My $.02...
Many smiths that specialize in the 700 platform have trued actions, in stock that they can use for your build, for about six bills.
I think it's best to source your barrel, stock, and other aftermarket parts yourself- get them all together, and send them to the smith in one shot.
Most of the wait time horror stories you hear about year-long plus builds are often due to the time taken to source parts. If you get everything together, find a smith with a slot and a time commitment and then send the whole ball of wax...
Mark at SAC has a pretty good rep, just one example...
http://shortactioncustoms.com/?cat=3
I don't see any logic in buying an off-the-shelf rifle, unless you've got a necessity to shoot something (like hunting season) before you "gut it" and send off the action. You can get a few bucks for the factory stock, trigger, and barrel...but I can't see the hassle...
Now, I like the 700 platform...and I also like Savage...
Did you know you can get barrels for the 700, and install them yourself just like on a Savage (called Rem-Age..) from Criterion Barrels. Buy a trued action...stock, trigger and put her together...
Call Jim at Northland Shooters Supply if interested...
http://criterionbarrels.com/productpages/prefits.html
Many smiths that specialize in the 700 platform have trued actions, in stock that they can use for your build, for about six bills.
I think it's best to source your barrel, stock, and other aftermarket parts yourself- get them all together, and send them to the smith in one shot.
Most of the wait time horror stories you hear about year-long plus builds are often due to the time taken to source parts. If you get everything together, find a smith with a slot and a time commitment and then send the whole ball of wax...
Mark at SAC has a pretty good rep, just one example...
http://shortactioncustoms.com/?cat=3
I don't see any logic in buying an off-the-shelf rifle, unless you've got a necessity to shoot something (like hunting season) before you "gut it" and send off the action. You can get a few bucks for the factory stock, trigger, and barrel...but I can't see the hassle...
Now, I like the 700 platform...and I also like Savage...
Did you know you can get barrels for the 700, and install them yourself just like on a Savage (called Rem-Age..) from Criterion Barrels. Buy a trued action...stock, trigger and put her together...
Call Jim at Northland Shooters Supply if interested...
http://criterionbarrels.com/productpages/prefits.html