Am I off to a good start? Pics and Target Added!

[taylorce1]

I started this project a few weeks ago when I picked up a brand new Stevens 200 center feed on the cheap in .223 Rem.  I already have a couple of .223 rifles so I decided to do something a little different with this one and see if I could do my first rifle build on my own (well mostly).  As much money as I've spent so far I probably should have started off with a better action but sometimes you “ go with what you got”, so to speak.  I'm just waiting on my few remaining parts for my build, this rifles primary use will be chasing coyotes this fall and winter.  Here is my parts list so far:

20" Chrome Moly Sin Arms Barrel, #3 Contour, recessed crown, 1:12 twist in 6mm-.222 Rem Mag  $260
SSS Competition Trigger $97
SSS Competition Recoil Lug $28
SSS Black Tactical Bolt Handle $40
Leupold Weaver two piece bases $Free
Leupold permanent mount Weaver rings low $20
Nikon Monarch 2-7X35 $100 used
Hornady New Dimension Dies $60
Acraglas bedding kit $20

Parts $625
Rifle $240
___________________
Total $865

Made a cheap rifle expensive in a hurry that is for sure!   Plus I haven't even got around to the metal finish yet as my barrel will still be in the white for now.  Going to use the factory stock for now as I figure I'm in deep enough for the moment.  

I'm hoping everything will be here by Thursday so I can get it together by the weekend and get some cartridges loaded up and see if she will shoot!  Hope to have some pictures soon as well. 

Thought I'd update the post with some Pictures!









Things I learned on my first build!

Really like the SSS Competition trigger and Tac Knob. 

Savage tapers their barrels differently than I'm used to!  Next time I'll make the barrel the the diameter I want at the muzzle and have it taper more to fit the Savage Stock.  Still it didn't turn out too bad. That way the barrel nut looks better as well.

[Eric in NC]

You forgot brass!  And I hope you got Acraglass gel - the liquid stuff is HARD to use.

Looks like a winner to me (that stock will look a bit goofy with a #3 perched on top but...).

[taylorce1]

You forgot brass!  And I hope you got Acraglass gel - the liquid stuff is HARD to use.

Looks like a winner to me (that stock will look a bit goofy with a #3 perched on top but...).

I did forget it but I've probably had it sitting under my bench for a good 5 years now, that is why I probably didn't count it. 

Like I said as well I had to stop some time!  I figured the stock would be ok for the short term.  Might look a little funny but I hope it shoots!

[sinman]

good choice on barrel brand haha. Let us see some targets.

[taylorce1]

good choice on barrel brand haha. Let us see some targets.

I'll make sure to post some if I'm up to the challenge of shooting something respectable! 

[ellobo]

Lets compare cheap builds:

used 110 30-06 pre accutrigger $225
A&B .35 Whelen barrel from Midway on sale $89.95
Stainless trigger guard from SSS $14 ?
stainless barrel nut from SSS $14? (its been awhile)
Laminate stock, second hand from Auction Arms $38 (stumbled into that one looking for something else.)
Tuned the trigger myself to a nice even pull (not measured but I would say about 4 lbs.)
Weaver 4x scope I have had for 40 yrs
Above prices do not include shipping and transfer fee.
No bedding (yet) it shoots moa with cheap 250 gr. Rem green box.
All in all I think I did well. Best of luck with yours
The Stainless parts on a blued action look nice, touch of class to my way of thinking. Should have got a Stainles recoil lug but forgot it.

El Lobo

[taylorce1]

I've got one of those cheap A&B barrels as well on my big bore rifle.  My blank for my .375 Ruger was IIRC on sale for $79.95 at Midway.  It cost me quite a bit more to get that tube conoured and fitted to my M70, but you know it doesn't shoot half bad.  I'm about 1.5" with it, some days better than that but even when the recoil gets to me I've never had a group go larger than 1.5".

[taylorce1]

Just bumping this to the top because of the pictures!

[sinman]

Looks like a nice build and I like the way the steel barrel looks in there to bad it would rust leaving it like that

[desertdog]

like sinman said groups lets see em? nice.  dd

[JCalhoun]

Taylor,

For short term you can put some Rustoleum or Krylon flat black or black primer on the barrel. Anyone who does a professional finish will chemically strip the barrel anyway before starting.

[taylorce1]

good choice on barrel brand haha. Let us see some targets.

Like I said I'm not impressed with my shooting ability today.  Feeling a little rushed since I just didn't have the time I wanted today to mess with the rifle.  Since I spent all day yesterday bedding my .25-06 in a new stock.  Anyway I got about three hours today to load up some rounds and take my rifle out to shoot.  Loaded everything with 55 gr Nosler BT, H335, CCI 400, and RP Brass, loaded to Mag length.  I did all my shooting off of a portable bench at 50 yards, and was fighting a 15mph wind at about 75 degrees.  I think when I get to spend more time with the rifle I'll be able to improve these groups especially when I can get to a good bench with sandbags.