I want to have a Rem 700 in 223 built with a custom barrel and blueprinted action. I would prefer a stainless action. I plan to put it in a custom stock as well. Should I just buy the lowest priced new Rem 700 stainless 223 I can find? Or is there another option for getting the stainless action ?
Building a custom Rem 700
- Thread starter Grizzlypeg
- Start date
That's a good idea, as long as it isn't screwed up in some way. I wouldn't rule that out if there was one that looked decent.
Haven't you been watching the EE lately? Used guns are worth more then new guns. - dan
Haven't you been watching the EE lately? Used guns are worth more then new guns. - dan S:
It's easy to spend just as much tweaking a Remington action as buyiing a custom action. Oh, it doesn't seem like it at first, $650 for a donor rifle and $150 to square it up a bit doesn't seem too awful bad. Start adding up the extras and you can quickly start looseing money.
Not arguing, just expanding.
Trued Remington:
Remington 700 SPS Stainless Steel, AVG ~$700.00 (Maybe less, maybe more)
First strip rifle and sell parts:
- Black synthetic stock: ~$70
- X-Mark Pro adjustable trigger: ~$75
- SS Floorplate: ~$80
- Stainless steel sporter barrel: ~$100
You make back roughly $325. Stainless steel action cost will be roughly $375. A smith can true for $150. That's $525 and some tax for a trued action that has been tested in harder conditions than most will ever use it in. Get your smith to open the mounts to 8-40 for free. A recoil lug's ~$30.
Custom action:
They start at $1000 in Canada. Stiller being one of the cheapest options.
As Dogleg already said, extras are what ruins the deal. All of the following are superficial when it comes to an accurate and functional action:
- Bolt side release
- Pinned recoil lug
- Modified port
- Modified bolt knob
- Modified extractor
- Custom bolt
These modifications have the potential to make the Remington equal or more than the cost of a custom.
If you do the minimum to the action its not a bad deal for what you get, but it helps if you already have the action. Its not that hard to spent $6-700 on a Remington bolt trying make it into a BAT. More if you don't like the extractor.
There are many things dome to 700 actions that are a waste of money as far as accuracy is concerned. Altering the original extractor system does nothing except compromise some of the safety in the design of the 700. Adding a different style of bolt stop does nothing for accuracy. 8 x 40 screws add nothing in accuracy. (the original 6 x 48 screws are strong enough). A different recoil lug adds nothing in accuracy. A different bolt knob adds nothing in accuracy. Truing the action is the cheapest thing you will do to it and it will contribute to better accuracy.
It's still a cheaper route than a custom action...
It's still a cheaper route than a custom action...
lejarretnoir
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
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I think the main benefit of having a Rem 700 done is the bolt on accessories. Hard to beat!
Even if you buy a Stiller, you still need a trigger. Nothing wrong with custom actions. They're beautiful.
Working a stock 700 trigger can be done by a competent smith. You don't need an extra thick, pinned recoil lug and side bolt release. I don't use them.
Even if you buy a Stiller, you still need a trigger. Nothing wrong with custom actions. They're beautiful.
Working a stock 700 trigger can be done by a competent smith. You don't need an extra thick, pinned recoil lug and side bolt release. I don't use them.
