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FNG reporting in with some questions.

foosa

Private
Minuteman
Apr 23, 2011
5
0
47
Atlanta, GA
I got the itch for something in a bolt variety that can reach out and touch whatever it is I need to touch. I am thinking a realistic range for me would be out to 600-800yrds, and maybe toying further out. I am currently looking for a beater rem 700 for the right price to start this project. When I find my action I would like to send it out to a reputable gun smith for truing the action and the barrel install at the same time. Below I have a few questions to help me get my build plan in order prior to really getting started. Anything is subject to change at this point as am just getting started. Toss out some ideas if you like.


Questions:

1. Do you know of any reputable smiths in GA that can true a rem 700 and install a barrel? (Also if possible flute the bolt for that awesome factor)
2. Who has a good 20-22in barrel?
3. What twist do you recommended for 168gr? Should I run heavier bullets?
4. Can you recommend a stock with a pistol grip? (I like the MCS-T5A but would like options that maybe cheaper)


I know theses are basic questions, but for question 1 I would like to get some recommendations on it so I don't bet on the wrong horse.

Thanks all
 
1) Not actually in GA, but has a GA in it: G.A. Precision. In this day and age of FedEx/UPS, it's not absolutely necessary to limit yourself to a smith in your area unless you have a very specific reason for doing so.

2) Bartlein, Krieger, Hart, Broughton, Brux...well, you get the idea. All are very high quality barrelmakers. You might try the link below to see if they have what you want already in stock to avoid a potential wait of 6-8 months for a new barrel.

http://bugholes.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=88_89

3) An 11-twist will do very well with almost anything in the 150-190 gr range. If you're referring to 168 gr SMKs, their performance tends to fall off rapidly around 700-800 yd due to an excessively steep boattail design. They're fantastic inside 600 yd, but after that, it may depend on your muzzle velocity, atmospheric conditions, etc. The 168 A-Max would be a better choice in that weight. Alternatively, there is no good reason not to use 175 gr SMKs and avoid any poor ballistic performance issues at all.

4) There are a few aftermarket stocks/chassis that come with a pistol-type grip. XLR is one that immediately comes to mind, but if you look through the last week or so in the bolt gun forum, you'll find some threads about others, IIRC.

Hope that helps and best of luck with your project.
 
What's your budget as well? Once you start dipping into custom builds from reputable/known riflesmiths the price tag starts to increase as you know.
There's nothing wrong with getting a R700 action spruced up but by the time you're done spending money on it, you're near the cost of a custom action. The topic has been discussed ad nauseum..
 
1) Not actually in GA, but has a GA in it: G.A. Precision. In this day and age of FedEx/UPS, it's not absolutely necessary to limit yourself to a smith in your area unless you have a very specific reason for doing so.

2) Bartlein, Krieger, Hart, Broughton, Brux...well, you get the idea. All are very high quality barrelmakers. You might try the link below to see if they have what you want already in stock to avoid a potential wait of 6-8 months for a new barrel.

http://bugholes.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=88_89

3) An 11-twist will do very well with almost anything in the 150-190 gr range. If you're referring to 168 gr SMKs, their performance tends to fall off rapidly around 700-800 yd due to an excessively steep boattail design. They're fantastic inside 600 yd, but after that, it may depend on your muzzle velocity, atmospheric conditions, etc. The 168 A-Max would be a better choice in that weight. Alternatively, there is no good reason not to use 175 gr SMKs and avoid any poor ballistic performance issues at all.

4) There are a few aftermarket stocks/chassis that come with a pistol-type grip. XLR is one that immediately comes to mind, but if you look through the last week or so in the bolt gun forum, you'll find some threads about others, IIRC.

Hope that helps and best of luck with your project.


Thanks for the info. The reason I ask on the 168grn, is my M1A loves them. I am not opposed to heavier bullets.
The reason I am looking for a smith in GA, I would like to check out both their work and handle the goods prior to making any final decisions. I can look at pictures till my eyes bleed but that will not tell me how to feels in my hands.



What's your budget as well? Once you start dipping into custom builds from reputable/known riflesmiths the price tag starts to increase as you know.
There's nothing wrong with getting a R700 action spruced up but by the time you're done spending money on it, you're near the cost of a custom action. The topic has been discussed ad nauseum..


That is what I am exploring. I am looking to get prices together for both options and with that information I will be able to make a better decision as to the direction I want to move with this project. Thanks for the heads up on that.