Custom rifle build/Home Smithing project

[wyop]

Depends.

Aftermarket bottom metal can be expensive. For a Model 70, the complete trigger guard, magazine box, bottom metal, etc... could run you another anywhere from $30 to maybe $200 here in the US, depending on the circumstances and configuration.

I have no idea what it would cost in Oz.

Here's what Blackburn bottom metal is currently priced at for various configurations. NB that this isn't a OEM-style bottom metal - this is the type of bottom metal used by high end gun makers here in the US on custom rifles built on top of Model 70 actions. These prices are high because the price of the finished rifles (typically $4K and up) support these levels of parts prices:

http://www.swiftbullets.com/blackburn-gun-metal/pricing-list

 

[davery25]

So after searching and searching I failed to find bottom metal for the win70 action mentioned above. The closest I managed to get is an engineering company offering to make one for me for some astronomical cost.

On Friday i came across a full Winchester m70 (it's well and truly post 64 for those getting excited) in 270 winchester. The bore is pitted but the woodwork and action are in excellent condition which is what i was after.

In Australia m70s are usually at least $550 for a short action and $800 - $1000 for long actions in good bore condion but these usually always have bad woodwork and worn bluing. Managed to get this one for $395. I think i did alright anyway.

Now the fun begins! The rough plan is (in this order):

- Rework the trigger at home to break clean and crisply. Ideally i want to rework the original trigger instead of buying a timney but if it comes to that then i'll do that down the line.

- Rebarrel with a target quality 21.75" barrel and in doing so convert from 270 winchester to 30-06. I want to have the barrel cut in an octagonal shape. The stock will have to be reshaped to accommodate for this - but i still haven't decided whether to go with a heavy barrel or a lighter one so i don't know whether to free float the barrel (heavy) or glass bed it all the way through to the end (lighter profile barrel)

Does anyone know whether getting the barrel cut in an octagonal profile will hurt accuracy or perhaps cause stressing of the barrel. It's a question ill ask the smith but i figure id ask here too.

And the other thing - with Jack O'Connor going on about the Win70 in 270 - is the rifle likely to hold it's value more if it's kept in 270 or would 30-06 not hurt things too much?

 

[Archie Otto]

Well it all depends on how much you want to spend and if you have a lathe and mill to play with. I have built several rifles from 98 mausers, krags, 03s and even trapdoor rifles. The 98s and 95's can be had for a relatively small investment if you shop around. Same with 03s but they are more expensive. If you look long enough there are plenty of them "7" (700,70,77,7) actions out there to be had too. So then buy a good barrel like shilen or douglas or what ever in the caliber you like and cut the threads and screw it on the action if you have a lathe. If not there are plenty of gunsmiths out there who can and do install barrels and headspace them. Now find a stock you like. Boyds makes some very nice economy walnut stocks for the above mentioned actions and can be had for around a $100. Then there is richards microfit and there you can have a nicely figured walnut for a couple hundred $. Then finish and inlet the stock and glass bed the action and free float the barrel. Drill and tap for scope mounts and away you go. If you want shinny and pretty you can polish the metal and have it blued or go more utiliatrian and beadblast the apply duracoat in the color you like. Shop around and you can put together a very accurate high power for undder $1000. Or you can go the long way and drop $10,000 or more.