This may take a while....or not :) The original goal was to build a long range cast bullet gun, either .30-06 or .308 with a slower twist (1-13 or 1-14). So I started looking.
Initially I wanted to buy an old Mauser action, refinish/rebuild, stock, rebarrel, etc. But, they are not that common anymore and most look like they have spent a century in a flooded basement. If I had my old machine shop I'd have gone that route anyway, but, not now. Then I started looking for other actions. Rem 700's and std Savage actions were close to or over $500. I was leaning toward one of the Rem 700's from PTG. A Shilen barrel would be added.
Then I stumbled on the Brownell's website and saw their Howa barreled actions. They had some on sale a while back for just under $400. So, I kinda waffled. They had a heavy barrel in 6.5CM (24"). Changed plan. I'd go ahead and build it as a 6.5 and when I shoot it out, then get the cast barrel. Was also curious about the 'hype' about Howa so figured I'd try this as is, stock trigger and all.
The stock I wanted to do the fine tuning on it and also wanted a walnut stock, not laminated. I will put in pillars and bed it. I chose the Richard's Microfit Benchmark. Also paid a bit more for better figured wood.
While I was waiting on the stock I was looking for a scope. I didn't want to spend a lot of money on one (like a NightForce). One day I spotted a Burris XTR FClass scope on optics planet on clearance. I snagged it up. It is now on my 6BR and the Vortex PST (5-25x50) will go on this build.
So that's the story. Will post pics as I go. Most of this will simply be a stock finish thread since the barreled action really doesn't need much of anything.
I was pleased with the fit and finish of the stock. If someone did not want to do a bedding job, all it needs is a little cleaning up. I spent about 30min with some sandpaper and it was fitted. The last pic you can see how well it is in there.
The good thing is there is quite a bit of 'beef' left on the stock so the user can do whatever final shaping they want. A good swell to the grip area.
I'll be opening up the barrel channel quite a bit so the barrel has plenty of gap. Then will do the pillars and bedding, shaping and final sanding. Finish will be a rubbed oil.
So far I am pleased with the action. Not a glass smooth but seems to cycle well. The trigger is interesting. If I pull in the middle of it, it is a bit on the heavy side but has almost no creep. But, if I pull on the bottom of the trigger is just seems better and much lighter. Yes, I know leverage is part of that but I've not seen that much difference in a trigger before. Will measure it and see what's going on.
Charlie b, thanks for sharing. A lot of folks buy a Vanguard or Howa and want to make some improvements. i am sure there will be guys benefiting from your post!
The Dunning-Kruger effect is alive and well.
First step is to inlet everything the way I want it. Barrel channel and mag well recess needed some extra work. The barrel was free floated with about 1/16"-1/8" clearance all around. Also the vented area was opened up a bit more. The mag well recess was easier as the CNC cut was just incomplete. A little work with a flat chisel and sanding sticks fixed it.
Here are my barrel channel tools :)
Results
Good friend of mine is doing the same thing, think his is 308. Look forward to more build pics!
I probably should have gotten the .308 since I already load for it. I just didn't want another 1-10 twist barrel. So, I figured I'd try the CM.
So, will post some more pics on Sat or Sun. I have the stock ready for bedding and pillars. The pillars were sourced from the local hardware store (True Value). Yes, the bolts on the Howa are metric 6mmx1.0 and the store had steel spacers for metric stuff. One of the only things I think Pres Carter did right. We should have changed to metric a LONG time ago.
In between I've done a lot of shaping of the stock. Richard's leaves a lot of 'meat' on the stock, especially in the grip area. I will leave the butt and fore end 'fat' but the grip will be narrowed a lot, probably same thickness as the butt section.
Got the sections I want to bed relieved a bit (tang and forward end of action. I won't bed in between. I have thought about a cross bolt, but, I probably won't do one. IMHO the bedded section in the stock and the pillars will serve to 'protect' the wood from splitting, at least on cartridges as mild as the CM or a .308.
For those who don't know, the Howa action is flat bottomed (will get a pic of it later) with a recoil lug machined into the front end. It seems to be a perfect design for someone who wanted to make a chassis for it. Something I had not considered, but, given all the accessories out there I may take a stab at it in the future.
Cant wait to see your progress.
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