Long Range Precision - Doing it Cheap...

[Fried Chicken Blowout]

I've been shooting "Long Range" Carbine for over a year now and I've been wanting to get into shooting bolt guns. But I kept running into the price barrier for what I wanted, so I attempted this build myself and documented the build in my blog. My write up is not intended to be a in-depth review of all the items I used, but more of an idea for those looking to do a similar thing, especially those that are left handed or left eye dominate since we run into some special issues.

As of this week, I've completed the build, zeroed and fired some test groups. I'm very happy so far. As you read the blog posts, please remember that the focus was to do this as cheap as I could, but not screw myself as a result of buying crap. What I tried to do was get the best products I could without paying extra for stuff I didn't need and without trying to buy the best of anything. That's just not my personality... I'll never own a Schmidt and Bender and I'll never own a $5k custom rifle. While I might be able to afford it, I just wouldn't ever be happy having that much money tied up in any single item I own. As you read the first post, you'll see that I'm a total spaz and I dabble in everything so I can't sink too much money into any one side of the sport.

Also, as a novice long range shooter there may be some knowledge deficits about specific products that I'm using. I make no claims on being an expert on any of these items, I'm just trying to pass on an idea for a build that I think is sold at this time and I'm happy with so far. As I get more time behind it and attend some matches, I'll post updates here and let everyone how things are turning out. Because of the overall length of the blog posts, I'm not going to try to duplicate them here. I'm going to post links to the pages to keep it simple. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them here. Here we go...

Part One - Intro and The Base Rifle

Part Two - The Stock

Part Three - The Glass

Part Four - Scope Base and Mount

Part Five - Suppressed Armament Systems Muzzle Brake and Barrel Threading

Part Six - Atlas Bipod and Custom Mounting Rail

Part Seven - Factory Bottom Metal and 10-Round Mags

Part Eight - Initial Range Results

Part Nine - The Real Range

I'd like to thank John at 8541 Tactical for giving me the idea of doing this on my own and not having to spend a ton of money making it happen. Hopefully someone else can learn from my experience here and improve on things.

[Ring]

vary well done...

i would have suggested this base though...

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/315...t-action-matte

also "on the cheep" i wouldnt have gone with a 300$ atlas model, standard 100$ harris notched swivel or for 200$, this

after seeing it in person at a shoot this weekend, this thing is built like a tank...
has more height and cant then the atlas, just no pan.. but 2x the weight.. and works with pod claws..


http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=4...-VARMINT-BIPOD

http://www.rifleshootermag.com/2010/...lair_111510wo/

[Fried Chicken Blowout]

Sweet looking tiger stripe you got there. I just couldn't sell myself on that bipod due to the weight. I plan of using this rifle in field matches and taking it in and out of an Eberlestock pack.

[Ring]

Sweet looking tiger stripe you got there. I just couldn't sell myself on that bipod due to the weight. I plan of using this rifle in field matches and taking it in and out of an Eberlestock pack.

not mine i just running harris till i have a reason to change..

[Fried Chicken Blowout]

Post updated with the results from the first outdoor range day.

[Ring]

140 amax G7 is 0.299

FYI, 2830fps is what my 142smk load is

[Fried Chicken Blowout]

Thanks! What's the source for that data? Is there a book that has all that in it?

[Ring]

Thanks! What's the source for that data? Is there a book that has all that in it?

brian litz's book has many, not all.. send me your email, ill email a list

[maximus83]

Nice posts and pics about building up your Savage. Good to see that it's possible to put together a LH build with a factory rifle and mostly standard aftermarket (non-custom) add-ons, and do it cost-effectively.

I recently got out of my Savage 10 LH in .308, not because it was unreliable or inaccurate for my purposes, but mainly because I was frustrated in the limitations on aftermarket options, particularly the trigger. I hated the bladed Accutrigger and other than the Rifle Basix, there weren't a lot of other great trigger options. So I switched to the Rem 700 platform where I could get a LH action and any trigger I wanted, not to mention better choices on stocks and other extras.

That said, if you like the AccuTrigger ok on the Savage, your series of posts is a good example of how it's possible to put together a nice build without spending a fortune. You know, it should be possible to do something like this with a Rem 700 LH (say the SPS-V model) as well. But then you'd be limited to the factory caliber options (which do not include 6.5 Creedmore). OR you'd have to rebarrel which would increase your cost because you'd also need to blueprint the action on a Remmy.