Savage Action Rifle Build

[Newton]

I hope this is a good forum to post this in. I've always wanted a somewhat "custom" rifle. When I recently bought a pre-accutrigger Savage 111(rear flat top) in 30.06, I decided this might be the time to try something. I am not a gunsmith, but I am mechanically inclined. With a pre-fit barrel, I feel pretty sure I can put together something that can shoot better than any of the factory guns I have.

So I am gathering the info I need to start on the project. I have narrowed it down to the 308 chamber so that I can compete in some F-T/R matches. I chose this because I have always been interested in medium/long(longer than 200-300yard) distance shooting. I figure with that caliber I can participate in either f-class if I wanted.

I also chose 308 over 223 because I may end up taking it on a hunt or two. Not any kind of hunt that I will need to tote that heavy of a gun very far of course. But, I could see doing some varmint shooting and maybe a pronghorn hunt or something. Anyways, I have always bought super lightweight rifles to hunt with, and they serve as double duty for just informal target shooting.

So with that said, one question I had was on the barrel length. I was really wanting to go with a 30" barrel, but something in the back of my head makes me wonder if that might not be too long/heavy for the Savage action? I would assume there is only so much weight that should be hanging off the end of an action like that.

Or, would it be fine to go with the longer barrel if I bedded a few inches forward of the receiver also?

Or, would a 26" barrel be OK to do what I am wanting to do? I guess, the question is more if there is a huge downside to having the shorter barrel?(I keep reading on how 30" should be the minimum length for f-t/r)

I am trying to weigh my options, pro's and con's. It took me long enough just to settle down on a specific caliber, and now this barrel length quandary got stuck in my head. Just looking for a little advise from the guys who have been down this path before. Its my first time. Thanks.

 

[tobnpr]

26" barrel is more than adequate for your intended applications.
Hell, plenty of guys shoot 20" . 308's out to 1k.
Pure comp, you want every bit of velocity you can bet.
This is a compromise rifle. You ain't toting the length -or the WEIGHT of a 30" barrel on a hunting trip..

Savage action is no different than most others inc!uding Model 700's and its clones. That said, many smiths will bed an inch or two of the shank on long, bull barrels- and many will not bed forward of the recoil lug.

I've done it both ways, with excellent results either way. Like many topics in this discipline, no right or wrong..just preferences.

 

[rjtfroggy]

Don't be concerned about barrel length the action can handle it but do not bed past the recoil lug.
My concern would be the flat back long action. You are going to need a long scope and base may be tough to find, unless you go with a rail ( EGW ). That action is also going to be very sloppy so quick repeat shots and/or bench work not going to be easy, also 308 is better in a short action.
Now this is coming from an old fool who has been trying to make a Savage action competitive in short range BR, and believe me I have tried many different combos and have a safe full of Savages (15). You name it I tried it from stocks to pre fit barrels to time and trueing. Lots of $$$ with not to many out standing results.
This is my 2 cents and it is worth exactly what you paid for it. GOOD LUCK with your project. If I can help just ask here.

 

[Terry]

This might help.

http://northlandshooterssupply.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/New-Contour-Sheet.pdf

 

[1911nut]

I built this gun on a Savage target action, 28” Shilen Varmint contour 22-250. No problem holding up that barrel.

Two other Savages I put together in more conventional stocks with 26” Shilen heavy bull contour barrels turned out to be excellent shooters.

On those stocks I didn’t bed forward of the recoil lug, I floated the barrel nut and the rear tang.

 

[jonkeil243]

We have built several savage long actions.

Just finished a dreaded 6.5 Creedmoor on a long action. It is a 28 inch 1-7 twist Shilen and shooting 150 gr Sierras with RE 26 extremely well. It is also mag fed in a XLR chassis. Have zero complaints or problems.

We also built a 6mm/223 on a long action. Built around a heavy bullet combo and long throated for the heavy VLD type bullets seated properly. That combo was a little more problematic but doable. We did it to prove that a barrel was not junk but just set up wrong. Barrel started life as a AR barrel that we made a adapter that screwed on to the barrel extension then threaded the outside to standard savage threads. Then Welded up the gas port. The barrel in AR config would not shoot. I figured it was because the bullets had to be seated to deep in the case to fit a AR mag. when completed no problem for any load to shoot way under .25 at 100. Lost interest tore it apart before doing any load development. Now it is a 6.5 creed in a more hunting configuration. But may change to 6.5x47 soon.

My thought is the savages are a open canvas and can easily be set up in a number of configurations. Not nearly as cheap as they once were but a lot of fun and excellent to learn from.

 

[rjtfroggy]

I agree with the above but you must be willing to go that extra mile to achieve your goals. You will learn and the biggest lesson will be how to spend your money.

 

[Newton]

Thanks for all the replies. I still have a while until I'll have to make my final decision, but good to hear that barrel length should not be a make it or break it issue just a preference one.

 

[dsculley]

As to length: if you get a longer barrel the muzzle can be cut back & recrowned to shorten it if you decide it is too long. If you buy a shorter barrel it can't be lengthened.

As for scope mounts on the flat back, I have that same receiver and Burris makes some good bases for it. I am currently using the XTR 2 piece picatinny base paired with the XTR rings that have the inserts.

BTW, there are lots of guys on here that have built rifles off Savage receivers so you can get help here. If you haven't found this site yet, there is a lot of information on savageshooters.com

 

[Newton]

Good to hear on the scope mounts. I am not sure which way I want to go honestly seeing how its a long action. I normally would put a 2-piece on my actions(the other rifles I have are all short action) but being a long action I don't want to limit myself to a certain scope length and eye relief.

I have also posted at the savage site. They pretty much have also said they have had long barrels on their actions without problems. I feel better about it now. But, I am rethinking if I actually do need the extra length or not. Good to know they are strong enough if I do want it.

 

[Ksmirk]

Take a look at Ken Farrell bases, he's been making them for a long time and the only base I'll put on a rifle I expect anything good to come from. I've been putting Savage action together for awhile and I like them as they don't need as much work as the 700's to get straight BUT they are not and will not be a custom action! better oh yes but Defiant smooth.... nope. Last one I put together I didn't use the nut with a 28" heavy palma and fat bastard muzzle break and no problems keeping it off the stock.

The length will depend on the caliber you choose as some rounds need the length to burn those slow powders but like anything there are ways around most and I'd say a 24-26" barrel is all most will need.

There is a wealth of info here and most folks will be glad to help out as most have been there and have a closet full of t shirts.

Kirk