Winchester action for a build

lh leggtowner

lh leggtowner

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Minuteman
Mar 22, 2010
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#1
I have a winchester rifle at home in 300WSM. It is the lh pre-64 type action with the claw extractor. It is not a shooter. I have shot many type loads with mixed results. So, thought i would make a custom build in 300WSM. A tactical/hunter. Has anyone built a custom or seen one built on the winchester action. Is it fesible? I love this action, I have just never got it to shoot. So, a build may be in my future.
 
#4
Re: Winchester action for a build

I have love Winchester actions, I have my old 7mm sitting in the shop now waiting be rebuilt. They make great rifles and the actions are stronger then Remingtons. However it is harder to find parts and smiths for them. But some good news. Manners makes great stock and inlets for Winchesters and CDI makes good DBM system for them. The bad news is that finding a smith to work on them is going to be a challenge especially since it is a pre-64 style action.
 
#7
Re: Winchester action for a build

Hey Longshot38, I also have a 7mm STW in the same action. It is not a shooter either. It shoots at best on a good day 1.5-2.0 inches. I just cannot stand to part with it or change it in any way. I read Layne Simpsons article in Shooting Times in the late 80's when he first developed his version of this wildcat. I swore I would own one of these "barnburners". I saw one at my local gunstore years later and viola I am the proud owner of a STW. While not the greatest shooter, it is a beautiful gun built in the classic walnut, winchester style.
 
#8
Re: Winchester action for a build

Nothing wrong at all with a Win70! Only trouble is finding someone to work on it. GAP will do it by the way.

I've got an FN SPR build in progress myself. It's the same as a pre-64 Win70 if you're not familiar.
 
#9
Re: Winchester action for a build

I'm planning an FN SPR build myself. Think I'm going to have Woody from X-ring accurancy do the smithing work for me. His work has lots of compliments on the Hide and he seems plenty comfy working on the Winchester actions. Another suggestion would be Mark from Short Action Customs. Seen lots of his work and it seems top notch.
 
#10
Re: Winchester action for a build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Boondocker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm planning an FN SPR build myself. Think I'm going to have Woody from X-ring accurancy do the smithing work for me. His work has lots of compliments on the Hide and he seems plenty comfy working on the Winchester actions. Another suggestion would be Mark from Short Action Customs. Seen lots of his work and it seems top notch. </div></div>

+1 on Short Action Customs, I've seen lots of his FN/Winchester custom builds on here. He works on them quite a bit.
 
#11
Re: Winchester action for a build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lh leggtowner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey Longshot38, I also have a 7mm STW in the same action. It is not a shooter either. It shoots at best on a good day 1.5-2.0 inches. I just cannot stand to part with it or change it in any way. I read Layne Simpsons article in Shooting Times in the late 80's when he first developed his version of this wildcat. I swore I would own one of these "barnburners". I saw one at my local gunstore years later and viola I am the proud owner of a STW. While not the greatest shooter, it is a beautiful gun built in the classic walnut, winchester style. </div></div>

I think you misunderstand what I was saying. My Winchester flat out shoots and always has. But after I had Pac Nor slap a new barrel on it true up the action the accuracy was simply amazing. The only reason it is sitting in the shop now is because I am no longer happy with its current configuration. Thus it is sitting in line for a rebuild.
 
#12
Re: Winchester action for a build

Most any of the custom builders will fix you right up. Manners and McM have stocks and CDI has DBM. GAP built mine and it is a tack driver.
 
#13
Re: Winchester action for a build

I'm also considering a tactical hunter build using my 300 wsm super shadow. Thinking I might switch it over to
7mm wsm since they use the same bolt. Looking at #5 or medium palma for barrel profile.
 
#14
Re: Winchester action for a build

Thanks guys for all the info. Hey Longshot38, I knew that yours was a shooter. I was envious that my STW was not. I have lots of info to work with. I can now talk with multiple folk that you have mentioned and make the decision and post pics when they get done.
 
#15
Re: Winchester action for a build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xmark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm also considering a tactical hunter build using my 300 wsm super shadow. Thinking I might switch it over to
7mm wsm since they use the same bolt. Looking at #5 or medium palma for barrel profile. </div></div>

Obviously you'll be researching more before you dive into that, but be aware of the 7mm-300WSM. Necking the 300WSM down to 7mm provides a longer neck and other advantages over the standard 7WSM.
 
#16
Re: Winchester action for a build


I had one that was from their custom shop...sharp shooter about 20 years ago. It had a Schneider barrel-24" 308, straight tapper if I remember correctly. Action was smooth as glass, trigger didn't need to be touched and would should .75" groups at 300 yards if I could pull the trigger well.

Winchester makes good actions but you be better off getting a custom action for what it costs to blueprint yours.
 
#19
Re: Winchester action for a build

If we had an idea where parts of the country you were, one might be able to reconmend a good smith for ya.. I am in the south, but use Randy Gregory exclusively, whom is in Wis.
 
#20
Re: Winchester action for a build

I am from northern AL, SIE107. I have a local smith here that I may consider. I have been told by many after mentioning this build that he is up to the task. I just wanted as many options as possible to investigate.
 
#22
Re: Winchester action for a build

I just took delivery of a new rifle from Jered Joplin at APA, built on a FN M70 action......and I couldn't be happier with the result.

FN SPR "M70" action
Rock Creek 18" .308 barrel
McMillian A3 Stock
CDI bottom metal
Jewel Trigger

...all ended up with a .132" test target
grin.gif
 
#23
Re: Winchester action for a build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lh leggtowner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am from northern AL, SIE107. I have a local smith here that I may consider. I have been told by many after mentioning this build that he is up to the task. I just wanted as many options as possible to investigate. </div></div>

Well being from Northern AL, I would hope that you know that John Widden uses Winchester actions.
 
#24
Re: Winchester action for a build

I'd RUN from Any "gunsmith that won't build a rifle on a M70 action. It is a simple, accurate action from the start. It has a built in recoil lug which many favor over a remington type. The triggers are easily adjustable or you can get a Jewel, Timney, CG, Anschutz etc.. The actions (in tests) are more ridgid that remingtons and in my experience in Highpower competitions, the vast majority of top shooters chose M 70's over every other action until recent tube guns came about.
 
#26
Re: Winchester action for a build

I love crf winny's.

On my home page there is a thread link to a 300wm I did a little while ago.

Feel free to review it and judge for yourself if we can satisfy your needs. I run my shop about as transparent as it gets. If you'd like a performance report ill be happy to forward customer letters/photos.

We'd be delighted to build your rifle.

All the best and keep well

C.

 
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