Help Deciding: REbuild or NEWbuild

[CarlGeorge]

I'd be interested in thoughts re options for getting to a new rig given my current rig is showing signs of wear (but isn't yet really done).

This is the situation/context:

• The "rig" is a stock Rem 700 receiver and varmint barrel - .243 Win. ~1,400 rounds through it. Upgraded stock (B&C) and trigger (Timney Calvin Elite). Bore shows worn rifling/charring in first 5" or so of rifling. Throat has eroded to the point I can't load lightweight bullets to the jump I used to. It still shoots 100+gr bullets quite well.
• I've been using it only for high power silhouette and playing around at 1,000 yd (targets - not steel). I don't hunt nor have any intention of doing so.
• I want to go to something that will perform better at long (1,000) range. I've decided on 6.5 CM. (I hesitate to say it given the thread about 6.5 guys. OMG - those threads were hysterical.)
• I *might* start trying some competitions - but I'm not sure. I want to be set up so I can head that direction if I dabble in it and I like it. Trying to get better at 1,000 yds is my real objective.

So the main thing I'm struggling with is whether I rebuild the 700, or alternatively sell the 700 as is and essentially do a new build on a new relatively low-end action like a Kelbly Atlas or Defiance Tenacity. (The new-action scenario is only a couple hundred more than rebuilding - assuming I can get a few hundred for the current rifle.) Since the 700 seems to still have some life I wonder if it makes sense to dump it now - find someone who either wants a cheap action or someone who wants a cheap varmint gun. (Additionally, I've got a Boyds thumbhole for it sitting in a box so that would add a little as well.)

In these kinds of posts the poster often already has the answer they know they want to hear. ROFL. I presume a new, solid, good action is a better long term setup than having a setup built on an action that has been poked, prodded, stripped and cajoled to perform well.

Thoughts based on all of the above? I'd value people's perspectives.

Thanks.

CG

 

[Sniper338]

Sell it and build new. Worth the few hundred extra in the end.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Don’t struggle anymore!
Sell the used action and buy one of the custom’s you mentioned. The Creedmoor is a fine option.

 

[INTJ]

Let me make it three in a row. Sell and buy a custom action.

 

[Falfan2017]

Consider a 284 for 1k work

 

[jimmymac]

I’ll go off the board and suggest selling what you have and buying a proven used custom rifle for 2/3rds the cost of new.

 

[DaveTooley]

Yes to either of your questions.

 

[john pruitt]

if you wait you can probably find a good used custom rig ready to go and save a few bucks at the same time

 

[KenOath]

Yep sell and buy a custom, or a proven custom set up is good advice..

 

[steve123]

Buy a nice custom action.

Right now the action I want is an Impact 737. I've had/have Surgeon, ARC Mausingfield, RFD, and cycled most of the actions out there. I don't know how they made the Impact so nice!

 

[msinc]

I am not going to say you cant do a rebuild and have a rifle that will shoot way better than what you have and probably even be a great shooter to the point it will certainly do everything you want it to....but I will say this, because I have seen it a hundred times and done it myself two hundred times...you do a rebuild and no matter what you will not be happy and think about the "new". Within a few months {if it takes you that long} you will spend that much more to do the new. Bottom line...just build a new one and skip the extra money going out of a rebuild.

 

[CarlGeorge]

Thanks to everyone for the perspectives. Based on these inputs I'm pretty sure I'll be selling the current rifle and getting a new action - almost certainly a Kelbly Atlas. It'll be paired ultimately with a Brux barrel - and put in the B&C stock I currently have.

Thanks for the comments! They're very helpful.

CG