Once in a lifetime build. for me anyway. (lots of pics)

[Dave Hoback]

My story is not short. But Ill make it shorter here. It all started because of the events on June 4th., 2014. I was on my bike, and somehow was separated from it. I don't remember, and there were no witnesses. As a result, I was run over by an SUV. After being in a coma for a week, and 2 additional weeks without memory, I woke up to the nightmare I was in. In addition to some brain damage, and many broken bones, I suffered a brachial plexus injury. This ultimately left me with a completely paralyzed left arm/hand. After many months of depression, it was building a 1911 that really got my mind focused. Anyone interested, here is my build thread on that. https://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=484758 It explains much more of my story.

Again without going into it to much, gun smithing, and building firearms is not something new to me. I started with AK-47 builds. Then AR-15 builds, and trigger jobs on many, many firearms. And finally doing my first 1911(with BOTH hands). I have been researching & planning this build, since spring of last year. While I was still doing the 1911 in fact. It has taken so long, because I knew, from the beginning, that I would have only one chance to do this. Because of money for the most part. I did so much research. I made choices very carefully. I am very happy with everything to this point.

I fell in love with Savage rifles many years ago. I have owned 3 - a model 111 30-06 synthetic, model 10 308 walnut, and model 116 30-06 (winter worrier) stainless/laminate. And being a DIY'er, I knew a Savage action would be the action to start with. I finally won an auction on a model 10 243 synthetic for $279, which I felt was a really good deal.

Next was choosing a barrel. I spent some time on this one, but finally had Jim hook me up with a Shilen 26" varmint. Here, the difference between it, and the stock Savage barrel.

And went with the recessed crown.

Now I like Jim. He is a great guy. But he sure was pushing me to get one of their machined barrel nuts and recoil lug. I thanked him, but wasn't interested in paring a stainless barrel nut with my "blackout" themed rifle. Finally found a chromoly, machined barrel nut and .250" recoil lug from PTG.


Although I have passed on the handling them to my son, the AR15 will forever be my favorite rifle. Because of this, I decided my build was going to be in a chassis, not a stock. And the moment I came across the MDT TAC21, I knew I would have one. And I have to say, I am more impressed with it, than I imagined. It really is THAT nice!

When I first started putting this idea together, I went through a long list of stocks. At first I was enamored with an adjustable piece. The CAA sniper stock just seemed overpriced. And I didn't want to go with any carbine style stock. For a time, I was decided on one of the XLR stocks. I decided I did not need an adjustable stock. Maybe one day I’ll get or make one. But for now, just want a fixed unit, made from aluminum. After several hours searching, I found the Firebird Precision TAC-12 stock. It was EXACTLY what I wanted. Almost like it was destined to be.....as the chassis is the TAC21, and the stock is TAC-12. Just sayin'.

Of course there are some smaller notes. Had to upgrade the bolt handle. Glades Armory supplied that one. Great part at a decent price.

Also I had to fiddle with this guy a little bit. Just stoned the sear with a Shapton 6000 grit. Just removed the machining marks. Didn't change the angle. Next, I'll play with the springs a bit. Honestly, I want to keep it around 2lbs. Working on triggers is kinda my thing.

As far as optics. Until I can afford my dream scope, I picked up an SWFA SS 16x42 fixed power. I was actually really pleased with its clarity. Much better than I anticipated.
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Instead of rings, I went with an American defense Recon S 30mm. This is another one of those "OOOOOO" kind of parts. Its just as good as my TPS rings that I used on my other Savages, but brings a very nice look to the package. Though I do wish it was 7075 Aluminum.


Now I just need a barrel wrench and action wrench. Unfortunately I'm out of money. LOL! Anyone have the pair, and willing to loan them to me? Oh well, hopefully be able to grab them both in a month or so. I will just use the time to practice my reloads with my Dillon. Never reloaded 260. Floor is open. Questions? Comments?(good or bad) I'm an open book guys & gals.

[Rick_W]

Very nice.

As for a loaner - you might be surprised. Where are you located? There may be someone in town with one.

[Dave Hoback]

I'm near Philadelphia, Pa.

[03mossy]

Very cool build!! And congrats on getting back up on the horse after your accident!! Hope you continue to improve.

[Rick_W]

I'm near Philadelphia, Pa.

I know we have several members from that area of the country. Hopefully one or more will see this post and be close enough to help you out.

[rjtfroggy]

Give Balljoint a shout ( PM ) he lives in Philly maybe he can help you out.

[Dave Hoback]

Thanks guys. I'm really not that hard up. If someone happened to have them handy, cool. But I don't mind buying them. Probably better off anyway. I have my 1911 & AR tools and will never sell them. No upcoming plans on any, but never ink when.

[03mossy]

Probably be worth it to invest the $70 in the tools. If your like the rest if us one build will just fuel the urge for more... it's a sickness lol

[Dave Hoback]

I know that feeling. I'm glad I have held on to the special tools for other firearms. These are two others I did last year, after a bit of a hiatus.

Of the many, many AR's I have spec'ed & built, this is by far the highest end. This guy, is right there with the $2500 big names, for less than a third!



And my Coup de gras build that got me out of the depression.

Ah, you havn't lived until you have built a 1911....WITH ONE HAND!! LOL

Or making a couple of these from scratch, for that matter.
This is mostly what I do now that I am 100% disabled, and on SSI.

[Rick_W]

Love me a 1911!

Nice looking knives, too.

[Dave Hoback]

Thanks Rick. Yeah, that was another one of the tricks I taught myself over the years....then had to RE-LEARN with one hand, after my accident.

[2scars]

Knives are beautiful, are you selling them? I have a nut wrench that I don't mind loaning you. I made oak blocks into my barrel vise though. I can offer that to if you need. Fellow motorcyclist.

Brandon

[Dave Hoback]

Thanks Brandon. I'm just going to grab my own so I have them, like talked about. I appreciate your offer though.

As for the knives: I do sell, meaning I have sold a few. I'm not in business though. It's a hobby, but how many knives can 1 guy have, that I havnt given as gifts.

[mattri]

I have a barrel wrench and a .308/.243 GO gauge that you're welcome to borrow, as well as various Savage parts, pm me if interested.

[originaljk]

Hello Dave. I live in philly and have an action wrench, barrel nut. I also have the 270win go, no go gage but i dont know if that would work for 308. If you can use them just send me a pm but I wont be able to get to them for a little while. I can explain in the pm. Jay

[Dave Hoback]

Finally got the tools to replace the barrel. Now, just trying to get ahold of a Go Gauge. So everyone has seen them, but pics are always fun

Set up. Fingers crossed!


WOW, was that easy! One good hot with a 3 lb. mallet & loosened right up.


Barrel out. Time to clean up.


The action cleaned up and trued flat!


That's all for tonight. Being disabled, and having only 1 arm/hand to work with has me worn out. Back to it tomorrow.

[scooterf79]

Nice! Good write-up so far! Cant wait to see your results!
Scooter

[minnesotamulisha]

Looking Good, Dave. Looking forward to completion pics!

[Dave Hoback]

Thanks guys. Boy, you and me both, on wanting to see completion. Won't be long now. I have to tip my hat to Savage Shooters member, mattri, for sending me the Go Gauge (that no place has in stock for under $50!). Thank you sir! It's going to be something special..at least in my eyes.

[Dennis]

Great job, plus impressive. Keep up the good work.

[Dave Hoback]

The go gauge mattri sent me came in, and I was able to get back to work. It's a little slow (give me a break... Things are more difficult when your disabled & have only one arm/hand to use!). I'm getting there though.

Everything ready to go....action, billet PTG barrel nut & recoil lug and barrel.


26" Shilen barrel screwed in. Don't forget to coat the threads with your favorite moly or lithium grease. In the AR community it MUST be the Aeroshell moly super grease. Or else the Space Time Continuum may explode! Well, I've never used it, and instead always used whatever high temp wheel bearing grease I had around. The Time Continuum seems fine. Oh, and so are the couple dozen ARs I have built.


Make sure to pull the firing pin and ejector. Most also say the extractor, but I have never felt the extractor gets in the way.


Had to throw another one of these in. Love that recessed target crown.


And a nicely head spaced, barreled action.


It's almost set to be stuffed in this.

Unfortunately, I lost the sear spring. And, I'm waiting for a replacement bolt handle from Glades Armory, who I have to give a big shout out to. Not only do the have the nicest looking bolt handles, but their customer service is fantastic! I had a problem with my first bolt handle, and they didn't give me any problems. One of their people(Kevin) emailed me an apology and said they would send me out a replacement immediately. Awesome!

[GrumpyGuns]

Looking great! That is going to a slick shooter when your done

[Dave Hoback]

Well I got the sear spring ordered(actually ordered 2 from Brownells...just in case!). Needed a magazine anyway, and Brownells FINALLY has the Magpul AICS 10 round mags in stock. Grabbed one of those as well.

In the meantime, I went ahead and put my "gunsmith" knowledge to work, and polished the sear/trigger contact points. The polish is done on a 6000 grit water stone. The trigger is going to be very nice.

[Dave Hoback]

After some time, and a little headache, I finished the rifle today. I am, however, still waiting on the replacement tactical bolt handle, from Glades Armory. (I want to post my review of them, but am waiting until they deliver on what was promised to me. Over 1 week and counting. Oh well, I guess my interpretation of "immediately", differs from others!) And, I will say, I am quite pleased with it. Now its time to start working up a load for it. So, without further adieu, here's the fun stuff!

This spring and I don't get along very well. Having a paralyzed arm/hand, really is a pain in da butt sometimes!


Here is the completed monster. I do think it is going to be a tack driver. It feels like a tank!



And modeling it. Yes, that is me holding it with my good arm. (I always have the left in my pocket, or it pulls my should out of the socket, and flops around, LOL) It doesn't look it here, but this rifle seems HUGE to my eye. I'm 6'4", 272lbs, but alongside an average sized person, it's a good size weapon.

[shagerott]

Now that is nice! I was looking at LA EGW picatinny mounts for my 110 hunting rig. Your chassis looks much better and more stable to boot. Hmmmmm. Can I slide one of those under my scope? I want one ..LOL