Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Recommend action for build

Recommend a short action for 7mm-08 or 308 build. Looking hard at Kelbly actions but open to others. This will be a medium weight hunting build.

I'd go with a model 70 of some sort.

That's what I thought at first glance myself... But I am pretty one track minded

For a hunting rifle I don't see where the high end custom actions have any real advantages. A good Model 70 or early Rem 700 action makes a darned good action to build on once trued up (if necessary) . I'm also kind of partial to commercial FN mauser actions for hunting rifles. Plenty of aftermarket parts available for them and every decent gunsmith can work on them... reliability is key in a hunter IMO...

Savage




That’s a joke people, don’t get your knickers in a bunch.

myself i would find a donor Ruger #1 and do a 7mm-08 much funner rifle to shoot and hunt with , don`t let anyone tell you Ruger #1`s don`t shoot well , i have many that shoot real good groups just got a used 6 BR that will shoot under a 1/2 inch all day long with my handloads . i just had this BR crowned and forearms getting some work done too bet it will shoot 2`s and 3`s as good as my Brux barrel Bat action target rifle. i was just thinking about finding or building another Ruger #1 in a 7mm-08 myself ? good luck with your build,Pete53

Remington 78. It's built on a 700 action without the usual imbellishments like a Walnut stock and a jeweled bolt. No authentic enthusiasts will lay an egg about doing a wildly custom build on this action. They were made from 1984 through 1988. Good actions if you can find one

spoil yourself and get a borden

I know you said medium weight but after seeing the recent thread about OutKast arms I think I would consider getting a Kimber hunter and having them build your 7-08. Maybe discuss with him about your weight preferences. Just a thought.

That’s a pretty serious good idea. You made a couple gears creakily turn in my brain

It’s the last thing I need but I’ve been thinking about it since I read that thread the other day. With the weight of the stock and action you’ve got weight to spare. Maybe try the SAS modified contour barrel from Lilja chop at 16-17”. Get a 10 oz or less suppressor and still be in good shape to use a 25oz scope. Would be handy.

I have done several customs on the Ruger #1 action including a 7MM-08. All are extremely accurate if you like single shot rifles. I have used several 1909 Argentine Mauser actions as well with great success.

I was thinking that as well!

My first thought is to decide what features you want (integrated rail, interchangeable bolt head, etc) then find whichever is in stock with those features. Lots of good choices now days. It would be hard for me to buy one that didn’t have a decent selection of prefit barrels available.

Ya might consider something like the Bighorn Origin or TL3.
There are numerous pre-fit barrels for them – though they're generally on the chunkier side.

Thanks guys.

Yep, hunt down a CHEAP used "Hunter" model. Ditch the barrel, plastic stock, and magazine. Then let them work their magic.

So many good options now. Decide what preferences you have on the rifle first.

For a 7-08, I'd want freedom for OAL. Many of the 700 clones allow use of the longer mag boxes with bdl bottom metal or you can use binderless AICS, but that requires a mag box below the stock.

I did a 7/08 a while back on a Defiance anTi with Hawkins M5 bdl/Wyatt's box and a Lilja prefit. I'm liking it a lot.

Another option for 7/08 could be building off a Tikka since you're not overly concerned with weight. You can gain the mag box OAL by using a long action mag and adjusting the bolt stop (if it was a short action to start with).

Been wanting to look at one of the new Weatherby actions. 700 clone with lengthened magazine. Price is right.

https://weatherby.com/store/model-307-builders-action/

BAT VR

I've recently built three on Defiance actions, my next one will be a Terminus or Impact Precision. I bought mine from Altus, CS was excellent and they are great variety with inventory always changing.

https://www.altusshooting.com/collections/precision-rifle-components/actions

Also, don't know how you can beat this Aero Precision for the money. Proof makes pre-fits for them too, easy button!

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1025939528?pid=494355

Barrel: Savage Small Shank and Zermatt Origin Pattern Pre-Fit Barrels
Trigger: Remington 700 (no bolt release)

A donor M700 is $500 for a complete ADL rifle, a donor M70 is $1,000, and a donor Kimber is $750-$1100 depending on what you get. If you get a Montana you might decide to use the stock.

That said...git what makes you happy.

That cracked me up.

but . . . he didn't say salvage. [could have been funnier]

I'd be thinking Waypoint 2020. Make mine a S/S spout. Hint................

I really don't have the need for a Waypoint right now, but damn if I don't want one. I like the concept and the ergos. Seems like they got a lot right.

I hear good thangs. Hint.............

Same here. I just wish they were setup a little better for suppressor use. If you could get the short barrel from the redline version on a regular waypoint it would be my next rifle.

My uncle has a carbon barrel 308 in his shop he’s been trying to talk me into but I hate to buy something I can’t easily chop and thread.

I sent SA an email a few weeks ago, recommending that they consider some shorty barrel options for the suppressor crowd (like Christensen Arms). The respondent thanked me for my suggestion and said she'd pass it along to R&D. Maybe if they hear it enough they will offer some alternative lengths.

I may do the same and send an email to Seekins also.

Have you considered SA's Redline rifles? They are carbon but come in 16" or 20" options (6.5 CM and .308).

https://www.springfield-armory.com/model-2020-series-rifles/model-2020-redline-rifles/

The Redline is interesting enough but I was primarily looking at the 6.5PRC with a steel barrel, wishing it came in 20" as an option. I've got a reasonably light suppressed 18" 6.5CM in the Sig Cross.

I like the 6 lb redline wiith16"tube

Definitely considered it. I just like the AG stock on the waypoint better, or think I would anyway.

While Trekker ergo's aren't horrid,I MUCH prefer the 2020's handle. Hint..............

Yep, I can understand the preference on stock.

Trekker is really nice carried in hand and shooting offhand. Carried slung, I much prefer flush cups on the side.

Shooting the Trekker prone I miss having the flat under the stock but can work around it.

Except for the PRC desire, it's a simple fix to get what you want. Just buy one of both and play musical stocks. ...grin...

I am now firmly in the Tikka action build crowd. Have Preferred or PVA make you a shouldered prefit, get HCA or MT mags, do a mod on the bolt stop, or change it out to a long-action stop, and buy a Stocky’s VG2 stock and you have a “custom” rifle for not much more than it will cost you to buy that Borden action.

After doing load development on my sister’s Tikka SL 6.5cm? I am hard pressed not to start there moving forward.

Way points are awesome. But if it were me, get an old beat to heck rem 700 and have it tried up. Toss on a stainless something and roll with it. Or just buy a CA mesa or ridgeline.

Husqvana 1900 if you can find one!

Got the wapoint but still thinking of a build. Had to go with it in .308 configuration since I didn't see a 7mm flavor. Looks like a dandy rifle for the mountains! Ordered some 30mm Arken rings. Deciding on a scope.

Bro,

Athlon 2-12

That is definitely an option!

Pardon wares that exist,as you CLUELESS Kchunts Pretend aloud. Hint.................

so you shoot a rifle chambered in a cartridge for women & children ...

& you're proud of that ?

Swampy never disappoints.