Savage Precision Action 6BR Build?

[DL1979]

I started out to build an club competition target gun using a spare 700 Remington long action, and the .243 WSSM case. The objective was not to spend a lot on the gun. Gunamonth suggested here that I sit back and have a cool adult drink and think it over before going that route. I did, and more than once... So here is my rethink of the project for comments and suggestions just in case I had one too many!

I thought I would just buy a Savage factory gun in single shot 6BR. However the F Class has a 30 inch barrel and 1 in 8 twist and I'm interested in 100-300 yards, so that does not seem to make sense. They have a varmint gun with the same action in 6BR, but it still has a 26" barrel, and there is the question on barrel quality... However, the 1:12 twist seems about right for my purpose. Either gun here in Canada would likely price out at about $1,100.

So then after reading all the posts I could find here on the Savage action route, and in particular one by the moderator suggesing it was more effective to build rather than buy the factory gun, I'm now thinking that way. Not sure I really will beat the $1,100 pre-built for price though. Here is what I have come up with so far, along with a few questions:

1. Savage Action as shown here, but with the left port instead of the pictured right port.

I have a Savage rimfire with the AccuTrigger and really like it. The rimfire pull is rated at 2.5-6 lbs, but with some modifications I have it down to 12 oz, perfectly reliable with no creep. I suspect with the centerfire Target AccuTrigger rated from the factory down to 6 oz., I should not have trouble getting it even lower still. Also the left port idea seems handly.

2. For a barrel I was considering a Bartlein when on the Remington 700 build idea, but with the Savage barrel nut system, it seems much more sensible to go with a drop in? Have looked at the Nor-Pac testimonials, the Lothar Walther, and Shilen. At this point I'm leaning towards a select match grade Shilen 23" in a Savage bull barrel contour in 1:12" twist. Thoughts on that choice? The reason for leaning towards a Shilen is the option of different neck sizes which Nor-Pac does not seem to offer. 0.268?

3. For fitting, I gather with a headspace guage and lug wrench, I should be able to self assemble the barrel and action? I've seen it suggested that if you don't care about factory loads not chambering, you can used a full length resized cartridge to headspace the barrel to get a better fit? Or, a fired case? Thoughts on those options?

4. On the stock, I've seen it suggested that the Sharp Shooters Supply ones are good for the Savage action? At the Rimfire Central form, users of their stuff speak highly of them. Probably would go with the basic Varmint laminate style from them. Any other suggestions to consider?

Sorry for the long post, and I appreciate your taking the time to read it, and make any suggestions. This is a first time build for me, and need all the help I can get from those here that obviously have a ton of experience.

Ron

 

[DL1979]

I also have a savage model 12 but FTR stock that’s wood. I tried it out of the box and got ok results at 200yards.
Before wasting money on the new stock..bed the action , float the barrel and keep the accutrigger around 1.5 pounds or just not light enough to engage the sear while closing the bolt. After bedding groups where tight and I could t believe the potential of the gun. It will compete if it is set up correctly. Scope mounted
Right, good ammo, handloading helps or find the rifles preference ammo ..my point is that I’ve had very accurate model 10 action with prefit barrels from Shilen actually just came a few days ago. Very well made SS match 6.5.
Anyhow whAt ever you choose know that your factory savage barrel can be fixed and they’ll make it right savage is good like that. I only have to say the stocks must always be glass bedded and it wll out shoot most shooters potential. Well good luck with your rifle! You can always bring it directly to the factory for repairs in Lakefield Ontario. Kinda like bringing your car to the dealership I’d guess!

 

[Schippergreg]

After my experience with sharp shooters supply I would highly recommend avoiding them. Took 1 year to time and true my action. Look up their better business bureau ratings.

 

[Lone Hunter]

Zombie Thread, 11 years ago. But some good info too.

 

[JohnMill]

Northland Shooters supply has all kinds of barrels and actions for builders. Great folks to deal with.
ON THE other hand I have waited over a year and a half for SSS to deliver a BR stock and I got squat. They ran my card right away. I did talk to the nice lady 6 months later nothing but delays. Now no email nophone. There was no reason to run the card if they had no expectation of delivery.
SSS = scam