Gunsmithing Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

BoilerUP

BoilerUP

Old Salt
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Jan 16, 2011
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Floyd Co, IN
#1
I'm working on a build off a Savage 110 long action, and am thinking of having the action worked over to slick it up and improve the heavy bolt lift.

I know lots of folks that love Fred Moreo & SSS for Savage gunsmithing, but I've had lots of trouble getting them to return emails or answer the phone.

I've seen lots of good stuff about Stockade/Kevin Rayhill, and his turnaround time for a time & true at 2 weeks is a fraction of SSS though it is $75 more expensive.

My Google-fu has lead me to this: curious to read the thoughts of anybody who has had Kevin Rayhill time/true their Savage action...especially if they have had SSS perform a time/true job as well and can offer thoughts on a direct comparison.

Thanks!
 
#2
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

He seems to get really good feedback. I have talked to him before. Definitely a friendly guy. Also, a buddy of mine bought a Prarie dog/tactical stock off of him. Best stock for the money IMHO. Pretty much the same construction as a McMillan but 230ish dollars in money saver option. I wouldn't hesitate to go through him. This article mentions him a few times. http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3766592.0
 
#4
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

Ive seen some of his work and its top notch , not just on Savages either , he is a hell of an AR smith.

from what ive been told from 2 totaly seperate people about SSS is their work is good but the quoted wait times are WAY longer
 
#5
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

I have had Kevin build two Savages and stock my Barnard.

Turnaround time = excellent.
Quality of work = excellent.

The Bad - the first time around, we came up with a std. paint scheme (black w/red webbing). The rifle showed up charcoal grey because he thought it would look better (paint w/clearcoat) with an add'l $100 charged to me.

The Barnard was next, no issues.

The second Savage, learning from past mistakes (I thought), was sent with a <span style="text-decoration: underline">very specific list</span> of what I wanted done to it. When it came back, I was charged an add'l $200 for a truing job I never requested - nor authorized. The rifle shoots great but, it was only to be a fireforming gun for my .284 Shehane bench gun. Doesn't need to be trued for that.


So, request a specific $$$ quote prior to any work being performed.

-Rick
 
#6
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

I have purchased three barrels two stocks and had Kevin build one rifle. Very pleased best of all he was running behind and actually called to say my rifle would be two weeks late. He did a great job for me. I did not have the same result with Fred at SSS
 
#7
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

I ordered a action, base, and stock from SSS back in January, I was promised it would be done and shipped by End of Feb.

I still don't have them. I would stay away from SSS at all cost.

KT
 
#8
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

Center Shot Rifles also does Savage work. He has some very competitive prices. I am notsure if he does the timing work that Kevin Rayhill or SSS does though. Here are his prices with descriptions.


Full action truing of Rem. 700 or Savage . . . . . . $175.00
(Single point recutting of bolt face, bolt nose, and lugs, lugs abrasive lapped, reciever face and lug abutments recut, action threads single point recut, (indicated to within .0002" on bolt raceway)).

Action truing of Savage (minus thread re-cut) . . . . . . $95.00
(includes single point recuting of action face, lug abutments, and bolt face, lugs abrasive lapped. (indicated to within .0002" on bolt raceway.))

Action squaring of Rem. 700, Win 70, Savage 110, Ruger 77 . . . . . . $60.00
(Single point recutting of receiver face, and lugs abrasive lapped).
 
#9
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

Kevin built a long range hunting rifle for me and guaranteed it would shoot 1/2 moa. It is the most accurate rifle I have ever shot, he delivered ! Only good gunsmiths will make such a guarantee. If you have any questions just call him.
 
#10
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

Heard back from SSS today...they said they aren't accepting any more actions for time/true until August due to backlog. Said they "like to have them turned back out within a month".

Then said they require a deposit to be put onto the schedule.
 
#11
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

I might bite the bullet on a SSS T&T because I really want the evolution trigger for an Fclass build. I have an Fclass rifle I have been shooting with and can finish the season with, so waiting an entire off season for my action to come back from SSS wouldn't be terrible. Lets face it, if they said 1 month, we are actually looking at 6 months.
 
#12
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

The savage has a floating bolt head that shoul lessen the need to trueing. I have built several savages all shot very well none were trued. In thing Kevin does that is really nice is his bolt lift kit.

I say buyer beware on SSS.
 
#15
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

I've got a couple Stockade bolt lift kits...they help some, but I'm looking for even more improvement which is about the only reason I'm considering a T&T job.

I wonder how much easier things would feel if I trim down the big ass screw the same amount the lift kit is thick...?
 
#16
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got a couple Stockade bolt lift kits...they help some, but I'm looking for even more improvement which is about the only reason I'm considering a T&T job.

I wonder how much easier things would feel if I trim down the big ass screw the same amount the lift kit is thick...?</div></div>


A LOT!!!
 
#17
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

I have had both do rifles to me.

Both seem to be about the same. They both shot outstanding. Turn around was about the same for both. But Kevin had a couple of extra charges that he did not say anything about when prices were qouted. It was $250 higher for things he charges for that he does not tell you. And this seems to be a common thing with him.

Fred is a pain in as* to get ahold of. He does good work and is fairly priced. But the BS you have to go threw can make you look elsewhere.

Fred taught Kevin everything Savage before they split up.
 
#18
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Force_Multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got a couple Stockade bolt lift kits...they help some, but I'm looking for even more improvement which is about the only reason I'm considering a T&T job.

I wonder how much easier things would feel if I trim down the big ass screw the same amount the lift kit is thick...?</div></div>


A LOT!!! </div></div>

Kevin said that the screw didn't need to be trimmed. I just got my action back from coating, so I haven't put it to test yet.
 
#19
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

I know him personally (They are only a little over an hour away from me) and that guy does great work on Savages...I mean extremely great work. He also worked on 700s for many years, and will still do it, but he charges a slight premium since he is mainly set up for Savages. This is also reflected in the prices of his stocks when it come to Savage vs. Remington.
 
#20
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Force_Multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got a couple Stockade bolt lift kits...they help some, but I'm looking for even more improvement which is about the only reason I'm considering a T&T job.

I wonder how much easier things would feel if I trim down the big ass screw the same amount the lift kit is thick...?</div></div>


A LOT!!! </div></div>

I agree. It helps. You don't have to trim the BAS (Bolt Assembly Screw). You can install a washer the same thickness instead.
 
#21
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JWV</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does his bolt lift kit well? </div></div>Not really...

Check this thread:
Lift Kit

Works much smother than the Stockade kit.
And i didn't notice any difference with the BAS washers either.
 
#22
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

I've got a Savage 12FV without a Stockade lift kit, and the damn bolt lift is heavy as hell, especially right at the top of opening the bolt (I presume this is when it cocks).

I robbed a Stockade kit from another action, sanded & polished the bottom of the BAS, then reassembled it. It was a *little* better.

I then followed the directions in the thread Delfuego linked to about polishing certain areas on the bolt, reassembled everything including the kit, and tried it again.

It was noticeably better than after lift kit but before polishing, and way better than before any mods...but it still needs massaging a little.

For $7.50 I think Kevin's lift kit is money well spent, but its obvious to me it isn't a stand-alone solution. I'll probably get more polish bits & compound for my Dremel and some washers for the BAS, trying to see how much more improvement I can glean before springing for a full T&T job.
 
#23
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

Kevin is the Zen Muthafcuking Master of all things Savage! He built my Mod10FP into a .260 Rem tack driver, and installed the first VBull DBM system in a Mod10FP that I know of. His work is on par with the best. I have not had any issues with him on price or turnaround time. Kevin did do one little thing that I thought was a bit strange. I sent him a blueprint for a muzzle break I wanted him to fabricate and install on my rifle. What he made and installed was not what I wanted or requested. However, the break he made and installed works great, I have no complaint in that regard, but it's damn strange to not do what your customer asks you to do..... I would recommend that you discuss in detail your expectations over the phone, then put them in writing and email when you send Kevin your firearm. It may well be that he is simply overwhelmed with work and as a result gets confused on what he is supposed to be doing to each firearm.

I had Fred at SSS do a 10FP for me years ago. He took his sweet time (6 months) to true the action and set the barrel back a few threads. I asked him to bed the action in the stock (which he didn't do), and he was all but impossible to get hold of via telephone or email. My buddy had a similar incident when he purchased a stock from SSS for his Savage Mark II. The stock was delivered after a 4 month wait, and turned out to be the wrong stock for the wrong action. 3 weeks of emails and telephone calls latter he finally gets a reply from SSS to return the stock (at his expense). 2 months after that SSS finally sends him the right stock. Not what I would call exemplary service. I'm done with SSS, Kevin gets all my Savage jobs.
 
#24
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

I got the bolt lift kit and it is no longer 7 or 8 bucks. I believe I paid 20 plus shipping, almost $30. It didn't help, maybe a little but I hoped for more. I didn't trim and maybe that would help.
 
#25
Re: Savage work by Kevin Rayhill?

I also had Kevin do some work on a savage. Very pleased with outcome, but it did get some work I didn't ask for. I ended up paying more than I thought I was going to, but it shoots so well I can't complain. I wasn't specific enough when I sent the rifle, so I accept blame on this.
 
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