When Academy was selling the Steven's rifles for $179.99 I picked one up in 7mm/08. I knew I wanted a 308, so I bought a used sporter weight barrel from a member on here for cheap. I chopped down the forend of the stock as short as possible. I worked up a load, went to the range, and with a cheap 4x32 scope, I could keep them all in 1.5 inches. Then I decided what the heck, I want something different.
Next I chopped down the barrel to just under 18". I used an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel, a file, drill, and dremel. Is it perfectly square? I doubt it. But the crown looks good and I believe it will shoot well also. This is all new to me and I like to experiment with this stuff. I have been painting the stock and barrel the last few days, and the stock is done. I've attached some pics of it, along with the paint I used. This stuff is neat. It's got a rough texture and looks like sand. I'll probably put everything together tomorrow and put up some new pics. My scope mount from Midway will be here later today. Pics as promised:

[img width=600 height=450]http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/ddsr5/DSC03228.jpg[/img]

[img width=600 height=450]http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/ddsr5/DSC03230.jpg[/img]

[img width=600 height=450]http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f159/ddsr5/DSC03229.jpg[/img]