Re: a marine on a budget
Delete original post because I am illiterate and can't read that you already have a good stock. I apologize for that.
From Deadly Precision GunWorks:
http://www.deadlyprecisiongunsmithing.com/pages/Services
The owner and operator is Lorenzo Young. I personally do not own any of his work, but I have sent a several folks to him for partial work and complete builds. The work he does is, to say the least, impressive. All the jobs that I have seen and shot of his are really great. He will work with you on your budget and can do a lot for $500.
Action truing: Square reciever face, lug abutments, bolt lugs, bolt face, and single point thread. -$200
Ultimate action truing package: Same as above, plus ream bolt raceway, custom fluted PTG bolt with extended handle and mini m16 extractor- $475
Truing and you have a 1/2 MOA gun. If I were a betting man, probably even better.
Getting an action set up right isn't as expensive as a lot make it out to be. I be if you told him your situation, like I said, he will work with you. He will also help you do the work in stages. Doing extensive work to a gun, it is good to stay with one smith. That way they are current on all work done and they know how the work was done to begin with.
If you do get in touch with him, tell him "The Surgeon" said hello. LOL
With $500 in your pocket, this is where I would start. Truing the action continues the stable platform that you already have in the stock. Set it up right and when you upgrade the barrel later on, it won't be to much of a problem. The B&C stock, trued action, & a good barrel you have a one hole gun that any one would be proud of.