Should I build my own precision rig?

I appreciate what everyone is saying. I realize that Remingtons and Savage seem to be the big names out there for precision (besides the custom actions) rigs but I'd like to build something a little different. As for the 96 vs the 98, I keep flip flopping. My original idea was to build a rifle using a Parker Hale action, much like tiriaq did, I even have the C3 wood stock. Then I became aware of all the cheap Swedes that tradeex has available. Decisions, decisions. No matter what I'm going to stick with the 6.5x55. I want a caliber that is easy on the shoulder and can be used to hunt most game with if I so choose.

I was going to buy a 96 that already comes with a Shultz and Larsen heavy barrel but it seems to be on hold. Maybe I'll call them anyway in case the buyer backs out.

I was going to originally buy an SPS Tactical in .308 and leave it at that but all the shops want what I consider to be too much.
 
If you want to use a 98, in your C3 stock, Brownells sells a Shilen 6.5x55 CrMo pre-fit for about $240 retail. It is #4 weight, which would be about .650" muzzle diameter at 24" - a medium sporter weight. Light target would be .750" or so.
 
If I was you, I would buy one of the Husky M98 from tradeex for $325. Order a 6.5 1-8 Lothar Walther barrels from Brownells for $220 and drop it at Gunco in Ottawa and have him thread, chamber, crown, and install the barrel for about $200.
I would then sooth my tinkerer's tooth by Installing a good Timney trigger with safety, a new bolt shrowd and bed the works in your C3 stock before parkerizing or guncoating the metal myself. The whole thing should be doable for about a grand. Just my 2 cents.
 
There were lots of CG-63s that were chambered in 7.62mm NATO as well, so the action is sound.
The 6.5x55mm round is a good choice imho, and your original idea is more interesting than the run of the mill out there.:cool:
 
Zulumike, why would you bed it prior to parkerizing? Shouldn't I do it after I parkerize?

I checked Brownell's site but I couldn't find a Lothar Walther barrel in 6.5. The contour seems a little light at .700 at the muzzle. I suppose I could just deal with them direct. A bead blasted stainless barrel would look pretty good with a parkerized action and walnut stock.
 
if i were to build another target gun i would personally start with something like this:
Target-Actions_RBolt-RPort.jpg


its a savage target action. about the same price as a low-end blued savage, and since youd be replacing the barrel and stock anyways it makes sense.

note the very small ejection port, and solid receiver bottom (single shot). it comes with the 'target accutrigger' which you can adjust down to 6oz.
you could order an aftermarket stock for this, headspace guages, a savage barrel wrench and get the best barrel you can afford, and still be well under the price of any custom gun or factory 'target rifle'.
 
Yes, the new Savage target action appears to be a very stout and well built piece. It would be nice to have a right bolt/left port configuration, but not for this build. I'm building a repeater action. Not much of a target shooter, I much prefer service rifle, so I think that sniper/tactical matches would be more of my thing.
 
I would bed it first just because it's easier to get out of the stock after the bedding sets when you don't have to worry about marring the finish.

I agree .700 is a little light and honestly I was looking at the twist rate and not the diameter when I posted the Lothar Walther suggestion.
 
manbearpig said:
if i were to build another target gun i would personally start with something like this:
Target-Actions_RBolt-RPort.jpg


its a savage target action. about the same price as a low-end blued savage, and since youd be replacing the barrel and stock anyways it makes sense.

note the very small ejection port, and solid receiver bottom (single shot). it comes with the 'target accutrigger' which you can adjust down to 6oz.
you could order an aftermarket stock for this, headspace guages, a savage barrel wrench and get the best barrel you can afford, and still be well under the price of any custom gun or factory 'target rifle'.
Click to expand...

Have not seen any of those actions in Canada yet?
 
Ok, so after all of this feedback I'm starting to think that I'll revise my plans slightly.

-Commercial mauser 98 action (re-parkerized)
-Lothar Walther SS barrel in 6.5x55 (blasted finish)
-original C3 wood stock (needs to be refinished)
-Parker Hale bipod (already got one, for dirt cheap too)
-Trigger: undecided (parker hale, bold, timney???)

Not sure what type of scope mount I want to use. I realize that picatinny rails are in vogue, and more useful but I'm going for more of a classic look. My scope is supposed to have 80 MOA so a sloped base isn't needed. A dual dovetail mount like on the original M40 would be awesome but no one seems to make one for mausers, or for much else, for that matter.

Lothar Walther has finished barrels for $330 US. They just need the shoulders turned to adjust the headspace, is this a good option? Muzzle also ends at .866 would that be considered light, standard or heavy for a precision tactical rifle?
 
If you want top quality in a barrel, go Krieger. If you have to take it to a gun plumber anyway, let him chamber it properly for the round you are using, and just as important - create a throat that is the proper length for your bullets of choice.
 
I suspect that you would be satisfied with a barrel from any of the premier makers. There are also first quality Canadian makers. A short shanked prefit like the LW could save you a bit of money depending on the del'd cost.
Neither Leupold or Burris seem to make double dovetail bases to fit a Mauser. I'm personally partial to Burris Signature rings with the inserts. Zee models for Weaver/Picatinny base, standard Leupold style mount system as an option.
 
parker-hale-82.jpg


Don't know why I never posted a photo before.

It would basically look like the above. Like I said, I already have the stock and bipod. Just need an action and barrel. Would prefer a one piece scope mount, does anyone know anything about the Lynx mounts. I believe they're called stud rings or something like that.
 
I've never really used Lynx mounts but have a few kicking around. Base has a hardened dovetail stud, ring has a corresponding socket and opposed clamping screws to lock the ring to the base. Provides for built-in windage adjustment, which won't bend the scope tube in the process.
There are a variety of commercial 98 actions around, FN, PH, Mk.X, Santa Barbara, etc. Should be possible to find something without spending an arm and a leg. One of the complaints about the Mauser is the lock time, which is slow, compared with many other actions. There are lightweight firing pins available which can speed things up.
 
PM me. I have most of what you need; the c3 stock, a re-finished m98 (military) action, PH trigger and bottom metal. Right now it has a sporter contour 308 barrel on it which could be used, but there seems to be a burr or ring in the chamber so it would have to be set back and re-cut.
 
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