Building an bolt action?

[j.trevor123]

May not be rocket science to some but I am thinking of building a custom bolt action for my one and done deer rifle. So my question is does anyone have a good website that has good info about how it’s done? What tools do you really need when buying quality parts? I have built 2 ARS and it was quite simple with instructions. I’m thinking about going with a 6.5 Creedmoor because it will be used for deer\hogs and I don’t enjoy shooting my 30-06. So looking for a good round that I will enjoy shooting. Any other opinions would be appreciated.

[sierracharlie338]

Ok where to start....

Caliber choice is good for what you are wanting to do with it.

You may want to clarify what you mean by "building a custom rifle". To build an accurate custom rifle you need precise and expensive equipment and years of experience. If you are referring to a Remage or Savage nut system where you just headspace the chambered barrel and tighten a nut down that is different.

Can you expand on what exactly you are wanting to do.

[RMW]

In for the response on this one

[bboswell]

building an AR and building a bolt action are 2 very different things

[BLACKFINTURKEY]

If you have decent mechanical skills and understanding you can build a very accurate rifle on a savage action without the very expensive tools. My brother just finished his 7-08ai build on a savage tactical action. Shoots very good maybe not as good as others but he built it himself. I’m getting ready to start mine soon thinking of a 22-250ai or 260ai. It’s not too hard.

[SmTx]

Build off a savage like stated or get a smith involved.

[j.trevor123]

Originally Posted by sierracharlie338

Ok where to start....

Caliber choice is good for what you are wanting to do with it.

You may want to clarify what you mean by "building a custom rifle". To build an accurate custom rifle you need precise and expensive equipment and years of experience. If you are referring to a Remage or Savage nut system where you just headspace the chambered barrel and tighten a nut down that is different.

Can you expand on what exactly you are wanting to do.

Hopping to spend around 2000 or so. Maybe more. Not sure, just decided not long ago. Y’all say get a gunsmith involved if not a savage.. why is that? I plan on buying complete parts.. barrel, action, stock etc.. do I need a smith enclosed when doing that if I use a 700 action for example? Excuse my ignorance but this is my first go around. I am mechanically inclined and good with YouTube lol

[j.trevor123]

Just want a very nice rifle and save money.. not sure if it’s worth it or not.

[Gherkin05]

You can buy a barreled action then the stock you want, glass etc.... building from scratch would mean access to a machine shop and extensive skills. For $2k buy the parts you want and put it together yourself. Still a fun way to get what you want in the end.


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[ultralite09]

If your budget is close to or over $2000 you can find a lightly used Alamo Precision, Horizon, Hill Country, etc for that price with the load development done as well if youre not in the hurry and have time to shop around.

Dont think youll be saving money in the long run for what you could build Vs. what you could buy.

[j.trevor123]

Originally Posted by Gherkin05

You can buy a barreled action then the stock you want, glass etc.... building from scratch would mean access to a machine shop and extensive skills. For $2k buy the parts you want and put it together yourself. Still a fun way to get what you want in the end.


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Yah that’s what I mean, not from scratch( machining etc) just a nice hunting rifle that I’m confident in. Just looking for a place of info on how too and what tools are needed? Etc

[j.trevor123]

Originally Posted by ultralite09

If your budget is close to or over $2000 you can find a lightly used Alamo Precision, Horizon, Hill Country, etc for that price with the load development done as well if youre not in the hurry and have time to shop around.

Dont think youll be saving money in the long run for what you could build Vs. what you could buy.

That’s what I was trying to figure out, is it worth it or spend a few hundred more and by from those places..

[sierracharlie338]

Originally Posted by j.trevor123

Hopping to spend around 2000 or so. Maybe more. Not sure, just decided not long ago. Y’all say get a gunsmith involved if not a savage.. why is that? I plan on buying complete parts.. barrel, action, stock etc.. do I need a smith enclosed when doing that if I use a 700 action for example? Excuse my ignorance but this is my first go around. I am mechanically inclined and good with YouTube lol

No worries bud.

If you are not doing a nut style barrel on a Remington, yes you need a gun Smith because there are technical tools needed to build the gun properly. In my opinion the time and money spent on a build is better spent on a gun Smith who does it for a living. If you just want to tinker then the savage/remage barrel nut would be a fun project.


Sierracharlie out…

[j.trevor123]

Originally Posted by sierracharlie338

No worries bud.

If you are not doing a nut style barrel on a Remington, yes you need a gun Smith because there are technical tools needed to build the gun properly. In my opinion the time and money spent on a build is better spent on a gun Smith who does it for a living. If you just want to tinker then the savage/remage barrel nut would be a fun project.


Sierracharlie out…

Makes sense, well in that case Alamo precision it is! Thanks for clearing that all up guys. That thread was started with no research. Just figured asking on here would be faster

[trophy8]

Originally Posted by j.trevor123

Just want a very nice rifle and save money.. not sure if it’s worth it or not.

Here's my input. If it's a one and done rifle then buy exactly what you want to a T.

[SabreKiller]

6.5 Creedmore barreled actions are $1699 from Alamo Precision.

[kmon]

Originally Posted by SabreKiller

6.5 Creedmore barreled actions are $1699 from Alamo Precision.

Which barrel and action would that be?

[Cajun Blake]

You can spend from $1300 to $4000 building a custom rifle. Parts include an: action, barrel, stock, trigger, and bottom metal. You will need a gunsmith to do the machine work and bedding of barreled action to stock.

Actions: .... $325 to $500 for factory donor action

-Remington 700, Savage, Browning, Ruger, etc...
-Then it's recommended to have the action trued/blue-printed - $200
-Other actions will work, but the 700 is most popular and has the most aftermkt accessories.

Actions: .... $950 to $1600 for custom

-lots to choose from: Curtis, Stolle / Kelbly, Farley, BAT, Borden, Stiller, Defiance, ....
-then select options: s.s. or c.m., single shot, bolt fluting, coned or straight bolt face, repeater, R/L bolt, R/L port, ejector, cerakote or nitrided finish

Barrels:

-You will need to decide on brand, contour, caliber, length, fluting, twist, stainless, chrome-moly, carbon wrapped ...
- GS will fit, chamber, and crown barrel onto your action. You choose the cartridge, and GS can cut chamber for your specific bullet of choice. Cost will be $250 to $400 depending on GS. Threaded for a suppressor or muzzle brake installed cost extra.

Stock: ... $225 for a used HS take-off up to $1800 for the mack-daddy
Manners and McMillans run $550 - $1100 depending on options.
- GS will charge $250 to $400 to pillar and glass bed action.
- Stocks with a chassis system do not need to be bedded, yet cost more $$$.
- Stock finish is a matter of personal choice: McSwirly, painted, cerakoted, splotches, etc...

Trigger: ... tuned factory $75, Jewell $225, Timney $125-175, Bix-n-Andy $375
- custom triggers can be set from 1 ounce to 3 lbs

Bottom Metal: ..... $0 to $400
- ADL blind magazine will not cost you any $, factory BDL style $125, Detach Mag with AI type magazine $200 , HS with magazine $375, ....

Probably missed a few things but that's pretty close. Most people will buy parts separately and send to GS, or the GS can order all the parts for you. If you're tight with the GS, a rifle can be built in 2-3 weeks. Lead or delivery time can vary from 6 months to 12+ months depending on the GS and how popular he is. If only building 1 rifle, build it exactly how you want it. This stuff is highly addictive and you will likely be planning your next build once shooting your new toy.

[sierracharlie338]

Blake hits the nail on the head again.


Sierracharlie out…

[Mike D]

Originally Posted by j.trevor123

Just want a very nice rifle and save money.. not sure if it’s worth it or not.

Very nice rifle is the easy part. Saving money isn’t. What is your primary goal with this? There are a lot of really good factory rifles for a LOT less than you will spend on a build.

I’m not trying to talk you out of a build but you can spend a lot of money for marginal gains over a higher end factory rifle.

The biggest gain to building vs buying is getting the exact stock you want, trigger you want, barrel length, twist, contour and finish that you want. But all of that can come at a hefty price tag.

Based on your responses I think you need to do some more homework and ask a lot more questions before shelling out your hard earned money on something you don’t know a lot about.


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[bboswell]

Originally Posted by kmon

Which barrel and action would that be?

Curtis Action, choice of 3 premium barrels and 6 chamberings.

[j.trevor123]

Originally Posted by Cajun Blake

You can spend from $1300 to $4000 building a custom rifle. Parts include an: action, barrel, stock, trigger, and bottom metal. You will need a gunsmith to do the machine work and bedding of barreled action to stock.

Actions: .... $325 to $500 for factory donor action

-Remington 700, Savage, Browning, Ruger, etc...
-Then it's recommended to have the action trued/blue-printed - $200
-Other actions will work, but the 700 is most popular and has the most aftermkt accessories.

Actions: .... $950 to $1600 for custom

-lots to choose from: Curtis, Stolle / Kelbly, Farley, BAT, Borden, Stiller, Defiance, ....
-then select options: s.s. or c.m., single shot, bolt fluting, coned or straight bolt face, repeater, R/L bolt, R/L port, ejector, cerakote or nitrided finish

Barrels:

-You will need to decide on brand, contour, caliber, length, fluting, twist, stainless, chrome-moly, carbon wrapped ...
- GS will fit, chamber, and crown barrel onto your action. You choose the cartridge, and GS can cut chamber for your specific bullet of choice. Cost will be $250 to $400 depending on GS. Threaded for a suppressor or muzzle brake installed cost extra.

Stock: ... $225 for a used HS take-off up to $1800 for the mack-daddy
Manners and McMillans run $550 - $1100 depending on options.
- GS will charge $250 to $400 to pillar and glass bed action.
- Stocks with a chassis system do not need to be bedded, yet cost more $$$.
- Stock finish is a matter of personal choice: McSwirly, painted, cerakoted, splotches, etc...

Trigger: ... tuned factory $75, Jewell $225, Timney $125-175, Bix-n-Andy $375
- custom triggers can be set from 1 ounce to 3 lbs

Bottom Metal: ..... $0 to $400
- ADL blind magazine will not cost you any $, factory BDL style $125, Detach Mag with AI type magazine $200 , HS with magazine $375, ....

Probably missed a few things but that's pretty close. Most people will buy parts separately and send to GS, or the GS can order all the parts for you. If you're tight with the GS, a rifle can be built in 2-3 weeks. Lead or delivery time can vary from 6 months to 12+ months depending on the GS and how popular he is. If only building 1 rifle, build it exactly how you want it. This stuff is highly addictive and you will likely be planning your next build once shooting your new toy.

Good write up! Thanks Blake

[j.trevor123]

Originally Posted by Mike D

Very nice rifle is the easy part. Saving money isn’t. What is your primary goal with this? There are a lot of really good factory rifles for a LOT less than you will spend on a build.

I’m not trying to talk you out of a build but you can spend a lot of money for marginal gains over a higher end factory rifle.

The biggest gain to building vs buying is getting the exact stock you want, trigger you want, barrel length, twist, contour and finish that you want. But all of that can come at a hefty price tag.

Based on your responses I think you need to do some more homework and ask a lot more questions before shelling out your hard earned money on something you don’t know a lot about.


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I may go with a factory rifle, not sure yet. But I do want it the way I would like. I buy a lot of things I don’t need. Haha

[Cajun Blake]

OP ... do you handload , and into wildcats that require brass prep ?

I'm fixing to sell a mint condition 6x47 Lapua barrelled action, 1:8" Bartlien barrel, Greg Tannel trued blueprinted and bushed bolt, Rem 700 (early 70's action), < 300 rds fired. Whenever it stops raining, sleeting, and snowing I'll take pics and list it in the classifieds. Also have a Manners MCS-T bedded by SAC (short Action Customs) but not sure I wanna part with it

[bboswell]

Originally Posted by Cajun Blake

OP ... do you handload , and into wildcats that require brass prep ?

I'm fixing to sell a mint condition 6x47 Lapua barrelled action, 1:8" Bartlien barrel, Greg Tannel trued blueprinted and bushed bolt, Rem 700 (early 70's action), < 300 rds fired. Whenever it stops raining, sleeting, and snowing I'll take pics and list it in the classifieds. Also have a Manners MCS-T bedded by SAC (short Action Customs) but not sure I wanna part with it

Oh my!

[trophy8]

Originally Posted by Cajun Blake

OP ... do you handload , and into wildcats that require brass prep ?

I'm fixing to sell a mint condition 6x47 Lapua barrelled action, 1:8" Bartlien barrel, Greg Tannel trued blueprinted and bushed bolt, Rem 700 (early 70's action), < 300 rds fired. Whenever it stops raining, sleeting, and snowing I'll take pics and list it in the classifieds. Also have a Manners MCS-T bedded by SAC (short Action Customs) but not sure I wanna part with it

I need to block you for awhile haha

[Mike D]

Originally Posted by Cajun Blake

OP ... do you handload , and into wildcats that require brass prep ?

I'm fixing to sell a mint condition 6x47 Lapua barrelled action, 1:8" Bartlien barrel, Greg Tannel trued blueprinted and bushed bolt, Rem 700 (early 70's action), < 300 rds fired. Whenever it stops raining, sleeting, and snowing I'll take pics and list it in the classifieds. Also have a Manners MCS-T bedded by SAC (short Action Customs) but not sure I wanna part with it

Stop it Blake!


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[StickSlinger]

I have a question maybe blake or someone else can answer. Why does the win. modle 70 get no love on here? We hardly ever see them for sale or to build off of

[hardtner]

Originally Posted by Cajun Blake

OP ... do you handload , and into wildcats that require brass prep ?

I'm fixing to sell a mint condition 6x47 Lapua barrelled action, 1:8" Bartlien barrel, Greg Tannel trued blueprinted and bushed bolt, Rem 700 (early 70's action), < 300 rds fired. Whenever it stops raining, sleeting, and snowing I'll take pics and list it in the classifieds. Also have a Manners MCS-T bedded by SAC (short Action Customs) but not sure I wanna part with it

Glad I’m toy money broke

[Sleepy]

Originally Posted by j.trevor123

I may go with a factory rifle, not sure yet. But I do want it the way I would like. I buy a lot of things I don’t need. Haha

As Mike stated, you can buy a nice factory gun and fix it to your liking. If you do it right, it will be very accurate and exactly what you want. I considered a custom, but instead went with a Tikka, swapped the stock out and spent the money saved on good glass. The only other thing I will end up doing is have the action bedded and may one day drop a Timney in them. As it sits though, they are really good looking guns that shoot less than .5 moa with my handloads. Glass and all, I’m all in for about $1,600.

Originally Posted by Cajun Blake

OP ... do you handload , and into wildcats that require brass prep ?

I'm fixing to sell a mint condition 6x47 Lapua barrelled action, 1:8" Bartlien barrel, Greg Tannel trued blueprinted and bushed bolt, Rem 700 (early 70's action), < 300 rds fired. Whenever it stops raining, sleeting, and snowing I'll take pics and list it in the classifieds. Also have a Manners MCS-T bedded by SAC (short Action Customs) but not sure I wanna part with it

Hmmmm

[DarrellS]

https://aprifles.com/products/apr-co...rreled-actions

[Gunnyart]

"a"

[captainsling]

I would just buy the components and have Blake's gun smith build it. That's what I did and could not be happier, and have one hell of an accurate gun.

[SabreKiller]

Originally Posted by kmon

Which barrel and action would that be?

It says they're Curtis action and then you get a choice of barrels. Bartlein was one of them I think. Also can choose barrel length.

[JakeGraves]

For $2k, the Seekins Havak is a lot of rifle and offered in 6.5Creedmoor.
APR barreled actions are also top notch with stock of your choosing. Still need to bed it.

[Balcones_Walker]

You lost me at "one and done"

APR does amazing work for the price. There are also a lot of cheap, accurate rifles these days that can be upgraded over time.

[kmon]

Originally Posted by SabreKiller

It says they're Curtis action and then you get a choice of barrels. Bartlein was one of them I think. Also can choose barrel length.

IMO there is a lot to like about the Curtis actions. The one I have handled made me want one. The 3 lug bolt is one of the things I like best about it.

[bphillips]

Tough to beat APR for the price they offer on custom barreled actions and 700 builds

[Outbreaker]

Originally Posted by j.trevor123

I may go with a factory rifle, not sure yet. But I do want it the way I would like. I buy a lot of things I don’t need. Haha

The Remington Sendero is as close to custom as you will get from the factory.

You can then bed the action and change the trigger yourself.

I would also get the GS to thread it for a suppressor....but that is me.

[bphillips]

Originally Posted by Outbreaker

The Remington Sendero is as close to custom as you will get from the factory.

You can then bed the action and change the trigger yourself.

I would also get the GS to thread it for a suppressor....but that is me.

By that time you could have bought a 700 semi custom from APR that is cerakoted, trued, and doesn’t have a factory barrel

[sierracharlie338]

Originally Posted by Outbreaker

The Remington Sendero is as close to custom as you will get from the factory.

You can then bed the action and change the trigger yourself.

I would also get the GS to thread it for a suppressor....but that is me.

Maybe at one time. The Seekins Havak I think has that title now. Maybe even the Begara before Remington as well.

[Outbreaker]

Originally Posted by bphillips

By that time you could have bought a 700 semi custom from APR that is cerakoted, trued, and doesn’t have a factory barrel

I do not see how considering that their barreled actions start at 1700.......

[j.trevor123]

Originally Posted by Cajun Blake

OP ... do you handload , and into wildcats that require brass prep ?

I'm fixing to sell a mint condition 6x47 Lapua barrelled action, 1:8" Bartlien barrel, Greg Tannel trued blueprinted and bushed bolt, Rem 700 (early 70's action), < 300 rds fired. Whenever it stops raining, sleeting, and snowing I'll take pics and list it in the classifieds. Also have a Manners MCS-T bedded by SAC (short Action Customs) but not sure I wanna part with it

Sure don’t, one day I would like to bud don’t have the space right now.

[j.trevor123]

Originally Posted by captainsling

I would just buy the components and have Blake's gun smith build it. That's what I did and could not be happier, and have one hell of an accurate gun.

I figured Blake would be at that level by now! Lol

[j.trevor123]

Originally Posted by JakeGraves

For $2k, the Seekins Havak is a lot of rifle and offered in 6.5Creedmoor.
APR barreled actions are also top notch with stock of your choosing. Still need to bed it.

I actually saw those a few weeks ago..

[DarrellS]

Originally Posted by Outbreaker

The Remington Sendero is as close to custom as you will get from the factory.

You can then bed the action and change the trigger yourself.

I would also get the GS to thread it for a suppressor....but that is me.

The 5R Gen II come threaded and cerakoted.

[j.trevor123]

Originally Posted by Balcones_Walker

You lost me at "one and done"

APR does amazing work for the price. There are also a lot of cheap, accurate rifles these days that can be upgraded over time.

Well let me give you background about me.. I’m no expert marksman but I can shoot okay but with anything I do I enjoy quality. So I would like something of quality that I have no excuse but hey it was me. I have a nice rifle for the price but nothing fancy. I have never had high dollar optics( have a Leopold vx2) but my next rifle will be A.something lighter on my shoulder. B. Something of quality. And C. With quality optics.

[j.trevor123]

Originally Posted by Outbreaker

The Remington Sendero is as close to custom as you will get from the factory.

You can then bed the action and change the trigger yourself.

I would also get the GS to thread it for a suppressor....but that is me.

I would but caliber selection in small.

[Outbreaker]

Originally Posted by j.trevor123

I would but caliber selection in small.

What caliber are you looking at?

[j.trevor123]

I’m gonna go with he new fad and say 6.5 creedmoore. But they seem empressive from what I have seen as far as lighter recoils calibers go. Not stuck on that though