What to build? Need advice please...

[cyberpuppy42]

So I was cleaning my bolt hunting rifle the other day, and I realized there were no markings on it other than the caliber (30-06). Out of curiosity I took off the scope mount, and discovered that it's built on a Model 1917 action. I'm guessing it's some sort of a sporter version of the 1917.

After doing some research, it turns out the 1917 action is basically bullet-proof, and people have been using it to build up much larger caliber rifles because the action can take it. Personally I've been shooting sub-MOA with it (barely - I think my best group was .982" at 100 yds with handloads), so I know it has some potential. I also know the stock is pretty sub-par and showing some significant signs of age (it's cracked in a few places). It's not at all accurized currently.

So here's my question to you all:

1) Should I keep it as-is and enjoy it as a decent hunting rifle?

2) Should I have it mildly accurized to bring out some of it's potential (bedding, synthetic stock, barrel crowning, etc.)?

3) Should I have it aggressively accurized by one of the usual top gunsmiths mentioned on these boards (action trued, new barrel, etc.)?

4) Should I change the caliber to something similar like a .308? I'm looking at getting a precision rifle in .308 sometime soon, but perhaps this could provide me with a good practice stick with not horribly different accuracy to a GAP or TacOps custom .308 that I've been thinking of getting.

5) Should I change it to .338 LM?

Personally I'm leaning on something in between option 2) and 3). I like the 30-06 cartridge because it's easily available, and shoots decently. Re-chambering it in .308 would be a similar situation. Other calibers may be less so.

Any thoughts?

 

[NaHa]

Re: What to build? Need advice please...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cyberpuppy42</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I'm guessing it's some sort of a sporter version of the 1917.



So here's my question to you all:

1) Should I keep it as-is and enjoy it as a decent hunting rifle?

2) Should I have it mildly accurized to bring out some of it's potential (bedding, synthetic stock, barrel crowning, etc.)?

3) Should I have it aggressively accurized by one of the usual top gunsmiths mentioned on these boards (action trued, new barrel, etc.)?

4) Should I change the caliber to something similar like a .308? I'm looking at getting a precision rifle in .308 sometime soon, but perhaps this could provide me with a good practice stick with not horribly different accuracy to a GAP or TacOps custom .308 that I've been thinking of getting.

5) Should I change it to .338 LM?

Personally I'm leaning on something in between option 2) and 3). I like the 30-06 cartridge because it's easily available, and shoots decently. Re-chambering it in .308 would be a similar situation. Other calibers may be less so.

Any thoughts? </div></div>

1 or 2. Definitely not 3, 4, or 5.

Were it mine, I'd sell it as-is, unless it has sentimental value. In which case, I'd keep it as-is and start a build with a much more modern action as the basis.

What you're contemplating is trying to make a hotrod out of a sedan. Start with the basis for a real hotrod.

The reason your rifle found itself in its current config is because these surplus rifles were cheap, and much too heavy to tote in the woods in original configuration.

 

[cyberpuppy42]

Re: What to build? Need advice please...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nate Haler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
1 or 2. Definitely not 3, 4, or 5.

Were it mine, I'd sell it as-is, unless it has sentimental value. In which case, I'd keep it as is and start a build with a much more modern action as the basis.</div></div>

That makes sense. Thanks for the feedback! It does have some sentimental value just because it's one of my first rifles, and definitely one with which I ground my teeth so to speak with reloading and precision shooting. Frankly I was (pleasantly) surprised when I printed that sub-MOA target because it started out as a 2+ MOA rifle with factory ammo (of course part if could have been my improving marksmanship).

I don't need the cash, so I'm planning on keeping it. I'll talk to a local gunsmith to find out how much option 2) would cost me and go from there.

Here's a picture of it (crappy camera and a bit blurry - sorry 'bout that...):