I've been struggling with the specs on this build for a while.

I like a slightly heavier rifle, feel they are easier to shoot and like the recoil reduction.

I want to build a .260 for all around use that balances well, is on the heavier side for the reasons above, and still looks good (not too big of a barrel relative to the stock).

I like a straight comb with a shadow line cheek piece.

Action is model 70, I've got a brux #3 but thinking it might be a bit too big. Have heard a brux #3 is a bit larger than other barrel makers #3.

In terms of the stock, looked at the bridges, but think the grip is too open, currently thinking about a sako classic.

Would love advice on the best barrel and stock for this build, tired of over thinking this........

Brux's #3 is about like everyone else's #3. You might be thinking of Bartlein, their #3 is the same as everyone else's #4. What Bartlein calls a #2B is what others call a #3. Brux's #3 is a medium sporter barrel, not skinny but not heavy either. It's probably work well for what you describe.

I haven't found a great Mcmillan stock design for the M70, I sure wish they'd update their designs. Probably the best is the Echols legend but I haven't handled one so I can't really say.

Looked at the Legend, but think it is too big for this build. Have read multiple comments from folks that it is better on the larger magnums.

That's probably true. The Bridges design looks like a slimmer legend to me, though I haven't handled one of them either. I like the more open grips though.

I have two supergrades and a hunter's edge on my M70's. The supergrades are too square in the forend and the hunter's edge has the comb too low. I have another being built now with a hunter's edge, my solution to the low comb is a lace on cheekpiece. I like everything about the hunter's edge except the comb and the cheekpiece fixes that plus I like the padding. I like mcmillan's stock construction but I think their main stock designer must be about 95 years old, they can't seem to figure out modern stock dimensions. They don't seem to have gotten the memo that most people use scopes nowadays. They either make the comb way too low to use with a scope or they stick some hideous monte carlo on there that would make Roy Weatherby proud.

Just looking at them I'd say the Bridges would be the one I'd favor but if you like a more closed grip then the Sako Classic you mentioned would probably be good. You might want to think about Edge construction too and maybe aluminum bottom metal. A M70, even a short action, can get heavy real quick and a Brux #3 while not heavy, isn't light either. I don't know the barrel length so balance might be a player.

A #2 Bartlein + edge

Any other ideas on a stock that would be great for this build?

My 260 has a Broughton #3 finished at 23". For me, not too light, not too heavy.

My rifle is a Pierce action, so it is a Rem footprint (Rem Hunter stock).

Like you, there is not a McM M70 stock I really like. I have an M70 that I'm thinking about putting in a Manners stock:

http://mannersstocks.com/hunting/

405wcf

You can always send the Brux in to be fluted if you want to shave it down a bit. That's what I've put on my last 4 customs - Brux fluted number 3's and they really really shoot.

I've got a manners T and like it - good idea to give some thought to one of their hunting stocks. Which one are you thinking about?

Here is a Broughton #4, 24" for a visual reference



I wouldn't mind sending it to Kampfeld for fluting, but don't want to risk accuracy. Before moving OCONUS I tried two handloads with TTSXs. One on the left was the first, on the right the second. Wish I hadn't pulled that second shot on the right. More load development when I get back. 280AI btw

That is super helpful, thank you. Mind me asking what stock you are using?

McM Hunter's Edge

1) In 2009 on a VZ24 action I built myself a 260 with a Douglas factory long chambered and blued 22" #2 barrel with 10" twist.

That shoots tiny groups with 100 gr Nos Bal Tips



2) In 2012 on a Commercial Mauser action I build myself a 260 with a Shilen #3 stainless steel match 9" twist barrel and painted the barrel. I put a High Tech Specialties [Bansner] stock on it.
It shoots 120 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips.
http://item.brownells.com/brands/shilen-products/contour-3-barrelby-shilen-65mm-9-twist-ss.htm


3) In 2014 I ordered a Select Match Shilen #3 stainless 6.5mm barrel with 8" twist ratchet rifling, and it took over 18 weeks to arrive.