Recently got my hands on a McMillan A4 stock and am looking to build a custom precision rifle on this platform. First and foremost does anyone have recommendations for a reputable gunsmith (preferably not more than an hour from Ceciltuckey) with experience in building precision rifles that could help me with this project. Second, as this is my first custom rifle I'd like to get some recommendations as to what components to use for the build. Was thinking of starting with a Remington model 700 action. Any suggestions welcome
First custom rifle
- Thread starter Swalt443
- Start date
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Hippy
Active Member
Check with Eddie Harren--He is a dedicated Gunsmith with a good record as a shooter . He is in the Frederick area search this forum his Handle is "DocEd"
Jim
Jim
dist1646
Ultimate Member
I use Sid Goodling, he is located in Spring Grove, Pa. Sid has built many record breaking/holding rifles. He is open for customers on Tues. & Thurs. 12-8pm.
He is very, very good and in demand so, he may take a while.
Goodling's Gunsmithing
1950 Stoverstown Rd.
Spring Grove, Pa.
717-225-3350
He is very, very good and in demand so, he may take a while.
Goodling's Gunsmithing
1950 Stoverstown Rd.
Spring Grove, Pa.
717-225-3350
DocEd is THE man. He has done work for me and I have nothing but the best to say about the results. He stuck a Krieger barrel in one of my .308s that shot a new personal best 5rnd group with a .30cal rifle. I have yet to take one of my varmint guns to him for work (I rebarrel two of them myself, so no need) but I have no doubt that he would do excellent work on them as well. His shop gives me hope for the trade of gunsmiths. It reeks of machine oil and cleaning solvents. Decorated with his benchrest shooting honors (there are a great many of them), it is a place any true rifle lover should visit.
- Feb 4, 2013
- 28,175
I use Short Action Custom in Ohio or Long Rifles Inc out west. Easy with Fed Ex. Fast, excellent work. I have had work done by both shops and and been more than satisfied with the work and price.
If you are going to have the action trued and tuned, start with a custom action. Stiller or Kelbly are nice, and cheaper than buying a Rem 700 action and having it tuned and trued. Sturgeon if you want to spend a bit more.
I like Lilja barrels, but Bartlein can be easier to get and still very good.
If you are going to have the action trued and tuned, start with a custom action. Stiller or Kelbly are nice, and cheaper than buying a Rem 700 action and having it tuned and trued. Sturgeon if you want to spend a bit more.
I like Lilja barrels, but Bartlein can be easier to get and still very good.
I appreciate the good information. Any suggestions on what components to build the rifle with? I could have it built to spec of the m40a3 and would have a fine rifle but am open to any suggestions on alternate actions, trigger, or barrel that may improve upon the 1/2 minute guarantee of a to spec m40a3
dist1646
Ultimate Member
Do your pocket book a big favor and don't fall into the M40 series sniper rifle copies. Just about every shop I have seen charges WAY too much for them compared to what you get. A reputable smith will not steer you wrong as to what is needed to build an accurate rifle. Sid Goodling has built several of my match rifles and all of them will easily shoot well under 1/2 MOA. With the proper loads, my rifles will produce groups in the 0.1"-0.2" range. Sid is a benchrest guy and he strives for the highest level of precision in his builds. The McMillan stock you have, a Remington action and a Kreiger barrel ( or Bartlein if you prefer) will give all the accuracy you want. You can spend more for custom actions but, it really isn't necessary for the type of build you want. I would suggest a Sako type extractor for the bolt. There are lots of aftermarket triggers available for the 700 action but IMHO, a properly tuned factory trigger works about as good as anything out there ( unless it's an Anschutz trigger). I have Jewel, CG, Davies and Anschutz triggers on some of my rifles so, I speak from experience. You will want the rifle pillar bedded also. If you plan to shoot from position, a 3 way adjustable buttplate and a handstop rail are highly recommended.
- Feb 4, 2013
- 28,175
If I were to build one:
Stiller, Kelblys or Sturgeon action. Which ever one you like and can afford.
Lilja barrel. But several other good choices.
Timney trigger
Manners stock with Mini Chassis
I would put a 20 MOA rail, and a Vortex Razor Gen II (if within budget) or a Viper PST Gen II (for less).
OR, just order a Sako TRG-22 (.308) or TRG-42 (.300 Win Mag) and be done with it.
When I was looking at building a .300 Win Mag to match my .308 rifle, over on Sniper's Hide, the overwhelming response was just buy the Sako TRG.
Stiller, Kelblys or Sturgeon action. Which ever one you like and can afford.
Lilja barrel. But several other good choices.
Timney trigger
Manners stock with Mini Chassis
I would put a 20 MOA rail, and a Vortex Razor Gen II (if within budget) or a Viper PST Gen II (for less).
OR, just order a Sako TRG-22 (.308) or TRG-42 (.300 Win Mag) and be done with it.
When I was looking at building a .300 Win Mag to match my .308 rifle, over on Sniper's Hide, the overwhelming response was just buy the Sako TRG.
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