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