Need Opinions. Use Ruger or Remington Action for Build?

[jasonprox700]

I am stuck.  I would like to build a .280 Ackley Improved.  The problem is this.  I really like Remington actions.  They are smooth and there are a variety of parts for them.  I have a .22-250 in one, and it feels great, better than my Ruger.  Same with my dad's 7mm.  But, I have a Ruger M77 Mark II in .280 that has been by my side for the last 15 years.  I don't know if I should use that action, or start over with the Remington.   

Another option, keep the Ruger as my back up, and build the remington to my likings.  Too much sentimental value to let the Ruger go (1st buck, 1st lots of things!).

[Tunaman]

This will probably be contested just like the "best action thread," but I say start fresh. The 280 has sentimental value, so why change it. Truth be told, I think that you can't go wrong with either action but it would probably be easier with a 700 action. Good luck with your project.

[Swampman]

If you want to build a true custom rifle, I'd choose the Remington 700 action.  On the other hand, the Ruger can simply be rechambered to .280AI and you can still shoot factory .280 ammo in it.

I would not use a Ruger action to build a custom rifle.

[kyelkhunter3006]

Man oh man, here we go again!!!!!!!!!!!  I see that Swampman has already jumped on to it....

It really depends on what features you want the AI to have.  If you want controlled round feeding, then it's the Ruger.  If you want the 3 position safety, it's the Ruger.  If you want integral scope mounts, it's the Ruger. 

It seems that the Ruger has a lot of history to go with it, so I'd be reluctant to mess wit it.

As for building customs on a Ruger, writer Jon Sundra (who can afford any gun he'd like to have) uses Ruger's for most of his semi-custom guns.  But, he likes all of the above features on the Ruger.

If none of these matter, then it'll be probably be easier to get a Remington donor gun than a Ruger.  Don't waste time and money trying to buy just a new action.  You can get a good used rifle cheaper (or a good price on a new one), strip it, sell the parts off that you don't want, and almost break even on the cost, or close to it.  I've done it many times.  Then you have an almost free action to work with. 

Another option is just re-boring/rechambering a .270 or some other caliber smaller than .280.  If you like everything on the Remington rifle and just want the AI round, that's your easiest route, and from what I've heard, most of the guys who offer re-boring services have a hell of a lot quicker turn-around time than the custom barrel companies do, and it'll be just as good if not better.

[Freezer]

    I can't believe I'm going to post this  I agree with Swampman to a point.  Re-chamber the Ruger.  As for a custom rifle I've never seen too much need for them.  If you just want one OK!  There are too many good Mauser actions out there that can be had for a lot less than a Remington action.  For that reason I start with a Mauser.  There are also many parts available for the Mauser action and any gunsmith worth his salt can either build it or help you where necessary.  For that matter I wouldn't sneeze at a Springfield or Lee action though they're harder to find and more expensive.  
    Just be make it interesting I've seen three very nice Arasaka's and one Nagant.

[Dave in WV]

I would rather have a custom rifle built on a Ruger MKII action. If I wanted a .280AI I would want a 24" barrel to make it worth while. My son has a stainless MKII and he had it bead blasted and got a McMillan stock for it. It's a dandy. He decided against the AI.

[charles p]

I happen to own a 280AI that I had built on a Rem 700 action, Shilen match stainless barrel, and McMillan stock.  I lapped the bolt and tuned the stock trigger.  Everything else was "blueprinted".  My gunsmith wanted the oldest 700 action I could find.  She's a sweet shooting rifle, just a bit heavier than I wish.

I talked to Kenny Jarrett about 25 years ago about a custom rifle and he would not build on anything but a Rem receiver.

[kyelkhunter3006]

About all the custom smiths like to work on the Remington because that are easy to true up and there's lots of aftermarket stuff available to accessorize them.

Jarret obviously doesn't think that the 700 was the best, or he wouldn't have designed and patented his Tri-Lug action.

[Mr. Joe]

Depends on what you want, both are good options.  Remington would be cheaper and you would need any trigger work, but the ruger has a better saftey, CRF, a better recoil lug.  I like them both, but for a custom i would go remmy just becuase of the money.

[Brithunter]

Welll it's you money and your rifle so ultimately it's your decision  however I would have to agree that the Ruger just has too many special memories to risk mucking with it  so I would keep that just as it is and just enjoy the memories ever timeIi handled it or shot it.

As for a custom rifle that requires a lot of serious thought as to exactly you want the end product to be and do. A lot of time if we examine our desires closely there is a production rifle that is so close to our goal that we can make miinor alterations to it to get what we want. However if the desire to own a true custom rifle is so strong logic does not cut it and well we have to a sit down and write out the specifications that we desire. Then read it again and study it as we only get one chance to get this right. Think on it for some time, weeks/months if needed, and finally tune our specification sheet in light of the study and thoughts and then and only then can the shopping start  .

    This is how I went about planning the Custom rifle based upon a surplus Springfield 03 action some years ago. I still have the spec sheet somewhere which was finalised with the smith but the rifle was never built as the parent comapny fell foul of some US laws and closed up the whole operation to avoid doing lots of time in prison. The Gunsmiths were laid off and the custom shop in Birmingham England shut down. So now although it has taken a lot longer I have been working towards a custom rifle on a Mannlicher Schoenauer rifle the stock is the last major thing to do and I am trying to find a reasonable stocker to do the job. The Schoenauer is not the usual action and magazine and some don't want to do an out of the ordinary job as they are probably set up for the usual run of the mill Mauser or Remington 700 action.

   In the end I will have a custom Schoenauer with new barrel in 6.5x54MS (yes I stayed with the original 1903 chambering) with nice walnut in a half stock design and fitted with QR mounts holding a Zeiss 4x43 scope  .

About all the custom smiths like to work on the Remington because that are easy to true up and there's lots of aftermarket stuff available to accessorize them.

Jarret obviously doesn't think that the 700 was the best, or he wouldn't have designed and patented his Tri-Lug action.

  Oh I searched and found the Jarret site and looking at it I have certain reservations as to the claims made  for one thing there are several makers who use a three lug set up and it's not a new idea. Same goes for four lugs which are used by some. The claim than no broaching means no stress is particularly hard to swallow as when you cut into metal you cause stresses and as for the semi-integral recoil lug  err surely it's part of the action or it's not it cannot be both. I see some marketing hype in that one  . However I have never seen not am I likely to see a Jarret Tri-Lug as I don't believe anyone imports them into the UK so only have their web site ot base judgements on. The guarentee is good and I have never heard anything bad about Jarret of his rifles even those built on the Rem 700 which is how I believe he started.

   I often wonder why so many custom bits and add ons are made for the Rem 700. Could it be that the rifle is not as good as they claim so the better bits became a must? or is it that although the basic design is fairly good the execution on the production line at Remington leaves much to be desired? And no I don't know the answer to either or if it's for other reasons entirely  .

[Swampman]

"I often wonder why so many custom bits and add ons are made for the Rem 700."

Because it's the small block Chevy of bolt action rifles.  Of course any centerfire rifle that will shoot sub-MOA groups right out of the box with factory ammo., provides the average citizen with exactly what he needs for less than $500.00.  The Model 700 is boring.  Once it's sighted in (less than a box of cartridges)the only thing left to do is hunt.  Folks just want to add some bling so theirs will look special.

[jasonprox700]

Thanks guys.  I am starting to lean towards the 700.  I'm hoping to start building this in the spring.  No more guns for the rest of the year.  I'm getting married Saturday, and that drained my funds!

Anyway, here is what I had in mind for the gun.  24" Kreiger barrel (I'm not sure which profile yet), Timney trigger, &  a nice walnut stock.  I figured this would give me a exactly what I want!

[Swampman]

I'd like to try one of these stocks on my Model 700 in AA fancy Walnut or Myrtle.  I like the bedding block.

http://www.accurateinnovations.com/index.html

[Brithunter]

"I often wonder why so many custom bits and add ons are made for the Rem 700."

Because it's the small block Chevy of bolt action rifles.  Of course any centerfire rifle that will shoot sub-MOA groups right out of the box with factory ammo., provides the average citizen with exactly what he needs for less than $500.00.  The Model 700 is boring.  Once it's sighted in (less than a box of cartridges)the only thing left to do is hunt.  Folks just want to add some bling so theirs will look special.

Neatly ducked that. I wonder if one fo the white coats helped you with the answer?

[Cecil]

I built my custom on a Ruger mk77 2 bought a new rifle in 30-06 ordered a ER Shaw 35 whelen barrel with helical fluting ,I smooth the bolt ,polished ramp , lapped the bolt , polished the trigger, put a accurate innovation's walnut stock on it while I was waiting on Shaw . I also bought a Timmy trigger for it but haven't installed as the Ruger trigger is fine after polishing. I to like the Ruger rings,crf,3 way safety. I couldn't be happier with the finished rifle

[Swampman]

"Neatly ducked that. I wonder if one fo the white coats helped you with the answer?"

I'm guessing the fact that the Remington Model 700 series is the all-time best selling line of bolt action sporting rifles in the world could have something to do with the accessories market as well.  No point in making accessories for rifles no one owns.

[Drilling Man]

 

Another option, keep the Ruger as my back up, and build the remington to my likings.  Too much sentimental value to let the Ruger go (1st buck, 1st lots of things!).

  You answered your own question!

  DM