I have no need for it, but for some reason I think I want a 7-08. I am not new to firearms, but am still new to the custom build arena. I started reading things on this site a couple of years ago, about the time I ordered my first custom. I wish I had joined this site and ask some question first, as I feel I made some mistakes on that one. I want to avoid that again if possible.
First of all, I shoot left handed and my wife shoots right handed. 100% of her shooting is at paper and steel. 99% of my shooting is also paper and steel, with the other 1% hunting. I hunt some big fields as well as bottom ground, so a long shot can be the norm.
I had made arrangements to have a 7-08 built on a right hand Rem 700 action and call it my wife’s rifle, but things didn’t pan out on that deal. With that not working out, I talked with Mike @ UGSW and he is building her a 220 Swift. She does not know about it yet, but I am excited enough for both of us!
Now here are my options for the 7-08;
Option #1, I have a LH Rem 700 VSF chambered in 308 that has approximately 2500 rounds through it. It is in the HS stock, which I get along with fine, so cost for this would be $1,000-1,500 depending on DBM and finish.
Option #2, I have a Rem 700 RH action that has been trued (in prep for the 7-08 build for my wife) along with an A5 stock, cost for this would be $1,500-2,000 again depending on some options.
Option #3, I have a custom built 7mm RM, built around a LH Rem 700. This rifle has 909 rounds down it. I could have it set back and rechambered, or (this is where the big decision comes in) do as Mike has suggested, rechamber it to 280AI. I know nothing about the 280AI. I have measured the throat and it is eroded in the .006-.007 range, this from the unfired measurement.
My trouble with #3 is I don’t feel this rifle has ever shot like it should, so in using the same barrel am I chasing my tail, or could it be as some have said the belted case? Also, if I do this, I’ll still want a 7-08 and I'll have to do option 1 or 2 at a later date (which is not all bad).
I know this is long, but it cost just as much to do it wrong as it does to do it right.
Thanks for any help /ideas.
First of all, I shoot left handed and my wife shoots right handed. 100% of her shooting is at paper and steel. 99% of my shooting is also paper and steel, with the other 1% hunting. I hunt some big fields as well as bottom ground, so a long shot can be the norm.
I had made arrangements to have a 7-08 built on a right hand Rem 700 action and call it my wife’s rifle, but things didn’t pan out on that deal. With that not working out, I talked with Mike @ UGSW and he is building her a 220 Swift. She does not know about it yet, but I am excited enough for both of us!
Now here are my options for the 7-08;
Option #1, I have a LH Rem 700 VSF chambered in 308 that has approximately 2500 rounds through it. It is in the HS stock, which I get along with fine, so cost for this would be $1,000-1,500 depending on DBM and finish.
Option #2, I have a Rem 700 RH action that has been trued (in prep for the 7-08 build for my wife) along with an A5 stock, cost for this would be $1,500-2,000 again depending on some options.
Option #3, I have a custom built 7mm RM, built around a LH Rem 700. This rifle has 909 rounds down it. I could have it set back and rechambered, or (this is where the big decision comes in) do as Mike has suggested, rechamber it to 280AI. I know nothing about the 280AI. I have measured the throat and it is eroded in the .006-.007 range, this from the unfired measurement.
My trouble with #3 is I don’t feel this rifle has ever shot like it should, so in using the same barrel am I chasing my tail, or could it be as some have said the belted case? Also, if I do this, I’ll still want a 7-08 and I'll have to do option 1 or 2 at a later date (which is not all bad).
I know this is long, but it cost just as much to do it wrong as it does to do it right.
Thanks for any help /ideas.
