[CM2k]

Alright. I've got the cash saved up to buy a rifle, but, not too much. So, i'll have to stick with a Used action out of my local gun store, and get it a new stock and barrel. Unfortunately, they don't have the best selection in used actions; http://www.shooterschoice.com/used%20gu ... erfire.htm . I'm thinking either the Mauser 98, Interarms Mark X action, Swedish Mauser M38 (The Mark X is a Mauser action, I have no clue if these actions will fit in a McMillan or AICS, anyone know?), Savage 99, or the Winchester 70 Varmint action. I'd preferably want a .300 Win Mag, but money is an object, so if costs significantly points in one way, i'd settle for a .308.

So; Can anyone else see a deal I am missing? And any Canadians know IF there is a better deal out there?

Ps; It's hard in Canada to move firearms, so looking at another stores isn't an option (This store has a gunsmith working inside, so I can get him to work on the gun without having to move the thing).

 

[mele]

A few things to note:

When dealing with Mauser actions, you need to be careful, as they are usually cheap up front, but more often then not, they can be more expensive to build up. You need to have the bolts turned down for scope use (Perhaps the mark X already is this way, some mausers are), you also need to drill and tap for scope mounts. Now, more specifically for the stocks: McMillan will only inlet a few of their stocks for mauser actions. But, you can always buy a "un-inletted" stock and have your gunsmith inlet it for the mauser. There are some stock designs that just wont work with the mauser, but I would suspect most of the McMillan stocks will do fine. I would recommend contacting McMillan and asking them directly. HS Does NO stocks for mauser. (though I know they do them for the CZ rifles, which are a mauser design, but the stocks are not offered to the public... kind of odd, maybe a call would reveal more details?). There are some other custom stock makers that just might do them for you. The problem is that there are so many flavors of mausers out there, that its hard to make a stock to inlet them all (and probably impossible....)

To be honest, since money IS an object, (and you didn't mention remington 700's) I would probably suggest a winchester 70 action, with a HS Precision stock with a custom barrel. This will probably be your cheapest route. (still gonna cost you a decent amount though)

Now, caliber choice. You must decide ahead of time because it effects you action choice. If you want a .300 Win Mag, you have to get a long action with a MAGNUM bolt face diameter. (.30-06, .270, 280, etc will NOT work). If you want .308, then you need the standard .30-06 bolt face diameter with a short action (.223, .17 Rem, etc will NOT work). So, be careful when you buy.

Hope this helped.

MEL

 

[Jake S]

Umm, one thing to note is that the Savage 99 is a lever action, so none of the tactical stocks mentioned would work, and it would probably be advisable to stay away from lever actions when building a .300. Also, the .300 being a long action cartridge, that would easily rule out the Winchester varmint (short) action, and most of the aforementioned Mauser actions. I'd go with Mel's suggestion of the used Winchester magnum action, and a custom stock and barrel. Stocks and barrels will be no problem, as all of the major manufacturers will cater to the Winchester action. This would also be the most cost effective route as the Winchester action is a very good one for the money, and inexpensive. At your used gun range, you can probably find (I know I can around where I live) a blued/synthetic Winchester magnum rifle for under $300. At my local range, they have e in 7mm magnum for $379, and then you could sell them back the stock and barrel, to save a bit more money. In any event it will be cheaper than a new or even used BDL action. Hope this helped.

Jake

 

[CM2k]

To be honest, since money IS an object, (and you didn't mention remington 700's) I would probably suggest a winchester 70 action, with a HS Precision stock with a custom barrel. This will probably be your cheapest route. (still gonna cost you a decent amount though)

The Remington 700s run up a decent amount, closing in at 800-900 Canadian, almost twice what I could get for a used action, and the store would have to special order any .308s as well (It's weird. They carry LH BDLs in .308, but not any BDL .308s). Also; After looking at it, the 70 actions are actually MORE expensive than the 700 actions. I guess asking here is rather the wrong plan, although input on the quality of actions is still appreciated, and welcomed.

Umm, one thing to note is that the Savage 99 is a lever action

Model 111F, not the 99, sorry.

At your used gun range, you can probably find (I know I can around where I live) a blued/synthetic Winchester magnum rifle for under $300. At my local range, they have e in 7mm magnum for $379, and then you could sell them back the stock and barrel, to save a bit more money. In any event it will be cheaper than a new or even used BDL action. Hope this helped.

Hrm, i'll ask if they would take the Stock and Barrel off my hands. Thanks.