Criterion Budget Build

Hey Folks, wanted to share my first build with you. I couldn't have done it without everyone's help here so hopefully this will help someone else along the way.

This project is really the culmination of several years of tinkering with my Savage 111 in 25-06. My biggest goal was to save as much money as I could while still building a very accurate rifle. I did all the work myself in order to save the money - this is the single best thing about the savage platform, in my opinion.

Components:
- Savage 111 action
- 24" CBI Criterion Barrel, lite varmint contour in 25-06 (ordered from Jim Briggs, highly recommended)
- Recoil Lug (Jim Briggs)
- Boyd's Classic Laminate stock
- Kydex Cheek piece (formed myself)
- Warne steel tactical base
- Seekin's Medium Rings
- SWFA 5-20x50 Scope


The first part of the project was to replace the original "tupperware" stock that came with the rifle. It was very flimsy and didn't fit me very well. I also wanted a stock with a vertical pistol type grip, but didn't want to tote around a full size tactical/varmint stock. To solve this first problem, I bought a Boyd's laminate "Classic" and decided to build up the grip with ply-wood and bondo. The following link was helpful in attempting this:
http://www.longrangehunting.com/arti...-project-2.php

Secondly, I wanted to bed my action into the stock. I decided to use the "stress-free pillar bedding" technique by Richard Franklin found here:
http://www.6mmbr.com/pillarbedding.html

Thirdly, I wanted to have a cheek piece that fit me and my scope height. I happened to have some experience in building Kydex holsters and used 0.09" thick Kydex. i order mine from www.knifekits.com

Here's what she looks like after all assembled... yeah, yeah, i know it needs a fresh paint job

http://i1248.photobucket.com/albums/...psf64cafee.jpg

http://i1248.photobucket.com/albums/...psdc18bd5a.jpg

http://i1248.photobucket.com/albums/...psf72f3f7a.jpg


And most importantly, here is how it shoots

Remington Brass
CCI Benchrest Primers
Nosler 100 gr. Ballistic Tips
IMR-4350

http://i1248.photobucket.com/albums/...ps15af7b81.jpg
The top row shows 2 different charges of IMR 4350 (47.8, 48.0) with 3 shots each
The bottom group was 4 rounds loaded with 47.9 gr. of IMR 4350

Here's the next day to verify
http://i1248.photobucket.com/albums/...ps27c303a0.jpg

Hope this helps someone wanting to build/rebuild a savage! Feel free to ask me any questions you may have- i know i didn't go into details in the post.

-Stu