Defiance). They are both great guns but in my opinion but if you already have an action, I would just have it built.

 

[218bee]

+1 on truing your action

 

[STR]

There is a Tac Ops thread running now that points out that the custom actions have their issues and need trued as well. Makes Remington look a bit more practical. This has been my observation as well. I do have a few customs, but the Rem is about as good as any. JMO

Since I haven't had any issues with the custom actions I've had to barrel, I would like to read Tac Ops post on custom actions needing work out of the box. I looked, but couldn't find the post. Could you send, or post the link to that page. Thanks.

 

[RTH1800]

Sir, I am low tech and do not know how to post links. It is under bolt action rifles. "What's the big deal with TAC OPS" or something similar. Will be on first or second page, good read.
RTH

 

[RTH1800]

For me custom actions are not just for accuracy. I like 700 actions and use many of them. I also like some of the features of the custom actions. ie. Surgeon. I like the integral rail, integral lug and integral bolt handle. Any rifle I have built from here on out will be trued just as a 700 is. My most accurate rifles have been trued 700's. In practice, I seldom require accuracy beyond .5 MOA in the field. The exceptions are crow shooting (where you need all you can get, and more) and the odd long range head shot on a coyote. ie, peeking over a hay bale at 500 yards. In eastern KS, I seldom shoot beyond 800 yards in the field. Too much timber. I do love ultra accurate rifles for target shooting, but do not need the bullet proof features for that, of course.

 

[STR]

Sir, I am low tech and do not know how to post links. It is under bolt action rifles. "What's the big deal with TAC OPS" or something similar. Will be on first or second page, good read.
RTH

OK, I got it. Thank you.

 

[Ultraman550]

I hope I'm not thread jacking but does a trued Savage compare to a Trued Remington? I'm in the exact same dilemma as the OP and the price difference between Truing what I already have vs. custom action is really holding me back.