Building semi-custom rifle need a lil help from the gents...

Hi there guys

I'm pretty new to the forum, well, posting on it anyway. I've been a member and avid reader for some time, and have come across an idea I'd like some help with.

I'm based in South Africa, and from what i can tell, most of the members on the forum are based States side

I'm currently looking to build up a semi-custom rifle, of which two key components in the "semi-custom" part of the build, will be sourced from the states, and so I'm hoping the members and readers will have some experience with the components, and will be able to help me out with some feedback and perhaps a brief review.

I came across the Brown Precision Rifles website, and fell in love with their Pro Hunter Elite (Pro Hunter Elite Rifles - The Ultimate Dangerous Game Rifle from Brown Precision), but alas, at about R7 / USD$1, the cost of about $6000 (R42000) puts it well outside my price range and that EXCLUDES courier costs and tax

So, i'm now looking at the following-
* Using a new Winchester Mod 70 Safari Express in 375 H&H as my base to build on.

* I'm looking to restock the rifle in a Brown Precision Alaskan Stock (http://www.brownprecision.com/alaskan-stocks.asp) in Elephant Hide finish.

* Next, to tackle capacity, i was looking at adding the XRM magazine insert from Duane Wiebe (XRM© for Classic M-70) to increase magazine capacity from 3+1 to 4+1.

Those are my main primary upgrades, with some smaller ones as possible future options (new front and rear sights from NEGC, etc)

If anyone has had any experience with the above products, or has any advice, please feel free to add

Thanks for all the help!

Ryan

Marshy, I am sorry I can't help at the moment. If I started building the guns too... my god would I be in trouble in this house.

To each his own,and I wish you all the best with your build.I am a CZ 550 fan,and I have some friends who worked with these guys below,and they are extremely happy with their rifles.

American Hunting Rifles

Have a look,just for fun..!

Well, Ryan I think you have picked a great gun, I like the stock a lot. I wouldn't pay to have a extra shell in the clip, but if you want one your choice seems logical.

Are you going to put a take-off scope on the gun?

Originally Posted by DOCMAN

To each his own,and I wish you all the best with your build.I am a CZ 550 fan,and I have some friends who worked with these guys below,and they are extremely happy with their rifles.

American Hunting Rifles

Have a look,just for fun..!

I've been eyeing out there site for quite some time only problem is being on the other side of the world, its a bit of a nightmare to send it in to them to get the work done (never mind a small fortune), so unfortunately the site only provides me with ideas at the moment I'm a big fan of Brno / CZ rifles, and am looking at getting one in 416 Rigby with the American style stock, but that's another project

Originally Posted by enysse

Well, Ryan I think you have picked a great gun, I like the stock a lot. I wouldn't pay to have a extra shell in the clip, but if you want one your choice seems logical.

Are you going to put a take-off scope on the gun?

Enysse,

I love the feel and balance of the gun, i just wish i new where to find a replacement stock? I'm looking for either a "premium" synthetic stock, or a high / fancy grade wood stock. And getting one built here in RSA can be a costly affair (some quotes of approximately R20 000 = $3000.....and that EXCLUDES the wood!)

And yes, I'd be looking at take off scope mounts, probably talley

Well, I have heard there have been Kimbers sold in RSA and they are a fine gun too. Don't dismiss the CZ 550 or Brno....a lot of those guns don't need a gunsmith to shoot very well. And even if they do, you should be able to find someone who is good with guns in RSA.

I would recommend a Leupold, Zeis or Nikon scope.

We get most of the big names out here in RSA, and CZ is by far one of the more popular. For my 375, I'm pretty set on the Winchester Safari Express. I love the balance, weight and feel. The barrel profile also suits me, and i like the fact that it comes with a barrel band (one less add on for me), a 3-position safety, and a really like the trigger.

We've got some excellent gunsmith's here in SA, who i would gladly and proudly put up against the best in the world, but unfortunately, they come at a price- and a high one at that.

I'm looking at a CZ / Brno for a bigger caliber project, because of the magnum action, but for the 375, I'm happy with the Winny

Scope wise, I'm definitely going with Leupold!

Originally Posted by marshy

We get most of the big names out here in RSA, and CZ is by far one of the more popular. For my 375, I'm pretty set on the Winchester Safari Express. I love the balance, weight and feel. The barrel profile also suits me, and i like the fact that it comes with a barrel band (one less add on for me), a 3-position safety, and a really like the trigger.

We've got some excellent gunsmith's here in SA, who i would gladly and proudly put up against the best in the world, but unfortunately, they come at a price- and a high one at that.

I'm looking at a CZ / Brno for a bigger caliber project, because of the magnum action, but for the 375, I'm happy with the Winny

Scope wise, I'm definitely going with Leupold!

It's is quite obvious you are a scholar and a gentleman, and there's damn few of us left!

Thanks for the thread. I think I'll be adding the larger magazine your mentioned for my M70 .375. I have no experience with the Brown Precision stocks you mentioned. I do however have experience with McMillan stocks, excellent quality. You might want to give them a look:

Fiberglass Stocks, Synthetic Stocks, Tactical Stocks, Hunting Stocks, Benchrest Stocks, Competition Stocks

Phoenix Phil,

Thanks for the complement! Although we might all be on opposite sides of the world, i think we're all part of the same community, and really believe that one can never learn too much! and so I'm looking forward to hear everyones thoughts, ideas and opinions

I've had a look at the McMillan stocks, and the reviews i've read seem to be awesome! I'm looking for something with the same overall stock design of the BP Alaskan. Any ideas which of the McMillan stable would be closest to what I'm looking for? also, whats the texturing on the stocks?

I have 416Rigby and a 404Jef on a 602 and 550 CZ actions. Both rifles take 4+1. The bolt head needs to be modified for the
+1 or risk breaking the extractor or a stuck cartridge. I have two semi-custom rifles built by Sabi arms at a very respectable rate. See my gallery for pictures. Nothing beats the CZ action, and better yet they are affordable!

Originally Posted by andriesdeklerk

I have 416Rigby and a 404Jef on a 602 and 550 CZ actions. Both rifles take 4+1. The bolt head needs to be modified for the
+1 or risk breaking the extractor or a stuck cartridge. I have two semi-custom rifles built by Sabi arms at a very respectable rate. See my gallery for pictures. Nothing beats the CZ action, and better yet they are affordable!

What did your rifles set you back from Sabi Arms?
I'd love a 404! but cost of reloading is a pain.... Alan Henry (here in Durbz) quoted me about R40 000 for a custom rifle....way out of my price range

Originally Posted by andriesdeklerk

I have 416Rigby and a 404Jef on a 602 and 550 CZ actions.

Andries, you wouldn't possibly be tempted to part with your 404 would you?

Originally Posted by marshy

Phoenix Phil,

Thanks for the complement! Although we might all be on opposite sides of the world, i think we're all part of the same community, and really believe that one can never learn too much! and so I'm looking forward to hear everyones thoughts, ideas and opinions

I've had a look at the McMillan stocks, and the reviews i've read seem to be awesome! I'm looking for something with the same overall stock design of the BP Alaskan. Any ideas which of the McMillan stable would be closest to what I'm looking for? also, whats the texturing on the stocks?

I'm not sure of the texturing. The factory is in the Phoenix area where I live but it's been some time since I visited them.

I guess I'd probably start with the stock they make specifically for the M70 Safari Express:

McMillan Hunting Stocks, McMillan Fiberglass Stocks, Synthetic Stocks, Hunting & Sport Stocks

I was looking at the stock, but noticed its manufactured for use with a Sunny Hill Drop Magazine (something i don't have), also, I'm looking for something without a cheekpiece (on a wooden stock, wood look at a having an H&H / pancake cheekpiece, but would prefer to not have one on the synthetic).

The search continues!

Have a look on Sabi arms website and complete the forms for a custom rifle. The more basic the order the more realistic the price becomes. The real advantage is the fact that they have a lot of wood blanks in stock, so they still well priced! Speak to Fanie or Eugene and mention my name. For the 404 it handles and shoots so nicely, much nicer than the 416. As for reloading: Big rifles cost a little more to shoot but then you shoot them much less.

Originally Posted by marshy

I was looking at the stock, but noticed its manufactured for use with a Sunny Hill Drop Magazine (something i don't have), also, I'm looking for something without a cheekpiece (on a wooden stock, wood look at a having an H&H / pancake cheekpiece, but would prefer to not have one on the synthetic).

The search continues!

From what I remember, McMillan will do custom work. It may be worth dropping them an email and describe to them exactly what you want. Good luck with it whatever you choose.

Hello Marshy
Have you looked at Brownells website? If they have what your looking for let me know Im a gunsmith and I can cut you a deal. They have just about everything you would need for your rifle,and then some. I just built a 300 win mag and a custom 30-06 both on 700 actions. I know that I can beat your SA gunsmithing prices.
Bart

Hi Bart

PM inbound!

You could always try an email to Dakota Arms and see if they would sell you a blank. They have some really nice select wood on all of their rifles. I have McMillan stocks on several of my rifles they are smooth texture wise but like someone said I am sure they could texture the stock if you asked them. HS Precision used to sell blanks (not sure if they do now). My first custom rig has one of those and it has a rough texture on it. Sure that you'll end up with what you want it just takes time, research, oh and $