Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

[Fried Chicken Blowout]

I've been shooting "Long Range" Carbine for over a year now and I've been wanting to get into shooting bolt guns. But I kept running into the price barrier for what I wanted, so I attempted this build myself and documented the build in my blog. My write up is not intended to be a in-depth review of all the items I used, but more of an idea for those looking to do a similar thing, especially those that are left handed or left eye dominate since we run into some special issues.

As of this week, I've completed the build, zeroed and fired some test groups. I'm very happy so far. As you read the blog posts, please remember that the focus was to do this as cheap as I could, but not screw myself as a result of buying crap. What I tried to do was get the best products I could without paying extra for stuff I didn't need and without trying to buy the best of anything. That's just not my personality... I'll never own a Schmidt and Bender and I'll never own a $5k custom rifle. While I might be able to afford it, I just wouldn't ever be happy having that much money tied up in any single item I own. As you read the first post, you'll see that I'm a total spaz and I dabble in everything so I can't sink too much money into any one side of the sport.

Also, as a novice long range shooter there may be some knowledge deficits about specific products that I'm using. I make no claims on being an expert on any of these items, I'm just trying to pass on an idea for a build that I think is sold at this time and I'm happy with so far. As I get more time behind it and attend some matches, I'll post updates here and let everyone how things are turning out. Because of the overall length of the blog posts, I'm not going to try to duplicate them here. I'm going to post links to the pages to keep it simple. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them here. Here we go...

Part One - Intro and The Base Rifle

Part Two - The Stock

Part Three - The Glass

Part Four - Scope Base and Mount

Part Five - Suppressed Armament Systems Muzzle Brake and Barrel Threading

Part Six - Atlas Bipod and Custom Mounting Rail

Part Seven - Factory Bottom Metal and 10-Round Mags

Part Eight - Initial Range Results

Part Nine - The Real Range

I'd like to thank John at 8541 Tactical for giving me the idea of doing this on my own and not having to spend a ton of money making it happen. Hopefully someone else can learn from my experience here and improve on things.

 

[Shoottothrill]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

So what was your total cost for the entire package?

By the way the rifle looks great and shoots even better. Congrats on a nice build.

 

[slowkota]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

Doing it cheap... Then putting an Atlas bipod on it! lol

 

[MadKap]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

Awesome.

Really considering that combo of mount and scope (alibi-et H59 vs g2dmr).

Did you mention the bubble level type used?

Any other QD one-piece mounts as low as that ADM?

 

[socomike]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

Those are good results and a great looking rifle.

 

[TRAAV]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

My dad picked up the same rifle (your base rifle) chambered in 260. From a guy that had never shot it. I sold the scope off of it and he ended up having $300.00. I started load development with H4350 and 140 Amax's. found a promising load in the first batch of testing and the rifle has preformed unbelievably well.

It's a hunting rifle rifle and he doesn't shoot anywhere near the amount that I do but there is probably 200-300 rounds on it and it is 100% a SOLID .5moa gun. I have printed several (half dozen)5 shot groups in the 2's.

Every time he gets it out I just know its going to go south or have some kind of major POI shift but so far it's been dead nuts.

I have been scared to clean it or even pull the stock off because I'm scared I wound be able to get all the goofy wedges back how the go.

I'm not saying I'm thinking about getting rid of all my custom rigs and just buying savage predictors but I have defiantly been impressed.

Defiantly a hell of a good place to start.

 

[Fried Chicken Blowout]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 78steeler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So what was your total cost for the entire package?

By the way the rifle looks great and shoots even better. Congrats on a nice build. </div></div>

Prices include shipping, all items were new...

$722 - Base Rifle (Buds Guns Delivered Price)
$1100 - Bushnell HDMR (Got it on sale +$75 Rebate + Free shipping + cash discount)
$440 - Stock
$260 - Atlas
$85 - Mags (Each)
$20 - Extended Mag Release
$90 - Custom Bolt Handle (Not Pictured - Was Shipped Yesterday)
$67 - Scope Base
$29 - Anti Cant
$160 - ADM Mount
$243 - Muzzle Break and Barrel Threading

$3216 = Total

Clearly for a more strict budget I could have went with a Harris for a $200 savings, not threaded the barrel for another $243 savings and not replaced the bolt handle for another $90 savings. This would have brought the price down to $2654 and the rifle would have performed exactly the same for the most part, it just wouldn't have been as flexible (Atlas) or as nice to shoot (Brake) or as spiffy looking (Atlas, Brake and Bolt Handle). But for those on a tighter budget, I think $2500 could be done easy with this base rifle and a few cheaper parts. I've talked my right hand buddy into doing one with the Model 12 Long Range Precision. That's what I really wanted so I'm a little jealous, I'm sure his will be a 0.25 MOA shooter.

 

[Fried Chicken Blowout]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slowkota</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Doing it cheap... Then putting an Atlas bipod on it! lol </div></div>

Can't cut corners some places. After seeing the Atlas being used and having used the Harris, I bought a Harris initially for the build but returned it after one day of use and ponied up for the Atlas. Got the cash discount for that at a local dealer.

 

[Fried Chicken Blowout]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MadKap</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Awesome.

Really considering that combo of mount and scope (alibi-et H59 vs g2dmr).

Did you mention the bubble level type used?

Any other QD one-piece mounts as low as that ADM? </div></div>


Totally forgot to mention the Anti Can't... $29 at Sinclair International
http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=34906/Product/MWG-Anti-Cant-Device

I'm pretty sure that LaRue and for sure Spuhr makes them if you've got the cash...

With the locking turrets the HDMR is really the perfect fit for the H59...

 

[Fried Chicken Blowout]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TRAAV</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I have been scared to clean it or even pull the stock off because I'm scared I wound be able to get all the goofy wedges back how the go.
</div></div>

There were no wedges in the accu-stock. It's an aluminum bedding block but a pretty weak for end. I never shot it in the factory stock so I don't have any comparison of how the new stock changed things.

I've removed and replaced this from the new stock a couple times without any issues. Right now I'm using 45 Inch pounds on both screws into the aluminum V-Bedding Block of the Choate stock. Not sure if that's totally right or wrong, but it's working for now.

 

[jbell]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

Very good job on the write up! Also great choices on the components for your build. It all seem to come together with great results. Keep us posted on how it does at distance. Enjoy it!

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">$3216 = Total</div></div>

How can you say that is "on the cheap? I'm a firm believer you can build a GOOD long range rifle cheap, but that ain't it.

I built my long range rifle (Model 70 in 300 WM) for less then $250 and it shoots.


Bolt $39.17
stock 88
barrel 90
sling stop5
sling 15
Total $237.17

I did the work my self, the chamber reamer, head space gages were paid for by some eles who wanted a 300 WM. I made the rail.

Stock is a Bishop semi inleted, barrel is a Douglas supreme, Iron sights are Olympic Redfield which came from the NG parts bin. I had the Weaver T-10 Scope.

The action is from a group of 6 Model 70 Actions I bought for a total price of $235.

The sling and sling stop were gun show finds.

Granted, prices are a bit higher now, but no where near $3000.

Don't let prices scare you, you don't need to spend $3000+ to have a good long range shooter.

 

[bama1]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

Have the Savage model 10 predator hunter max1 in .243 that does this bone stock. Put a viper hs from Midway on it and shoot 5 inch groups at 1000 with 105 bergers. Is that easy enough for long range on the cheap? It will shoot the blue box federal 100 grains in one tiny little hole at 100 yards. What's not to like?

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

my hunting rifle is a Stevens 200 action, Savage (big) bolt handle, SSS trigger, ER Shaw 308 bbl (20" threaded, about to be chopped to 16.5") HS Precision Savage LRP take off stock, EGW base and rings, and a Bushy Elite 10x...

I have almost exactly $1000 in it, w/ the glass, and it's sub MOA w/ M118LR and in the .6s w/ handloads

that's pretty budget

 

[MagnumSecurity]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

Nice job and excellent choice in starting with Savage.

I don't ever plan to shoot competitively, so a full blown custom is not something I will likely ever do. However, some upgrades could be possible.

Thanks for taking the time to post all of your details.

 

[George63]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FCB</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 78steeler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So what was your total cost for the entire package?
</div></div>

Prices include shipping, all items were new...

$722 - Base Rifle (Buds Guns Delivered Price)
$1100 - Bushnell HDMR (Got it on sale +$75 Rebate + Free shipping + cash discount)
$440 - Stock
$260 - Atlas
$85 - Mags (Each)
$20 - Extended Mag Release
$90 - Custom Bolt Handle (Not Pictured - Was Shipped Yesterday)
$67 - Scope Base
$29 - Anti Cant
$160 - ADM Mount
$243 - Muzzle Break and Barrel Threading

$3216 = Total


</div></div>

you still have the price of the sling, rear bag, mat and case to add in

you say you will shoot factory ammo so I do not know how I would figure that - I usually factor in any brass, powder, projectiles, primers, dies or other equipment that I end up adding for a new rifle into the total

pretty much for me a new rifle ends up 6000 total - realistically in a year and a half you will have at least that much into the long range setup(getting the brass by shooting factory)

other things you may be adding for long range: good rangefinder, good spotting scope, kestrel, ballistic calculator

In a couple of years if you keep at this the whole idea of "cheap" and long range precision going together will be amusing - what you are exploring here would be better termed:

------------------ "less than it could be"

 

[The Surgeons Ghost]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

How do I find this "Smoking Tactical Works Inc?" I googled it but I did get any results that matched up. Thanks for the help.

 

[Fried Chicken Blowout]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The_Surgeon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How do I find this "Smoking Tactical Works Inc?" I googled it but I did get any results that matched up. Thanks for the help. </div></div>

I got a smoking price from "Tactical Works, Inc"... Drop the smoking part from the search...

http://www.tacticalworks.com

 

[Fried Chicken Blowout]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: George63</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what you are exploring here would be better termed:

------------------ "less than it could be" </div></div>

Yes I can agree with that...

I didn't include other soft items like you listed because I already have them all. i.e. range finder, Kestrel, ballistic calc, spotting scope, bags, mats, reloading gear. The factory ammo will be used until I get 1000 cases, then I'll start reloading. And when considering reloading of the 6.5 rounds, it's really a break even point when you figure in time. I could just as easily work an over-time shift at my normal job and make enough to more than offset the time I would burn reloading on a single stage press. I do all my "long range" carbine reloading on a progressive press with a Dillon RT1200 doing the trimming so there's no hand work to be done. I don't think I'll get away with that for the 6.5 Creedmoor. That makes the amount of time involved an issue for me.

I'm not going to include the price of dies and other items I need because that's not part of the comparison. The comparison is that a custom rifle with a 1 year lead time could cost me $5k. What I spent on the rifle alone (minus optic, optic mount and bipod) was less than $1700 and the lead time was 6 weeks to get all the parts and get it completed. The rest of the money is tied up in "accessories" that would not have been part of the custom $5k rifle. The cheapest quote I got for a custom built rifle was $3700 using a standard Rem 700 action (More than twice what I paid - This is where the "Cheap" part of the write up comes from). Are their cheaper builders out there? Maybe... Would those rifle be better than what I have in my hands now? Likely to some degree and I will completely admit that. Would I be able to benefit from a 0.25 MOA rifle over the 0.42 MOA rifle I have... As a novice bolt gun shooter I don't think so.

Back to "Cheaper than it could be" and those that say this isn't cheap at all. What I tried to accomplish was giving myself all the tools I could to make a successful entry into long range field shooting to 1200 yards without waiting 9-12 months for a custom build, where I could be using that time training. And spending 1/2 to 1/3 the money on the rifle build. The optic is what it is, you can't really save a lot of money there. But if you look at a custom built rifle vs a do-it-yourself like this one there's a lot of money to be saved. I could have saved more by keeping the factory stock and shooting it until that was my limiting factor and then upgrading. To me, I would rather have the adjustability and the extra rigid platform for that "minor" amount of money to be sure that the rifle fit me; in order to allow me to learn without the hindrance of poor body alignment.

My clarification on cheap is that it's MUCH cheaper than the dream rifles I priced out. It was quick to my door and shoots well. With the way that I jump around to different gun games this may last me several years before I need to rebarrel it and it will be money well spent but who knows... I put about 2k rounds a year through my long range carbine so this may turn into the same thing and I'll be rebarrling it next year with a nice Bartlein barrel. I also could have bought all used gear and went that direction for cheaper. It's all where your focus is. I don't like buying used because I've been burned several times so that was out.

FCB

 

[The Surgeons Ghost]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FCB</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The_Surgeon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How do I find this "Smoking Tactical Works Inc?" I googled it but I did get any results that matched up. Thanks for the help. </div></div>

I got a smoking price from "Tactical Works, Inc"... Drop the smoking part from the search...

http://www.tacticalworks.com </div></div>

LOL illiteracy is a bitch LOL

 

[Fried Chicken Blowout]

Re: Long Range Precision - Doing it cheap...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The_Surgeon</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FCB</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The_Surgeon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How do I find this "Smoking Tactical Works Inc?" I googled it but I did get any results that matched up. Thanks for the help. </div></div>

I got a smoking price from "Tactical Works, Inc"... Drop the smoking part from the search...

http://www.tacticalworks.com </div></div>

LOL illiteracy is a bitch LOL </div></div>


No joke... Normally my spelling gets me. Thankfully Google has me covered there. But at work there's no spell check and I get hosed with all kinds of stupid spelling mistakes.