Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Action for custom build

Yes but I think I may have decided to go a different direction….

“I have some pre 64 fwt's that would give the OP's full on custom a run for its money, and I guarantee they didn't cost 1/4 of what he's going to put into this custom.”

If a Frog had wings and could fly! I don’t believe that. I agree with Sherm 61; show me a Pre 64 action that is in good working condition that would cost you less than $300. I don’t know anyone who sell one for that price. I’m calling BS on this one.

Good luck. I have a couple pre 64 fwt's that WILL give your custom a run for its money. They are complete rifles and close to all original. You don't know pre 64's as well as you let on. I can gladly educate you though.

Mausingfield?

Are they even a thing anymore?

For my builds from 25-30 years ago, I used pre 64 actions. The last 10-15 years I have been more than pleased using model 70 classic actions.

Lynntelk, could you please tell us your findings on the two actions you mentioned in terms of quality and weight?? Thanks! Alan

Alan
My action choice was based on my own bias. I liked the Model 70 action for a control round feed type action with the three position safety. In my opinion it had a lot of the aspects I was looking for in an 'off the shelf" type action. All by builds were what I would call semi-custom, hunting, using rifles. I knew what I wanted and placed orders for what it took to get what I wanted. As an example my first desire was for what I consider to be the ultimate elk hunting rifle for back country Wyoming. A pre64 action was used as the starting point. The finished gun had the following modifications:
Shilen SS #2 match grade barrel, nickel plated action, Brown pounder stock that I finished. I used the black "crinkle" finish spray on in the grip areas for texture. Control nickel plated rings and bases along with a Leupold 2.5x8 scope. This rifle was carried in a scabbard and over my shoulder for many years of hard used and never experienced a failure to feed or fire in all weather conditions. I still have this rifle and will shoot Nosler Partitions or Barnes TTSX <1" for a honest 5 shot group. The rifle came in at just a ounce or two over 8# loaded.
In the 90's along came the resurrections of the Model 70 in the Classic version. I acquired several 5 digit versions and attempted to improve on their performance and handling. All were dedicated deer rifles in 270 Winchester. The barrels that were used came from Lilja, Hart and another Shilen. Stocks used came from Pacific Research, Rimrock and McMillan. The composite stocks saved ounces and there were other little thing that could be done depending on how deep down the rabbits hole you wanted to go. I 've seen some people talk bad about a graphite follower vs. the standard metal version. I never experienced an issued and actually felt they improved the feeding function along with a weight savings. Bottom metal was/is another area where I shaved a few ounces. I used the PTG aluminum Orbendorf bottom on several of the rifle and saw no issues. Basically you can achieve the weight and accuracy potential of any brand rifle using todays stocks and after market barrels along with a few tweaks along the way.
It funny how we come full circle. I currently will grab a pre64 Featherweight in 270 in a McMillan Edge stock or a Stainless Classic in 308 also in McMillan Edge. I no longer feel biased.

Mausingfield...

Thanks Lynntelk, I enjoyed your story very much. I never owned a win model 70 , but it’s on my list! I would do a featherweight style barrel with a slightly heavier contour . The chambering would be 257 ackley. Maybe 23 inch barrel. Most likely walnut stock. But I have plenty of gun projects, so it’s a dream for now. Cheers! Alan

Consider Borden if you decide go with a push feed. You’d be buying from a family run business with old school customer service.

Stu Satterlee would be very hard to beat for rifle or receiver. https://www.facebook.com/people/Stuart-Satterlee/100086067280546/ I had one of his Mauser clones in SS set up for 375 H&H.

You should be able to find a nice old l579 for $800 or so to rob the action from. I think they are pretty sweet even though I’ve not built a custom on one….yet!

The L579 is one of my favorite actions along with the L461. I wish someone would start making these. At one time you could buy the actions. If one only new!