First Custom Build Looking For Input

[COhunter]

I know this subject has probably been beat to death, like the old ford vs chevy debate, so bear with me. I am going to build my first custom varmint rifle and i am looking for input on which components you guys would suggest. First - it will either be a straight 204 Ruger or a 20 practical as i have plenty of brass to make either work, second - it is going to be a walking/calling rifle with a 24" barrel, third - i have a tikka action for the project.

So here we go, i don't know much about the custom barrel market in 20 cal, so that is where i would like the most input, as far as manufacture, contour, freebore, etc. I have already settled on a 1:11 twist to shoot the 40gr bullets and i will be getting a mcmillan stock but am unsure of bottom metal and possibly an aftermarket trigger. Thanks in advance

 

[JB10]

I have a 204 and love it. I am putting together another rifle and almost went 20 practical but am going 6×45 instead.

 

[Edd]

I have recently purchased the parts for a similar build.

Defiance short Tactical, Rem Model 7 length, action
Krieger 11" twist 5+ contour barrel (if I was doing it again, I might get a 10" twist)
McMillan Rem BDL stock
Badger M7 triggerguard
Jewell Trigger

 

[redrockranger]

20 cal. Pac Nor. Really enjoy my 20 Practical, laser to 350 yds.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

If it's a walk around/carry hunting rifle, build it reasonably light. Everything else becomes secondary to practicality. Nothing wrong with using all top end stuff for any build but field use negates a lot of the benefits of those things.

 

[B23]

I have Hart and Krieger on my two 20 caliber builds, Hart 11tw on my 20-222 and a Krieger 8tw on my 20-250, both shoot extremely well.

Since you're building on a Tikka, go to Mountain Tactical's website and they make all kinds of great products for Tikka's. Tikka bottom metal that works with factory mags or you can use their billet mags, scope mounts, I have their Raptor mount on my two Tikkas. The factory Tikka trigger is pretty good so I'd stay with that but get a trigger spring from Mtn Tactical and you can lower the pull down about as low as you'll want. I put their spring in my two Tikka's and have them set at 2 lbs. They have a ton of stuff for Tikka's and they make really good quality products.

https://www.mountaintactical.com/categories/tikka

 

[jpx2rk]

I have a 20P barrel by X Caliber on a R783 action, very accurate, etc., If you plan on it being a walk about rifle, consider the barrel profile alot, as I have a varmint/bull contour in a Boyd's PV stock, sucker is a bit heavy. I would not want to carry it very far, and I don't. I set up on a bench for pdogs & sage rats, and can watch the show thru the scope, rifle barely moves if I put a radial brake or silencer on it.

 

[AWS]

I just put together a lightweight 20P Criterion prefit light sportter, 14oz LVSF stock, Rem 700 action and Timny trigger. Now I need to get a remodel job done and get hunting.

 

[LitLBoy]

20P

 

[Kracken McGraw]

https://atlasworxs.com/product-category/dbms-bottom-metals/
This place sells a lot of aftermarket Tikka.

 

[CharlieNC]

I've tried a number of stocks and my favorite is the KRG Bravo. Good weight, adjustability, and includes bottom medal. It's molded plastic around an aluminum bed and chassis frame, which is comfortable and durable.

 

[COhunter]

Well, after looking at the responses received and doing some thinking, i am actually going to build both. Got a donor Rem 700 action from a member of the local gun club and off we go to the gunsmith. Hopefully he receives the barrels and the 20P reamer in a decent amount of time. Went with Hart barrels both #4 contour , fluted, and finished at 24", now to gather all the other required parts. Thanks for the input and i will gladly take more.

 

[B23]

Hart makes an excellent barrel so they're always a great choice. FWIW, if you're in a hurry to get your barrel maybe consider ordering it unfluted. Hart will get it sent out to you much faster and other that aesthetics, fluting a #4 doesn't doesn't shave hardly any weight off of the barrel.

The last barrel I ordered from Hart was the 11tw unfluted #4 contour barrel I used for my 20-222 and from phone call to delivery at my door it was exactly four weeks. Things are probably different now but generally whatever Hart tells you the wait time is, you can count on it being true.