build or buy?

ryan85

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Apr 30, 2010
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Oklahoma
I'm thinking about a 6.5 creedmoor. I've got a savage 308 in a mcmillan A5 I dont shoot anymore and thought about build off of it. I thought I'd use a shilen barrel. But I can also buy a savage 12 LRP in 6.5. Now I'm not sure what to do. Any thoughts on shilen barrels or the savage 12 in 6.5. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks guys
 
Shilen is a favorite of the bench rest crowd, less so among tactical and high power shooters. A lot of people build on savage actions, but they are less popular than Remington. However, it is easy to install a savage barrel due to the barrel nut. Since you already have it, I would just build on what you have.
 
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a great choice. I have been shooting mine for a bit over a year. A few months back I built a 308 because everyone said you gotta have a 308. I just tore down the 308 to re-task the action and other parts for a new project. For my purposes the 6.5 CM is leaps ahead of the 308. The plus side to building a rifle is you get to pick exactly what features you want.
 
Probably no wrong answer for which brand to use. Most would say whichever has the least wait time. CBI from Jim Briggs, Shilen, Pac-Nor, McGowan, Douglas...all have their fans. Unless you need something order than Bull, Varmint or Light Varmint contour in 24-26", you should be able to scare one up in the next month or so.
 
If your Savage 308 is pretty much good to go as is with exception of the chambering, just put the 6.5 barrel on it and go to town.

Don't "build" a Savage - resale is crap.

I've had excellent luck with the 3 CBI barrels I've bought and installed. Haven't heard from a dissatisfied CBI customer yet.