I was contemplating on getting a Howa barrel at Brownells and getting stock separate. But due to lack of knowledge, I don't know what is needed or if I do go this route if I would be in over my head. Also do know that I would spend more money this route but wouldn't mind getting that satisfaction of "building" my own and looking different then the rest.
Frankly that was my issue though money was available selling other guns.
I know its a relic for the purpose, but I wanted a target 30-06, that cartridge is just too much of family as well as nation history not to for me (others of course have their own thing)
So I bought a Savage action in a stock type I wanted and put a bull 06 barrel on it. It got me what I wanted (and love it, my favorite even though the stock is not a target one it works great) and a heavy barrel 06 is rare (Remington had one out not sure they still do)
Did the same with a 7.5 Swiss though the barrel cost twice that due to its odd nature.
So yes, doing your own barrels is great. Boyds stocks have good fits (or the laminated ones do) -
Learning to take the old barrel off is the hardest, you can look at U tube for the idea on the rest. PM me if you go that route and I can advise on tools. Its take about $100 for the Savage setup.