I know some might think this sacrilegious, but I tend to do the odd projects. Some background...
I recently got bit by the bug to do a short action switch barrel system. I have always been fond of the wildcat WSMs. I was looking at doing a 375WSM with a 6.5WSM switch barrel. I communicated with VA Silent Arsenal as they have done quite a bit of work with the WSMs. However, their build prices just don't make it worthwhile. $4,800 for a build on a dedicated short action in one caliber....not outrageous, but still limiting. I also anticipated/assumed (wrongly) a reputable builder would get the components for somewhat a discount, however everything was quoted at retail price plus shipping fitting, and then an additional $800 labor. I get some of these parts at an industry price...so I thought a rifle builder would at least get preferential pricing. Almost feels like paying $1600+ in labor to fit and assemble. Ive done a few bolt builds, and I typically supply the majority of the parts and certainly the action, but here not the case and are limited.
So this brings me to the R8 which Ive gone back and forth on for years. It popped in my mind after reviewing this qoute that Im better off with an R8 and getting it in 300WSM and reboreing and rechambering to 375WSM, and then having a takedown/switch barrel for almost any SA or LA offering. Yes I know it wont help any potential resale, and I know wildcat loads are just that and not available beyond a reloading bench, proper brass marked, etc. However, I just want to tinker. I going to give JES a shout but was wondering if anyone here has looked into it before or not? I know the custom blaser sip and sons barrel venture has been rough and bit the dust, but how about a rebore on an R8 barrel? Looks like the 19mm barrel has enough meat on it for the rebore to 375.
