Closer to a decision..I hope

I asked for input here in another post and received a nice range of options. I'll shoot mostly from a bench and like everyone else want the smallest possible groups. The suggestions ran from getting a FV and making changes to suit me or buying a used benchrest rifle that should already shoot pretty well.

So, I kind of split the difference (at least in my mind): I've decided on a Savage single shot. Now I need to find the best one for the least money. I've been looking at the classified on several sites and checking the usual auction sites. I found a couple up for auction and have a few questions:

1. Is there any reason to not buy an older Long Range Varminter with the dual port action instead of the more expensive Long Range Precision that is produced now?
2. What would be the approximate cost to change the action parts to a small .378" bolt from a .478" (not counting the barrel)?
3. How does the AccuStock compare to the HS Precision stock that comes on some Savage rifles?

Answers to these questions and any other advice would be much appreciated.

Hank

I can't really answer any of your questions, but I have a suggestion. If I remember your last post correctly, you said your budget was ~$2000? If so, I'd suggest building your own from new components. You could pick up a Target action (single shot, with either right eject or left eject) from Jim at Northland, with his precision ground recoil lug and barrel nut, for just over $600. Stock of your choice, anywhere from $100-$700, or more. Lots of good choices in the middle to lower end of that range, though. Add a Criterion barrel from Jim or a Mcgowen from Dennis for another $350. So for around $1200, you could have a semi-custom, potentially very accurate rifle, configured exactly as you want it. I just did this very same thing. I have about $1250 in this rifle, not counting optics and mounts. Just a suggestion.http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/17/y8uhemyh.jpg

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Originally Posted by barrel-nut

I can't really answer any of your questions, but I have a suggestion. If I remember your last post correctly, you said your budget was ~$2000? If so, I'd suggest building your own from new components. You could pick up a Target action (single shot, with either right eject or left eject) from Jim at Northland, with his precision ground recoil lug and barrel nut, for just over $600. Stock of your choice, anywhere from $100-$700, or more. Lots of good choices in the middle to lower end of that range, though. Add a Criterion barrel from Jim or a Mcgowen from Dennis for another $350. So for around $1200, you could have a semi-custom, potentially very accurate rifle, configured exactly as you want it. I just did this very same thing. I have about $1250 in this rifle, not counting optics and mounts. Just a suggestion.http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/17/y8uhemyh.jpg

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That is a serious looking outfit. Thanks for the pictures. I like the height and shape of the comb on that stock; looks like you could shoot with a heads up position with no strain and near perfect eye alignment.

I am thinking a little along the lines of your suggestion. The rifle that I'm most interested in is a .22-250 which I do not want. So, if I get it, I'd sell the barrel and maybe the stock. Not sure what I'd get but they are new a I'd hope to get around $300-$400 for both. That would mean I'd have around $400 in the action and trigger and I'd change the bolt head and get a custom barrel and stock. I didn't know about the better nut and lug but they would be something to upgrade also. Add the optics and should be around $1,500 give or take a little.

The unknown for me is the quality of the action but I have to think it would be suitable for what I want to do. After I posted this morning, I learned that the action probably has 3.44" spaced action screws but also found there are stock available. Lots to learn and I do enjoy doing that.

http://northlandshooterssupply.com/savage-actions/

With a budget similar to yous this is what I did.
http://www.savageshooters.com/showth...8-New-br-rifle

I have it now shooting .163 - .169 5shot groups at 100 with 105 gr. Bergers with 34.6 gr. of IMR 4895 2837fps.

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Originally Posted by rjtfroggy

With a budget similar to yous this is what I did.
http://www.savageshooters.com/showth...8-New-br-rifle

I have it now shooting .163 - .169 5shot groups at 100 with 105 gr. Bergers with 34.6 gr. of IMR 4895 2837fps.

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Wow rjt, very nice rig! Groups in the .1's! Just curious, how much does it weigh?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rjtfroggy

With a budget similar to yous this is what I did.
http://www.savageshooters.com/showth...8-New-br-rifle

I have it now shooting .163 - .169 5shot groups at 100 with 105 gr. Bergers with 34.6 gr. of IMR 4895 2837fps.

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Thank you for the link. Always nice to see a success story with groups that small. The good new for me is that at least I already have a sliver T-36.

Right, wrong, good, or bad this is my starting point:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=428357962

After I get it home, take it apart, and give it a good cleaning and going over, I'll decide whether to take the new barrel off and sell it or shoot it some. Probably go ahead and sell it. If the stock feels OK, I'll keep it for a while. If not, then it goes. Should be a fun project.

Thanks for all of the advice.

Love the dual port actions. Nice rifle! Keep us informed as your project progresses.

Barrel nut I don't, never put it on a scale. I am shooting a match tomorrow if the scale is out I will weigh it and get back to you.