Should I Build or Buy?

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HighOutput

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I was looking at buying a precision rifle of the EE that someone has but the work in already. Or buy a starter that I could get work done to it. Here is my question, I also have a 1968 Model 70 in a .300 Win mag that looks like the day it was made. Should I maybe use that as a starting point? It's such a nice original rifle, that It's almost a shame to touch it. But it's been in the gun locker too long and doesn't get used. So what should I do, build it up or start somewhere else?
 
From your standpoint, what is a precision rifle, and what do you intend to do with it?
The Winchester wouldn't be too many people's choice of an ideal starting point. If you aren't going to use it, sell it, put the proceeds toward what you want.
 
There are some great deals out there (and some not so much...) but here is how I look at it. If I'm going to sink several $K into a precision rig I'm going to want it the way I want it. That may be as simple as stock type or color, barrel length, etc. I'm presently assembling the components for a 6mmBR, watching EE and buying what I can find. In parallel if I were to see one on EE that was a good price and EXACTLY what I was looking for, I'd buy it knowing I could sell the components I've already assembled.

As for what to base your rig off of...I know the flames will come out but the vast majority of smiths "specialize" in the basic Rem 700. I'd buy yourself a factory or slightly modified one, play with it to see if you're serious about getting into precision, then get it modded the way you want.
 
justsomeguy said:
There are some great deals out there (and some not so much...) but here is how I look at it. If I'm going to sink several $K into a precision rig I'm going to want it the way I want it. That may be as simple as stock type or color, barrel length, etc. I'm presently assembling the components for a 6mmBR, watching EE and buying what I can find. In parallel if I were to see one on EE that was a good price and EXACTLY what I was looking for, I'd buy it knowing I could sell the components I've already assembled.

As for what to base your rig off of...I know the flames will come out but the vast majority of smiths "specialize" in the basic Rem 700. I'd buy yourself a factory or slightly modified one, play with it to see if you're serious about getting into precision, then get it modded the way you want.
Click to expand...

The Rem 700 is what I was thinking of for a starting point. in a .308. Not looking for much except accuracy, trigger work, muzzle break, bi-pod and hi-power quality scope. Fo the type of shooting I do (only target, not much of a hunter) I figure the .308 is good enough. I just though that my Model 70 could do all that except in the .300 Win mag. Just to do distance target shooting on the lakes here in Winter.
 
Without a different barrel, bolt and magazine assembly, your Winchester isn't going to be a .308. Starting with something like a SPS .308 tactical/varmint, whatever, would give you a rifle that you could shoot as is, with an action that could be upgraded later.
A quality barrel is the heart of a precision rifle; a factory barrel is a bit of a pig in a poke. The ones on the 'net shoot 1/4 to 1/2 minute, consistantly, the ones on ranges tend not to shoot quite that well. Start with a good 'scope.
Nothing wrong with .308, there are other choices that shoot as well or better. That's what I've been shooting for years, going to venture into 6.5mm for next season, probably a .260.
 
Is this going to be your main shooter? If so the Win Mag will use more powder if you reload (if you don't time to start) and there's no such thing as cheap loaded ammo for it. I'm sure that all will agree a Savage will be less expensive to rebarrel and the accu-trigger is pretty good as it is. I'd try to trade it for this;
https://s3.amazonaws.com/savagefiles/firearms/10fcphs.png
If cash is a problem (that's my tale of woe) this may be a good place to start;
https://s3.amazonaws.com/savagefiles/firearms/10fpsr.png
I say trade because you may not get what it's worth but you save the tax. You just have to figure out what is the least expensive after all is said and done. I started with a Stevens 200 and have bought parts as my bank account allows. If I was going to do it again and was looking for a short action it would be the HS stocked 10 FCP.

Of course if you love the M-70 keep it and look for a used 10-FP (blind mag though) in .308, shoot it, buy parts as you go and in a year or two put together your kick-ass match barreled long range rifle. Hell if it's going to be your main target rifle I'd get a .223 (Rem or Savage) and start putting together a serious long range rifle in 300 WM, 300 RUM, or .338 Edge/Lapua (nothing wrong with a 6mm, 6.5 mm, or 7mm). Shoot lots with the .223 get your jollies with the cannon!
 
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That rifle has the best components money can buy, without the wait. If I didn't have so many already I would buy it. Remember you are not tied up to a single chambering with a custom action like a Surgeon. They are simple to swap barrels on.
 
tiriaq said:
Without a different barrel, bolt and magazine assembly, your Winchester isn't going to be a .308. Starting with something like a SPS .308 tactical/varmint, whatever, would give you a rifle that you could shoot as is, with an action that could be upgraded later.
A quality barrel is the heart of a precision rifle; a factory barrel is a bit of a pig in a poke. The ones on the 'net shoot 1/4 to 1/2 minute, consistantly, the ones on ranges tend not to shoot quite that well. Start with a good 'scope.
Nothing wrong with .308, there are other choices that shoot as well or better. That's what I've been shooting for years, going to venture into 6.5mm for next season, probably a .260.
Click to expand...

This has been my approach for the longest time (limited budget, growing kids, kids in University). I bought a bunch of Varmint or SPS platforms or 700P and played with the existing factory barrel. Many shot into 3/4" consistently, but when you are shooting at 800meters with fishtailing winds, the .308 family of bullets (and my butt) were kicked around and I got frustrated. I knew I could shoot better scores. I was being limited/ hampered by the .308 shooting the 155 gr Amax and 155 gr Lapua Scenars. :bangHead:

This summer, I took tiriaq's advice along with the help of juanvaldez (a dealer who stoked my accuracy addiction), now I have a .260 Rem sniper rig that shoots way better than I can hold it. :D

I travelled to DCRA's NSCC Precision Rifle matches at the end of August and shot a personal best, launching the 108 gr Lapua Scenars coming out of the barrel round 3025 fps. I actually saved a WHOLE turret rotation :eek: on my Leupold Mark 4 LR/T M1 TMR reticle's scope. The 6.5mm family is my friend. Now I just upgraded and evolved my game with 139 gr Lapua Scenars from Peter Dobson at Hirsch Precision in Newfie Scotia! :D

Buy into a platform that allows you to evolve your game as you get better and more comfortable at this competition. Buy what works for you and your desires to upgrade as the years go by!

Hope this helps!

Cheers,
Barney
 
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