Gunsmithing .338 lapua build

[workmanjw]

Greetings Hide members,

I am interested in having a rifle built but that is predicated on whether or not I can find a gunsmith able/willing to assist. I spoke with a rep from Surgeon who tells me that they can no longer do the AI 2.0 stocks with the 1581 XL action. As discouraging as it is, I did not want to give up so easily. I do not know if it was a matter of supply, required machining being a pain in the mushroom, or whatever else but I wanted to touch base with some of the members here to see if what I am aspiring to build is possible or pipe dream.

I am looking at 7.5 more months until I get back from deployment so that should provide ample time for completion, presuming such a build is possible. Jewell trigger, Kreiger 27" barrel, VAIS brake, Nightforce NXS 5.5-22X56 w/NPR2 reticle, used for long range target/large game hunt...

If anyone has any questions about anything I may not have covered, please let me know. I am looking forward to some positive responses. Thanks.

J

 

[workmanjw]

Re: .338 lapua build

Guess not....thanks anyways....

 

[jasonk]

Re: .338 lapua build

Most gunsmiths don't have time to respond to a blanket post asking for a build. Too much time, too little chance of getting the job.

My suggestion, pick a gunsmith, maybe pick 3 gunsmiths, then email them personally with your needs and wants. Then pick whomever you like the most from the response. Phone calls are always best, but I'm not sure you can call much while deployed and it will take some time.

There are several good smith's that are sponsors here, so I hesitate recommending one or two in fear of upsetting the rest, but you can do a little research and pick out 2 or 3 to contact.

Not to be a custom rifle killjoy, but why not a real AI 338 since you want that stock? AICS 2.0 or better yet the AX 338 are both obtainable.

Jason

 

[workmanjw]

Re: .338 lapua build

Jason,

Thank you for your reply. My second post was not due to a lack of responses but rather the responses I got from talking to several other gunsmiths. Believe me, I respect their time and am not nearly arrogant enough to place my wants at the top of their priority list. If it can be done, by all means I am willing to pay. I just keep getting told that it isn't a feasible build so rather than wasting time pursuing it, I just figured it best to call off the search.

I have frequented this site for some time now and hold the knowledge and skill level of many here in very high regard. I have been looking for a .338 in a 2.0 cradle but have been unsuccessful to date. It seems that many who own them do not want to part with them and the new AX chassis are all that Gunbroker.com has to offer. Nothing against the AX but I prefer the AICS. I completely understand how gunsmiths feel about the prospect of not getting the job but I can say with a good measure of confidence that I have a 5 digit checking to back up my sincerity ;-)

 

[Keith Johns]

Re: .338 lapua build

We can get you a 338LM built on an AICS 2.0(as long as we can find a 2.0), it just wont have a Surgeon XL action.
I'd rather not do extensive work to a $1100 chassis. Especially if surgeon says they're not willing to do it anymore for their own actions.
PM or email me and we can talk it over. See what our options are for you.