New bolt rifle build, questions.

[bragood]

Ok I just finished my first ar15 build and I want to build another rifle. Ive heard that I should try a bolt action rifle. I wouldnt mind building a 30 06 on maybe a rem 700 action or maybe on a savage stevens. How hard will this build be and what should I look out for? Im concerned about installing the barrel. How is this done?
Thanks
Brandon

 

[nicholst55]

On the Remington, unless you have a lathe and know how to do it, you need to have a gunsmith install and chamber your barrel. On a Savage, it is essentially a DIY process, providing that you have the required tools and buy a threaded, chambered barrel.

On the Savage, you'll need the threaded, chambered barrel, a 'Go' headspace gage (as a minimum; a 'No-Go' is also a good idea); a barrel nut wrench, and a barrel vise.

I would think that you could buy a Stevens Model 200 in .30-'06 for right around the same price as a good quality aftermarket barrel (under $300), so unless you want something really special, it would probably be less expensive to just buy the rifle ready to go out of the box.

 

[Big Az Al]

It has almost always been cheaper to buy a factory...

My dad built sporters out of Militery surplus actions from before I was born, he was also of the opinion that it would be more cost effective to buy a factory rifle right of the shelf then sporterize one!

But that said with an action or barreled action if you find a barrel action combination that floats your boat, you are able to pick and chose, and build the rifle that truly suits your wish list.

It may cost more then a retail purchased rifle, time wise at the least, but it is "YOURS" and that is sometimes more importent then cost!

Good luck!