1st time Savage builder vetting parts list

[SERE VG]

Spokane, WA

Spoke to the closest smith yesterday. Weird conversation, kept ranting how Savage barrel swaps were "nightmares" and machine work alone could run $300+ with a pre-fit barrel. There is another guy somewhat local, but he doesn't do customer service. So no phone calls. I'll have to bring it out to him to get a $ and his hourly rate is $120. $60 for work estimates, lol. I'll still talk to him and see what he says. He's 45 min away and only open Mon-Fri 9-5, so I'll have to take off work and bring the parts, just to ask him if he'll do it and $. Annoying, but supposedly he does good work. There are a couple other good options, but further away.

I have a local firearms board. I'll ask there as well. I had a guy on base lined up to help out, but he deployed before I had all the parts in.

Worst case, I'll just pull the trigger on the tools and DIY. This place has me eyeing another build already anyway, lol!

Thanks

Vince

[SlimySquirrel]

Have a look at the YouTube vids of barrel swaps.

Looks pretty simple and if you have all the right gear you will be fine if you take care.

Sounds like the investment would be worth it as I doubt this will be your last build!!

Also, in the future consider the stockade stocks in the "money saver" config. They take a while but I've only read good things about them... They have an integral block in them so it makes them the attractive option when compared to a choate for hunting.

[CharlieNC]

You really don't need any special tools. Cut the old barrel nut with a Dremmel, nearly all the way through but being careful not to damage the old barrel threads; then you can finish taking it off with pliers. As for securing the new barrel nut, headspace and tighten it by hand; then place a large flat-blade screwdriver in the barrel nut notch and give it a couple of firm whacks with a wood mallet. Learned this from a long-term Savage guy and it works well.

[SlimySquirrel]

Uh oh.... Impending warning from Moderator.....

I would go the Barrel Nut Wrench also and as said do it yourself. Sounds like you don't mind a tinker anyhow!!

[243LPR]

Might as well buy the tools and do it yourself. It's cheaper in the long run and once you do one you'll want to do others. Plus you'll have the satisfaction of doing it yourself. It's a good thing to have an intimate knowledge of your gun and how everything goes together and interacts.

[SERE VG]

I found a guy on our local gun board that has all the required tools! Score! I have everything in hand or on the way EXCEPT the bolt head parts! They are out of stock everywhere I've looked. I back ordered the complete bolt head kit from the Gunshack. I'll probably break down and reach out to a FFL and try and get the parts from Savage. It irks me that they won't deal with individuals and require a SN for common parts.

The only thing I still need to order is rings, but I'll wait until my EGW rail comes in and I determine what height I need.

It's killing me that all I need are a few tiny little parts to put this thing together! Then it's out to Cerakote before final assembly and I can actually put a round downrange!

[SERE VG]

Thanks Big Honkin Jeep for idea and info. I'm the proud new owner of a ambi B&C Tactical Medalist, lol. I'll post up some pics of the finished product later.

10min with a coping saw and round file = Ambi stock. Will fill the other side with epoxy.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/serevince/IMG_20140111_142529_zpsk0maudp0.jpg


Went about 1/8" wide on the backside. Doh. Does not affect function. May or may not try to fix it when I fill the other side.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/serevince/IMG_20140111_143851_445_zpsmiqwasxo.jpg

[SERE VG]

Almost done, thanks in large part to this forum and it's knowledgeable members!

Stock, converted and painted.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/serevince/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140114_170559_654_zpsg3tlzgse.jpg

New barrel on! Cool experience, getting the feel of the bolt lift on the go gauge. I'm already dreaming of another build. Still a few minor things to take care of, and then off for Cerakote. So close...

All mocked up with some spare rings. Seekins Med rings on the way.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/serevince/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140117_154048_891_zpsludkroge.jpg

[SERE VG]

I've been traveling for work since February! Finally got some time off to work of a few days details. 99‰ complete . Shot it out to 400 yds, achieved 2800fps with 140gr Accubonds, with zero pressure signs. Trying to gather components to work up some loads. NOT sticking with the Accubonds. Did not realize they come in a box of 50. Ouch$$

Achieved all my intended goals:
Recoil is negligible, especially with the Badger FTE brake. Can spot my own rounds.
Lower component cost than the 7 WSM
Component availability, brass is easily available. Currently using Win 243 brass. One step sizing and go.
Even with the brake it is not even in the same galaxy as the ported 7 WSM for noise and muzzle blast.

Cons:
The 6.5 bullets are cheaper, but tougher to find.
Heavy, great for fun but I do plan on dragging it on a back country deer hunting this fall.

Thanks again for the help!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/serevince/IMG_20140515_132229_948_zps6vbszhft.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/serevince/media/IMG_20140515_132229_948_zps6vbszhft.jpg.html)

[limige]

Try vld amax or nosler CC.

[SK13R]

Looks good! Lefty .260 build is hot on my list of wants! I like the B&C lefty conversion too. Never thought of that.