Savage 30-06 Heavy Barrel Build

R

RC20

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This is my next project, going to be longer term as I do have the 308 now in a Varmint barrel.

Cost wise getting a used Savage 110 action in a 30-06 common caliber (270, 280 etc ) makes sense as that eliminates the bolt head and magazine (though its going to be used single shot)

Plan on getting one with the acu trigger as I have one in 308 and like a lot.

Barrel mfg selection is currently wide open with Shilen having a bit of an edge.

Barrel contour is open though it will be either Varmint or equal or Bull or Target.

The one question I have to answer is the stock. If it goes the Savage Varmint contour then that's easy.

if its a bull barrel does anyone make a stock for that?
 
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I think you can, I am hoping to avoid wood work as that is not my strong end.

Synthetic is what I am thinking but the same issue.

Sad story that there are not Varmint barrel or Target barrel 30-06 out there 9currenly).

Savage makes them in 300 WM but not 30-06. A 300 WM HB stock would fit a Varmint contour but likely a bull or target barrel not.

While I have wanted this for a while, nothing came up that was affordable.

Still project looks to be in the $700+ range when all is said and done.

At that point I would be happy to buy a Savage setup.
 
You didn't specify Floorplate, Blind Mag, or DBM with your action.
Here is the only laminate one I know of that looks like it will work. Bull inlet, thumbhole ( if you like thumbholes...).
https://www.stockysstocks.com/stock...guard-laminated-thumbhole-bbc-riflestock.html

Choate still makes theirs, heavy as hell, but nice stocks if you don't mind the wait...
http://www.riflestock.com/store/do/manufacturer/2

"Affordable" is in the eye of the beholder of course. I'm sure the likes of Manners and McMillan can make one for you...but their cost, like a chassis, will be in the range of $500-$800.
 
RC20,Unless you're building a benchrest rifle,you will probably never know the difference between a varmint contour barrel vs a bull contour barrel.
Shilen,E.R.Shaw,McGowen,Black Hole Weaponry,Criterion all offer Savage pre-fit barrels.

Sin Arms offers pre-fit cut rifled barrels from Brux and K&P.
Apache Gun Works also does pre-fit barrels,as does Sharp Shooters Supply,and Northland Shooters Supply.

The Choate Tactical stock is what I run on 4 of my rifles. Not the prettiest girl at the dance,but they work excellent,and are priced so you won't shed tears. It will clear a 1.25" diameter barrel out of the box. I also have several Boyd's laminate stocks,but you will have to open up the barrel channel for a bull barrel,and depending on the stock design,you may have to do it for a varmint contour. They offer some styles in a varmint contour,but not all.

I'm currently running McGowen and E.R.Shaw barrels,but have used Shilen,Brux,and Pac-Nor in the past.
Don't discount the Shaw barrels because they cost less,I've built two 6.5 Creedmoor's with Shaw barrels,and they are the best shooting barrels that I've ever had.
 
Thank you, got it logged down.

Good to get the experience side of it.

Not worried about pretty, if it shoots good then I am happy,.
 
Choate

Another vote for considering the Choate Varmint/Sniper/Tac family. Heavy, clunky, and essentially intended for fixed shooting positions, as in bipod or from a solid support, they do offer desireable features at a good price, last I looked.

Free float about any barrel, aluminum bedding block, adjustable comb and buttstock.

Don't dismiss a used , bargain 110 long action due to no accu-trigger. A beater 110 long can be fitted with a Rifle Basix or similar top end after market trigger very simply.

A pal helped me put together a .308 per above, the budget match rifle shoots better than I can.
 
Thank you.

the idea is a budget as much as possible setup.

ergo, I would go used and change the barrel, but I do want the acu trigger.

I think it pays for itself in not having to get another trigger and I like it a lot on my 308.

If I can't get what I want then of course its the next step on and that would be the option of putting in a better trigger.

I appreciate the 2nd endorsement on the Chaote, they looks and sound like what I want.
 
Maybe I can add a little to this thread.

I started this project with a barrel that showed up on ebay and I made a best offer on. It was a McGowen 26" Pattern #6 Heavy barrel. Although chambered for a 30-06, the threads had not been cut nor crowned.

Over the next few months I picked up a Remington 1903A3 sporter that was drilled and tapped for a scope mount. I had an A4 bolt I acquired some time ago in another sporter, it had been polished and I had reblued it. I found a milled trigger guard from a Springfield 1903.

I needed a stock, one that would take a pattern #6 1.25 to 1". I thought that would be a huge problem but stumbled on a Bishop stock that was made for just that barrel. Who knew. I suspect for the target market in the 50's-60's. If anyone has knowledge about those, please share.

I had the barrel cut and threaded, crowned and trued the receiver and bolt. The stock was rough, semi at best and I spent a great deal of time fitting and bedding and finishing it. The barrel is free floated. The scope mounts are a modified weaver set to take a hd Picatinny Leopold ring. The scope is a Night force I stole on sale at Cabalas. The trigger is stock military with a little polishing here and there, about 2.5 lbs. The whole setup is close to 15-15 lbs.

I'm sure the question of cost will come up...:)

Not counting the optics, it came to around $500 which included selling the original Smith Corona barrel that came on the sporter for $200. The scope I was able to get for $900. so the total came in around $1400.

Although I'm not a competition shooter, I'm like many of you, I just wanted something that shot very well and I suppose at some level, something I had a hand in creating. I'm also a big fan of the 1903's/A3's and the different makes. Sporters are what my brother calls folk art, well said and a category all their own. I have not been disappointed with this rifle and although the best groups are around 1/4-3/8" at 112yds with 150-155 gn bullets, it seems just as happy with 180 gamekings. This summer I'll try it at 200-300 and see how it does.
 

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