Retro-ish build parts list comments?

[TurdFerguson]

Looking at doing a simple retro-ish build (capturing an m24 or a 700p) but with the modern ability to change barrels myself instead of sending the action to a smith. Terrible parts list?

Action	Origin Medium Action
Barrel	Criterion Shouldered Prefit
Trigger	Timney Triggers R700 2 stage
Bottom metal	Hawkins Hunter DBM
Stock	HS Precision PST 006 (M24)

 

[oldrifleman]

Not bad but Criterion would not be my barrel choice. If you want off the shelf try Proof or call TSCustom.

 

[Maurygold]

^ Agree on proof, Bartlein, or Krieger over the criterion.

I'd also definitely choose triggertech over Timney.

 

[oldrifleman]

^ Agree on proof, Bartlein, or Krieger over the criterion.

I'd also definitely choose triggertech over Timney.

Can’t believe I missed the Timmy, yeah, NO

 

[JR1200W3]

Looking at doing a simple retro-ish build (capturing an m24 or a 700p) but with the modern ability to change barrels myself instead of sending the action to a smith. Terrible parts list?

Action	Origin Medium Action
Barrel	Criterion Shouldered Prefit
Trigger	Timney Triggers R700 2 stage
Bottom metal	Hawkins Hunter DBM
Stock	HS Precision PST 006 (M24)

Eewwww. Aside from the stock, you're building a bolt action rifle. It's not actually close enough to an M24(Eeww again) to be retro, so it's going to end up just a bolt action rifle with a really lame stock.

Not trying to be a dick. Maybe look at the XM3 style stock for a GP rifle look.

 

[Big Phish]

Doesn't even sound close to be retro but I did just picked up a nice 700P for a good price. As far as that HS tock its a good stock IMO.

 

[diggler1833]

Looking at doing a simple retro-ish build (capturing an m24 or a 700p) but with the modern ability to change barrels myself instead of sending the action to a smith. Terrible parts list?

Action	Origin Medium Action
Barrel	Criterion Shouldered Prefit
Trigger	Timney Triggers R700 2 stage
Bottom metal	Hawkins Hunter DBM
Stock	HS Precision PST 006 (M24)

It is a build to suit what you find aesthetically pleasing... so I'd ignore the inevitable gasps that you would build anything other than what somebody else wants.

I'll also echo the others who suggested a different barrel. Perhaps a Bartlein would up that pseudo M24ish feel for you, or one of about a half-dozen other manufacturers.

 

[TheJeanyus]

You didn't say what caliber this thing is. Why the medium action?

I'd use a PVA Osprey prefit instead of a Criterion and a TriggerTech instead of the Timney.

 

[Rob01]

Yup forget “retro” or trying to be some military rifle. You are building using good parts so just make it a good rifle. Doesn’t need to be linked to anything.

Second the above with going with a PVA Osprey barrel. And I was going to ask why medium action also. Caliber?

Also second dumping that HS stock. Many better options out there today.

 

[Scarface26]

Build exactly what you will be happy with. If it points and shoots well you will be more likely to hang on to it. FWIW I have a short action build exactly like you described and I will likely jettison the HS precision and the 308 bbl for McMillan game warden and CRB 6.5 bbl

 

[diggler1833]

Build exactly what you will be happy with. If it points and shoots well you will be more likely to hang on to it. FWIW I have a short action build exactly like you described and I will likely jettison the HS precision and the 308 bbl for McMillan game warden and CRB 6.5 bbl

I see you're letting Matt talk you into stuff, although I thought that he might prefer Manners.

FWIW, he and I borescoped my latest CRB, just to see the quality of machining work... and it is everything one could want (here's where the borescope haters are going to chime in).

 

[redneckbmxer24]

If you want a 700P just buy a clean used 700P in 308 and enjoy it. It wasn’t that long ago that was the gold standard for a long range rifle and many people were shooting them 1000+ yards just fine and now people act like you can’t hit a fucking target if you don’t have a full blown 25lbs PRS rig.

I wouldn’t worry about ease of barrel replacement or gunsmithing, you’ve got 5000+ rounds of barrel life in a rifle that will set you back $800-$900. If you shoot it out sell the action for $400 (despite what some believe people still use them), the stock for $300, and the bottom metal assembly for $200 and you’ve got enough money to go buy another whole rifle to repeat the process and the use of that rifle was free.

 

[Rob01]

It was very long ago. lol I wouldn’t recommend a Remington 700 to my worst enemy today.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Given the fact that I’ve been squaded up with you and seen how you shoot and the temper tantrum you threw on arfcom over a guy wanting to use a 10x scope on a retro inspired rifle that cost you getting your moderator status yanked, I’ll take your opinion with a grain of salt. I get that you need all the help you can get, but some of us can still shoot.

Quality fixed 10x optic for a throwback rifle > Optics, Mounts, and Sights > AR15.COM

Back in the late 90's i almost got a FN SPR but wound up with an R700 instead. Later on I grew to appreciate the FN and wished that i had wound up with it instead of the 700. So fast forwars 20 uears

www.ar15.com

 

[Rob01]

Given the fact that I’ve been squaded up with you and seen how you shoot and the temper tantrum you threw on arfcom over a guy wanting to use a 10x scope on a retro inspired rifle that cost you getting your moderator status yanked, I’ll take your opinion with a grain of salt. I get that you need all the help you can get, but some of us can still shoot.

Quality fixed 10x optic for a throwback rifle > Optics, Mounts, and Sights > AR15.COM

Back in the late 90's i almost got a FN SPR but wound up with an R700 instead. Later on I grew to appreciate the FN and wished that i had wound up with it instead of the 700. So fast forwars 20 uears

www.ar15.com

lol Yeah we aren’t all gods of shooting like you. lol But going personal like this shows no foot to stand on also. So go for it. lol

As for AR15.com, that had to do with thing no one saw and a pussy admin who didn’t like talking to people like men. Made my life easier so glad it’s gone honestly. There wasn’t a temper tantrum in that thread either. Even in the deleted posts that that admin deleted. It was telling people what they didn’t want to hear. Kind of like not to buy a Remington 700 now. lol

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I was following the thread and saw your posts before they were deleted. You threw a temper tantrum.

You have made PRS your entire identity to the point that you’re bothered by the fact that someone wants to set up a rifle that’s appealing to them.

But please, indulge me and explain how 700’s suck yet customs built on 700 based clone actions that use the same trigger that’s without a doubt the biggest weak link and failure point to the system are great. I’d love to hear this…

 

[Rob01]

I was following the thread and saw your posts before they were deleted. You threw a temper tantrum.

You have made PRS your entire identity to the point that you’re bothered by the fact that someone wants to set up a rifle that’s appealing to them.

But please, indulge me and explain how 700’s suck yet customs built on 700 based clone actions that use the same trigger that’s without a doubt the biggest weak link and failure point to the system are great. I’d love to hear this…

No I didn’t throw a tantrum as I didn’t care that much about it but we can agree to disagree. You are lucky I am not a pussy like that admin or you wouldn’t be here now as you are talking to me in open forum like I did to him in PMs.

lol PRS is hardly my identity. It’s my main sport I have shot for 23 years and I like it but identity? Hardly. Again nice try going personal. lol

Back to this thread we are in the guy is smart enough to start with a lower cost custom instead of a 700 as he will have a lot of advantages over a 700. He’s got a good list but the HS but he will learn.

If you don’t know why 700s suck by now then I don’t know what to tell you but actions that need lots of truing work to be near as good as even cheaper customs now as well as needing to be sent to a smith for a true rebarrel as well as many other things is why starting with a 700 is a bad idea in 2025. This isn’t the 90s anymore.

Anymore attempts at personal attacks to muddy the waters?

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I’m sorry if you feel attacked, but I’m merely spitting facts.

A lower cost custom has a lot of advantages over a 700 yet you can’t name one other than trueing when asked? That’s strange considering the amount of factory 700’s I’ve owned over the years that were sub 1/2moa rifles and usually with premium factory ammo. I have owned hundreds of bolt guns and I can honestly say that I haven’t had one factory 700 that didn’t shoot great and most have shot exceptionally.

It’s funny how a new fad comes along and everything prior is irrelevant.

 

[Rob01]

I’m sorry if you feel attacked, but I’m merely spitting facts.

A lower cost custom has a lot of advantages over a 700 yet you can’t name one other than trueing when asked? That’s strange considering the amount of factory 700’s I’ve owned over the years that were sub 1/2moa rifles and usually with premium factory ammo. I have owned hundreds of bolt guns and I can honestly say that I haven’t had one factory 700 that didn’t shoot great and most have shot exceptionally.

It’s funny how a new fad comes along and everything prior is irrelevant.

Facts? lol about as many facts as CNN. lol not feeling attacked but you sure need to go personal to try and make your point look like it’s right. I’m just talking facts about the actions.

Go read it again. I also listed sending to a smith. But here’s some more not being able to change bolt face, pinned or integral recoil lug, pinned and larger screws for the scope base, easily changed bolt handles, prefit barrels etc. Enough? And that’s not mentioning better machining from the get go.

I still have one 700 on its 9th .308 barrel and it’s accurate too. But I would never buy another or recommend someone start a build with one. It’s not a fad with the availability of quality inexpensive custom actions but progress in getting a better product and not having to deal with the bad sides of the 700.

 

[JR1200W3]

Redneck: Professes his great knowledge of rifles and what people should buy; endorses factory rifles.

Also Redneck: Responsible for at least two threads motherfucking factory rifles, claiming he was ripped off because the guns are garbage.

 

[oldrifleman]

I’m sorry if you feel attacked, but I’m merely spitting facts.

A lower cost custom has a lot of advantages over a 700 yet you can’t name one other than trueing when asked? That’s strange considering the amount of factory 700’s I’ve owned over the years that were sub 1/2moa rifles and usually with premium factory ammo. I have owned hundreds of bolt guns and I can honestly say that I haven’t had one factory 700 that didn’t shoot great and most have shot exceptionally.

It’s funny how a new fad comes along and everything prior is irrelevant.

Rob is right, the 700 is now a bargain basement gun for people who view 7 shots a year. Customs feed better, can actives from a magazine, are smoother and have built in rails, have hole drilled correctly and can use Prefit barrels. I hug ave not had one that shot forth shut and you keep talking like a 3 tooth fisherman who can tell the difference between ounces and pounds. Honestly there is nothing on a 700 worth saving anymore.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Facts? lol about as many facts as CNN. lol not feeling attacked but you sure need to go personal to try and make your point look like it’s right. I’m just talking facts about the actions.

Go read it again. I also listed sending to a smith. But here’s some more not being able to change bolt face, pinned or integral recoil lug, pinned and larger screws for the scope base, easily changed bolt handles, prefit barrels etc. Enough? And that’s not mentioning better machining from the get go.

I still have one 700 on its 9th .308 barrel and it’s accurate too. But I would never buy another or recommend someone start a build with one. It’s not a fad with the availability of quality inexpensive custom actions but progress in getting a better product and not having to deal with the bad sides of the 700.

Now we’re getting somewhere.

So if the OP wants a M24/700P type rifle for nostalgia and he can buy a lightly used 700P that will more likely than not shoot sub 1/2MOA, feed a round, go bang, and extract and eject that round and when he has shot it out he can part it out and the cost of ownership is literally zero… what is the advantage of spending 3x the amount of money piecing together a garage custom that achieves the exact same thing?

I’ll just remind you that you’re the one that got butthurt because I suggested the guy just buy a factory 700P. He’s wanting nostalgic type rifle that will likely only be used for casual recreational shooting, he’s not asking about a competition rifle and a factory rifle easily fills that role and leaves a lot of $$$ left over for other shit.

 

[Rob01]

Now we’re getting somewhere.

So if the OP wants a M24/700P type rifle for nostalgia and he can buy a lightly used 700P that will more likely than not shoot sub 1/2MOA, feed a round, go bang, and extract and eject that round and when he has shot it out he can part it out and the cost of ownership is literally zero… what is the advantage of spending 3x the amount of money piecing together a garage custom that achieves the exact same thing?

I’ll just remind you that you’re the one that got butthurt because I suggested the guy just buy a factory 700P. He’s wanting nostalgic type rifle that will likely only be used for casual recreational shooting, he’s not asking about a competition rifle and a factory rifle easily fills that role and leaves a lot of $$$ left over for other shit.

I was not butthurt at all. Man you really think I am that emotionally fixated here? lol I told him what I did about the 700 because it’s the truth. You posted your opinion and I did mine and then you started back at me with personal BS not even on this site.

He didn’t want a 700. Go look at his list. You were the one who came in talking 700. He has read enough to make a smart decision. Stock is the only thing I would change and not because it’s not PRS and competition but because there are much better options for the money now as well but he can always do that later as we all have done. It will work for now.

And piecing together a “garage custom” as you put it ends up with a rifle with higher resale value, much more versatility when he wants to change something down the line and a better rifle overall. Sorry but the 700 is a bad idea at this point in time. Not sure how to explain it to you if you don’t see it.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

So resale value is the advantage to the garage custom over a second hand 700P?

That’s interesting because I’ve owned a lot of customs and custom actions and I’ve lost money on every one I’ve ever sold and that’s with getting hookups on parts and not paying retail. I must be doing something wrong.

I don’t see anyone getting what they paid out of second hand custom parts, I see rifles and parts sitting in the classifieds for weeks and months at 20-40% less than retail. You can go see for yourself.

So how can you say that the resale value is better when you can pick up lightly used 700P’s for $800 (often less), shoot the barrel out and part it out for the same or more that you paid?

Your math doesn’t math.

 

[Rob01]

So resale value is the advantage to the garage custom over a second hand 700P?

That’s interesting because I’ve owned a lot of customs and custom actions and I’ve lost money on every one I’ve ever sold and that’s with getting hookups on parts and not paying retail. I must be doing something wrong.

I don’t see anyone getting what they paid out of second hand custom parts, I see rifles and parts sitting in the classifieds for weeks and months at 20-40% less than retail. You can go see for yourself.

So how can you say that the resale value is better when you can pick up lightly used 700P’s for $800 (often less), shoot the barrel out and part it out for the same or more that you paid?

Your math doesn’t math.

Funny you just jump on that and ignore all the other advantages. But yes you will get more on a second hand custom than a factory 700 and not have to part it out like a crappy old car. lol

Again, go look at his list. Starting with a good action.