Left Hand Stainless .308

[rimfire]

I want a LH short action SS .308 that will ultimately be a project gun.  Want an accurate gun that I can work on upgrading the next few years with a Bansner fitted synthetic stock [yes I know these are expensive but I have heard they are the best], trigger job under 2#, replacement barrel, teflon coated action and barrel, blueprinting, etc.  Want to start with something less than $1000, even much less if possible, but that with a little work over the next 2-3 years I can produce a very accurate gun that is all mine and very refined.

I am mostly a handgun guy...Contenders and revolvers...and have only used a CF rifle to take two deer in the last 20 years.  All the rest with handguns, bows and ML.  Want a really nice accurate rifle that is all mine.  I know I could just call Ed Brown or Bansner or ? and have them make me one, but I think starting from a base gun and building one slowly will be more fun.  Yes...I am strange...and maybe cheap!  I don't want to sell enough handguns to buy a complete Bansner, Brown, etc. right now!

If it shoots well I will start with the trigger job first and go from there in order of...heck I don't know!

700/7, 110/112, A/X-Bolt, Mark V, Sako, Tikka,

Remember...don't limit your answer to which you like better stock...I want to know which ones might or might not have upgrade limitations also.   

I have some pre-conceived notions based on what I see most custom makers concentrate on...but I am trying to keep an open mind.  Ultimately I would be a bit disappointed if I could not build a gun that would consistently shoot under 1".  I have 7-30Waters Contender that shoots under 3/4" with several loads [14" barrel and 7x scope].  Want this gun to end up under 7 pounds with base and rings...don't think that will be an issue with a 21-22" barrel and a good sythetic stock.

What base gun would you start with and why? 

[Mikey]

rimfire:  man, this is a tough one.  I would almost be willing to start cruising the major rifle maker websites to see who makes a left handed ss rifle in 308, and then start from there.  I also believe there are a couple of action makers that make left handed actions - see if you can find any of Craig Boddington's articles on some of his hunts in either the Shooting Times or Am. Rifleman as he also shoots left handed and often references his gun makers in his articles. 

It is good to keep an open mind on projects like this one and I do not think you will be disappointed in your ability to produce a sub-1" rifle.

Take a look on our sponsor's list.  I know that at least one of our sponsors makes rifles (MGM, I think) and Mid-South Supply, also a sponsor, may carry left handed actions and barrels you could use.  HTH.  Mikey.

[db22]

Contact Dave Gentry (www.gentrycustom.com). Mr. Gentry was the first, as far as I know, to make a Mauser-style safety for LH Remingtons. Also, try this maker: http://www.lefthandrifles.com/. Noveske makes only LH rifles, both bolt guns and AR-platform rifles. Dave Petzal of Field and Stream thinks highly of him. Since you're looking for a lightweight rifle, check http://www.newultralight.com/index.html also.

I hope Mr. Graybeard will not object to my mentioning non-advertisers here, at least in this instance. Us left-handers have many fewer options in bolt rifles. Let us know what you decide upon. I have often thought a short LH action barreled in .250 Savage or 7mm-08 would be an ideal deer rifle for Wisconsin, where I live and hunt.

[rimfire]

I was thinking of just going with a LH Remington 700 .308...but they don't make it in stainless!  My next thought I guess is Savage.  The make both a hinged floorplate and a blind magazine version Weather Warrior with the Accutrigger in .308 and Stainless.  I realize that many do not like the Savage looks, but my plan is to replace the stock along with other work to build a great rifle.  It is very cost effective and already has what I understand is a pretty good trigger.

I think the first thing I would do is paint the stock and maybe add a decent recoil pad, unless this stock is a lost cause.  Any thoughts?

[db22]

Rimfire: The Savage synthetic stocks I have handled seem to be alright, for the price. They claim there is an aluminum pillar set molded in, and they don't look too bad. A home-made camo paint job would be a worthwhile modification. I got to shoot an Accu-trigger rifle a few weeks ago, and it is very crisp and consistent. The pre-trigger system might take some getting used to. The stainless model ought to be pretty close to what you are seeking, right out of the box. A good gunsmith can re-barrel a Savage action with a conventional barrel that does not require the Savage barrel nut.

[jbmi]

Montana Rifle Co. makes short action LH receivers in both chrome moly and SS. I had them make me a LH 358 and brother can that gun shoot.

[db22]

jbmi: What a gorgeous rifle! The .358 is a great round, always interested me. There is a good article in the current Handloader magazine comparing .358 Winchester and .338 Federal. The author finds a lot to like about both cartridges.

[Mikey]

There, ya see.  I knew somebody made one.  Ya gotta hand it to those Montana folk - they make a lot of good stuff.  Mikey.

[Nessmuk#1]

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Try this. Rem 700.  Lefthand, Ruger bolt release, Sako extractor, Ed LaPour 3 position safety,Tactical bolt handle.  I've over a grand in it, yours for $650.00
Includes three stocks, laminated, sunthetic and CDL.