Short action hunting rifle build

[stiggy]

I've started researching potential actions for a hunting rifle I want to build from scratch. I plan on building a 300 WSM Hunting rifle. I'll be using this rifle for deer, elk, etc. Money is not of concern. I'm starting with an action first, then barrel, followed by stock.

I came across this website: http://www.6mmbr.com/actions.html

It discusses various actions and options. Does anyone have any input, advice or first hand experience with building their own rifle(s)??

Thank you in advance. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

 

[P.B.Walsh]

Personally, I'd (and I have) go for a Winchester/FNH action.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/category.asp?family=001C

The action is very smooth, I bought the Win. 70 Stealth seen on the site. The trigger is crisp with a hair of overtravel, which I prefer. Accurate rifle for sure.

 

[jmr40]

On a hunting rifle another vote for the Winchester action. The newer FN produced guns have a better chance of being better out of the box. The older Classic actions were CRF and made from 1992-2006 and would probably be my first pick. I like the older trigger design better and you can find a good used donar rifle to build on for a lot less than the newer rifles. The new trigger is way above average from the box, but the older design can be fine tuned by a smith to be as good if not better. Plus it is one of the simplest, most rugged trigger designs ever.

A few of the Classics made during the last few years have some minor issues, but since a smith will be going over your gun as it is being built any issues can easily be corrected at that time anyway.

 

[Savage99]

I like the WSM cartridges and have a few rifles so chambered. Of those I prefer the Kimber 8400's. The M70 I had was not up to the quality of the Kimbers in its action or stock.

The M70's safety was difficult to operate and noisy on let off. The Kimbers is excellent. The M70's stock was cheap plastic and the Kimbers Montana stock is a state of the art Kevlar layup.

The Kimber action is also control round feed which I prefer.

I would buy a Kimber 8400 Montana and modify it if necessary. Thats how I would "build" a WSM!

 

[hithard]

For what it's worth. I had a 700 in 243 laying around. Needing, or wanting something with some thump to it. I decided to send it off to Pac-Nor for rebarreling. I'm going with the 338 federal, No. 1 contour at 20 inches, S.S., in the super match. Timney for the trigger, and brown precision for the stock.

For optics I am thinking about something in the 2-7 power.

Then I just need to find someone that can give it a worthy camo job.

 

[stiggy]

With this rifle build I'm in the market for a non mass-production action. I will get a lot of flack for saying this but Winchesters, Savages, Remingtons, etc need extensive work. That is why I asked about the link, http://www.6mmbr.com/actions.html. Has anyone had experience or have information on any of those custom actions? So far I'm leaning towards Stiller but my research is far from over.

Thanks for all the quick replies!

 

[TonyAngel]

stiggy, I can't agree with what you said about all of the mass produced actions. I've had experience with BAT actions, only because my gunsmith likes them and uses them in his custom builds and they are NICE. They give the term smooth a new meaning. They shoot good too, as they should.

My smith is a pretty good guy and doesn't just sell the most expensive rifle that he can, when someone goes to him for a build. He tells everyone the same thing, when they ask him about what they should get built. That is, you only need a custom action if it's just plain what you want and are willing to pay for it, or you need a rifle that will let you get every last bit of accuracy possible. He told me that you'll only see a benefit if tenths of a MOA matter to you and you're willing to do what you need to in order to load the ammunition that will allow you to realize the difference. This means a neck sizing rotation, turning the necks, sorting brass and bullets, etc.

I've had three rifles built on 700 actions so far. All of them have been 1/2 MOA shooters out to the distances that I shoot. For a hunting rifle, I just don't see why you would need more.

As for the mass produced actions needing a lot of work, I don't know what work you're referring to. All that I had my smith do with any of mine was to true up the lugs on the bolt.

In any case, the custom actions are nice. If you just want it and can afford it, why not.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Try New Ultra Light Arms (NULA). Mel only sells complete rifles but they are very nice.