Help me with my new 308 hunting rifle build

[JelloStorm]

Gentlemen,

I'm building myself a new deer rifle and scored a R700 Varmint barreled action in 308:

http://snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads....581#Post2193581

I plan on installing a MCM M40A1 stock, but I have some questions. JW Precision has them with a sniper fill, BDL bottom (fine with me) and two flush cups on the side.

Should I hold out for a regular fill or will the sniper fill be fine?

Also, I like the options of the flush cups but for hunting I'll just use a regular sling. How hard is it to install a sling swivel on the butt of the stock since it only has one installed for tripod?

Trigger - the seller has the trigger set around 2.5lbs. Should I replace the trigger or is 2.5lbs ok in a hunting rifle? Last thing I want to do is compromise safety when I'm walking around with this beast all day.

How heavy do you think this puppy will be?

I plan to have it glass bedded either locally or send it away. If any of you guys are in the Northeast PA area and experienced with bedding and could possibly teach me.

For optics I plan to keep it simple and throw on a Nikon Monarch 3-12x42SF plex reticle on a 1-pc base with some heavy duty rings. I plan on the occasional branch or slip and fall.

 

[Shortdraw]

Re: Help me with my new 308 hunting rifle build

That thing is gonna be a tank! I would go for the standard fill on the stock to save a bit of weight. I used my 5R milspec for hunting last month, and I really noticed the weight by the end of the day. It's nice to have an accurate rifle for hunting, though. Start cardio training right away!

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: Help me with my new 308 hunting rifle build

It all depends on what you find acceptable. A sniper fill stock will weight a little more than standard, but were not talking pounds here… Ounces… My fully outfitted deer rifle weights right about 14 pounds +/- a couple ounces. I would guess a varmint barrel, sniper fill stock, and monarch scope would likely weigh around 11-12 pounds.

As for the trigger pull weight, I use 2.5lbs to 4lbs on my rifles and I prefer the lighter pulls but the deer don’t know the difference and I have never had a safety concern or missed shot due to the triggers.

I have grown to really like swivel cups, they work great with my short barreled rifles, carried inverted (muzzle down). After you use them a bit, for me at least, you won’t care too much for standard swivels any more. But if you wish to add a swivel it is not hard to install one just tap and pre-drill before screwing it in.

Bedding is a learned skill but not hard to do, there are some great how to threads in the gunsmithing section. Just remember preparation is key and take your time.

 

[Top Cat]

Re: Help me with my new 308 hunting rifle build

I have a stock VS and I wouldn't take it hunting...too heavy and it doesn't handle right.

The same 24" bbl slightly re-contoured and fluted in a lighter stock makes a world of difference. It feels more like a heavy sporter but with a more stable barrel.

More ideal would be a 20-22" barrel...handier and lighter.

TC

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Help me with my new 308 hunting rifle build

i would honestly just put in in hs precision ltr stock and cut the barrel shorter to make it balance better. the 700 ltr i think is one of the best all around rifle i have used on a budget so i would try to build it similar to that.

2.5lbs is fine for the trigger