Semi custom hunting rifle or better quality factory?

J

Jim870

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Hampton, New Brunswick
I've been playing with the idea of building a lightish, roughly 6.5lbs before scope, rifle chambered in 7mm-08. I was going to use a .243 Remington model 7, but it shoots too good and the girlfriend has claimed it as her deer rifle. So I'm kind of looking at my options, I have a take off remington 700 mountain rifle barrel so if I can find a deal on a remington 700 or model 7 to spin it onto or even one that is already a 7mm-08 I would go that direction. I'd then eventually add a decent quality synthetic stock.
I have been looking and it seems that for comparable money to my semi custom route I could find myself some decent quality factory rifles that check off the same boxes especially since used is acceptable to me.

Also how does the Sako A7 stack up? I was offered a new in box one for less than the current cost of a Tikka t3x seems worthy of consideration.
 
For light rifles check out christianson arms carbon fiber barrelled rifles and maybe look into the browning A bolt Titanium, I know a guy with one in 300wsm and you can hold it out at arm's length by the muzzle.

Or rebarrel an action with a carbon fiber barrel and find a light stock
 
Probably the hardest decision in term of firearms to ever be made.

Unless you require significant bespoke alterations to a rifle, my suggestion would be to go with the best standard unit you can afford, and have that rifle later modified once you have owned and shot it a season or so.

That way you end up with something that is bespoke to your real needs and high end throughout.

Candocad.
 
Am I reading you right, that semi custom you describe would have a factory action and factory barrel...which does not seem very custom?
 
Go with a Remington 700 action and one of the big barrel makers in a lighter contour. Either that or you need to go Carbon Fiber. I just put together a fairly light 6.5X47 carry rifle. Remington 700 SA, #3 Benchmark fluted, trigger tech, wildcat stock hydro dipped kuiu verde 2.0, Z5 5-25x52 BT. Finished right at 8 lbs with everything listed. So a bit heavier than your 6.5 lb request but not far off and was an affordable build. It's either a build or as mentioned a Christensen or maybe Cooper. But they are not cheap in mind. If you are patient browse the classifieds and pick up the parts you need and you can do a build for very close to what a Christensen or Cooper costs.
 
Magmalis said:
For light rifles check out christianson arms carbon fiber barrelled rifles and maybe look into the browning A bolt Titanium, I know a guy with one in 300wsm and you can hold it out at arm's length by the muzzle.

Or rebarrel an action with a carbon fiber barrel and find a light stock
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I have heard mixed reviews on the Christensens. Seen numerous threads on some of the other forums I creep. This being the most recent:

http://texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/6792363/christensen_arms#Post6792363
 
JEC said:
Am I reading you right, that semi custom you describe would have a factory action and factory barrel...which does not seem very custom?
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You are right and in all likely hood it would soon get a better barrel unless the 7mm-08 doesn't impress then it may get reamed to .284 first. Just looking to ease myself into a short action 7mm and the world of custom rifles.

cam1936 said:
Sounds like you want a factory 700 Mountain SS
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In all honesty you're probably right, if I could handle one and a model 70 EW it would help quiet those nagging gremlins in the back of my mind. I did find an exceptional local deal on a Sako A7 stainless. Not sure if it really stacks up with the 700 or model 70, but seems like a decent gun for the money.
 
Jim870 said:
You are right and in all likely hood it would soon get a better barrel unless the 7mm-08 doesn't impress then it may get reamed to .284 first. Just looking to ease myself into a short action 7mm and the world of custom rifles.



In all honesty you're probably right, if I could handle one and a model 70 EW it would help quiet those nagging gremlins in the back of my mind. I did find an exceptional local deal on a Sako A7 stainless. Not sure if it really stacks up with the 700 or model 70, but seems like a decent gun for the money.
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The A7 SS is a decent rifle with some good features. I've had a few (1 in 7mm-08) and I know of someone else locally that had/has? 1 in 7mm-08 as well. Neither of us were particularly satisfied with the accuracy. Handloads improved things, but 7 different factory loads between us proved to be very inconsistent.

I like the M700 Mtn, but prefer the M70 EW.

Just my 2 cents.
 
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