Old school build questions

[Fast14riot]

New guy here!

I'm wanting to build an old-school target rifle, likely based on an old military action. My goal is to build an iron sight, prone (but able to be shot from a front rest on a bench comfortably) for likely mid range but capable of 1000 yard stuff. I am not currently a match shooter so having an old gun that might not be top of the line is just fine by me. Oh, and I want it .30-'06 becaue I just love the cartridge!

First off, I was thinking a M1917 action due to its brute strength, long action for VLD bullets or just seating further out and they can be had pretty inexpensive. I also am very familiar with the action as my main hunting rifle is one.

It will have to be re barreled, and I know cutting and threading these isn't cheap due to the extractor cutout, but it is what it is.

So, these are just my current thoughts, I am open to suggestions. I know mausers have glacial lock times, so maybe that isn't a good option, and the 1917 needs a bunc of work just to put sights on but I know of a couple good actions already done.

Call me crazy, but its what I want to do.


Cheers!

-Xander

 

[wapiti25]

Go for it. I have three 1917 actions. Finding a "marksman" style stock may be hard. I recommend putting a M70 style bolt handle on it. You may need to be creative to mount a Redfield International sight on the receiver because of the bolt stop. I'm shooting my old M70 30-06 NRA match rifle in our F class matches with a scope. It may be easier to build a M70 match rifle than the Enfield into a match rifle. The post 64 push feeds were widely used in the 80's and the hunting rifles are priced right. I have a stock that could be used and a Redfield rear sight. Contact me if you are interested.

 

[spitfire_er]

i built a 1917 f class rifle a few years back.they can be made to be competative. ill post a photo for you later.

 

[holl]

German Salazar (excuse the spelling) wrote an article on the 30-06 IIRC. I bet its in the archives.

 

[357Mag]

Fast14 -
Howdy !

If recoil would be manageable for you , what about an ' 03 Springfield in -06 ?
1,000yd capable fer sher, and certainly right out of the MIL realm.

Just a thought.


With regards,
357Mag

 

[jonbearman]

I would suggest the 03 as well because it is easier to build one of those and there are parts around.

 

[Fast14riot]

Sorry for the delayed response guys, between my phone dying (I hate getting a new one!) and a hunting trip out of state I haven't been in touch with civilization for a while. It was successful antelope hunt in Nevada, btw !

I am very familiar with German Salazar's articles and his affection for the .30-'06, and I too love the caliber. I have been thinking a bunch about this build lately, and am now reconsidering a 1917 action. I don't know a thing about the '03, recoil isn't much an isse for me. I can handle it, hell I put 50 rds through my 1917 sporter with nothing but a metal butt plate! I will have to look around fo some '03 guns needing work, but the thought has also crossed my mind about building a Savage 12 action up. I know this would be a whole 'nother fish, so to speak, but dollars and cents its almost equal to building a capable milsurp action since I would have to farm out a bunch of work. Either way, I'm just interested in building a capable .30-'06 gun. Who knows, I may change my mind and opt for scoped as well. Just kinda seeing what all is out there from you guys who have been at this for a while.

I appeciate the input fellas and would like to see some pics!

So if anyone has any other suggstions, please do post them.


-Xander

 

[spitfire_er]

Here's the 1917 I built for F-class. This isn't a .30-06, but a 280 RCBS.

 

[Lapua40X]

Unless I've got it wrong, you're only interested in deciding on what action to use on your custom barrel/stock. There are tons of '03's out there with nasty stocks and badly worn barrels but good solid receivers that can be had for a song. I think I'd look for one manufactured after 1929 but in your shoes, that's the way I'd go. My '03 is smooth and tight and shoots oh so good.

 

[Fast14riot]

Unless I've got it wrong, you're only interested in deciding on what action to use on your custom barrel/stock. There are tons of '03's out there with nasty stocks and badly worn barrels but good solid receivers that can be had for a song. I think I'd look for one manufactured after 1929 but in your shoes, that's the way I'd go. My '03 is smooth and tight and shoots oh so good.

Yes, that's basically all I'm concerned with at this time. This will be a long term build, buying one major component at a time or have some major work done in stages. I don't have much play money, but I can roll some pennies to fund things like this every so often.

In buying an old '03, what should i look for? What are the popular mods to an action? Is rebarrelling these something most gunsmiths will know how to do, or should I send it off to a specialist? I might be able to pick up a Douglas blank fairly cheap, if things work out in my favor.

I guess, where should I go to read up on building an '03? Again, don't know a thing about them.


-Xander