Author Topic: Help me build a very accurate rifle for $1,000.00 or less with out optics? (Read 4473 times)

DalesCarpentry · « **on:** January 29, 2011, 03:31:07 PM »

OK here goes. Come this spring I want to build a very accurate rifle for less than $1,000.00 I have been a huge Remington 700 fan for years and have had a few that would shoot one hole groups if I did my part. The thing is I would shoot a one ragged hole group and then the next group would be an inch. I have never owned a rifle that could do it consistently. I spend my spring,summer fall shooting Groundhogs out to 500 yards. Most shots on them are 300 yards or less. If during those months I am not out shooting Groundhogs I can be found at the range in my free time. I try to make it there at least once a week if not more. For the most part 3/4 of my year is spent shooting and I shoot at least 3,000 rounds a year.

For this build it has been a toss up between a 260 Rem and the new 6.5 Creedmoor. I think I have decided on the 6.5 Creedmoor. As big as a Remington 700 fan I have been I think it's action is out due to the fact the cheapest Remington 700 I could buy would be the SPS and it is around $500.00. So I have heard many good things about Savages so I plan on buying a Stevens from Buds gun Shop for $319.00 delivered to my FFL.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_62/products_id/14605
I would like to install a Bell and Carlson Medalist stock on it. Please tell me if this would fit the above rifle from Buds?
http://www.shootersdiscount.com/cart/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=97
Now I need help on a trigger. I would like one I can get down to 2 pounds or less. Please provide a link if you know what will fit this rifle.
Here is the big one. Who's barrel should I go with? I am thinking maybe a Shilen Match grade barrel. I could get it short chambered so my gunsmith would have less work to do on it maybe saving me some money. What do you think? I have never had a custom rifle built so I am sure there are things I am forgetting. What would be a fair price for a gunsmith to square up the action and lap the lugs? I need suggestions from you guys. People that have done this before. I would even go with another action if it could be done cheaper yet. Please provide links if you can so I can see what you are talking about. Please advise me on how I can economically build a tack driver. Thanks for your time and take care Dale

Catfish · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2011, 11:42:15 AM »

www.sharpshooterssupply.com This is the guy for Savage rifle. If you want to put the barrel on yourself he will ship you a barrel or he will do any or all of the work you want done. He also makes a Savage trigger that will go down into the oz`s. I had him put a 224 TTH ( 22-6mm) together for me and the only time I every put it on paper at 600 yrds. I put 3 shots in at just under 2 in. I have now shot the through out in that barrel and had him cut off 1/2 in. and rechamber it and it looks like it will still do it. I also have another barrel cut with the same reamer so when I get this one shot out I can just switch barrels and not have to wait on one. I have an 8 twist and shoot the 80 gr. Sierra Match bullets, they make big holes in coyotes.

diggler1833 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2011, 12:05:06 PM »

Dale,

Unless I have been mistaken, you generally shoot your SPS with the crappy plastic factory stock. Bedding and trigger have a huge role in consistancy. That factory stock flexes about as badly as anything you can imagine too. Before you spend money on a new rifle, a new handle for your current one might keep you interested in it.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2011, 12:10:08 PM »

Look at some of the AR's You can build a nice one for a grand .

Mikey · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2011, 02:57:41 PM »

Hmmmm, how about a Carl Gustav 6.5mm Swedish Mauser target rifle. It will outshoot both the 260 and the 6.5 Creedmoor and you don't have to go to the trouble of building one for under $1k, it's already done for you; and you can put some personal touches on it if you wish. Ummm, just a thought.....

the jigger · « **Reply #5 on:** February 06, 2011, 04:59:06 AM »

Dale,
Catfish has given you some excellent advice. I have not used SSS for barrels or barrel work; however I have six rifles with his triggers. I even swapped out two Accutriggers for the SSS trigger. I like the Savage/Stevens actions as platform for custom rifles.
I've done several; 250/3000,250AI, 220Swift, 257 Roberts.
None of mine are 1k rifles. Choose a cartridge and go for it.
For my latest effort I used a Shilen barrel for the first time. I have been amazed with the quality, accuracy and particularly the ease of cleaning of this barrel. I have used mostly Douglas since the early 70's and was never disappointed. My gunsmith recommended this change.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!

ba_50 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 14, 2011, 04:40:52 AM »

Dale,

JDillinger over on firearmstalk.com recommended a Krieger barrel. I've been trying to figure out the best way to go, like you, only with a Savage LH action. I'm stuck on a .243 for LR work. For a carry rifle I'd like a .223AI.

How is your project coming? Bob

Freezer · « **Reply #7 on:** May 15, 2011, 05:55:05 AM »

Dale a lot of good advise here. Spend the money on a good stock. My son's friend shoots a Savage. His groups tightened up significantly when he change the stock.

I'm having a custom Mauser built. I chose a 1909 Arg Mauser action with a thumb tang safety, 26" Shilen lite varmint barrel chambered in 6.5-06. It will wear a 4.5x14 Leupold CDX satin finish walnut stock and Harris bi pod.

Why 6.5 Creedmore over 6.5-06? If your getting a long action the the 6.5-06 has greater case capacity and velocity.

Have you looked into ER Shaw? They build custom rifles and savage barrel kits. They are in your neck of the woods, that will save shipping and transfer costs.

Swampman · « **Reply #8 on:** May 28, 2011, 02:57:41 AM »

For a few dollars more you could have a Shilen barrel installed in your caliber of choice and do what I did below.

1. Mossy Oak Camo .30-06 ADL Package Rifle from Walmart $430.00
2. Sold camo stock, ADL metal, and Bushnell scope on eBay for $150.00
3. Bought new take-off CDL stock and bottom metal for $200.00
4. Dropped barreled action into the CDL stock.
5. Bought new Nikon Prostaff off eBay for $140.00
6. Mounted scope on existing Weaver bases using a set of vintage low Elpaso Weaver rings that I had nothing in.
7. Installed a Montana sling $30.00

Went to the range with a clean bore and a box of Remingrton 180 grain Core-Lokts
Fired 2 fouling shots
Put the next 3 in the same hole

There are ways to do this cheaper. New ADLs can be had for a lot less, but the black stock doesn't bring as much when resold. This may work with other brands but there are a lot more new take-off parts floating around for Remingtons than others. If you like plastic, Bell & Carlson makes a nice stock.

If it makes you feel good, put a dab of JB WELD behind your recoil lug. I do that on heavy kickers to save the stock.

ba_50 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 28, 2011, 03:09:03 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on May 28, 2011, 02:57:41 AM

For a few dollars more you could have a Shilen barrel installed in your caliber of choice and do what I did below.

1. Mossy Oak Camo .30-06 ADL Package Rifle from Walmart $430.00
2. Sold camo stock, ADL metal, and Bushnell scope on eBay for $150.00
3. Bought new take-off CDL stock and bottom metal for $200.00
4. Dropped barreled action into the CDL stock.
5. Bought new Nikon Prostaff off eBay for $140.00
6. Mounted scope on existing Weaver bases using a set of vintage low Elpaso Weaver rings that I had nothing in.
7. Installed a Montana sling $30.00

Went to the range with a clean bore and a box of Remingrton 180 grain Core-Lokts
Fired 2 fouling shots
Put the next 3 in the same hole

There are ways to do this cheaper. New ADLs can be had for a lot less, but the black stock doesn't bring as much when resold. This may work with other brands but there are a lot more new take-off parts floating around for Remingtons than others. If you like plastic, Bell & Carlson makes a nice stock.

If it makes you feel good, put a dab of JB WELD behind your recoil lug. I do that on heavy kickers to save the stock.

Most of the Savage rifles have internal magazines, which I don't care for. Were you able to convert yours to a drop plate system or is it still original?

Swampman · « **Reply #10 on:** May 28, 2011, 03:14:16 AM »

This is a Remington.

ba_50 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 28, 2011, 10:17:14 AM »

Yes I know. What I was wondering is did you keep the internal magazine or somehow convert it to a dropping floorplate? Is it possible to convert?

Swampman · « **Reply #12 on:** May 28, 2011, 01:12:18 PM »

This one has a dropping floorplate like any CDL or BDL. The parts swap right out.

Bugflipper · « **Reply #13 on:** May 28, 2011, 03:09:23 PM »

$680 for all the parts needed for an ar if you buy a lower for $120 locally. http://www.model1sales.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=79 Rarely is there a varmint style ar that is above .5 moa. In most cases they are 1 holers.

If you are set on a bolt. the .223 will work for the ranges you listed. Is inherently more accurate than both the other rounds. If you plan on shooting it a lot the 223 will last longer before burning out. A stock savage 12fv will go .38" for $510. Fire lap, bed the stock and adjust the trigger and you can shrink the group if you have more accuracy than that.

The old style 110 trigger on the stevens or pre accutrigger savages, can be adjusted and polished to 2-2.5. A used 12fv older style can be $350 and will still do .38" groups. Plenty to support that with reviews over the years that it is one of the most accurate out of the box rifles in history. If you want the medalist stock it is a good one, you are in the used fv for just a little and have plenty of money left over for optics, but most likely can shop around for a good one that already has them when it comes off the shelf.
Good Luck

Swampman · « **Reply #14 on:** May 28, 2011, 03:56:42 PM »

Quote from: Bugflipper on May 28, 2011, 03:09:23 PM

the .223 will work for the ranges you listed. Is inherently more accurate than both the other rounds. If you plan on shooting it a lot the 223 will last longer before burning out.

Interesting.......

Ethan · « **Reply #15 on:** May 29, 2011, 11:09:29 AM »

IMO I would go with a E.R. Shaw barrel for your custom gun and put a Jewell or Timney trigger in it and I would build it off a Remington 700 action and put it in a Bell&Carlson synthetic stock. So you have a gun for hunting deer when the weather is bad and you can use it to shoot ground hogs

parkergunshop · « **Reply #16 on:** May 29, 2011, 11:28:31 AM »

Goal $1000
Remington 700 for Action 350
Shaw barrel fitted 325 Shipping both ways included
Bell & Carson Stock 180 Pillar bedded model add $100 for Aluminum bedding block model
Glas bedding Kit 35
Timney Trigger 125

Balance 15-

The Bell & Carson Stock pillar bedded stock definately needs to be glas bedded for strength and for fit with barrel floated except for maybe the first two inches at the receiver.

If you pay a gunsmith to glas bed the stock, install the trigger you will have a $1200 dollar plus rifle.

I would personally go with the full aluminum bedding block stock at the $100 extra cost and see if the accuracy is satisfactory before deciding to glas bedding it or not this would only run you about 10 percent over budget.

billy_56081 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 29, 2011, 12:25:31 PM »

Most accurate prodution rifle available. http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/models/

parkergunshop · « **Reply #18 on:** May 29, 2011, 01:03:01 PM »

Billy,

Looked them over and:

My personal choice would be the Model 12 Benchrest single shot in 6.5 x 284 Norma This one runs close to $1500

2nd choice the Model 12 long range precision in 6.5 Creedmore as a repeater. This one can probably be bought for $1000

And yes these are probably the most accurate production rifles from a mass producer of guns.

Swampman · « **Reply #19 on:** May 29, 2011, 01:35:43 PM »

I can't see any reason to use an E.R. Shaw barrel. Just buy a Savage if you want that.

WSM264 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 05, 2011, 06:04:35 PM »

If you are going with a 6.5 bore - Pacnor is the barrel you need. I made a 6.5 WSM on a Savage 10 action, with a 28" Pacnor and will go back to Pacnor for my upcoming 6.5-06AI project.
Get the polygonal rifing option = higher velosity and easier to clean.

Singleshotsam · « **Reply #21 on:** August 30, 2011, 06:04:06 AM »

I bought an SPS tactical .308 from my local gunshop for 600.00.
I bought a used HS Precision stock from a friend for 120.00
I got a deal on a tac ops bolt knob job for 40.00.
Ordering a Harris swivel notched leg bipod for about 120.00.
Ordering a Nightforce 20moa canted one pc. scope base for 100.00

Throw in about 20.00 worth of Gun Kote and Alumahide paint to improve the metal finish and camo the stock and i'm sitting on 1000.00 worth of gun that will consistantly shoot in the .3 and .4's w/ Federal GMM.

From my experience in varmint hunting that's more than plenty accurate for anything you want to do. I've got a bushnell elite 3200 5-15 tactical mildot scope coming to mount on it so I can compete in a modified F class competition and later do a sniper simulation competition. Once I save up the money it will be getting a Nightforce scope and I'll call it done.

I can also shoot one group touching and the rest will open up but that's going to be a combination of my lack of consistance in my form and how fast your heating up the barrel. My friend can shoot consistant .3's from my gun all day long. Take the time to put a good solid stock on that gun and run good ammo. Combine that with proper form, lots of practice and an open mind about the mistakes your making and you'll see your sps shoot one holes consistantly as well.

Singleshotsam · « **Reply #22 on:** August 30, 2011, 06:12:42 AM »

If I were dead set on getting a 6.5 bore bbl it would be the 6.5 x 47 lapua hands down.

Bingo · « **Reply #23 on:** September 02, 2011, 04:25:52 PM »

Dale, ER Shaw is in Bridgeville. They have done some work for me and I am quite impressed. They do custom rifles too. My opinion, Great People and a local company with a great product.....Stop in and talk to them.

Frank46 · « **Reply #24 on:** September 03, 2011, 06:56:41 PM »

Dale, I've both a rem 700 sendero and savage 110FP in 308. the savage will easily outshoot the remington. It still has the plastic stock which I bedded the front receiver ring. Just for the heck of it I put twenty rounds each of lack city match through each rifle in ten round groups. The savage won. Think I paid about $250 some 16 years ago.
The savage will do what you want it to do easily and with a lot less fuss than the rem. I have 1300 rounds through the 700, and 1100 through the savage. Put a SWFA super sniper scope on it and go have fun. 10x,16x and 20x if I remember right. Frank

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #25 on:** September 04, 2011, 09:52:43 AM »

Buy a Rem 700 PD model in 308 with 26 inch bbl and the stock that has the bed block. add a better trigger and glass bed the actoin .

Singleshotsam · « **Reply #26 on:** October 26, 2011, 06:40:40 AM »

I realize this is a bit of an old thread now but anyway...

I don't buy into rifle x outshoots rifle y out of the box. That's about the least scientific arguement i've ever heard. Both guns are factory rifles. In the case of factory rifles both rifle x and y were build on a production over quality basis. Just because your rifle x outshoots your rifle y means nothing. What were the variables? Was the person that assembled the rifle having a good or bad day? How many bbls did the reamer go through when rifle x's bbl was reamed? Were the action bolts torqued properly? Does it have pillar bedding? Is the recoil lug true? What about the headspace? Was the headspace set close or is the gap wider? You can see where this is going...

Now take 10 identical savage rifles randomly from a 100 gun production. Take 10 identical Remington rifles from a 100 gun production. Put them in a vice and shoot 10 rounds each @ 100 yards using X brand of ammo. What are the results? Now we have a science going on.

The bottom line to this arguement is that it's rare for any factory rifle to shoot it's potential strait out of the box. I've shot lots and lots of them... I've never had luck w/ a CZ, Savage, Winchester or Ruger to hold less than 1" groups consistantly out of the box. I buy a remington SPS tactical in .308, the thing will hold 1/2 groups all day long. I got lucky with the Remington. Plain and simple.

Mikey · « **Reply #27 on:** November 08, 2011, 12:22:22 AM »

Dale: what have you decided to do??? Did you go with Swampy's suggestion and get a Remington or are you still undecided? Let us know, it's been only 10 months..........

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #28 on:** November 08, 2011, 02:41:37 AM »

Quote from: Singleshotsam on October 26, 2011, 06:40:40 AM

I realize this is a bit of an old thread now but anyway...

I don't buy into rifle x outshoots rifle y out of the box. That's about the least scientific arguement i've ever heard. Both guns are factory rifles. In the case of factory rifles both rifle x and y were build on a production over quality basis. Just because your rifle x outshoots your rifle y means nothing. What were the variables? Was the person that assembled the rifle having a good or bad day? How many bbls did the reamer go through when rifle x's bbl was reamed? Were the action bolts torqued properly? Does it have pillar bedding? Is the recoil lug true? What about the headspace? Was the headspace set close or is the gap wider? You can see where this is going...

Now take 10 identical savage rifles randomly from a 100 gun production. Take 10 identical Remington rifles from a 100 gun production. Put them in a vice and shoot 10 rounds each @ 100 yards using X brand of ammo. What are the results? Now we have a science going on.

The bottom line to this arguement is that it's rare for any factory rifle to shoot it's potential strait out of the box. I've shot lots and lots of them... I've never had luck w/ a CZ, Savage, Winchester or Ruger to hold less than 1" groups consistantly out of the box. I buy a remington SPS tactical in .308, the thing will hold 1/2 groups all day long. I got lucky with the Remington. Plain and simple.

that said and true to a point some producers are better at sending out accurate rifles than others. Quality control ! Also some rounds are more accurate as a whole be it their cartrige specs or the fact that ammo loades have developed for it more and have reserched it more.
Besides everyon knows the most accurate are produced when the planets line up just right on a full moon .