Gunsmithing Pre 64Win style LA

[neeley205]

Ok guys, I have looked, and yes I have "Googled". Is there anyone out there selling these actions except for used on Gunbroker? If someone out there manufactures these as "custom" action I would love to know. all my searches have come up with dead ends or other people asking the same type of question (but usually old/outdated thread.)

I have a FN SPR and I really like the action. I want to build a .284 on a LA version. I honestly cant understand why FN would go through the trouble of producing a shorter version version for .223 and 7.62x39, and never bother with a LA. Any information is greatly appreciated.

And if you tell me to just get over it and I will have to track down a used one, so be it, cest la vie. But serious info will help more.

 

[ggarrett1911]

Re: Pre 64Win style LA

I know of two aftermarket options...

Dakota Arms - silly expensive ($2000 for an action...WTF?) & Brownells does not show a long action standard .473 bolt face on their site, although I'm pretty sure they make such a configuration. May have to speak with them directly on that. Link to Brownells...

http://www.brownells.com/1/3/dakota-rifle-actions

And Dakota's site...

http://www.dakotaarms.com/


Montana Rifle Company - a lot more affordable but heard & read some good & not so good things about them. You would really have to talk to some folks with hands on experience, good or bad, before seriously considering them. Here's a link...

http://www.montanarifleco.com/actions.html

Personally & IMHO, for the "want/need" versus cost factor, I think I'd rather have a good old genuine Winny action over either of the others I mentioned above. Hit up Gunbroker, pawn shops, local gun shops... sometimes you can find a well used, commonly chambered 30-06 or 270, standard pre-64 donor rifle reasonably priced, since collectors seem to have no use for the more common rifles that were used as intended.

Hope this helps a little!

 

[neeley205]

Re: Pre 64Win style LA

OK, good info, thank you. The used action is always a good option.

Does anyone on here have experience with the Montana Rifle Co. action?

If people are getting great results, $800 for a stainless action is not unreasonable if they are quality.

Ill ask here and give it a couple days before I start a new thread.

 

[LRI]

Re: Pre 64Win style LA

<span style="font-style: italic">Dakota Arms - silly expensive ($2000 for an action...WTF?) & Brownells does not show a long action standard .473 bolt face on their site, although I'm pretty sure they make such a configuration. May have to speak with them directly on that. Link to Brownells...</span>

$2000 is a gift when making these from forged bar stock. (ie BILLET) with a one piece bolt.

They aren't castings (which is how most everyone else does them.)


There's basically two versions. The Model 76 which is in a short/med/long/Rigby configuration and the Model 97 which is the "poor man's Dakota". It's a round action that's still CRF.

Great products and great people. If interested Ward Dobler is the man you should ask to speak with.

 

[treebasher]

Re: Pre 64Win style LA

Interesting thread on the Montana 1999 action:

http://benchrest.com/showthread.php?74309-Montana-1999-SS-SA

 

[neeley205]

Re: Pre 64Win style LA

Thankyou Treebasher, that unfortunately goes along with some other reviews I have read.

And thankyou Mr. Dixon, this build will be being spread out over a while due to the expense and one project that will not be finished for another couple months. Since you seem to be experienced with these products, and also since I know you don't mind doing custom inlets on stocks, you will be who I contact when it comes time to start this project.

 

[LRI]

Re: Pre 64Win style LA

I spent three years working for Nesika/Dakota Arms as a production manager.

Inletting is not a problem mister!

C.

 

[neeley205]

Re: Pre 64Win style LA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: C. Dixon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I spent three years working for Nesika/Dakota Arms as a production manager.

Inletting is not a problem mister!

C. </div></div>

well damn, I guess your my man then.

 

[Bryan27]

Re: Pre 64Win style LA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nly205</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok guys, I have looked, and yes I have "Googled". Is there anyone out there selling these actions except for used on Gunbroker? If someone out there manufactures these as "custom" action I would love to know. all my searches have come up with dead ends or other people asking the same type of question (but usually old/outdated thread.)

I have a FN SPR and I really like the action. I want to build a .284 on a LA version. I honestly cant understand why FN would go through the trouble of producing a shorter version version for .223 and 7.62x39, and never bother with a LA. Any information is greatly appreciated.

And if you tell me to just get over it and I will have to track down a used one, so be it, cest la vie. But serious info will help more.</div></div>

I've always wondered why I can't find anyone making a CRF action in 223. Completely unnecessary, but I'm a big fan of the pre64 and CRF. I think it'd be pretty cool in a 223 offering.

 

[ggarrett1911]

Re: Pre 64Win style LA

Thanks for the clarification on the Dakota actions Chad, they sure make some nice lookin stuff. If money weren't an object then I'd use the Dakota hands down for a pre-64 style build. Now that I think about it in the grander scheme, it's not much more expensive than a Surgeon XL.

 

[Andy152R]

Re: Pre 64Win style LA

I have a guy named Billy who worked for PCE shipyard services in Everett WA. He had several. I may be able to re-contact him and see what he has.