- Location
- Virden, MB
So here was the plan.
1. Make an as cheap as possible, accurate, dependable long range rifle
2. Buy a Stevens 200 in whatever (as long as it has a magnum bolt face)
3. Spin on a 7mm RM barrel (found a new, unfired, heavy 24" 9.5 twist Savage take off)
4. Upgrade trigger, and whatever else I could to get the best possible out of it
5. Modify the factory stock, stiffen the forend, modify the grip so it is more ergonomic
6. And behold, the abomination
I didn't document it all that well cuz its kinda boring. I took some pics. I didn't start the pics off the bat, but whatever, I took a few. I apologize for the poor pictures. The old digi cam has been used and abused and is starting to show.
Got my Stevens 200 in 300WM off the EE.
I opened up the barrel channel with a drill and a 1" round grinding bit.
I then filled the barrel channel with bondo. I then used bondo and 3 cedar shims and molded thicker, stiffer forend. 2.5 inches wide all the way back to the front action screw.
I then chopped the pistol grip and molded a thicker ergonomic grip.
I wanted to add a butt hook but thought that I would be pushing my luck so I went with a design that would still ride the bags well.
Hours of sanding and more bondo and molding. Here are some of the progress pics.
After a few more coats and sanding
Then I stippled the hand grip and forend.
Primed
Painted OD with Krylon. I know, the lighting makes it look bright green.
By then I got my new barrel and recoil lug in so I did the swap. I also swapped the trigger for a rifle basix and the bolt head for a factory bell style.
I had a heck of a time getting that barrel nut to loosen. I ended up taking it to Jerry the local gun smith with his super vice. Got it off in 2 seconds.
I swear, my shop is NEVER this messy. Just this once.
Oh, and this pic is sponsored by SharpShooter Supply.
I then was able to bed the action with the new barrel installed.
I then had to touch up the paint job. Even with all the tape I got bondo seeping trough everywhere.
Plastic trigger guard was swapped out for a metal once
Topped it off with an EGW 20 MOA base and an Elite 3200 5-15x40. It weight just over 14lbs with the optics. I wanted it heavy. It is balanced very well.
I loaded up some 168g Bergers with 4831 and H1000. To be truthful I can't give a true range report yet. The first time out after about 4 round it started firing itself as the recoil loosened up the trigger. I used lock tight on all the screws and now it is ok. I have NO experience with any caliber over a 270 so the recoil will take some getting used to before I can shoot it well. I was recommened a recoil shoulder pad that I was told will help with the transition. So far the group are over an inch, but I know that is due to me flinching so once I get the thing under control I'll give a range report.
1. Make an as cheap as possible, accurate, dependable long range rifle
2. Buy a Stevens 200 in whatever (as long as it has a magnum bolt face)
3. Spin on a 7mm RM barrel (found a new, unfired, heavy 24" 9.5 twist Savage take off)
4. Upgrade trigger, and whatever else I could to get the best possible out of it
5. Modify the factory stock, stiffen the forend, modify the grip so it is more ergonomic
6. And behold, the abomination
I didn't document it all that well cuz its kinda boring. I took some pics. I didn't start the pics off the bat, but whatever, I took a few. I apologize for the poor pictures. The old digi cam has been used and abused and is starting to show.
Got my Stevens 200 in 300WM off the EE.
I opened up the barrel channel with a drill and a 1" round grinding bit.
I then filled the barrel channel with bondo. I then used bondo and 3 cedar shims and molded thicker, stiffer forend. 2.5 inches wide all the way back to the front action screw.
I then chopped the pistol grip and molded a thicker ergonomic grip.
I wanted to add a butt hook but thought that I would be pushing my luck so I went with a design that would still ride the bags well.
Hours of sanding and more bondo and molding. Here are some of the progress pics.
After a few more coats and sanding
Then I stippled the hand grip and forend.
Primed
Painted OD with Krylon. I know, the lighting makes it look bright green.
By then I got my new barrel and recoil lug in so I did the swap. I also swapped the trigger for a rifle basix and the bolt head for a factory bell style.
I had a heck of a time getting that barrel nut to loosen. I ended up taking it to Jerry the local gun smith with his super vice. Got it off in 2 seconds.
I swear, my shop is NEVER this messy. Just this once.
Oh, and this pic is sponsored by SharpShooter Supply.
I then was able to bed the action with the new barrel installed.
I then had to touch up the paint job. Even with all the tape I got bondo seeping trough everywhere.
Plastic trigger guard was swapped out for a metal once
Topped it off with an EGW 20 MOA base and an Elite 3200 5-15x40. It weight just over 14lbs with the optics. I wanted it heavy. It is balanced very well.
I loaded up some 168g Bergers with 4831 and H1000. To be truthful I can't give a true range report yet. The first time out after about 4 round it started firing itself as the recoil loosened up the trigger. I used lock tight on all the screws and now it is ok. I have NO experience with any caliber over a 270 so the recoil will take some getting used to before I can shoot it well. I was recommened a recoil shoulder pad that I was told will help with the transition. So far the group are over an inch, but I know that is due to me flinching so once I get the thing under control I'll give a range report.
