So I'm planning to construct a do-all 'Utility Rifle', a weapon that will do everything I'd need a bolt-gun to do. Keeping with my minimalist approach to gun-buying (mostly due to a lack of funding), I'm trying to wedge all the versatility I can into a single weapon. Basically a medium-caliber rifle I'll use for deer, elk, coyote, and the occasional long-distance fun-shoot. Color and such will change with the season as I coat it in Krylon.
Here's what I've go so far:
The base rifle will be the 'Remington 700 SPS AAC' model in its sole chambering of .308 Winchester since it has the sought-after barrel length, contour, and a reasonably nice trigger already installed. Would like to use the HS Precision Pro Series M24 Fixed Tactical after-market stock as well, but my main goal is to find a bottom-metal set-up that can accommodate a detachable magazine, preferably Accurate Mag or Accuracy International mags, since they seem to be the most cost-effective (not to mention common and well-reviewed) thus far. Option B has become "Wyatt's DetMag (M4) Detachable Magazine Assembly". Mags aren't cheap but they're a bit cheaper than the HS Precision equivalent that only uses their expensive mags.
Issues I've run into are that I can't seem to find bottom metal that supports those magazines for that particular stock. While stocks are negotiable, the stocks those particular bottom metals fit with are usually the higher-end McMillian or Manners that go for a grand or more per stock. No issues with those makers, but the HS seems to be the best value. If the stock Hogue model works fine, I might stick with it but I have concerns about the barrel free-floating with the overmolding. Also open to a modular chassis system if it'll save money in the long run. Aluminum bedding blocks are preferred as well.
Anyway, I've hit a wall with this project and am looking for advice or suggestions from people who do this more often than I do. Theme of the project is availability of parts (commonality, etc), cost-effectiveness, and durability. Money is not a huge issue but I'd like to keep this project under $2000. It's highly unlikely this thing will be fired at bad guys, mostly a hunting tool that's got the capability to reach out longer than normal if I feel the need. "Longer" I define as between 800-1000 yards on inanimate targets such as steel plates, silhouettes, etc.
Scope will likely be one of Vortex's 'Viper' models to begin with, on some sort of solid, one-piece rail with a decent set of rings. I'd love suggestions in this area as well. I'd like the scope to be capable of a maximum magnification of at least ten-power. Prefer a mil-dot reticle as well.
If there's a kick-ass piece of kit out there that will complete this project that I've over-looked, please point it out to me, as in stocks, bottom-metal set-ups, etc. Additionally, if you've also built a weapon such as this, tell me about it. I can always use ideas.
Here's what I've go so far:
The base rifle will be the 'Remington 700 SPS AAC' model in its sole chambering of .308 Winchester since it has the sought-after barrel length, contour, and a reasonably nice trigger already installed. Would like to use the HS Precision Pro Series M24 Fixed Tactical after-market stock as well, but my main goal is to find a bottom-metal set-up that can accommodate a detachable magazine, preferably Accurate Mag or Accuracy International mags, since they seem to be the most cost-effective (not to mention common and well-reviewed) thus far. Option B has become "Wyatt's DetMag (M4) Detachable Magazine Assembly". Mags aren't cheap but they're a bit cheaper than the HS Precision equivalent that only uses their expensive mags.
Issues I've run into are that I can't seem to find bottom metal that supports those magazines for that particular stock. While stocks are negotiable, the stocks those particular bottom metals fit with are usually the higher-end McMillian or Manners that go for a grand or more per stock. No issues with those makers, but the HS seems to be the best value. If the stock Hogue model works fine, I might stick with it but I have concerns about the barrel free-floating with the overmolding. Also open to a modular chassis system if it'll save money in the long run. Aluminum bedding blocks are preferred as well.
Anyway, I've hit a wall with this project and am looking for advice or suggestions from people who do this more often than I do. Theme of the project is availability of parts (commonality, etc), cost-effectiveness, and durability. Money is not a huge issue but I'd like to keep this project under $2000. It's highly unlikely this thing will be fired at bad guys, mostly a hunting tool that's got the capability to reach out longer than normal if I feel the need. "Longer" I define as between 800-1000 yards on inanimate targets such as steel plates, silhouettes, etc.
Scope will likely be one of Vortex's 'Viper' models to begin with, on some sort of solid, one-piece rail with a decent set of rings. I'd love suggestions in this area as well. I'd like the scope to be capable of a maximum magnification of at least ten-power. Prefer a mil-dot reticle as well.
If there's a kick-ass piece of kit out there that will complete this project that I've over-looked, please point it out to me, as in stocks, bottom-metal set-ups, etc. Additionally, if you've also built a weapon such as this, tell me about it. I can always use ideas.
