Where to Start??

M

Mitchell

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Location
central Alberta
I finally have decided to build my own custom rifle but have no clue where to start. Here are some of my ideas...
-Use a Swedish m96 action
-I want it for long range precision so i want a heavy barrel
-I want it to be in 6.5 swede or .308 winchester
Now is a m96 action alright for this type of project? I chose that action because they can be had for cheap compared to a Remington or another brand. I will probably spend just as much getting a new bolt handle on it and such but i am a student and can't afford to buy an expensive rifle all at once so i wanted this project so i can slowly add to it. I will get Pud to do all the assembling for me but i would like to know where you guys get all your barrels, bolt handles, and all the other parts I might need. Also where could i get all of these things and what type of barrels do you guys recommend? thanks for any info.
 
Where to start

I recommend you find yourself a beat up short action Remington 700 with the correct bolt face. In the long run it will be cheaper than a M96 action after you do all the necessary bolt handle and trigger mods on the Swede. Even after you spend the money on the M96 you still don't have a good longrange precision rifle because of it's slow lock time. There are other good actions but Remingtons are relatively easy to find if you take your time looking. If you do the Remington Short a .308 or .260 Remington would be the best choices as the 700 action is a bit short for the 6.5x55, you will need a 700 long action for that caliber. If you are on a very tight budjet the Savage actions are also worth a look.

You will spend more money on the M96 trying to make it work and be disappointed with the results.
 
I agree with gunster. You are trying to make a silk purse out of a sows ear.
Remington or Savage both make rifles that will work for entry level, long range precision. Customize it as needed. After shooting out the factory barrel, then think about a new custom barrel.
If you think a Remington or Savage action is too pricey, have a look around at actions like an RPA, CG Millennuim or Kelby, just to name a few. Remingtons or Savages are cheap in comparision.
 
Okay then i will start with a Remington Action off of a Remington SPS sometime in the future. Can anyone point me in the direction of barrels? I have decided to stick with the 6.5 swede and not the .308. thanks again.
 
A Remington receiver will cost you a bundle. If you can find one without having to buy a whole rifle. Assuming cost is an issue.
Start by reading everything you can about building rifles. There's lots of books in your local gun shop or on Amazon. Don't ignore your local public library either.
If you already have an M96 action, adding a custom stock, an aftermarket trigger, sights, barrel, etc. wouldn't be a bad thing. Just be prepared to pay a fair bit of money for a heavy barrel. Especially if you go with the 6.5. .30 calibre barrels are a standard for custom barrel makers. More likely to be in stock. Send the action, with the bolt, out to have the barrel installed. Otherwise you need a barel vise, action wrench and headspace guages.
Do a search on this forum for Canadian barrel makers to find a top notch barrel. It's enhtirely poosible that one of 'em may be making 6.5 barrels regularly. Still won't be cheap though.
 
Forget about building it on a military action unless you have a lot of money to spend... and then don't bother doing it on a low pressure action as a 96 is... use a 98 action at the least. You will save money using a commercial action, even if you buy a new rifle and throw the stock and barrel away.
 
Mitchell said:
Okay then i will start with a Remington Action off of a Remington SPS sometime in the future. Can anyone point me in the direction of barrels? I have decided to stick with the 6.5 swede and not the .308. thanks again.
Click to expand...

Look for a used beater 700 Remington - if you're lucky you might find one for around $300.00 or better. It doesn't matter what the condition of the stock or barrel is, you only want the action. Actions are very difficult to damage, but if you can have a gunsmith check it out before buying.
 
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