I have a chance to buy a pre-Garcia Sako L461 action and would like recommendations for how to go about having a custom sporter built. I have in mind a lightweight, classic style sporter in .223, with a walnut stock, pillar- and glass- bedded. This would be my first custom rifle, and I want to use a barrel and stock nice enough to do the action justice, but I'm not interested in spending thousands for an exhibition grade custom rifle, or going with a world famous 'smith who has a delivery time measured in years.
I am thinking I should have the action trued up and lapped, a high quality barrel fitted, and a stock made from a semi-finished blank, rather than hand carved from a blank, to save on labor costs.
Some specific questions are:
Who are some good 'smiths to do this, preferrably the same person for both the barrel work and the stock?
What would be the best value in a custom barrel, appropriate for this nice old action? Shilen comes to mind.
Thanks for your help.
I am thinking I should have the action trued up and lapped, a high quality barrel fitted, and a stock made from a semi-finished blank, rather than hand carved from a blank, to save on labor costs.
Some specific questions are:
Who are some good 'smiths to do this, preferrably the same person for both the barrel work and the stock?
What would be the best value in a custom barrel, appropriate for this nice old action? Shilen comes to mind.
Thanks for your help.