Action(s) choice for custom bolt gun
I am seriously considering having a .338 RUM built. Any pro's opinions on the CZ, Howa, BRNO, or the English Mauser actions (I forget the manufacturer's name). Would consider using a Remington. Brown or McMillan would be nice but I have no idea what those actions would cost.
I will also place a "wanted" ad (do not respond here, you'll see my ad)[:I].
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I will also place a "wanted" ad (do not respond here, you'll see my ad)[:I].
SEMPER FI
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Remington 700 action is what I have used for everything. That is not to say anything derogatory about the other actions. Varmit Hunter really likes the Howa actions, and he can shoot!! That tells me all I need to know. The CZ is also used for some serious long range stuff.
I just prefer the 700 action, as I am already used to using them.
This is what I did;
I found a 338RUM NIB on the auctions. It was a pencil barrel bdl in a synthetic stock. I am guessing that no-one wanted to be punished by it, so it was sold cheap. I then had the smith, unscrew the barrel, and remove the factory trigger. I resold the factory new trigger, barrel, and stock and ended up with the stainless RUM action. I then took that to the gunsmith for my RUM custom rig.
Now, you should be able to get one and part it out, and have no more than say $450 in it. The figure $200 for trueing and lapping, and you have a super action.
The mcmillan can't be purchased to the best of my knowledge,..they want you to buy the whole rifle.
If you want to spend $900-$1200, then look really hard at the Nesika Bay, BAT, Stolle, Hall, Shilen, & Geske actions. Nesika bay will probably be my next action, they are VERY WELL engineered.
I don't plan on having any mauser actions,..but that is just my own hang-up. I have seen many that looked very well done.
Don't rule out a weatherby MK V action. They are super strong,..they just cost a little more to true them due to having 9 locking lugs instead of 2 or 3. I have a rifle built on one, that will do 1/2" groups while fireforming the shoulders on an ackley chambering. accuracy is not an issue, just the extra effort to true them up.
why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
Got Balistics?0 -
JustC has given you good information.
The reason smiths like the 700 receiver is that it is round, and thus easier to true up using only a lathe (and they need truing, as .040 off center (bolt to barrel and bolt to OD, OD to barrel) is not unusual nor is having the threads running at a angle to the centerline.
Flat bottom (Mauser style) receivers require a little more effort than the 700 style to true up, (with lathe, mill, and surface grinder) which is why you don't see as many "built for accuracy" rifles made on them (cost).
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
Consider the SAKO action? Strong, smooth as glass, well-made & affordable.
If you know it all; you must have been listening.WEAR EAR PROTECTION!0 -
i hard to beat customizing a rem 700. aftermarket triggers, stocks, even short-chambered barrels are availabe for rem 700 from almost everyone. the other actions will be harder to find parts for. 0 -
JustC has laid it out. The Rem. 700 is probably the best choice if accuracy is your goal. If you are looking at a hunting rifle you put together your self, the Howa action mated with a Boyd's (or other) stock makes a fun project and a very decent shooter (mine is in .308).
My heros have always killed cowboys.0 -
Thanks for the input. The 700 does sound like the most 'straightforward' choice. I give a lot of weight to JustC because I've liked (don't always agree) with what he's written here over the years.
I will consider the Howa and Sako actions as well. I hear many good things regarding those makes' complete rifles.
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