building a bolt action

[mdram]

so i have been doing some research, and am thinking of building a bolt action

are there any places to go for a how to/whats needed, walk through?

this is a generic list of what i think i need

action
barrel
trigger
bottom metal
stock
rail if its not integrated
barrel vise
action vise

or should i not?

 

[Mark M.]

Sounds like an expensive way to learn

 

[mdram]

Sounds like an expensive way to learn

gotta learn somehow
was actually thinking about a savage action and boyds stock to keep costs down
but not 100% on that

 

[Fast14riot]

There is also the RemAge barrel, uses a savage style barrel nut for rem 700 actions. Can be installed with a barrel vise or padded blocks in a bench vise and an appropriate wrench for the barrel nut.

 

[bapayton]

I first learned on an old Savage 110. Pieced it together from parts about 10 or more years ago. Was a good, and not too expensive, learning experience.

Every time I start a new project I try to go with a different manufacturer so I continue to learn.

Just finished a Ruger 77 tang safety and have a Winchester 54 in the works.

Best plan is to just get started on something, if project direction changes then sell things off and start fresh.

 

[Nealm66]

The only bad thing I found from doing the exact same thing is that it leads to wanting to do more. There’s so many excellent choices and not enough time/money. I went the chassis route for my first and there was no bedding involved. I used a $300 savage 12fv that shot excellent and I tested it in the chassis first before I tried the new barrel. It somehow actually tightened the groups even more. I used both the go and no-go gauge which cost an extra 30$ or so but made me feel better. I also went from 6.5 to 22 creedmoor and was able to check and keep my headspace the same. I went with criterion barrel from northland supply and they sent everything I needed to complete. It’s an excellent barrel. Working on a 788 action for a friend who’s also piecing together a bighorn as he can afford it. Bugholes and pac-nor are also very good at helping with decisions which is probably the hardest part these days. Basically have to decide the goal and then cartridge and bullet before you start. The rest is easy

 

[mdram]

well im pretty set on a 308
goal is just targets and steel out to 500

 

[Nealm66]

Well, I think northland carries savage actions and they were really knowledgeable and good to work with. I had a friend come over that really didn’t have any experience but felt it was good to have a second set of eyes on me getting it done the first time correctly. I did notice the criterion barrel seemed to shoot everything in a ladder pretty tight and I ended up tuning at 200 so I could see the spread a little better. It also shoots very clean. I took 2nd place in a local 600 match a few weeks ago even. But dang, I kinda want a bartlein now lol. Bugholes has them in stock ready to ship. Or maybe a carbon barrel…

 

[jpx2rk]

I've built, or changed the barrels on a R783 and Ruger American, both have the barrel nut system so swapping barrels is all you need to know for the first attempt. Savage works the same, and may even use the same thread pitch, so check 'em out before you buy. Using one of these "entry level" rifles has everything you need, all you have to do is decide what caliber to order. Just stay in the same caliber that will work for the caliber you want to try. It's even easier if you just swap out a 223 factory barrel for a aftermarket 223 barrel, no need to check anything but the headspace, load some rounds, and go to the range.

 

[jepp2]

action
barrel
trigger
bottom metal
stock
rail if its not integrated
barrel vise
action vise

Depending on the action you choose, in addition to a recoil lug
- bolt stop and bolt stop spring
- trigger pins
- scope bases
- action screws
- barrel nut
- head space gauge
- etc.

 

[Twdmar]

gotta learn somehow
was actually thinking about a savage action and boyds stock to keep costs down
but not 100% on that

The only advantage to the savage is being able to change the bolt head. You will wish you spent spent bit more for a rifle you can get a good trigger for. The rem 783 works too but parts are limited, triggers being one too.
I would also suggest the Remington 700 just due to availability of parts. It doesn't need blueprinting and you can use a nut barrel. Get a used trigger and a used wood varmint stock. Pillar bed it and you're in business.
The Boyd's stocks are ok but need a little work to make good.
If you need accuracy that would require blueprinting, then buy a better action.
None of it is cheap but if you want to learn, I say go for it.

 

[338 dude]

so i have been doing some research, and am thinking of building a bolt action

are there any places to go for a how to/whats needed, walk through?

this is a generic list of what i think i need

action
barrel
trigger
bottom metal
stock
rail if its not integrated
barrel vise
action vise

or should i not?

Gauges as in go gauge and no go gauge

 

[Edd]

so i have been doing some research, and am thinking of building a bolt action

are there any places to go for a how to/whats needed, walk through?

this is a generic list of what i think i need

action
barrel
trigger
bottom metal
stock
rail if its not integrated
barrel vise
action vise

or should i not?

action - Surgeon Model 591
barrel - Krieger #6 cut to 20 inches
trigger - Jewell
bottom metal - Surgeon (if you want a DBM) or Sunny Hill (if you want a BDL style)
stock - McMillan (your favorite style)
rail if its not integrated - A 591 is integral
barrel vise - Brownells
action vise - Surgeon action wrench

or should i not? Go for it, its fun.

 

[jelenko]

I built a couple using an Eliseo platform with remage barrels.
I thought is was just too cool that I could put together - with my non existent machining/gunsmithing skills - my own 1/2 MOA rifle.
I got pretty good at screwing the action on/off the barrel without an action wrench. [The action does slip occasionally, just have to get the nut tight enough at first to retard the slipping - and, of course, to hold the action with one hand.

 

[3Sigma]

I'll bite.

My bench this evening. Bughole bugnut Remington 338 Edge. This is nearly two years in the making since I bought the action.

You need more on your list.

Bolt disassembly tools
1/2" drive torque wrench
Headspace gauges

I'm new to this (my first DIY assembly), but you really need to know what cartridge and bullet ypu want to shoot and build around that. Each action and design has its limitations, and those will dictate your path.

For example, I just had GAP rebarrel my Model 70 in 30-06. I had them throat it long enough to fit 190 bergers in the magazine at 3.43" OAL. You wont get that with a CBI chamber, though a 308 might have reamer to suit.

 

[Dgd6mm]

American Rifle Company Nucleus action on sale until tomorrow night $749.00
Trigger Tech Primary to a Diamond $150-$275.
Stock of choice, suggestion Oryx Chassis $400. Or KRG Bravo Chassis, Arca rail for either.
Urbanrifleman's Wilson barrel $269 plus $80 for threaded muzzle.
Arken SH4 6-24 $450.

 

[Fast14riot]

Built this 260AI from entirely used parts, primarily from this forum. R700 SA that I glued a single shot adapter in, CBI remage barrel with 260AI Match chamber, Pac Nor pac-nut holding it on, jewel trigger, leupold 15moa MK IV scope base, Warne rings, Sightron SIII 8-32x56 scope, 40x stock. Gun shoots in the 1's when I dont get in the way. Shot it in this configuration for about 4 years. Currently rebuilding it into a true dedicated F/open rig with new barrel, stock, rings. Won my class at 1K a few times, shooting from a harris bipod.

I think original configuration was around $1600 including the scope. I think the only thing bought new at the time was the scope rings.

 

[std7mag]

I say go for it!
It can be as expensive as you can afford, or cheap, and easy.

My first foray was reaming the chamber on my Stevens 200 (Savage model 10) from 7mm-08 to 7mm-08AI.

Once i shot the barrel out, i screwed one chambered in 250 Savage on.

There are lots of good videos for doing a Savage barrel. Main difference between me & them is that i use a torque wrench instead of a hammer to tighten the nut.

Rifle Basix makes a good trigger for Savage.

Biggest thing is don't get overwhelmed. Take your time. Think things through.
If it doesn't seem right, it probably isn't.

Don't be afraid to ask questions!

If you have someone local that can walk you through it, all the better.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

One question you gotta ask yourself is- are you going to do more and is your shop well equipped, meaning do you have stuff like tables with vises, action wrenches, torque wrenches, etc, or will you have to buy everything? If you are only going to build one you can pay a good gunsmith to build it perfect and have enough to give him a very nice gift tip left over. I encourage you to buy everything, and build enough for your friends to get your money back.

 

[jdh47]

Your choices are pretty broad depending on your resources and tools. Go for it.