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In search of a good smith for a custom barreled action. Reccomendations?

<Flatliner>

<Flatliner>

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Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 4, 2013
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#1
This week I am placing my order for an APO super sport chassis. By next spring I would like to have my 1st bolt action build complete. I need some help. I would like some advice on which company to go with on the build of the barreled action. I want to use a remington 700 action. I would prefer that the company take a down payment of $1000.00 to start the build. I could then make payments until the build is complete. If you were in my situation, what would you do? My requested specs are as follows.

.300 Win mag
24 inch Bartlein, 1/10, 5r threaded 5/8X24 for suppressor
Remington 700 trued and blueprinted
Scope base holes tapped to #8
Bolt fluted and tac bolt knob installed
heavyduty recoil lug installed
Huber 2 stage trigger set to 3 lbs
Cerakoted matte black

Also will a 24 inch barrel be long enough to achieve full burn with slower powers like Retumbo and the heavier bullets in the 200-230 grain range? If I need to go to 26 that will be ok as well. Any other suggestions or advice will be gladly welcomed.
 
#2
Short action Customs
Long Rifles Inc.
GAP
Phoenix Custom Rifles
RWS Gunsmithing
Robert Gradous
There are many others. If you can find one that is within driving distance all the better.
I don't see the need for a 26" barrel. I actually went from 24" down to 22" just for some better handling
 
#3
" If you were in my situation, what would you do? "

Having just completed a build around a Defiance Deviant action in .260, I'd suggest that you stay away from a Remington action. By the time you bring one up to speck and install a new bolt you're in for about $900. Defiance actions come with an integrated pic rail- so you don't need to drill or purchase anything other than rings to mount your optic.
I made the move to a custom action after discovering severe issues with my Rem 700 P action. The P model 700 is supposedly a hand selected and precision shop worked Police version.... What a load of crap.
When you've done all you can to tart up your Remington action, you'll still be stuck with a Remington action.
What I've spent to "correct" my 700P action would have easily paid for a Defiance, Stiller or BigHorn action.
Have your action and barrel Melonited (H&M Precision)-after you've put 20 rounds through it and cleaned it thoroughly. Your barrel will last longer and rust will cease to be an issue.
As for Gunsmiths, find your local F-class mob and start asking around...they protect information on their smiths pretty tightly so you might have to pry it out of them with some powder, booze or porn....or all three.
My $.02- worth everything you've paid for it.
 
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#4
Strike 33, thanks for the list. You an my mother are practically neighbors. She lives on Touchtone Cir. Near safeway. My brother works at the boat rental counter at lake ridge park. Small world. You ever shoot at Quantico? Id like to get on sometime, but with someone who has experience there. The whole bringing weapons on base thing is kind of intimidating.

PDXGS, I know the Remington action isn't cream of the crop but the APO chassis has a monolithic rail that screws to the top of the receiver. So in this case, an integral pic rail would do me no good. Are there any custom actions with the same specs as the R700 that would fit the R700 chassis? If so I would most likely go that route. The meloniting process was a great addition to my spec list, thank you. I have a 6.8 barrel that is melonited, awesome process.
 
#5
you can get the Defiance Rebel, setup for the APO.
I haven't shot out there, but its pretty easy. As long as the weapons are unloaded and in a locked case there isn't an issue. The big thing is making sure whatever range you want to shoot on has an RSO. The 100 yard range shouldn't be a problem. I believe the 500-1000 yard range you have to pull pit duty as well.
I'm hoping to get out there soon. If we can link up and schedule sometime I'd be more than happy to get you on and familiar with Quantico
 
#6
Good point- forgot about that feature on the APO chasis. Defiance has actions, or options for actions, that don't include a rail.
Stiller and Bighorn are made for detachable rails, like the factory Remington.
 
#9
PDXGS said:
" If you were in my situation, what would you do? "

Having just completed a build around a Defiance Deviant action in .260, I'd suggest that you stay away from a Remington action. By the time you bring one up to speck and install a new bolt you're in for about $900. Defiance actions come with an integrated pic rail- so you don't need to drill or purchase anything other than rings to mount your optic.
I made the move to a custom action after discovering severe issues with my Rem 700 P action. The P model 700 is supposedly a hand selected and precision shop worked Police version.... What a load of crap.
When you've done all you can to tart up your Remington action, you'll still be stuck with a Remington action.
What I've spent to "correct" my 700P action would have easily paid for a Defiance, Stiller or BigHorn action.
Have your action and barrel Melonited (H&M Precision)-after you've put 20 rounds through it and cleaned it thoroughly. Your barrel will last longer and rust will cease to be an issue.
As for Gunsmiths, find your local F-class mob and start asking around...they protect information on their smiths pretty tightly so you might have to pry it out of them with some powder, booze or porn....or all three.
My $.02- worth everything you've paid for it.
Click to expand...

This. Moon at crescent custom....
 
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#10
<Flatliner> said:
This week I am placing my order for an APO super sport chassis. By next spring I would like to have my 1st bolt action build complete. I need some help. I would like some advice on which company to go with on the build of the barreled action. I want to use a remington 700 action. I would prefer that the company take a down payment of $1000.00 to start the build. I could then make payments until the build is complete. If you were in my situation, what would you do? My requested specs are as follows.

.300 Win mag
24 inch Bartlein, 1/10, 5r threaded 5/8X24 for suppressor
Remington 700 trued and blueprinted
Scope base holes tapped to #8
Bolt fluted and tac bolt knob installed
heavyduty recoil lug installed
Huber 2 stage trigger set to 3 lbs
Cerakoted matte black

Also will a 24 inch barrel be long enough to achieve full burn with slower powers like Retumbo and the heavier bullets in the 200-230 grain range? If I need to go to 26 that will be ok as well. Any other suggestions or advice will be gladly welcomed.
Click to expand...

Look here: RW Snyder Gunsmithing | Our Focus is on Quality
 
#11
Accurate Ordnance is my go-to. They are just north of Atlanta. Being able to drive to them is worth plenty.

Edit: They often have barreled actions in stock. Stillers with Brux/Bartlein/something similar. They had a few Defiance actions on the shelf a few months ago but you would have to call Woody to see what's there now.
 
#12
My too pics would be, not necessarily in this order just giving you an idea.

Short Action Customs
Accurate Ordinance
Southern Precision Rifles
Spartan Precision Rifles

Also, as long as you get a good smith, a trued factory 700 will be as durable and accurate as any custom. Be sure to run a one piece PTG bolt and a good recoil lug and you will be in business. If you already have the 700 action in hand I say true it but if buying the action then doing all the mods, you may want to look at a Stiller instead.
 
#14
I am doing a 300 wm build right now. Everything I read says go 26" especially if you are wanting to run retumbo and the heavies. I am planning on trying to run the 215 hybrids and retumbo. The 700 action is a good base to build off of. I picked one up for 375 delivered and it came with an old style trigger. It came from a hide member and I think he has another one on hand. Pm me if you want his contact info. Jeff Hayes is my smith. He is a great guy and even better smith. I cant recommend him high enough. The final specs on my build should be a 700 long action trued with 26" Bartlien 1-10 twist threaded with a contoured badger thruster brake, 20 moa nightforce rail, having jeff work over the old style rem trigger, and dropping it all in a manners stock w mini chassis.
 
#17
I'm currently doing a similiar build, but in .308. I bought a mid 80's Rem 700 in .243 for $380. The receiver is a late 70's B-Series prefix serial number. I sold everything but the reciever and trigger for $264 on eBay (I kept the scope for another hunting rifle but could have gotten another $75 for it). Net cost for the receiver, $116 (Would have been $41 if I had sold the scope)! If you troll the local pawnshops and LGSs I'm sure you could find a LA 700 for cheap. I spent another $1900 on parts; Badger Ordnance, PTG, and eBay. Talked to a bunch of smiths and found one who does excellent work and worked with me as to what I wanted. Since he was just doing the machining work it came to $773 including finishing (All the same stuff you want done). Total for my build is $2789.
 
#19
strike33 said:
you can get the Defiance Rebel, setup for the APO.
I haven't shot out there, but its pretty easy. As long as the weapons are unloaded and in a locked case there isn't an issue. The big thing is making sure whatever range you want to shoot on has an RSO. The 100 yard range shouldn't be a problem. I believe the 500-1000 yard range you have to pull pit duty as well.
I'm hoping to get out there soon. If we can link up and schedule sometime I'd be more than happy to get you on and familiar with Quantico
Click to expand...

Id be willing to pull pit duty to shoot past 300. As far as I know it's the only range in eastern VA beyond 300 yards am I right? I know Dan Newberry's place has some distance but man, that's a serious hike from us. I got to shoot at the Badlands range in Grandfeild OK, about a month ago and now there's nothing around here that even comes close to comparing. Kind of sucks. I feel there is a serious need for a precision long distance range in Va, that has steel out to 1.5K. If I had the money, I would be on it in a heartbeat. But back to the build, I really appreciate all the help. Thanks to you guys, I now have or well almost have the confidence to start buying parts. I like the idea of a faster turnaround time by providing parts. Who makes good one piece bolts? Also on barrels, it seems every brand has different contour names...ect. I want the heavy barrel, .850 or similar, is this the same as m24/m40 profile? One last question, what is the bolt stop option on huber triggers? Is it something I want?
 
#21
Awesome, thanks. What size bolt face for .300 WM?

EDIT. Actually I need more help than that. Too many options. Need help on OD, bolt face, pin hole, bolt nose and extractor type. I'm new to bolt action bolts.

Could anyone fill in the blanks for me?? Didn't know there were so many options.
 
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#22
I looked for a long time to have mine built and the only builder that I never had anyone say a bad thing about was Kevin Rayhill. Home - Stockade Gun Stocks

I just asked him to build me a really good shooter for hunting antelope in Wyoming and he did. I had ordered a Brux 6mm blank and a Savage duel port target action and wanted his Tactical/ Prairie Dog Special stock. I had it chambered in 6mm Norma BR. This is what it looks like and my first 400 yd. target I shot to see if the new custom turret was (on the paper).

Testing new Vortex custom turret. - Georgia Outdoor News Forum
 

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#23
<Flatliner> said:
Awesome, thanks. What size bolt face for .300 WM?

EDIT. Actually I need more help than that. Too many options. Need help on OD, bolt face, pin hole, bolt nose and extractor type. I'm new to bolt action bolts.

Could anyone fill in the blanks for me?? Didn't know there were so many options.
Click to expand...

I would call Kevin Rayhill and ask him what he suggests and listen to him. Kevin is very "colorful on the phone". He has as good if not better reputation then any other builder out there.

Read these posts to give you an idea of what options I had added to mine. I have a lot of good info you could use.

http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=374570&highlight=

http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=366263
 
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#25
Yesterday when I got home there was a package on my door!





Ordered it Monday. Received it Thursday. So much for the 4-6 week wait. Thumbs up APO. Seems like there really trying to make an effort in the CS department. Well anyways, the chassis is insane. Anyone looking at the new remington tactical chassis, I strongly consider to look at this one first. The stock on this puppy blows the remington option away. I'm on the notify list for a barrel at Southern Precision Rifles now ( :
 
#26
MosesTheTank said:
Accurate Ordnance is my go-to. They are just north of Atlanta. Being able to drive to them is worth plenty.

Edit: They often have barreled actions in stock. Stillers with Brux/Bartlein/something similar. They had a few Defiance actions on the shelf a few months ago but you would have to call Woody to see what's there now.
Click to expand...

same here. AO are great guys and way fast turn around. hell i work where you live :) I live over on the I75 corridor though. where you shoot at?
 
#27
usmc02xx said:
same here. AO are great guys and way fast turn around. hell i work where you live :) I live over on the I75 corridor though. where you shoot at?
Click to expand...

I shoot most often at Bob's (Palmetto), Griffin Gun Club, and a friends farm about 35 minutes south of here where I can stretch it out to 1,150. I also make various matches at River Bend, South River, East Alabama, Moss Branch, Cherokee, and Legion OTG every now and again. What about you?

Just last week I put in an order for a 223 with Mark. Stiller, Bartlein #5 with interrupted flutes, and a Manners EH4 in AO camo. If you haven't seen the AO camo, it's pretty slick. I'll do the metal in the various stock colors, which will require some custom Cerakote blends.
 
#28
MosesTheTank said:
I shoot most often at Bob's (Palmetto), Griffin Gun Club, and a friends farm about 35 minutes south of here where I can stretch it out to 1,150. I also make various matches at River Bend, South River, East Alabama, Moss Branch, Cherokee, and Legion OTG every now and again. What about you?

Just last week I put in an order for a 223 with Mark. Stiller, Bartlein #5 with interrupted flutes, and a Manners EH4 in AO camo. If you haven't seen the AO camo, it's pretty slick. I'll do the metal in the various stock colors, which will require some custom Cerakote blends.
Click to expand...

lol, well shit. im probably seeing you at the range sometimes. I do my load development and screwing off over at charles elliot GMA range by lake jackson. Longer stuff happens at relatives land (hunting club out by High falls) or up in Elberton. I used to shoot at south river regular like but started having issues with the range setup for rifles. love d the pistol side of the house though. I live close enough to Griffin Gun club that we generally hear range fire most weekends.

I am fairly certain im gonna have him put together a tight twist 22-250 for me this winter... got to find a way to break it to the wife.
 
#29
usmc02xx said:
same here. AO are great guys and way fast turn around. hell i work where you live :) I live over on the I75 corridor though. where you shoot at?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the kind words guys. We appreciate it very much.
No Defiance action on hand today. They sell pretty quickly. But we do have one Stiller TAC300 sitting in the safe and Bartlein 1:10 Rem Varmint contour on the shelf.
OP you can't go wrong with any of the smiths Strick33 listed.
 
#30
usmc02xx said:
lol, well shit. im probably seeing you at the range sometimes. I do my load development and screwing off over at charles elliot GMA range by lake jackson. Longer stuff happens at relatives land (hunting club out by High falls) or up in Elberton. I used to shoot at south river regular like but started having issues with the range setup for rifles. love d the pistol side of the house though. I live close enough to Griffin Gun club that we generally hear range fire most weekends.

I am fairly certain im gonna have him put together a tight twist 22-250 for me this winter... got to find a way to break it to the wife.
Click to expand...

You'll know me by the Sniper's Hide Legal Response Team patch. And when I get one, the Operator as Fuck patch. My range bag as an AO patch on it. And I'll probably have a pretty cool looking suppressed rifle. I have already run into 2 other Hide members.

As for the wife... that's a tough one.
 
#31
justwoody1 said:
Thanks for the kind words guys. We appreciate it very much.
No Defiance action on hand today. They sell pretty quickly. But we do have one Stiller TAC300 sitting in the safe and Bartlein 1:10 Rem Varmint contour on the shelf.
OP you can't go wrong with any of the smiths Strick33 listed.
Click to expand...
god dammit woody, get back to work! you cant be bullshitting on SH all day!
 
#32
MosesTheTank said:
You'll know me by the Sniper's Hide Legal Response Team patch. And when I get one, the Operator as Fuck patch. My range bag as an AO patch on it. And I'll probably have a pretty cool looking suppressed rifle. I have already run into 2 other Hide members.

As for the wife... that's a tough one.
Click to expand...

Ah yes, the operator as fuck patch... i need that one.. lol Nothing like a fat old marine being operator as fuck! Ill be the bald fat guy prone shooting little dots :)
 
#34
Can someone please list available clone actions for the R700 that will drop in to the APO chassis. If I can just buy an action that will fit without having to replace the bolt, blueprint and true the action that is what I will do.
 
#36
10/4, I sent them an email this morning asking. I'm sure their technicians would know. It would be nice to be able to order the action without the holes, then I could just have a smith tap em with the chassis in hand to ensure perfect alignment.
 
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