You could save a few bucks by going with an ER Shaw barrel I'm using a couple of their #1 contour barrels right now and they are very nice. For example, if you were building a Mauser in Brownells sells them("Brownells" barrels are made by "Small Arms Manufacturing" aka ER Shaw) for around $85(selection is limited to 25/06, 6.5 Swede, .308 & 30/06).
Numrich has a few others for around $120(bought a couple .270 barrels from them and they look fantastic).
I had a custom done a year ago with a NOS Yugo milsurp barrel in 8x57($40!!!) and have been very well pleased with it. A LOT depends on what YOU want...if you hadn't guessed I prefer Mauser actions(Good donor Mauser's can be found for about the same price as 700's).
I guess for me the most important thing is to know what you want. If you can be a bit flexible you can find products to get you there for a bit less cash, but look for parts that fit your plans, don't change the plans to fit the parts.
